Originally Posted by
bigguyinpasadena
The problem is with any of these 1-2 cup drip makers is that the hot water is not in contact with the coffee long enough for proper extraction.
The weak appearing and weak tasting coffee is surely evidence of this. With the 1-cup makers that I've experienced, it's barely the color of weak tea. I don't understand why anyone thinks these things actually work. Maybe everybody who tries one just assumes that the one in his or her room is broken and just gives up. I ask at the desk if they have a different model coffee maker (they sometimes actually do - apparently housekeepers are like me, and hate to throw things away). I also leave a comment on the comment card or send an e-mail to the manager.
Add to this that many do not get to a proper brew temperture right off and the small quantity of (usually poor quality)quantity of coffee portioned into that little pod.
I'm sure that's the case as well. The coffee, in addition to being weak, doesn't seem to be very hot, though I've not brought along a thermometer to check it. They may be concerned about liability should a guest spill coffee on himself and sue the hotel.
My infusion water heater works for the first problem-but short of carrying your own coffee nothing is going to make a great cup in a hotel room.
No problem here. I carry my own coffee, or buy some locally if it's more than a 2-3 day trip.