Coffee is a routine for millions of people around the world, and while you can always swing by your favorite coffee shop for a caffeine hit, it’s usually more wallet-friendly to brew some at home. But to create the same smooth, flavorful drink you’d get from a cafe, you just need a great coffee maker of the best single serve coffee maker.
There are a few types of single-serve coffee makers that are conveniently available today. Most consumers are familiar with drip coffee machines, which use energy to heat and spread water over coffee beans, and single-serve coffee makers, a market dominated by the brand. There are also manual versions, such as pour-overs and French presses, which have gained popularity in recent years due to their more aromatic brewing. And also all-in-one coffee machines for making tea, cold brewing, and espresso drinks.
There are a few main things to remember when buying a coffee machine. The first is exactly what you’re drinking. Do you prefer a coffee over an espresso drink? Or a cold brew for hot coffee? The next one is just how much coffee you need to drink at once. For a family of coffee drinkers, a 10-cup machine may be your best bet, but those who live alone might be better off with a Keurig single-serve machine. Last but not least consider overall comfort. Although a lot of people would choose an electric machine that works for you a lot of people are loving the pour-over process or waiting for a French press.
No matter what you drink the coffee is dark and bold, specialty or cold brew—the following are among the best coffee makers you can find today. From inexpensive non-frills models to greater brewing machines, you’re sure to find the right coffee pot for you.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer – This Best Single Serve Coffee Maker
Our pick
If you grab a cup of coffee or serve a full pot to your friends, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer has you covered. This special best single-serve coffee maker helps you to either brew a single cup of coffee or a full 12-cup pot in your glass carafe, so you’ll only get as many as you like. Plus, it contains an extra pod holder that clips onto a single-serve brewing basket, allowing you to use soft coffee pods.
This coffee maker has a brass power slider with bold or standard choices, and you can schedule it up to 24 hours in advance. It has an automated pause-and-serve feature so that you can pour from the carafe until the brewing period is finished and keep your coffee warm for up to two hours on its nonstick hot plate.
Pros:
- Versatile 2-Way Brewing: Offers both a 12-cup glass carafe for multiple servings and a single-serve option for convenience.
- Programmable Timer: Allows users to set brewing times in advance for a fresh cup of coffee when needed.
- Auto Pause and Pour: Enables pouring a cup mid-brew without waiting for the full cycle to complete.
- Dual-functionality: Combines the features of a drip coffee maker and a single-serve machine in one appliance.
Cons:
- Size and Space: The 2-way functionality may make the machine bulkier, requiring more counter space.
- Potential for Complexity: Dual functions might be more intricate for users looking for a straightforward coffee maker.
- Single Serve Limitation: Single-serve brewing might not be as quick as dedicated single-serve machines.
- Glass Carafe Fragility: The glass carafe may be more susceptible to breakage compared to thermal alternatives.
Classic Single Serve Keurig K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Our pick
If you like the ease of drinking a single cup of coffee from pods, you can’t go wrong with the Keurig K-Classic best single serve coffee maker. These classic devices have become the gold standard for single-serve coffee makers, as they are simple and convenient to use and offer a tasty cup of joe.
This specific Keurig provides 6-, 8-and 10-ounce cup sizes, and has a huge 48-ounce water tank that helps you to brew more than six cups before you have to refill. The computer can be programmed to turn off after two hours to conserve electricity, and it also has a descaling feature to keep the inner workings clean. Don’t think about losing your favorite coffee brand, either—you can get a wide variety of K-Cups to use with Keurig K-Classic, like Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Folgers, and more.
Pros:
- Compact Design: The K-Mini Plus is space-saving, making it ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- Single Serve Convenience: Brews a perfect cup of coffee with Keurig’s K-Cup pods, offering quick and convenient brewing.
- Travel Mug Friendly: Accommodates travel mugs up to 7 inches tall for on-the-go coffee enjoyment.
- Energy Efficient: Features an auto-off function, promoting energy efficiency.
