Single-Serve coffee makers can start your day with almost zero effort in brewing your favorite coffee cup. With time and advancement, Single-Cup machines have gained tremendous popularity as they are easy to operate, make little or no mess, and consistently give good results.
These are designed to save your time and valuable counter space with their smaller footprints. We won’t say exactly as they are a replacement to the semi-automatic espresso machines, but they are useful if you don’t have time to brew the espresso art. These consume less electricity as their programming is made to brew one cup rather than 4, 8, or 12 cups of an auto-drip brewer.
Many among these use capsules which are prepackaged coffee containers available in a wide variety of flavors and strengths providing plenty of options to choose from. Keurig is one leading brand among capsule coffee makers and has a huge variety of products to choose from. Most people simply stick to this brand for the long trust they have built.
One-cup coffee makers are easily found in many homes, offices, and even restaurants. A lot of valuable time can be saved as compared to the auto-drip brewers and what’s more, they are also not heavy on pockets. In this article, we will get you closer to some of the very best single-serve coffee makers!
Note: We will be using the terms Single-Serve, Single-Cup, and One-cup interchangeably as they all in actual means the same thing.
Best Single Serve Coffee Makers – Our Favorites
Let us now start with our favorite single-cup machines which are thoroughly researched. A short review about each is also provided that will help you understand each of the below units better and hence you can then make your final decision.
1. Keurig K55 Single-Cup
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
- Brews multiple k-cup pod sizes: (6, 8, 10 ounce) – the...
- Large 48 ounce water reservoir: Allows you to brew 6 plus...
- Descaling: An important part of cleaning your keurig brewer....
Keurig really got the ball rolling on one-cup coffee with its convenient pod system. The K55 is one of the best single-serve and is the easiest to make yourself a coffee mug. After the discontinuation of its viral model K45, the company introduced K55 which came with improvements along with a price drop.
Features and Specifications
- Uses K-cups and other brands of K cup
- Compatible with My K-cup for using your own ground coffee
- Three different brew sizes: 6, 8, and 10 ounces
- 48-ounce water reservoir
- One-touch brewing
- It’s can brew one by one fast and continuous with the large water tank
- Automatic shut-off
- Removable drip tray
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Cannot brew ground coffee directly
- There is no control over how strong you make the coffee with the K cups
- Mostly plastic parts
K55 is a very easy machine to use, particularly when you’re still feeling groggy in the morning! You just simply have to press the power button and choose the 6, 8, or 10-ounce brew button. It takes the machine about 4 minutes to heat up, and after that, you can brew a coffee in just one minute.
The main advantage of Keurig coffee makers is that one can keep a wide variety of flavors, roasts, and other variants around, even if the machine is used occasionally. The K55 is also great for making tea and hot chocolate. If one prefers to use his own ground coffee, he simply has to purchase a reusable K-cup filter. This machine also gives the option of removing the drip tray, which is useful taller mug has to be used.
To keep it running smoothly, it should be cleaned and descaled once every three to six months and. Also, replace the water filter after every 60 reservoir refills (or about 2 months).
2. Hamilton Beach 49970 Personal Pod Brewer
- This is easy to use
- This is highly durable
- This is manufactured in china
- Cord storage - cord conveniently tucks away
First of all, this coffee brewer uses soft pods, which are a convenient (and much cheaper!) alternative to the K-cup style of a pod. Additionally, the machine comes with a selection of Melitta coffee pods to get you started. You can make your coffee cup with almost no mess with this machine. Besides, the machine is sleek and looks stylish in the kitchen.
Features and Specifications
- Brews up to 12 ounces
- One-touch brewing
- Automatic shut-off
- Cheaper to own and operate
- Comes with sample Melitta coffee pods
- Dishwasher-safe brew basket
- Mess-free brewing
Cons
- Cup size is limited to 12oz
- Coffee is little weak
This coffee-maker costs much less than a Keurig, and the coffee pods are cheaper as well. So, if you like the taste of automatic drip and the convenience of pods, this is a good compromise. To brew, you simply fill the tank, pop a soft pod into the basket, and press the “ON” button.
