![\"\"](\"https:\/\/coffee.germar.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/how-keurig-k-cups-work-inside.jpg\" "\\"how-keurig-k-cups-work-inside\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThis cutaway view will show you what you’d see if you tore a used K cup apart … there’s a paper filter bonded to the top of the cup.\u00a0 The cup holster assembly punches a hole in the top foil and pops a smaller passageway\u00a0 in the bottom.\u00a0 The 192 degree hot water is pushed through the top hole under pressure and moved through the grounds.\u00a0 While not extremely high pressure, it IS greater than standard drip coffee makers that rely on gravity to pull the hot water down through the coffee and filter medium.\u00a0 This pressurized process allows the 8- 10 ounces of water to move through the device in under a minute, extracting the flavors of the final product.\u00a0 So while there are qualities of a drip system in place, the water mimics the characteristics of a pressurized espresso system.<\/p>\n
The difference comes into play when it’s time to clear the spent grounds.\u00a0 A espresso machine will require a swift rap on a knock box or trash bin to release the coffee “puck” and then a rinse under running water to clean the portafilter.\u00a0 Then there’s some brushing to clean the metal screen that distributes water from the group head.\u00a0 The Keurig requires a lift of the handle and cup removal.\u00a0 We’ll talk later about the need or wisdom of running an empty shot through the machine as part of regular maintenance.\u00a0 But here’s the real magic of the Keurig:\u00a0 it’s EASY.\u00a0 It’s easy to use, and easy to clean.\u00a0 No brainer, grab a cup and you’ve got it\u00a0 … coffee maker.\u00a0 That is indeed the attraction of this system, you can’t make a fresh cup any easier.\u00a0 Are there some downsides?\u00a0 Any compromises?\u00a0 Yes, sure.\u00a0 But you get a solid cup without a bunch of hassle.\u00a0 Actually no hassle.<\/p>\n
And that’s how a Keurig works.\u00a0\u00a0 Basically.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There’s buttons and features and stuff.\u00a0 But if you’re interested in how the coffee comes out….well, there you are.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Keurig has been on the Coffee Whisperer’s test bench for about two months now.\u00a0 I’m impressed.\u00a0 Does it make the absolute best cup of coffee that I’ve ever had?\u00a0 No.\u00a0 But it does create a perfectly drinkable cup with … Continue reading