Instant Solo 140-6312-01 Single Serve coffee maker: Full Review

The Instant Pot Solo 140-6312-01 is a single serve coffee maker that combines the convenience of K-Cup pods with the quality and control of a traditional drip coffee machine. This model brews single cups of coffee using K-Cup pods or ground coffee, allowing you to customize the strength and size of each cup. The Solo has a simple, compact design that takes up minimal counter space but still offers helpful features like a large 40oz removable water reservoir and adjustable brew sizes. If you want the ease of pod coffee along with more options to personalize your daily cup, the Instant Pot Solo 140 is a great choice to consider.

Design

The Solo 140-6312-01 has a sleek and modern look with a black plastic exterior and stainless steel accents. It is compact in size, measuring 10 inches tall, 7 inches wide and 9 inches deep. This allows it to fit well on most kitchen countertops without taking up too much space.

The water reservoir is located at the back of the unit and has a 14 ounce capacity, which is suitable for brewing a few cups before needing a refill. The drip tray is easy to remove and holds up to 5 ounces of overflow.

There is a simple control panel on the front which features one-touch brewing and steeping buttons. The LED display shows the selected brew size and keeps time during the brewing process. Overall the design is clean, minimalist and will look nice in most kitchens.

Features

The Solo 140-6312-01 has several useful features for brewing single serve coffee.

Single Cup Brewing

The Solo 140-6312-01 is designed for brewing one fresh cup of coffee at a time. This is perfect for people who live alone or just want one quick cup without having to brew a whole pot. The single serve design helps save counter space as well.

Adjustable Cup Size

You can customize the brew size from 4-12 oz to fit your preferred mug or cup size. No more coffee going to waste or having to dilute a cup that's too strong for you. Just adjust the settings to brew the exact amount you want.

Strength Control

Not only can you choose the cup size, but you can also select your desired coffee strength. Options include light, medium, and bold so you can make coffee just the way you like it.

Automatic Shutoff

For safety and energy savings, the Solo 140-6312-01 will automatically shut off 2 hours after brewing. You don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on.

Ease of Use

The Instant Pot Single Serve coffee maker is designed for intuitive operation with a simple control panel and display screen. The one-touch operation buttons are clearly labeled with icons for coffee, tea, and hot water. The buttons light up as they are selected, making it easy to verify the function chosen.

The display is a small LED screen that shows the drink selection and size. It's easy to read at a glance to confirm your settings. When in use, the screen displays the brew time remaining.

Cleaning the Instant Pot Single Serve is straightforward thanks to the removable 14oz water reservoir. The water tank can be washed by hand or placed in the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The drip tray is also removable and dishwasher safe. The brew chamber has an open design that allows access for cleaning with a damp cloth.

Coffee Quality

The Solo 140-6312-01 brews coffee that is quite good for a single serve pod machine. The taste is rich and flavorful, comparable to what you would expect from a traditional drip coffee maker. The coffee has a nice aroma and full bodied flavor.

The temperature of the coffee is hot, around 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an ideal serving temperature that allows you to enjoy the coffee right away without burning your mouth. The heat is consistent from the first cup to the last.

The machine produces a smooth and velvety crema or froth on the top of the coffee. The crema adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor. The quality of the crema will depend on the coffee pods used, but with good pods it can produce a microfoam crema similar to an espresso machine.

Overall, the Solo 140-6312-01 makes a very satisfying cup of coffee with pleasing taste, optimal temperature, and good crema. The quality is impressive for a single serve pod machine and comparable to a traditional brewing method.

Versatility

One of the key strengths of the Instant Solo single serve coffee maker is its versatility in brewing different types of coffee and other beverages. This gives you a range of options to suit your mood and tastes.

The Instant Solo can brew regular coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, hot chocolate, and tea. It accommodates K-cups, soft coffee pods, and ground coffee. So whether you want a strong espresso to start your day or a soothing cup of tea in the evening, this machine can deliver.