Although soft pods are cheaper than K-cups, they’re still more expensive than using your own ground coffee. Fortunately, there are several options out there, both disposable and reusable, that allow you to make your own soft coffee pods. This also gives you the option of choosing how strong you like your coffee. Some people complain that one pod is not enough for a strong mug of coffee and that they often have to use 2 pods per cup.
This machine also features an automatic shut-off. Note that the purchase doesn’t include a mug, but you should be able to fit any 12-ounce coffee mug into the machine.
3. Hamilton Beach 49981A
- SCOOP YOUR FAVORITE GROUND COFFEE, PLACE AND BREW. Simplify...
- ECO-FRIENDLY AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET. For fresh flavor and...
- CHOOSE YOUR SIZE: With the adjustable stand, you can brew...
- BREW COFFEE YOUR WAY: Make your coffee stronger or weaker to...
The HB 49981A is an innovative coffee machine that provides versatility, consistency, and quality in a simple, yet elegant design. It has also been ranked by the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) for its unconventional design and optimized brewing. A metal filter allows you to use any coffee you wish, freeing you from the limitations and expense of pre-packaged coffee pods. Additionally, the scoop filter guarantees that you use the perfect amount of coffee each and every time.
Features and Specifications
- Cup size versatility with a fully adjustable cup stand
- Adjustable brewing strength
- Perfect coffee portioning
- Fast brewing of 8 oz in only 90
- Stainless steel construction
- Auto shut off
- Uses real coffee
Cons
- Coffee doesn’t stay hot for long
- Cleaning is not a breeze
As well as providing perfectly brewed coffee, the Hamilton Beach 49981A eliminates complicated cleanup with its dishwasher-safe parts. When a simple wipe and rinse isn’t enough, simply put the removable filter, tray, and scoop into the dishwasher for a thorough, sterile clean. Coupled with an automatic turn-off switch, this machine is a great pick for anyone living in the fast lane.
Read complete Hamilton Beach 49981A Review
4. Bunn MCU Single Cup MyCafe
- Personal Cafe - Enjoy the freedom to brew an abundance of...
- Single Serve - Fill the Pour-In Bowl with the desired amount...
- Pulse Brew - Stop and start the flow of water during the...
- Easy Clean - Removable drip tray catches all drops for an...
The Bunn MyCafe MCU is a mix of quality and total versatility in a simple, yet durable design. Choose any beverage from the full range of pre-packaged K-Cups, fresh ground coffee, hot chocolate, or tea in any form. The simple design eases the cleanup of water reservoirs or other compartments. Simply plug in, add only what you need, and you are ready to go.
Features and Specifications
- Brew K-cups, ground coffee, loose tea, tea bags, or the tea pods
- Wide cup size range from 4 oz to 14 oz
- Quick heat-up time of 60 seconds
- Bold flavor option to get rich flavor by introducing water in slow increments
- Removable drip tray for taller cups and easy cleaning
- Easy to change drawers to brew any kind of beverage
- Built from Stainless steel for easy cleanup and durability
- Two years manufacturer warranty
Cons
- A little noisy
- 4 interchangeable brew heads require extra storage
The Bunn MyCafe MCU is a perfect choice for those who only ever brew one beverage at a time. While other models may enable you to brew multiple beverages by using water reservoirs and used capsule bins, the MyCafe offers a more compact, hassle-free model perfect for those on the go.
5. Cuisinart SS-10P1 Single-Serve
- Please refer to user guide or user manual (provided below in...
The Cuisinart SS-10 Single Cup Coffee Maker is the pinnacle model for quality and customization. Determine the size, strength, and temperature of your beverage, while choosing from over 200 varieties of K Cup beverage capsules. The K-Cup convenience makes beverages as easy as they are delicious. This coffee maker sits on the higher price side and is a masterpiece for those who stick to ‘Perfect Coffee Dose’.
