6 uses for your coffee pod machine

HOUSTON -- Pod coffee makers are quick and convenient, but they are quite an investment.

Now you can get more bang with your buck and use it to make more than just coffee.

Make a meal

The machine can make heating up water much quicker than using the microwave or stove. It can also be much more efficient, making lunch or snack time a snap.

Slide a bowl of oatmeal, mac and cheese cup, cup noodles or a coffee mug filled with quinoa or couscous under the dispenser. Just send water through without a pod inside the machine, and voila!

Baby bottle warmer

There's no need to buy expensive baby devices because your Keurig can double as a bottle warmer. Run the machine into a cup, put the bottle of milk in the hot water, and let it heat for a few minutes.

This is much faster than using hot water from the tap and it is safer than microwaving your baby's bottles.

Make baby food

You can add the hot water from your Keurig to instant baby rice and cereals. In less than a minute you'll be able to feed your baby without any other dirty dishes.

Pumpkin spice latte cocktail

For the adults, you can take your favorite fall coffee drink and turn it into a cocktail. Brew a pumpkin spice latte K-cup as usual, add some pumpkin spice Kahlua, milk, and a dollop of whipped cream.

This is great for a spontaneous cocktail hour at home or for an upcoming holiday party.

Reuse coffee pods

If you don't have the Keurig 2.0, you can reuse old coffee pods to cut costs. Just take the foil lid off and refill with your own coffee. Then cover the pod with saran wrap, and it is ready to use again.

Hot cocoa or tea

They make K-cups for hot chocolate and tea, but they are typically more expensive. Instead, fill your used coffee pods with the instant hot cocoa powder or a tea bag to get another drink!