Everything is more expensive than it was yesterday. While we’ve never seen a Keurig single-serve coffee maker for $20, they have gotten more expensive.
They’ve also become more inventive in terms of how to keep us in their ecosystem (think Keurig Smart ID and Nestle Capsules).
All hope is not lost.
In this article, we take a look at Mainstays Dual Brew Single-Cup coffee machine. We cover the benefits and the drawbacks. Most importantly, we give our opinion on whether it’s worth $20 (spoiler: it is).
What is Mainstay?
Walmart’s own brand of bedding, furniture, and home decor is called “Mainstays.” Mainstays is a brand that has been around since 1996. It has expanded significantly in the last 20 years to include everything from cushions to coffee makers.
Is the Mainstays Single-Serve Coffee Maker Worth It?
Yes, the Mainstay single-serve is worth $20. This is because it brews hot coffee in 2 minutes, small footprint and it’s super simple to use.
Design
The coffee maker has a small footprint and a portable design. It could be a great fit for a dorm room or even an office cubicle.
It stands 9.5 inches tall, but with the lid open, it reaches 16.5”. Which makes this coffee maker short enough to fit under the kitchen cabinet.
It also comes in an assortment of beautiful colors for you to choose from. Unfortunately, the colors are typically sold out.
There are benefits & drawbacks to this type that we’ll discuss in detail further down.
Single-Serve Coffee Basket
There isn’t much that comes with the single-serve coffee maker. This is the only additional item in the box.
One thing to look out for is where MAX is written on the side of the brew basket. The line is under the word MAX. That is the maximum fill line.
Do not add coffee grounds above the word MAX.
K-Cup & Coffee Grounds
While Mainstays is not the first coffee machine to be a dual brewer, it’s the cheapest. By having both, you get the best of both worlds.
You get the convenience of K-Cups that everyone loves. By using coffee grounds, you can control the brew’s strength and flavor. Lastly, using coffee grounds can be more cost-effective in the long run, as the cost per cup is generally lower than using K-Cups.
Features & Functionality
This coffee maker is simple. There are two methods to brew coffee and two buttons. Each button corresponds to the method you’d like to brew.
The water reservoir holds 14 ounces. However, whatever is in the tank, it brews. It does not have a water filter.
You can store the unused 12” cord.
Performance of Mainstays Single-Serve
One of the most important factors is how well and quickly it brews.
It takes about 2 minutes to heat up a full 14 ounces of water. It will take another 2 minutes to pour. At the end of the process, the coffee maker gets a bit loud as it empties all the water out of the machine.
If you’re brewing K-Cups, you should pay attention to the directions on the K-Cup. For instance, if the K-Cup recommends 8 ounces, then that’s how much water you should measure and pour into the water tank.
Accurately measuring makes a huge difference, regardless of which coffee maker is being used.
Issues
There weren’t any serious issues; only a couple of things needed attention.
As mentioned above, when using ground coffee, be sure to fill up to the bottom of the MAX line.
Another issue with the Mainstay dual-brew was the lid. It doesn’t give a satisfying click when closed. To open it, use the tip of your finger to push the clip in. It’s not difficult, but it’s not as easy as a Keurig.
Adding water to the machine may be a little awkward at first, but after you’ve had the machine for a bit, you’ll get used to it.
Value & Price
It’s available on Amazon for twice the price.
You can find it at Walmart for $20 and order online.
For $20, we feel it’s a great deal. If you need a second coffee machine for another location, you can’t beat it. If you need it as a daily driver, it can handle the task. For $20, you are definitely getting your money’s worth.
The Chulux Single-Serve is the next best, but it is $31. However, you have to use refillable K-Cups.
PROS
- Affordable
- Simple to Use
- Easy to Clean
- Small footprint
CONS
- Max line is a bit confusing the first time
- Somewhat loud
Final Thoughts on Mainstays Single-Serve Dual Brew Coffee Machine
The Mainstays Single Serve Dual Brew Coffee Maker is a cheap coffee maker made for people who like simplicity.
Because of its dual brewing capabilities and small footprint, it is an excellent choice for those with limited space.
Despite minor issues with filling the machine and becoming too loud while finishing a brew, it’s well worth the money.
This machine provides excellent value for money, and its ability to brew both K-Cups and ground coffee makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer greater control over the strength and flavor of their coffee.
Overall, the Mainstays coffee maker is a great choice for coffee lovers on a budget.