Features and Specifications
- Single-button programming for 5 different size beverages including hot or iced
- 72oz water reservoir
- LCD display for easy operation
- Internal charcoal water filter
- BPA-free plastics
- Auto rinse cycle to avoid bitterness in coffee
- Fully programmable
- One-touch controls
- 3-years manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Little Complicated Controls
- A little on the expensive side while one can brew a perfect cup in the Bunn MCU for 3/4th of the price
Whether you choose to entertain friends, or simply indulge yourself in a premium K-Cup beverage, the SS-10 is a perfect all-around one cup brewing system. Combining quality and convenience, this model is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the coffee shop experience from the comfort of their own home.
6. Keurig K250 2.0 Programmable K-Cup Coffee Maker
- A sleek and slim single-serve coffee maker. Includes 4 K-Cup...
- 40 oz. water reservoir allows you to brew 4 plus cups before...
- Brews multiple K-Cup pod brew sizes (4, 6, 8, 10 oz.) and...
- Strength Control: A strength control setting allows you to...
For those who like a balance of variety and convenience, Keurig offers the K250 2.0. It is already an established name under the one-cup coffee machines and holds the most models. The K-Cup technology offers over 400 beverage flavors to choose from while providing simplicity and minimal cleanup. A sleek design and solid construction make this model ideal for any kitchen.
Features and Specifications
- 40 oz water reservoir
- 9 different brewing sizes
- Internal charcoal water filter
- 2-inch touch display for easy operation
- Removable water reservoir and drip tray for easy cleaning
- Beverage strength option
- Option to brew 4-cup carafe also
- Wide variety of K-cups to choose from
Cons
- Smaller water tank
- No Auto On/Off as its siblings have
The carafe brewing capability makes this single-serve coffee maker even more versatile than most. Now you can entertain friends with the quality of Keurig in the form of single-serve or multi-serve options. All the tastes of the coffee shop are only a touchscreen away! If you have a little more budget and love pod brewing, you can even go for the Keurig K475 as it is topping the charts.
Single Cup Coffee Makers That Don’t Use Pods
For people using coffee makers like Keurig and Nespresso, don’t get your heart heavy as the one you are using is already used by many in the whole world and are happy with it. It’s just the mind that doesn’t sync sometimes and people tend to find other types of machines.
Well, for people with this perspective about coffee grounds, we have good news. There are brewers that use ground coffee as their raw material and are still a single-serve. So, in this article, we will be telling about the best single cup coffee makers that don’t use coffee pods as their raw material.
7. Black N Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide...
As its name implies, this coffee maker is perfect for anyone who likes to brew a single mug of coffee and take it with them on a commute. It is a single cup auto drip and comes with its own travel mug that fits almost all car cup holders. This is an affordable one serve as well as one of the best units for any busy commuter looking for a cheap option.
Features and Specifications
- Brews into 15-ounce travel coffee mug (included)
- Mug tapered to fit most car cup holders
- Comes with a permanent reusable filter
- Filter, basket, mug, and lid are all dishwasher safe
- Automatic shut-off
- Fast, takes 2 minutes to brew and 5 to drip
- One-year warranty on defects
Cons
- Space between the dispenser could have been larger to fit taller cups
- Permanent filter lets the grounds enter your cup if you are using a fine grind
- No Timer
This drip coffee brewer is an ideal choice if you like to make regular drip coffee and are the only coffee drinker in the house. It’s fast, a space saver and so doesn’t take up much room on your counter. Moreover, it also makes a great cup of coffee.
The Brew ‘n Go comes with a reusable mesh filter. If you prefer the taste or the easy clean-up of paper filters, you can use a #2 cone filter instead. Even with the reusable filter, cleaning up is pretty easy – you just tap out the grounds and give it a quick rinse.
