Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems, beverage pods, and beverage preparation machines are described. In some embodiments, a beverage pod for the preparation of a single serving of a beverage includes a body portion containing whole coffee beans. The pod can include a movable grinding element positioned in the body portion. The movable grinding element can be configured to move relative to the body portion and to grind the coffee beans into coffee grounds inside the beverage pod. The pod can include an inlet configured to receive an introduction of liquid. The liquid can mix with the coffee grounds to prepare the beverage inside the pod. The beverage can be dispensed through an outlet, such as directly to a cup.

Abstract: A cooking environment is described for allocating power between multiple cooking systems and providing a calculated amount of energy to a cooking system. The cooking systems can each include a receptacle and a heating/cooling element to heat a product within the receptacle. A controller can receive requests for power from the cooking systems. Based on the requests for power, the controller allocates an amount of time within a time period in which the heating/cooling elements of each cooking system receive electrical energy. The controller can also allocate specific intervals within the time period in which the heating/cooling elements receive electrical energy.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, are provided. The system can include one or more hopper assemblies configured to provide a controlled dose of beverage material to a brew chamber. The system can also include a water input system configured to wet the ground beverage material as the grinds enter the brew chamber and substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. Further, the system can include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles.