Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

best single brew coffee maker-serve coffee makers are convenient for a quick cup of hot or cold coffee. They can use pre-packaged individual coffee brewer pods or filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who value personalization will likely need an appliance that can make a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. Many of these machines also address the environmental impact of the use of disposable coffee pods by using recyclable or reusable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite has a beautiful design that blends premium finishes with customizable features. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms what can be brewed -it supports K-Cups as well as ground coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The large, removable 72-ounce tank is able to make up to seven medium-sized cups before needing a refill. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods, which can save you money over the long term.

Despite having a lot more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's easy to navigate and use. The top control panel includes a power button, settings button, up and down buttons for the menu, a "strong" button that is hot water as well as four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color coded so that it is easy to know when the machine needs descale or refill.

Although the K-Elite is among our favorite Keurig models, it does have some disadvantages. For instance, it can be difficult to clean, because it doesn't come with a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secure. Additionally, the spout is prone to leave a few splatters especially when you use smaller travel mugs.

We also tested the K-Elite's performance in our Coffee Makers test program, and it scored quite well in all categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, temperature consistency and repeat speed.

It was also the fastest to heat the water and brew the cup. And it was the least likely to make grounds. However, the K-Elite did not make the same hot cup as our other top models. The iced coffee also was less savory than its robust coffee. The K-Elite is a great option for anyone looking for a single pod coffee-serve machine. It is available from numerous retailers, including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair. It's priced around $150. The K-Classic model is also a good option if you are looking for a less expensive model. It costs a little more than the Elite but not as much as our top picks.

2. Single-Serve Espresso Maker, Black+Decker

A single-serve machine lets you to prepare coffee quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller, less bulky and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They also offer the ability to prepare a variety of different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate, making them a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 might be among the most affordable models on the market but it has some important features which make it worth considering. It has a permanent filter which can be used with ground coffee or soft coffee pods. It also comes with an automatic shut-off function to conserve energy and water. It takes just minutes to make one cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel cup that fits in most cup holders in cars.

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was capable to make a delicious pot of coffee maker single serve with less than half the time that it took the average model in our lab. It also has some programmable features that are generally reserved for more expensive brewers including an automatic start.

Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who want to match their kitchen appliances. Its light construction and tank that can be removed makes it easy to carry. Our testers found it easy to use and operated with a user-friendly menu and control panel that was easy to follow even for those with no prior experience using a single serving coffee maker-serve espresso machine. However, the brew speed was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195°F for more than five or six minutes, which is the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than other models we test, which could lead to overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these issues the CM618 is a great option for those on a tight budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods and make their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are different than K-Cup or Keurig machines in that they use only the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand categorizes its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines brew espresso-based drinks. VertuoLine models are designed to brew larger milk and coffee recipes like lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they are made to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.

The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso comes with four different drink sizes and smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing method. It also features modern, sleek design and a removable water tank that can hold 37 ounces of water. It is easy to use and has an automatic system that allows you to eject pods that are no longer used into an internal container. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds for the machine to heat up and then shuts down automatically after nine minutes.

In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 was a great cup. It produced a good cup of coffee that had a lovely crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to prepare. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to make 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third slowest in our tests. It's not a major issue, but it can be an issue if you're used to fast morning coffee making.

Overall the Nespresso XP371 is a great choice for espresso and coffee lovers who are looking to cut down on waste. Its design is a bit more luxurious than the average pod brewer and is compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules, which are greener than K-Cups and other traditional pods on the market. However, the VertuoLine XP371's high price and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a nagging issue for some potential buyers.

If you don't have the money to buy a top-rated pod coffee maker but want to enjoy the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we recommend that you check out our review of cup reusable. You might also want to test one of our top tumblers with insulation to keep your tea or coffee warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has received thousands of favorable reviews from its users and comes with a variety of convenient features that other models lack. The price is affordable for a top-quality machine and it also has a sleek look. Some owners have reported that this model poses an a fire hazard. This is something you should keep in mind before buying.

This fully automatic coffeemaker can be programmed to run for 24 hours. You can configure it to make four cups or twelve at the same time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe is thermal and the permanent gold tone filter made of wire mesh and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities to enhance the taste of your coffee. The "Brew Pause", which interrupts the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour the contents of a cup. The self-cleaning feature keeps the tank free of impurities.

The controls on the coffee maker are evenly spaced and clearly marked, so you can easily determine what each button is at an instant. Other features include an automatic shutoff and an spout that is drip-free and has a knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also extremely easy to use and its stainless steel brushed finish is stunning on the countertop.

However, some customers have found the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this may be an issue for those who prefer paper filters. Some users have also complained that the reservoir does not fill properly due to an issue with the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine.

Some people have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spits coffee grounds and water everywhere while it's in operation however this appears to be a rare occurrence. In all likelihood, this is a fantastic coffee maker that is worth a look if are seeking a basic model that has plenty of convenient features at a reasonable price.