One potential drawback of this machine is that there is no timer, so you can’t set it to brew the night before. However, because it takes a maximum of 5 minutes to brew a mug, this should not be a big problem for most people. If you fill the water reservoir and put the ground coffee in the filter before bed, you will have coffee at the push of a button in the morning.
8. Touch Plus 414s
- Easy to use – simply choose the preferred cup size to brew...
- Hotter - unlike the leading competitor, Touch brewers brew...
- Bolder - in addition to the optimum brew temperature, Touch...
- Faster - our patent pending rapid brew technology starts...
A marvelous coffee maker that is compatible with K cups as well as ground coffee with the provided jumbo refill cup. By jumbo, it means that one can brew a stronger or a bigger cup of coffee as desired. The Touch Plus is equipped with RapidBrew technology that lets the machine heats up in less than 20 seconds to optimum temperature so that you don’t have to wait long for the coffee. The machine only heats the water that is required for preparation and not the whole tank saving time and energy both.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 12.2 x 9.1 x 14.1 inches
- Weight : 9.8 pounds
- Can brew a single cup or whole carafe with the jumbo refill cup
- Rapid brew – can heat up in merely 20 seconds from cold start
- Cup size : 6 oz to 18 oz
- Maximized water-coffee contact for rich and bold taste
- Brews at optimum temperature
- Compatible with K cups, generic cups, Xbold and Xplus cups
- Auto Shut Off
Cons
- Not a common brand, so service might become an issue
You will never be regret getting this machine home as it heats up fast, brews at optimum temperature, only heat the required water, and also shuts off automatically. So all in all it’s an energy-saving brewer that does its work fast and that too in a tasty way.
9. Kitchen Selectives CM-688
- Single Serve
- 12 oz. Mug Included
- Removable Drip Tray;Washable filter basket
- Illuminated Power Light
This stylish little machine takes up almost no space on your counter and will brew you a 12-ounce cup of coffee in the included ceramic mug. It’s a bare-bones machine, but it delivers a great cup of coffee with very little fuss or mess.
Features and Specifications
- Brews 12 ounces
- Ceramic mug included
- Removable drip tray for taller mug
- Reusable mesh filter included
- Illuminated on/off button
- Takes up a very little space
- Cheaper to buy
- Designed stylish and is available in a variety of colors
Cons
- Maximum 6-inch cups can be accommodated after removing the drip tray
- Maximum brewing limit is 12 oz which might be less for coffee addicts
- Sediments present sometimes in your cup
- Little messy
It has nothing in the way of extra bells and whistles, and one drawback is the lack of an automatic shut-off. You really have to get yourself into the habit of turning off as soon as you finish brewing the coffee. The fact that the power button is illuminated will serve as a good reminder and catch your attention if you forget to turn it off.
The filter basket is of a slightly unusual shape, which is not good news if you chose to use disposable paper filters. Soft pods might work, but otherwise, you’re better off just using the reusable filter that comes with the machine. It can be simply said best one cup machine in terms of cuteness.
10. Ninja Coffee Bar System
- Pod free single serve
- Built In frother to brew, froth and drink all in your...
- Custom Brew Sizes: Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug and XL Multi...
- Built In frother to brew, froth and drink all in your...
Ninja is actually a bold coffee brewer that gives a variety of coffee drinks at home that are usually found in cafes. It’s basically a skilled barista at home which is loved by coffee lovers who love to experiment and are not satisfied with just basic coffee. Previously, Ninja only provided a single type of coffee bar system but now the range has extended, and now the Single Serve Bar System has integrated frother for simplicity.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 11.02 x 12.2 x 16.34 in
- Weight: 11.8 pounds
- Integrated Frother
- Makes Specialty Drinks like latte and cappuccino
- Pod Free single serve
- Custom Brew Settings: Classic, Rich, and Over Ice
- Signature Brew Settings: Specialty and Cafe Forte
- Custom Brew Sizes: Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, and XL Multi-Serve
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Dishwasher and microwave safe tumbler
- 40 Specialty drinks recipe booklet
Cons
- With so many options, a user can get confused at start
- Occupies somewhat large platform size
Those who have some spare time to make their coffee will find this Ninja coffee bar brewer very useful. It will complete their hobby of experimenting with coffee flavors.
