I usually have to learn how much coffee to put in the maker to get the right taste. I had it perfect first time with this maker. I've only used about 8 times but coffee is great each time. I haven't used a K cup, but this maker has a filtered cup for making a 6-12 oz single cup. I used this and it was great also. I like this maker. I sold one with similar components from another brand because I could never get the taste I wanted.  If your not afraid of the price buy this coffee maker. The price would be the only downside.