Cons:
- Limited Brewing Options: Primarily designed for single-serve K-Cup pods, limiting coffee variety.
- Smaller Water Reservoir: The compact size comes with a smaller water reservoir, requiring more frequent refills.
- No Programmable Timer: Lacks a timer function for pre-setting brewing times.
- Not Suitable for Large Gatherings: Due to its single-serve nature, it may not be practical for serving larger groups.
Cuisinart Perfect Temp Stainless Steel Drip 14-Cup Coffee Maker
Our pick
If you like your hot coffee, the Cuisinart Perfect Temp Stainless Steel Drip 14-Cup Coffee Maker could be the perfect gadget for you. This unit offers warmer coffee—without compromising taste—and you can choose between normal and bold brews. It has a 24-hour start timer, a self-cleaning feature, and an optional ready sound, and there’s also a 1-4 cup configuration for those days when you’re only making your coffee.
Although it does not have a lot of bells and whistles, the reviewers say this Cuisinart’s best single serve coffee maker is simple to use and brews fantastic coffee. Plus a lot of people say that true to say, their coffee is cooler than that of other computers.
Pros:
- Large Capacity: The 14-cup glass carafe caters to brewing coffee for multiple servings.
- Brew Strength Control: Offers customization for the desired coffee strength.
- 1-4 Cup Setting: Ensures optimal brewing for smaller quantities without compromising flavor.
- Fully Automatic: Convenient and user-friendly with fully automatic operation.
Cons:
- Space Requirement: The 14-cup capacity may make the machine larger, requiring more counter space.
- Glass Carafe Fragility: Glass carafes may be more susceptible to breakage compared to thermal alternatives.
- Potential for Complexity: The range of features may be more than necessary for users seeking a basic coffee maker.
- No Single Serve Option: Lacks a single-serve function, limiting versatility for individual coffee preferences.
Single Serve Coffee Maker Machine with Thermal Mug – Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Our pick
Sboly has one thing to do: unique coffee machines. This model has been recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association—the most prominent coffee specialty trade body—and is brewing quickly and evenly. It’s easy to run dead, too. It makes coffee that’s good-bodied but not overbearing, and it’s lightweight and cheap enough to work with almost everyone.
This best single serve coffee maker makes coffee pots that are fantastic for the vast majority of coffee drinkers and provide a key to more advanced brewing concepts. The coffee it produces isn’t as bright as any of the higher-end machines, but it’s not as oppressively dim as it is for cheaper ones. The same coffee maker is available as a programmable version for a few bucks extra, but programmable coffee makers (unless they have built-in grinders) cannot substitute for the lack of freshness.
This one is a perfectly balanced design and is short enough to open when placed under cabinets, and not as big as to take on the massive countertops. We like it’s boiling a full pot in only four minutes, and keeping consistency no matter how many cups it’s brewing. On top of that, Sboly’s customer service is outstanding, and the price is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Conical Burr Design: Provides consistent and uniform grind size, crucial for brewing quality coffee.
- Wide Grinding Range: Adjustable settings accommodate various grind sizes, from fine espresso to coarse French press.
- Durable Construction: Sturdy build quality ensures long-lasting performance and durability.
- User-Friendly Operation: Simple and intuitive design, making it easy for users to grind coffee to their preferred consistency.
Cons:
- Price Point: The quality and features may contribute to a relatively higher cost.
- Size and Bulk: The grinder may take up more counter space compared to compact or manual alternatives.
- Noise Level: Electric burr grinders can produce noise during operation.
- Cleaning Complexity: Cleaning might be more involved compared to simpler coffee grinders, requiring attention to the burr mechanism.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Best Single Serve Coffee Maker – K-Cup Pods in Black Color (49974)
Our pick
Consistency and reliability go a long way toward helping a coffee maker stand out from the crowd, all of which Hamilton’s Beach FlexBrew machine quickly achieves.