In the morning, you may want a rich, intense espresso or perhaps a foamy cappuccino topped with frothed milk. The Instant Solo allows you to brew both single serve coffee pods and ground coffee, so you can easily make espresso-based drinks.

Beyond coffee, you can use the Instant Solo to make hot chocolate, chai tea, or herbal teas. It can heat up water to the ideal temperature for whichever beverage you choose. This versatility across hot drinks makes the Instant Solo a convenient all-in-one machine for your kitchen.

With its flexibility across coffee types and other beverages using both pods and ground coffee, the Instant Solo provides an exceptional range of options from one compact machine.

Capacity

The Instant Solo single serve coffee maker has a decent capacity for a personal coffee maker. It features a 40oz water reservoir which allows you to brew up to 5 cups before needing to refill. This is a good size that allows you to make coffee for yourself or a few people before needing a refill.

The 5 cup capacity per fill makes the Instant Solo well suited for personal use or for a small household. You can brew a cup for yourself in the morning and have enough for a few more servings before lunch or for your spouse before the reservoir empties. For heavier coffee drinkers though, the capacity might require more frequent refilling.

Overall, the 40oz reservoir and 5 cup capacity is reasonable for a single serve pod coffee maker meant for personal use. It's large enough for light household use but may require frequent refilling for heavier coffee drinkers.

Accessories

Included Accessories

The Instant Solo comes with the coffee maker itself, a 14 oz stainless steel tumbler, and a removable drip tray. The tumbler is dishwasher safe and fits under the brew head perfectly to capture your freshly brewed coffee. The removable drip tray allows you to accommodate travel mugs up to 7 inches tall.

Additional Purchases

While the Instant Solo comes with the essentials to get you brewing right away, there are some optional accessories you may want to consider:

• Reusable filter - Using a reusable filter instead of paper filters can help cut down on waste and costs over time. Instant Pot makes reusable filters specifically for the Solo line.

• Extra tumblers - It's handy to have multiple tumblers so you can make coffee for your partner or guests at the same time. Instant Pot sells additional 14oz tumblers.

• Coffee pods - The Solo uses K-Cup style coffee pods. While you can use any brand's pods, Instant Pot does sell packs of their own House Blend, Breakfast Blend, or Dark Roast pods.

• Descaling solution - To keep your machine running well, you'll need to descale it periodically depending on your water hardness. Instant Pot sells descaling packets made specifically for their machines.

• Extended warranty - The Solo comes with a 1 year limited warranty. You may want to purchase an extended warranty for longer peace of mind.

Pros and Cons

The Instant Solo Single Serve Coffee Maker has several pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable
• Compatible with K-Cup pods for quick and easy brewing
• Brews 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz cup sizes
• Removable water reservoir for easy refilling
• Auto-off safety feature
• Energy-saving mode
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Plastic construction feels a bit flimsy and cheap
• Water reservoir could be larger - only 40oz capacity
• No programmable features
• Coffee strength control is limited
• Doesn't offer as many features as some competing models
• No refillable pod option

The Solo delivers solid performance and convenience in a compact package. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricier models, it provides good brewing capabilities for the price. The plastic build and smaller water reservoir are drawbacks to consider. But if you want a basic, affordable single serve brewer, the Solo gets the job done.

Conclusion

The Instant Solo is a highly rated and recommended single serve coffee maker that produces consistent, high quality coffee in a compact and easy to use design. It is compatible with popular coffee pods like Nespresso, making it versatile and convenient.

The Solo has a number of standout features including adjustable cup size, strength control, and a large 40oz water reservoir. It heats up quickly and brews coffee fast. The milk frother allows you to make specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Overall, the Instant Solo provides great value and performance for the price. It's simple to operate with intuitive controls. The cable storage and removable drip tray make it easy to clean and maintain.

Compared to other single serve models like the Nespresso VertuoPlus or Keurig K-Supreme, the Instant Solo holds its own and is more affordable. For an all-in-one coffee maker that doesn't compromise on features or quality, the Solo is highly recommended.