Few things beat the joy of kickstarting your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. With a single-serve coffee maker, you can effortlessly prepare a quick cup whenever the mood strikes. Whether you crave a simple drip coffee or desire a latte or cappuccino on demand, today’s single-serve coffee makers excel at crafting flavorful, robust brews. They’ve become incredibly user-friendly, often requiring nothing more than a push of a button.
Here at the Food and Meal, we’ve put a wide array of best single coffee makers to the test. We’ve not only examined their performance but also savored the results to ensure that you can enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee every time you brew.
What I looked for
| User-Friendly Operation | We prioritized ease of use, looking at the number of steps required to brew coffee, the intuitiveness of the interface, and whether brew options felt manageable. We also assessed water reservoir capacity for convenience. |
| Coffee Quality | We aimed for machines that could produce a well-balanced cup with a smooth finish within the pod machine category. |
| Compact Design | Considering limited counter space, we favored machines with a smaller footprint that could fit under upper cabinets. |
| Durability and Warranty | We looked for machines that felt sturdy and were backed by manufacturer warranties. |
| Cleaning and Maintenance | Daily upkeep should be hassle-free. We examined cleaning requirements, descaling frequency, and filter care, ensuring clear instructions. |
| Aesthetics | To complement your kitchen, we considered style and finishes in our evaluation. |
Best single coffee makers
Thehomeuse Stand Mixer,Cake Dough Stand Mixer Baking Electric Mixers
Can also make iced brews
Large water tank
The Keurig machine secured the top spot in our tests, consistently brewing the best-tasting coffee—rich, flavorful, and smooth. Its user-friendly control panel offers straightforward buttons for selecting from five drink sizes (ranging from 4 to 12 ounces) and brew strengths (regular, strong, or iced). However, it’s worth noting that the serving size options lack clear ounce labels, featuring only images of cups at different heights.
The accompanying owner’s manual proved to be clear and easy to follow, aiding our testers in quickly mastering the coffee-brewing process. Among all the coffee makers we examined, the Keurig K-Elite stood out with its impressive 75-ounce water reservoir, equivalent to about 9 cups of coffee. This ample capacity means you won’t find yourself constantly refilling it. If you prefer using your own ground coffee, there’s also an option to purchase a separate reusable filter attachment.
While our testers found that it preheats in less than 90 seconds, for those who dislike waiting, this coffee maker offers an auto-on feature that allows you to set a specific time for it to start brewing.
Cuisinart Coffee Maker
Large water tank
Brews consistent flavorful coffee
The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve coffee maker stands out by eliminating the need for frequent refills, thanks to its generous 72-ounce removable water reservoir. A cleverly concealed reusable filter compartment on the machine’s right side adds to its convenience, and our testers found it simple to access and utilize.
During our testing, we noted its swift preheating, brewing a cup of coffee in less than 90 seconds. It consistently delivered piping hot coffee at 172º F, ensuring your brew is at the perfect temperature.
The LED-lit control panel offers a selection of five drink sizes, although our testers initially found the arrow buttons slightly less intuitive, practice made them easy to navigate. Additionally, this coffee maker includes a programmable rinse cycle to cleanse residual flavors between brews, maintaining the consistently flavorful and well-rounded coffee it produces.
If you’re working with limited countertop space and prefer a straightforward morning coffee routine, consider the BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker. This compact brewer comes with an affordable price tag and offers hassle-free operation with just a single start button. It also boasts an automatic shut-off feature at the end of the brew cycle.
An included 16-ounce travel mug serves a dual purpose as a convenient measuring cup for filling the water reservoir. Keep in mind that this machine brews all the water you add, so measuring your coffee accordingly is essential.
During our testing, we found that the provided reusable filter was easy to detach and clean. Plus, all non-electric components are dishwasher safe on the top rack, simplifying the cleanup process after each cup. However, a word of caution: If you opt for a regular mug instead of a travel mug, be prepared for potential splattering of hot coffee during brewing.