Equipped with a stainless steel thermal carafe, Perfect FlexBrew makes the drink cooler than the typical coffee maker. In addition, the vacuum-insulated carafe keeps any pot hot, no matter whether it’s sitting inside the unit or comfortably on your kitchen counter. Hamilton has fitted the unit with a disposable water reservoir, making it an absolute breeze to fill the tank. There’s also an onboard water philter that helps strip chlorine from your drinking water, meaning you can have the best-tasting cup of joe possible.
Users may also schedule Hamilton’s Beach FlexBrew to be brewed at a fixed time per day and select between regular or bold-brew periods. Delicious coffee and a basic collection of features just can’t be made at a cheaper price.
Pros:
- Versatile Brewing Options: Compatible with both pod packs and ground coffee, offering flexibility in coffee choices.
- Single-Serve Convenience: Brews a single cup of coffee up to 14 ounces, catering to individual preferences.
- Pod Compatibility: Works with various pod packs, expanding the range of coffee flavors available.
- Compact Design: Space-saving and suitable for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: The single-serve nature may not be practical for serving larger groups.
- Plastic Construction: The use of plastic materials may be less durable compared to metal or stainless steel.
- Noisy Operation: Electric coffee makers can generate noise during the brewing process.
- No Built-in Grinder: Lacks a built-in grinder, requiring pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder for fresh beans.
Mr Coffee Pour! Brew – Personal Coffee Maker, Midnight Black
Our pick
The Occasions coffee maker manages to remain reasonably lightweight while providing both coffee and espresso creations as desired. It has a brew of up to 16 oz. of coffee, right into the included travel mug or a cup of your conventional coffee pouring. Then in another style and with a little base, two shots of espresso can be made with a 15-bar power pump. There’s even an incorporated milk brother to make lattes and so on. You can also turn to K-Cups if you want to.
There are also some useful smart technologies integrated into Mr Coffee’s pour, including automated attachment-based swapping, automatic water dispensing based on your preference, and temperature control options. Yeah, there are a lot of components to this coffee maker, but it can do just about anything, too!
Pros:
- Single-Serve Convenience: Ideal for brewing a single cup of coffee for personal use.
- Compact and Portable: Designed for on-the-go use, suitable for travel or busy mornings.
- Affordable Price: A budget-friendly option for those seeking a simple and cost-effective coffee maker.
- Easy to Use: Straightforward operation makes it user-friendly for quick brewing.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: The single-serve design may not be suitable for those needing larger quantities.
- No Programmable Features: Lacks advanced features like programmable timers for pre-setting brewing times.
- No Pod Compatibility: Designed for ground coffee only, limiting options for those who prefer coffee pods.
- Plastic Construction: The use of plastic materials may be less durable compared to metal or stainless steel.
Braun Multi Serve Programmable Brewer – Smart Coffee Maker
Our pick
It does the fundamentals very well but the main asset is versatility. It brews big and small pots with consistency and its incorporated iced coffee brewing feature is new to the room being clever and well-executed. The system helps you to brew directly over ice cubes, imitate Japanese iced coffee brewing, and produce a nice, sweeter, colder coffee experience. The detachable water tank is also recommended for filling and washing.
What We Don’t Like To put it lightly, the machine’s busy. There are switches on buttons green accents, and stuff that folds in and out of the unit. Apart from the organizational learning curve, it is like the Ninja brewer uses a permanent philter that isn’t too helpful.
Pros:
- Versatile Brewing Options: Offers 7 programmable brew sizes and 3 strength settings, catering to diverse coffee preferences.
- Iced Coffee Functionality: Includes a dedicated setting for brewing refreshing iced coffee.
- Large Capacity: The 10-cup glass carafe is suitable for serving multiple cups at once.
- Stylish Stainless Steel Design: A sleek and modern appearance with durable stainless steel construction.
Cons:
- Price Point: The advanced features may contribute to a relatively higher cost.
- Space Requirement: The 10-cup capacity and multiple settings may make the machine larger, requiring more counter space.
- Potential for Complexity: The range of programmable options might be more intricate for users seeking a basic coffee maker.
- Glass Carafe Fragility: Glass carafes may be more susceptible to breakage compared to thermal alternatives.
