GoodCups 4 Black Reusable K Cups for Keurig Coffee Makers Review

Recommended Accessories:

• Manual coffee grinder for fresh grounds
• Coffee scoop with integrated funnel
• Small cleaning brush
• Airtight container for ground coffee

Let’s break down what makes these reusable K-Cups tick. The set includes four identical black filters, each crafted from BPA-free plastic with a built-in stainless steel micro-mesh filter. What caught my eye was the unibody construction - no separate pieces to lose or break.

Key Specs:

• Height: 5.7 cm (2.24 inches)
• Diameter: 4.5 cm (1.77 inches)
• Weight: 28g (1 oz) each
• Capacity: 2-3 tablespoons ground coffee

The micro-mesh filter strikes a nice balance between fine enough to catch grounds while allowing oils through. I’ve found the build quality surprisingly good for the price point - these feel like they’ll last years, not months.

Compatibility: Works with most Keurig models including:

• K-Classic, K-Select, K-Compact
• K-Elite, K-Café
• Most 1.0 and 2.0 series machines

Not Compatible:

• K-Supreme/Plus/Smart
• K-Mini Plus
• K-Slim (Multistream)
• K-Duo Plus

Using these reusable K-Cups is pretty straightforward, though it does take a bit more effort than pop-and-brew disposables. Here’s my tried-and-true method:

1. Remove the filter from your Keurig
2. Fill with ground coffee (I find 2-2.5 tablespoons works best)
3. Gently tap to level the grounds
4. Insert into your Keurig
5. Brew as usual
6. Remove, dump grounds, rinse

The brewing process takes about the same time as regular K-Cups - typically 1-2 minutes depending on your chosen cup size. I’ve found these work best with medium to medium-coarse ground coffee.

One thing I love about these filters is their consistency. The water flow is well-regulated through the mesh, leading to even extraction. Just remember not to tamp the grounds - a gentle tap is all you need.

After months of regular use, here’s what stands out:

Pros:

• Solid construction that’s built to last
• Clean-tasting coffee without grounds
• Works with most Keurig models
• Significant cost savings over time
• Dramatically reduces plastic waste
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Four-pack allows for variety

Cons:

• Takes more time than disposable pods
• Not compatible with newest Keurig models
• Requires buying and storing ground coffee
• Can be messy if overfilled
• Slight learning curve for perfect brew

The biggest win for me has been the cost savings. I calculated that these paid for themselves within about two months of daily use compared to buying disposable pods.

While not specifically designed for travel, these K-Cups are surprisingly portable. The unibody design means there are no small parts to lose, and they’re lightweight enough to toss in a bag.

For business trips where I know I’ll have access to a Keurig, I’ll pack one or two along with a small container of ground coffee. They take up minimal space and let me enjoy my preferred coffee without relying on whatever pods might be available.

Just remember to rinse and dry thoroughly before packing to avoid any mess in your bag. A small plastic bag or container can keep any residual moisture contained.

These reusable K-Cups are ideal for:

• Daily Keurig users tired of buying expensive pods
• Environmentally conscious coffee drinkers
• Coffee enthusiasts who prefer specific beans
• Budget-minded households
• Office workers with access to a Keurig
• Those who like to mix up their coffee choices

The four-pack is particularly handy for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those who like to keep different roasts ready to go.

These might not be the best choice if you:

• Own a newer Keurig model (K-Supreme, etc.)
• Value absolute convenience over cost savings
• Aren’t willing to grind/store coffee
• Need your coffee ready in seconds
• Prefer the exact taste of specific K-Cup brands
• Have limited counter space for coffee storage

For these users, traditional K-Cups or alternative brewing methods might be more suitable.

After six months of daily use, these filters have proven remarkably durable. The micro-mesh shows no signs of clogging or deterioration, and the plastic housing remains intact without any cracks or staining.

The only noticeable wear appears on the rim where the K-Cup connects to the machine, but this hasn’t affected functionality. Based on current condition, I’d expect these to last at least a couple of years with proper care.

Long-term users report that occasional deep cleaning helps maintain optimal performance, especially if you use oily dark roasts.

Keeping these K-Cups in top shape is straightforward:

Daily Care:

• Rinse thoroughly after each use
• Tap out any stuck grounds
• Let air dry completely

Weekly Maintenance:

• Wash with mild soap
• Scrub gently with soft brush
• Check filter mesh for clogs
• Ensure lid closes properly

Monthly Deep Clean:

• Soak in vinegar solution
• Clean filter mesh thoroughly
• Check for wear and tear
• Descale your Keurig

Pro tip: Keep a small brush handy for cleaning - it makes a big difference in maintaining the filter mesh.

The environmental benefits here are significant. Each reusable K-Cup can prevent thousands of plastic pods from reaching landfills. Consider this: if you drink two cups daily, you’re keeping over 700 plastic pods out of landfills each year.

While these filters are still plastic, their durability means they’ll last for years. The stainless steel mesh is recyclable, and used coffee grounds can be composted.

One often-overlooked benefit is reduced packaging waste - no more boxes of K-Cups cluttering recycling bins. Even the coffee bag waste is significantly less than equivalent K-Cup packaging.

These filters offer exceptional value when you break down the numbers. Traditional K-Cups typically cost between 50-75 cents each, while using your own coffee in these reusable filters costs roughly 15-20 cents per cup.

Factor in durability - these should last at least two years with proper care - and the savings become significant. A two-cup-per-day coffee drinker could save hundreds of dollars annually.

The initial investment pays for itself within about two months for most users. The included four filters also add value, allowing you to prep multiple cups without immediate cleaning or try different coffee varieties.

Here are some handy tips I’ve discovered:

1. Perfect Grind: Aim for medium-coarse - similar to raw sugar texture
2. Optimal Fill: Use 2-2.5 tablespoons for regular strength, adjust to taste
3. Quick Clean: Keep a small cup of water nearby to rinse between uses
4. Avoid Tamping: Just tap gently to level grounds
5. Prep Ahead: Pre-fill cups for busy mornings
6. Storage Solution: Use small mason jars for different coffee varieties
7. Temperature Tip: Run a hot water cycle before brewing for optimal extraction

Q: How much coffee should I use? A: Start with 2-2.5 tablespoons and adjust to taste. Don’t overfill or tamp.

Q: Can I use fine ground coffee? A: Medium to medium-coarse works best. Too fine can clog the filter and cause overflow.

Q: How long do they last? A: With proper care, expect 2+ years of regular use.

Q: Are they truly dishwasher safe? A: Yes, but hand washing is gentler and recommended for longevity.

Q: Will they work with flavored coffees? A: Yes, just clean thoroughly between different flavors to prevent mixing.

Q: Can I use them for tea? A: Yes, but dedicate separate filters for tea to avoid flavor crossover.

Q: How do I know if they’ll fit my Keurig? A: Check your model against the compatibility list in the product overview.

After extensive testing, the GoodCups 4 Black Reusable K Cups stand out as a practical solution for environmentally conscious Keurig owners. They effectively bridge the gap between convenience and sustainability, offering reliable performance and significant cost savings over time.

While they require more effort than disposable pods, the trade-off is worthwhile for most users. The durable construction, consistent brewing performance, and included set of four make them an excellent value proposition.

These filters particularly shine in their ability to handle different coffee types while maintaining clean, full-flavored brews. The unibody design proves both practical and durable, suggesting these will be a long-term addition to your coffee routine.

Whether you’re motivated by environmental concerns, cost savings, or coffee customization, these reusable K-Cups deliver on their promises. Just remember to check compatibility with your specific Keurig model before purchasing.