wirsh SOLO PRO CM-119A Single Serve coffee maker: Full Review

The Solo Pro CM-119A is a single serve coffee maker designed for K-Cups and compatible pods. This compact brewer allows you to quickly make a fresh cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or iced beverage in under a minute. The CM-119A uses Keurig's K-Cup technology, providing access to hundreds of beverage varieties from leading brands. With its small countertop footprint and efficient brewing, the Solo Pro is ideal for households or offices with limited space.

Design

The SOLO PRO CM-119A has a sleek, compact design that won't take up much counter space. It measures 9.1 x 5.3 x 11.4 inches and weighs just 2.65 pounds, making it easy to store in a cabinet or move between locations.

Despite its small size, the SOLO PRO CM-119A has a 32 oz water reservoir so you can brew up to three 10 oz cups before refilling. The water reservoir is made from BPA-free plastic for safety.

The body comes in matte black with silver accents, giving it an elegant, modern look. The buttons light up with a soft blue glow when in use. The materials feel sturdy and durable.

The travel mug it comes with is made of stainless steel and is tapered to fit in car cup holders. It has a flip top lid and reusable filter inside.

Overall, the compact SOLO PRO CM-119A won't take up much space but can still deliver full-sized portions of coffee, tea, or other beverages. Its sleek black and silver design will look good on any kitchen counter.

Features

The SOLO PRO CM-119A has several notable features that make it stand out as a single serve coffee maker.

Single Serve

This coffee maker is designed for single serve use. It includes a 14 oz removable water reservoir that can brew one cup at a time. This makes it easy to quickly brew a fresh cup just for yourself without having to make a whole pot. The single serve functionality gives you more control over the amount of coffee you brew each time.

Fully Programmable

The SOLO PRO CM-119A has a fully programmable system. You can adjust the brew size, brew strength, and brew temperature to customize your coffee exactly how you like it. There are 3 cup size options - 6 oz, 8 oz, and 14 oz. The strength control allows you to select regular or bold coffee. You can also program the auto-brew start time so your coffee is ready when you wake up.

Adjustable Cup Sizes

As mentioned above, this coffee maker can brew 6 oz, 8 oz, or 14 oz cup sizes. So whether you want a small cup just for yourself or a larger travel mug size, this machine can accommodate your preferred cup size. The adjustable cup sizes make it easy to brew the perfect amount.

Another excellent option is the OXO 11180100, known for its sleek design and intuitive interface. It features a thermal carafe that keeps your coffee hot for hours without a heating plate, preventing bitter tastes. The OXO 11180100 also has a rainmaker shower head that ensures even saturation of coffee grounds, enhancing flavor extraction. Whether you're brewing a quick morning cup or entertaining guests, this machine offers versatility and quality brew every time.

Ease of Use

The SOLO PRO CM-119A is designed for convenience and ease of use. It has an intuitive control panel with buttons for hot and cold brew settings, cup size selection, and start/stop.

The LED display screen clearly shows the selected brew size and remaining brew time. Programming the brew settings is simple - just press and hold the size button to customize the amount of coffee brewed.

Cleaning the coffee maker is straightforward too. The removable drip tray, brew basket, and water reservoir are all dishwasher safe. The surfaces just need a quick wipe down. Descaling is recommended every 3-6 months depending on use and water hardness.

In comparison, the Hamilton Beach 49980R offers a versatile brewing option, allowing you to brew a full pot or a single cup. It features a programmable timer and two brew strengths, making it ideal for users with varying preferences. Its dual function makes it a fantastic addition for those who want both convenience and flexibility.

Overall, the one-touch operation, programmable features, and dishwasher safe parts make this single serve coffee maker extremely easy to use and maintain on a daily basis.

Brew Quality

The Solo Pro CM-119A produces a smooth, robust cup of coffee and espresso with a rich crema.

Taste

The Solo Pro excels at extracting the full flavor from ground coffee to produce a smooth and balanced brew. It draws out the subtle notes and aromas for a satisfying cup. The water is heated to the optimal temperature between 195-205F to properly extract the coffee oils and solubles.

Temperature

The water is heated to the ideal 195-205F temperature range inside the machine before brewing. This helps extract the best flavor from the coffee grounds. The brewed coffee stays hot for a while after brewing due to the thermal carafe.

Crema

The Solo Pro is able to produce a rich, hazelnut colored crema when brewing espresso. The finely ground coffee along with the brewing pressure allows the natural oils to emulsify into a creamy froth on top of the espresso. The crema indicates a high quality extraction and freshness of the espresso.

Versatility

The SOLO PRO CM-119A offers versatility in the types of pods and mugs you can use. This single cup coffee maker is compatible with any 1.0 or 2.0 pods including Keurig K-Cups, making it easy to enjoy your favorite coffee, tea or hot cocoa.

One of the handy features is the removable mug stand which allows you to use your own travel mug up to 7" tall. Simply remove the drip tray and mug stand, place your travel mug underneath the dispenser and brew directly into your cup. This is perfect for commuters who want to brew their coffee directly into their to-go mug before heading out the door in the morning.

The SOLO PRO also comes with a 14oz reusable filter cup so you can use your own ground coffee instead of pods if desired. This allows you to customize your coffee experience and use any blend you like.

Overall, the versatility of brewing into reusable cups, disposable pods, or directly into your own travel mug makes this an adaptable single serve coffee maker.

Durability and Build Quality

The Solo PRO CM-119A coffee maker has a sturdy build quality that allows it to withstand daily use and travel. The plastic exterior housing feels solid and doesn't have any flimsy parts. The water reservoir locks securely into place without wobbling.

Looking at customer reviews, many mention the Solo PRO lasting for years of daily use without any issues. One reviewer said they've had theirs for over 2 years and it still works like new. The top lid hinge feels sturdy and allows the lid to stay up on its own. Some reviews did mention issues with the water reservoir lid becoming loose over time, but this was not a common complaint.

Overall, the Solo PRO seems durable enough for making coffee daily at home or taking along on trips. While not as ruggedly built as some pricier models, for the cost most customers felt it provided good longevity. Just be careful not to drop it and clean the interior regularly to prevent scale buildup. With proper care, the Solo PRO CM-119A should provide reliable service for years.

Value

The Single Serve SOLO PRO CM-119A offers good value considering its price point and included accessories.

At around $50, it's very affordable for a single serve coffee maker with a wide range of features. The price makes it accessible for most budgets.

In the box, you get the coffee maker unit along with a 14oz stainless steel travel mug, permanent filter, measuring scoop, and cleaning pin. So you have everything you need to start brewing right away. The inclusion of the reusable mug and filter help offset ongoing costs compared to K-cup systems.

Overall, the SOLO PRO provides capabilities of more expensive models at a fraction of the price. For shoppers looking for an entry-level single serve coffee maker with programmable options and travel mug, this unit from SOLO delivers solid value.

Pros & Cons

The SOLO PRO CM-119A has many positives but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight single serve design is great for travel or small kitchens
• Programmable cup sizes from 4-12 oz allow you to brew just the right amount
• Removable water reservoir for easy filling
• Auto shut-off and detachable drip tray for safety and easy cleanup
• Brews grounds or soft pods with adjustable strength control
• Simple to operate with just 3 buttons
• Affordable price point compared to other single serve models

Cons

• Water tank capacity is only 28 oz so may require frequent refilling
• Materials feel a bit flimsy/cheap - question long-term durability
• Brew temperature could be hotter for optimal coffee flavor
• No option to use pre-ground coffee - pods or grounds only
• Limited drink options - just coffee, no espresso, tea, etc.
• Smaller water tank means slower brew times than some competitors

Conclusion

Overall, the SOLO PRO CM-119A is a good single serve coffee maker that provides convenience and flexibility at a reasonable price point. It's simple to operate, brews coffee and tea quickly, and has useful features like adjustable cup sizes and a reusable filter. The brew quality is decent but unremarkable.

For a single-cup brewer under $100, the SOLO PRO CM-119A is a solid option. Comparable alternatives to consider are the Keurig K-Mini and Nespresso Vertuo machines. The Keurig produces a similar quality brew but has a wider range of compatible pods. The Nespresso makes a slightly better tasting cup of coffee. However, both alternatives are pricier than the SOLO PRO.

Ultimately, the SOLO PRO CM-119A offers good value and performance for daily in-home use. It's easy to recommend for individuals or households looking for an affordable single serve coffee maker that doesn't compromise on features or quality. For a versatile machine under $100, the SOLO PRO CM-119A is a practical choice.