11. Hamilton Brew FlexBrew 49976
- THREE WAYS TO BREW. Brew 12 cups with ground coffee on the...
- SINGLE-CUP COFFEE MAKER. Brew a cup with a K-Cup pod,...
- BREW A FULL POT OF COFFEE: This programmable coffee maker...
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR BREW STRENGTH: Control how strong you want...
Last on our list is the Flexbrew 49976 which is the latest model in the series. It looks futuristic and classy on any counter. The important aspect is that it is a 2-way coffee maker that lets you brew a carafe on one side and a tumbler or cup on the other side. Both have separate water reservoirs so that you won’t feel empty if one of those runs out.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 10.63 x 10.24 x 13.9 in
- Weight: 6.37 lbs
- Programmable
- Can brew with or without K cups
- 2 brew strength options
- Brew up to 10 oz with K cup on single-serve and up to 14 oz with ground coffee
- Carafe size – 12 cups
- Removable cup rest at the single-serve side with under storage
- Easy to fill water reservoirs
- Pack holder and single brew basket included
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- Requires large storage or platform size
So, this one is for a family with varied-minded people. Someone wakes up early, a few late and so you need a brewer that caters to this. If someone wakes up early, he can brew from the single-serve side whereas the rest of the family can brew in the carafe. Moreover, it is one of the best-rated dual coffee makers in the market by a trusted brand in coffee equipment. For this, a little more area is required as the machine is kind of big.
12. KitchenAid KCM0402ER
- Bold, Barista Style Coffee and Gold Tone Permanent Filter
- Sleek, Compact Design
- Removable Water Tank with Handle
- 18 oz. Thermal Mug
This is another great-looking coffee maker that will add a touch of retro style to your kitchen without taking up a lot of room. It’s tall, it’s bold and for the looks, anyone is going to love it. It dispenses coffee directly into an insulated travel mug, which is included with your purchase.
Features and Specifications
- Removable water reservoir with handle
- 18 ounce insulated travel mug
- Gold-tone reusable filter
- Space saver design
- One-touch brewing
- One-year replacement warranty
- Automatic shut-off
- Brew Strength can be controlled
- Brew’s maximum of 18 oz in one shot, which is good for coffee addicts
Cons
- Water pouring hole is a little on the small side
- Included Gold Filter allows some grounds to the cup
- It’s tall and so doesn’t fit many cabinets
This little Coffee Brewer by KitchenAid makes hot, strong barista-style coffee at a press of a button. It comes in a variety of colors and includes a color-coordinated travel mug. The reusable gold-tone filter allows you to choose how strong you like the coffee and can brew any amount up to 18 ounces. If you don’t like mesh filters, you can substitute a #2 paper filter.
Some customers have found that, while the included travel mug looks like a high-quality stainless steel vessel in pictures, it’s rather cheaply made. It is plastic on the inside, stainless steel on the outside, and it doesn’t insulate very well. You can easily pour the coffee into the mug after brewing if you don’t like the included one, or just brew directly into a different mug of the right height.
This coffeemaker has an automatic shut-off for extra peace of mind. And if you encounter any problems, Kitchenaid will replace it within a year, hassle-free. Why we are not considering this at the top of our list is because of its brand awareness and utility design. But if you are open to retro styles that are somewhat distinct, there is nothing more beautiful than this unit.
13. Bella One Scoop Brewer
- VERSATILE BREWING - BELLA'S single cup coffee maker features...
- LARGE CAPACITY - Our coffee machines are perfect for busy...
- EFFICIENT AND DELICIOUS - Enjoy a robust and fragrant...
- PERFECT FOR EVERY CUP - The drip tray of our small coffee...