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker
Comes with a travel mug Easy to use
For those with limited countertop space and a preference for a streamlined morning coffee routine, the BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker is an ideal choice. This compact brewer comes with an affordable price tag and offers a hassle-free operation, featuring a single start button and an automatic shut-off function at the end of the brew cycle.
The included 16-ounce travel mug serves a dual purpose—it’s not only a convenient drinking vessel but also a useful measuring cup for filling the water reservoir accurately. It’s worth noting that this machine brews the entire amount of water you add, so it’s essential to measure your coffee accordingly.
During our testing, we found the provided reusable filter easy to remove and clean. Moreover, all non-electric components are dishwasher safe on the top rack, simplifying the post-brewing cleanup. However, a word of caution: If you opt for a regular mug instead of a travel mug, be prepared for potential splattering of hot coffee during the brewing process.
Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker
Can also use pre-ground coffee and single cup pods
Easy to use
Unlike other single-serve coffee makers limited to pods or pre-ground coffee, this compact Cuisinart device stands out. It features a built-in grinder that dispenses fresh coffee grounds into a reusable pod, delivering a freshly ground single cup of coffee. Admittedly, it adds an extra step to the process—grinding the beans, inserting the pod, and then brewing. However, the end result is a flavorful, medium-bodied cup of coffee that we found well worth the extra effort during our testing.
For those in a hurry or looking for decaffeinated options, the reusable filter pod can accommodate pre-ground coffee. It’s also compatible with various single-cup coffee pods like Keurig K-cups. Surprisingly, this machine proved to be intuitive to use even without consulting the instruction manual. Cleaning the capsule was straightforward, and the detachable water tank made refilling at the sink a breeze.
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker
Able to adjust temperature and strength
Can start the machine through the app on a phone
For those seeking a hassle-free smart coffee maker, the Keurig machine fits the bill perfectly. With the new BrewID feature, it automatically identifies the brand and roast of the pod, tailoring the brew settings to the recommendations of coffee experts who developed it. However, you still have the flexibility to adjust the strength, temperature, and size to your preferences.
Our testers and experts alike were delighted with the delicious coffee and the ability to fine-tune the brew’s temperature and strength. During our evaluation, we found both the control panel and the accompanying app to be user-friendly and straightforward. Through the app, you can initiate the machine, make customizations, and even schedule a cup of coffee in advance. One thing to note is that coffee scheduling requires confirmation on the app at the appointed time, ensuring it won’t brew while you’re asleep.
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker
Compatible with K-Cups or reusable filter
Includes a 12-cup thermal carafe
The K-Duo Plus offers versatile brewing options, accommodating both K-Cups for single cups and a reusable filter for ground coffee, enabling you to make an entire pot. Our testing consistently demonstrated that it brews coffee at a consistent temperature and volume, resulting in flavorful and well-rounded coffee.
What sets the K-Duo Plus apart is its array of brewing choices and the inclusion of a thermal carafe capable of keeping up to 12 cups of coffee hot without the need for a warming plate. Moreover, it can accommodate a travel mug of up to 8 inches in height, offering ample space—more than we observed in our testing.
One standout feature is the 60-ounce removable water reservoir, which conveniently rotates to the left, right, or back to suit your countertop space. You can also pre-program it to brew coffee up to 24 hours in advance. Additionally, this machine features a pause button, allowing you to pour from the carafe while it’s still brewing—an added convenience during your morning routine.
Ninja PB051 Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Built-in frothing wand
Onboard accessory storage
The Ninja coffee maker offers compatibility with both single-serve pods and coffee grounds, making it a versatile choice for creating delightful lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and a range of other coffee creations in the comfort of your home. It provides four different brew sizes when using pods and six different brew sizes when opting for coffee grounds, catering to your daily preferences.
With options for brew styles like classic, rich, over ice, or specialty, you can customize your coffee experience. The built-in frothing wand adds an extra layer of luxury, allowing you to transform your coffee into a cappuccino or latte. While our testing revealed that it froths both hot and cold milk effectively, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to heat the milk separately as the wand doesn’t steam it.
