The Best Reusable K Cups

The Best Reusable K Cup Option — Photo: amazon.com Photo: amazon.com

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Keurig revolutionized the coffee industry with its single-serve K cups, but this brewing breakthrough has led to serious ecological concerns. While plenty of people are attracted to enjoying a cup of coffee in seconds, some object to the environmental impact of all that plastic waste.

The solution? Reusable K cups are made of varying percentages of plastic and stainless steel with slight design variations that could appeal to your personal brewing style. Read on to learn what to look for in these eco-friendly products and why the following are considered among the best reusable K cups you can buy.

BEST OVERALL: iPartsPlusMore Reusable K Cups for Keurig 2.0 & 1.0
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Perfect Pod Cafe Save Reusable K Cup Pod
BEST MULTIPLE BREW SIZE: Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable K-Cup Pod
BEST NON-MESH: Cafe Flow Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup
BEST BUNDLE: Cafe Fill Value Pack by Perfect Pod
EASIEST TO FIT: Delibru Reusable K Cups for Keurig 2.0 & 1.0
EASIEST TO CLEAN: Maxware 4 Reusable Refillable Coffee Filters

Before You Buy Reusable K Cups

Standard disposable K cups are made of plastic and foil, and are single use. Once placed in the chamber of the machine, small needles perforate the foil lid and plastic bottom of the pod, allowing hot, pressurized water to go in and brewed coffee to come out. Empty pods are tossed in the trash—convenient, but not a very eco-friendly practice.

While Keurig created the original K cups, other coffee machine manufacturers quickly developed their own. Coffee makers also started making their own Keurig-compatible K cups, sometimes referred to as pods. Today, makers of reusable K cups strive to make their products compatible with as many coffee machine models as possible. Although, some coffee maker brands may not be compatible with these eco-friendly cups.

Reusable K cups must be filled with ground coffee before inserting them into the machine. A bit more work, but once a reusable K cup is filled it offers the same single-serve convenience and gives each user the opportunity to make their favorite blend. Properly cared for reusable K cups can last for years, depending on how often they’re used and whether you opt to hand-wash or use a dishwasher.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Reusable K Cup

Reusable K cups vary in their capacities, materials, and accessories, among other aspects. Keep the following features and factors in mind when choosing reusable K cups.

Capacity

Reusable K cups generally hold 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, enough for a single serving. Some K cups offer different fill lines, so you can brew different-sized cups of coffee. However, the standard for a typical 8-ounce serving is around 2 teaspoons.

Just don’t be fooled into thinking that the more grounds you can fit in the K cup, the stronger the coffee. In fact, overfilling a reusable K cup can actually lead to weaker coffee because the water cannot penetrate the grounds to release as much flavor. It can also cause a big, wet —literally—hot mess.

Material

K cups are made of stainless steel and plastic. Look for plastic models that are BPA-free and eco-friendly to avoid exposure to unwanted chemicals.

The greatest variation comes in the percentage of stainless steel to plastic. Some models have a lid and frame made of plastic with stainless steel mesh in the K cup’s basket. Others comprise a stainless steel basket with perforated holes rather than stainless steel mesh. Though these models do have a partially plastic lid, they are more metal than plastic. Either kind, whether mostly metal or mostly plastic, can work well.

Models with stainless steel baskets cost more, but they withstand the heat of dishwashers better than the models with a higher plastic content. However, either type can last for years, especially if they’re gently hand-washed.

The coffee machine also plays a significant role in how well the K cups work; some stainless steel basket cups simply fit better into certain machines. Reusable K cup manufacturers usually list the machines with which their products are compatible, increasing the chances of optimum performance.

Mesh Size

The mesh size of the K cup affects the grind—coarse or fine—and ultimately the flavor of the coffee.

A fine mesh works with finer grounds, resulting in a stronger flavor. A finer mesh also does a better job of preventing grounds from getting into the coffee.
A wide mesh works well with coarse grinds and coffee machines with longer extraction times. A coarse grind requires more time for the water to penetrate the grinds and extract the full flavor. A machine with a shorter extraction time would require a finer grind. Consequently, the choice of mesh size comes down to the machine being used. For a standard generic coffee machine, a medium grind works well, but a fine to medium-size mesh would also be appropriate.

The final flavor still depends on a number of factors beyond mesh size, including grind, extraction time, extraction temperatures, and the coffee itself. Making the perfect brew takes a bit of practice, no matter the K cup’s mesh size. However, if you already know your preferred roast and grind, you can get a mesh size that complements it.

For example, if the machine has a short extraction time, choose your favorite dark roast coffee or espresso beans, as these offer better flavor in shorter extraction times, and pair with a reusable K cup with a fine mesh. The fine grind combined with the fine mesh keeps grounds out of the coffee and still extracts the right amount of flavor. In this case, the result is closer to espresso in flavor than a traditional cup of coffee.

Accessories

Reusable K cups sometimes come with accessories, most often paper filters or a coffee scoop. Paper filters prevent grounds from sneaking into the coffee, while a scoop allows for precise measuring. Keep in mind that while neither paper filters or a coffee scoop is necessary, reusable K cup bundles that include these extra accessories may offer a better bang for the buck.

Compatibility

Keurig started the K cup craze. However, even among Keurig models, not all reusable K cups fit every machine. In fact, even among a single manufacturer, some reusable K cups that work with one machine may not fit another. Reusable K cup manufacturers list the machines with which their cups are compatible. Check this list carefully to prevent a package of reusable K cups that don’t work with your machine.

Our Top Picks

Whether you are looking for a more sustainable way to make coffee at home or need a gift for your favorite coffee-lover, the reusable K cups on this list fit a wide range of coffee machines. They are all easy to use and have excellent durability.

Best Overall

iPartsPlusMore Reusable K Cups for Keurig 2.0 & 1.0

The Reusable K Cups for Keurig 2.0 &1.0 Brewers by iPartsPlusMore Store bring reliability and quality to the table. Each reusable K cup is made of BPA-free plastic and a fine, high-quality stainless steel mesh. Each of the four reusable cups holds 2 teaspoons of coffee grounds.

These K cups work with a wide range of Keurig machines. And, since many non-Keurig coffee machines are designed for compatibility with Keurig K cups, they’re compatible with a variety of non-Keurig machines too. They’re also dishwasher-safe for easy care and cleaning.

Product Specs

Capacity: 2 teaspoons
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Fine

Pros

BPA-free plastic
4 cups included
Compatible with multiple coffee machines
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

Not compatible with select LG, GE, and Keurig models
Older model sensors may not read the cups correctly
Some users have reported manufacturing defects

Get the iPartsPlusMore Reusable K Cups on Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Perfect Pod Cafe Save Reusable K Cup Pod

The Perfect Pod Cafe Save Reusable K Cup Pods are made with a durable BPA-free plastic and stainless steel mesh. The cup’s bottom features a recessed design so it can be placed without a specific orientation in the coffee machine.

Each of the six reusable cups holds 2 teaspoons of coffee grounds. They work with a wide range of machines, including many of those by Keurig, Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, and Chefman. The cups are dishwasher-safe, and the lid is attached to the cup, so it won’t get separated (or lost) during the cleaning cycle.

Product Specs

Capacity: 2 teaspoons
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Fine

Pros

BPA-free plastic
Recessed design
6 cups included
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

Not suitable for the Keurig K-Supreme or the Keurig Supreme Plus
Some users report difficulty while in use

Get the Perfect Pod Cafe K Cup pods on Amazon.

Best Multiple Brew Size

Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable K-Cup Pod

The Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable K-Cup Pod has a more complex design than many of its counterparts. It includes a lid, filter basket, filter holder, and brewer adaptor to fit different Keurig machines. Yet what sets these reusable cups apart are the two fill lines. Users can make a full or a travel cup of coffee, based on how much ground coffee is used. At maximum, the cup holds 3.5 teaspoons of coffee grounds.

These K cups are sold singly and are made of hard plastic and stainless mesh. They are designed by Keurig to specifically fit Keurig machines, so they may not be compatible with other coffee maker brands. All parts are dishwasher-safe.

Product Specs

Capacity: 3.5 teaspoons (maximum)
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Fine

Pros

Comes with multiple attachments and features
Two fill lines
Suits all Keurig machines
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

Only suitable for Keurig machines
Should only be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher
Some users report that the mesh rips or breaks

Get the Keurig My K-Cup filter on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Non-Mesh

Cafe Flow Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup

The design of Cafe Flow Stainless Steel Reusable K Cups skips mesh in favor of an all stainless steel bucket. While the lid still has some plastic, the high stainless steel construction improves these cups’ long-term durability. When it does come time to dispose of these caps, there is less plastic waste, too.

These stainless steel reusable K cups, sold in a two-pack, hold up to 2 tablespoons to offer different brewing volumes. They’re dishwasher-safe and compatible with several models within different coffee maker brands, but check carefully to make sure your machine is on the list.

Product Specs

Capacity: 2 tablespoons
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Wide/no mesh

Pros

Stainless steel bucket
Less plastic waste per cup
Comes with 2 cups
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

Pricey compared to similar options
Not suitable for use with the K-Supreme (Plus)

Get the Cafe Flow Stainless Steel Reusable K cups on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Bundle

Cafe Fill Value Pack by Perfect Pod

The Cafe Fill Value Pack by Perfect Pod includes a 2 tablespoon coffee scoop and two reusable K cups. The scoop opens with a thumb-controlled lid for single-handed opening and scooping. The lid then becomes the funnel when flipped over, reducing the chance of messy spills.

The Reusable K cups feature a plastic and stainless steel mesh design. A recessed bottom allows the cup to fit in the coffee machine at any orientation, creating an easier fit. They work with several models among different brands and are dishwasher-safe.

Product Specs

Capacity: 2 tablespoons
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Fine

Pros

Comes with 2 cups
Thumb-controlled lid
Easy pouring; lid acts as a funnel
Recessed bottom

Cons

Pricey compared to similar options
Not suitable for use with the K-Supreme (Plus)
Some users report poor compatibility

Get the Perfect Pod Cafe Fill Value Pack on Amazon and at Walmart.

Easiest to Fit

Delibru Reusable K Cups for Keurig 2.0 & 1.0

The Reusable K Cups for Keurig 2.0 & 1.0 by Delibru Store feature a plastic and stainless steel mesh design. The plastic is BPA-free, and the entire cup is dishwasher-safe. A tight seal around the lid helps prevent leaks and spills.

A recessed bottom makes it easier to fit these K cups into a coffee machine, as this design allows insertion in any orientation. Plus, the mesh bottom maximizes extraction within the recessed design. These dishwasher-safe cups, sold in a four-pack, are specifically designed for several (but not all) Keurig machines.

Product Specs

Capacity: 2 to 3 teaspoons
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Fine

Pros

BPA-free
Tight seal around the lid
Recessed bottom
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

May not be compatible with Keurig 2.0 models

Get the Delibru reusable K cups on Amazon and at Walmart.

Easiest to Clean

Maxware 4 Reusable Refillable Coffee Filters

The Maxware 4 Reusable Refillable Coffee Filters cups are made with plastic and a stainless steel mesh that’s easy to clean, whether hand-washing or using the dishwasher. The angle of the plastic at the basket’s bottom and in the mesh openings help release coffee grounds, consequently coming cleaner than similar models.

These refillable coffee filters offer excellent brewing and a fine mesh that works with equally fine grounds. However, those who like the finest of grounds may prefer to use a paper filter for even better filtering. They are sold four to a package and are compatible with a number of Keurig machines, though check for compatibility before buying.

Product Specs

Capacity: 3 to 4 teaspoons
Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Mesh Size: Fine

Pros

Comes with 4 cups
Easy-to-clean design
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

May require additional paper filters
Some users report poor compatibility with some coffee machines

Get the Maxware Refillable Coffee Filters on Amazon and at Walmart.

Our Verdict

For most standard K-cup coffee makers, we recommend the iPartsPlusMore reusable K cups. These BPA-free cups are suitable for a standard-size cup of coffee with a 2-teaspoon capacity and there are 4 cups included with purchase. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, the 6 Perfect Pod Cafe K cups will last for years to come and have a recessed design for easy brewing.

How We Chose the Best Reusable K Cups

We researched the most sought-after reusable K cups in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their quantity, capacity, materials, mesh size, and other special features included by select brands.

To ensure our list included the best reusable coffee pods on the market, we included options that include 1 to 6 K cups per order to ensure your coffee maker is covered for years to come. Each of the options included in our list makes a standard cup of coffee with a 2 teaspoon capacity, while select options can make larger coffees with a 3- or 4-teaspoon volume.

All of the above reusable K cup pods are made with BPA-free plastic and fine-mesh stainless steel for durability, safety, and proper filtration. Plus, each can be put in the dishwasher for easy clean-up. As for special features, select K cups included above are made with recessed bottoms, thumb-controlled lids, and compatibility with Keurig coffee makers as well as other brands.

FAQs

Reusable K cups are better for the environment yet still offer fast, convenient, single-serve coffee. If you’re new to reusable K cups and want more info, read on for the answers to some common questions.

Q: Can you use any coffee in a reusable K cup?

Unlike standard K cups, reusable K cups can be filled with any coffee you want.

Q: How much coffee should I put in a reusable K cup?

Reusable K cups generally hold 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee. Some models have more than one fill line to offer two cup size options. However, these varieties are usually only for specific machines.

Q: Do you need filters for reusable K cups?

Paper filters aren’t required. But depending on how fine the coffee is ground, you may have better results using a paper filter in some reusable K cups, as the filters can keep grounds from infiltrating the resulting brew.

Q: How do you get grounds out of reusable K cups?

It is not uncommon for coffee grounds to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of a reusable K cup. Sometimes, these grounds can’t even be removed in the dishwasher. So, there are a few things you can do to get them out.

When your K cup is dry and cool, flip it upside down over a sink or garbage can and tap the bottom with a spoon to release any loose grounds stuck in the plastic and mesh. If your K cup has multiple compartments or filters, clear each out this way individually.
For smaller grounds that are stuck, rinse the K cup upside down in warm water. If your K cup’s filter is sealable with a plastic cover, insert the filter into the plastic casing, fill with warm water, and shake to release any stuck-on coffee grounds. Then, empty out and clean the interior of the filter and the plastic covering with a paper towel or cloth.