With 600 watts of power and a generous 14-ounce water tank, this coffee maker brews a great cup of coffee. It is much cheaper than other branded brewers and just costs around $20. Obviously, the water tank seems short in this but the brewer is very well worth the money.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 10.31 x 8.5 x 5.12 in
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- 600 watts of power
- Very small footprint
- Adjustable plate for all size cups
- Hot water function
- Permanent filter included
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Just operates via On/Off switch
Cons
- Doesn’t includes much of functions
- Not a long term brewer
If you are looking to save some money in this category, this could be what you are looking for. It even outputs hot water to make oatmeal, tea, or soup. The adjustable drip tray fits almost all sizes of mugs. There is no clutter of controls on this machine, so it’s straightforward to operate. The filter is permanent so you won’t have to worry about paper filters.
Why consider a Single-Cup Coffee Maker?
Fresh Coffee Every Time
Though, being a single-serve, anyone at home can prepare a fresh cup of coffee whereas, if you had a drip machine, you would be brewing around 4, 8, or 12 cups at one go.
Quick Preparation
Brewing a single cup is fast as compared to a full pot of coffee.
Ease of Use
Most of these machines are pod machines that are very easy to use operate. Even a small kid can prepare himself a great cup of coffee.
Saves Money
Even when you are alone, you would be preparing yourself at least 4 cups of coffee with a drip brewer, so a single cup simply saves you money by allowing just one preparation.
Variety of flavors
K cup and Nespresso coffee makers have a wide variety of flavors to choose from and since we are preparing one cup at a time, anyone at home can feed himself a different flavor.
Small Sized
The single-cup machines are easy to store as they are a bit small-sized as compared to other types.
Mild to Strong Cup for everyone
Each cup can be of different strength is preferred as most of these coffee makers have strength control.
Ideal for Home and Office
These coffee makers are ideal for most places as they are easy to use and maintain.
Things to Consider when buying a Single Cup Coffee Maker
With a wide variety and functionalities, it is confusing to buy a single-serve in one go. A better way would be to think about the requirements first and then head over to purchase one. Below we have mentioned few important aspects to consider:
Brew Strength
Every person has their own preference and that applies to a coffee cup too. Few will demand strong coffee while few mild. The brew strength feature allows having control over it.
Size
Another important aspect is the dimensions. Decide where the coffee maker will be placed and compare it with the actual dimensions. Will you be able to refill the water reservoir easily? Are you able to clean the coffee maker without much hassle?
Brew Speed
Do you have the patience to wait for 5 minutes to brew a cup of coffee or do you just need one within a minute? Drip brewers tend to take much time when compared to capsule types.
Timer Feature
The timer in a coffee maker gives an added advantage of waking up automatically with a fresh cup of coffee. These are not present in all models so think about this when making a purchase.
Water Filter
For a great taste, filter water is a must and if you have no budget constraints, consider buying a coffee maker with a built-in filter. But if you already have a source for filtered water, you can eliminate this option.
Noise
Compare the noise levels of different coffee makers as it becomes irritating to hear a loud noise again and again in routine.
Ease of Control
If you are a new guy involved in all the tech stuff, it will be easy to get a hold of almost any machine. But if you are a simple person who gets frustrated with more controls, look for a coffee maker that gives coffee with just one or two presses of buttons.
Price
This is one most important factors to consider when buying anything. How much are you willing to spend simply filters you out from many unwanted products and also allows you to look only at the models which come in your budget? The single-serve machines can cost anywhere between $20 to $500 and the capsule coffee makers have an added cost of buying capsules repeatedly. K cups are the cheapest whereas Nespresso and Tassimo being somewhat expensive.
Conclusion
With all the above major factors, we expect you will be able to buy the best coffee maker for single cups of coffee. While we have tried to compile the list with top-rated single-serve machines under fair pricing and best ratings, there might be some which we might have missed. If you have any suggestions, feel free to mention them through comments.