The convenience of onboard accessory storage ensures you won’t misplace your measuring scoop again. After use, the frothing wand neatly tucks into the machine, and its slender design makes it easy to store until your next coffee adventure.
Lavazza Coffee Classy Plus
Easy clean up and budget-friendly
During our testing, this all-in-one machine left us thoroughly impressed. It simplifies the process by automatically frothing foam for cappuccinos and lattes, then seamlessly incorporating the coffee capsule to craft a delicious beverage. There’s no need for multiple steps or switching to different attachments. It even excels at frothing nut milk, a task that can be challenging for some machines. With three foam options, you can tailor your foam level to your liking. Coffee choices abound, including a shot or double-shot of espresso, lungo, Italian-style coffee, or a regular drip coffee.
Our expert testers were highly impressed with this machine’s unique capabilities, finding the brewing process easy, convenient, and, most importantly, yielding great-tasting coffee. You can choose between Lavazza Blue or Lavazza Expert capsules or opt for the reusable filter with ground coffee. The beverage of your choice can be pre-selected with a simple button press during the 40-second boot-up time.
What’s even better, this innovative gem is space-efficient and won’t clutter your countertop, thanks to its compact size. Just remember to turn it off after use, as it doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature.
FAQs about Single Coffee Makers
- Q: What makes a single coffee maker the best choice for individuals?
A: Single coffee makers are designed for individual use, offering convenience and efficiency. They are perfect for those who want a quick and customizable cup of coffee without brewing a large pot.
- Q: What types of single coffee makers are available?
A: Single coffee makers come in various types, including pod-based (like Keurig), drip coffee makers, pour-over devices, and espresso machines. The best choice depends on personal preferences and desired coffee style.
- Q: Are pod-based single coffee makers easy to use?
A: Yes, pod-based coffee makers are known for their simplicity. Users insert a coffee pod, press a button, and the machine brews a single cup. They’re ideal for those who prioritize convenience.
- Q: Can I use my favorite coffee grounds with a single coffee maker?
A: Yes, many single coffee makers allow the use of your preferred coffee grounds, offering flexibility in choosing your favorite coffee beans and blends.
- Q: What features should I look for in the best single coffee maker?
A: Look for features such as adjustable brew strength, cup size options, programmable settings, and ease of cleaning. Consider your preferences, like whether you prefer a machine with a built-in grinder or one compatible with reusable pods.
- Q: Are single coffee makers suitable for brewing specialty drinks like lattes or cappuccinos?
A: Some single coffee makers, especially those with espresso capabilities, can brew specialty drinks. However, not all single coffee makers have this feature, so check the product specifications if it’s important to you.
- Q: How do I clean and maintain a single coffee maker?
A: Regular cleaning is essential. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for descaling, cleaning the water reservoir, and maintaining the brewing mechanism. Some machines have self-cleaning features for added convenience.
- Q: Can single coffee makers be used in an office setting?
A: Yes, single coffee makers are often suitable for office use, providing a quick and convenient way for individuals to brew their preferred coffee without making an entire pot.
- Q: Are there eco-friendly options for single coffee makers?
A: Yes, some single coffee makers offer reusable coffee pods or filters, reducing the environmental impact associated with single-use pods. Consider these options if sustainability is a priority.
- Q: How do I choose the right size for a single coffee maker?
A: Consider the available counter space in your kitchen and your brewing preferences. Some single coffee makers are compact and portable, making them suitable for smaller kitchens or for use in offices.
In summary, the world of single-serve coffee makers offers convenience, versatility, and excellent coffee quality. Our extensive testing has identified top performers that cater to various tastes, from traditional drip coffee lovers to latte and cappuccino enthusiasts. These machines are reliable companions in your daily coffee routine, delivering consistent quality and ease of use. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just need your daily caffeine fix, the best single-serve coffee makers are here to enhance your coffee experience, one cup at a time.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.