To be honest my step mother buys them for me for christmas, and every other holiday. She was the one who bought us all the machine too. I have had good luck with the reusable k-cup. Don't over fill it, and press down the coffee a little with a spoon. Think of it like pressing down espresso. Then tightly screw the cap on. I am going to look in the other brands though because it's a lot of work for a cup of coffee.