Best Splurge-Worthy Coffee Maker – Black and Decker Coffee Maker
Our pick
If you want the highest quality when it comes to coffee makers, Technivorm Moccamaster is one of the most valued options available, but it comes with a matching price tag. This futuristic-looking coffee maker is available in a wide range of colors to match any decor and can make up to 10 cups of coffee at a time in its glass carafe.
The Moccamaster retains a brewing temperature between 198 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit to give your coffee a rich taste with no bitterness, and its two-stage heater changes to match the volume of coffee in the carafe. Plus, once you get started, you’ll have a wonderful cup of coffee waiting for you in just six minutes.
Pros:
- Compact Design: Space-saving and suitable for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.
- Affordable Price: A budget-friendly option for those seeking a simple and cost-effective coffee maker.
- Single-Serve Convenience: Ideal for brewing a single cup of coffee quickly.
- Easy to Use: Straightforward operation makes it user-friendly for quick brewing.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Lacks advanced features found in higher-end coffee makers.
- Plastic Construction: The use of plastic materials may be less durable compared to metal or stainless steel.
- No Programmable Features: This does not include programmable timers or customizable settings.
- Noisy Operation: Electric coffee makers can produce noise during the brewing process.
CHULUX Upgrade Single Serve Coffee Maker, 12oz Fast Brewing Machine
Our pick
What more can we ask for from a drip machine that’s easy to pack, easy to use, and makes a decent cup of coffee? In our experiments, we liked how easy it was to fill the water tank with Chulux Easy Measure, thanks to the very wide mouth. The color-coded measurement scoop often made it very convenient to scoop the correct quantity of coffee grounds into the philter based on the corresponding water level. We also enjoyed the rounded flavor of coffee, which was hot but not charred.
As if these functions weren’t enough, the settings menu lets you know how long the coffee has stayed warm: it promises a fresh cup every time.
Pros:
- Versatile Brewing Options: Compatible with both K-Cup pods and ground coffee, providing flexibility in coffee choices.
- Adjustable Brew Sizes: Offers a range of brew sizes from 5 to 12 ounces, catering to individual preferences.
- Fast Brewing: Brews a cup of coffee in minutes, making it a time-efficient option.
- Portable Design: Ideal for home, office, travel, and kitchen use, providing on-the-go convenience.
Cons:
- Single Serve Limitation: May not be suitable for those needing to brew larger quantities of coffee.
- Plastic Construction: The use of plastic materials may be less durable compared to metal or stainless steel.
- Limited Programmability: Lacks advanced programmable features found in some coffee makers.
- Noisy Operation: Electric coffee makers can generate noise during the brewing process.
Mr. Coffee Single Cup Coffee Maker with Travel Mug and Built-In Grinder
Our pick
This is a fine price for the best single serve coffee maker, particularly one that goes on sale regularly. It also comes with a handy “Clean” button that warns you when the system needs to be de-scaled or has a cleaning fluid running through it. It’s very quick and easy to program, too.
What We Don’t Like The coffee this appliance brews is constantly over-extracted—this ensures that any pot is aggressively bitter, even when using new specialty-grade coffee grounds. There were also issues with the relationship between the lid and the brewing basket, and there was a fairly frequent need to clean the surrounding countertop after brewing. At the end of the day, the water required for each cup was always not used in its entirety, leaving thick, standing water in the chamber overnight. There was also a very small pouring field in the water tank at the back.
Pros:
- K-Cup Pod Compatibility: Offers versatility in coffee choices with compatibility for K-Cup pods.
- Includes Reusable Option: Allows for eco-friendly brewing with the included reusable pod option.
- Adjustable Brew Size: Provides flexibility with brew sizes ranging from 8 to 12 ounces.
- Generous Water Reservoir: The 40-ounce water reservoir minimizes the need for frequent refilling.
Cons:
- Single Serve Limitation: May not be suitable for those needing to brew larger quantities of coffee.
- Plastic Construction: The use of plastic materials may be less durable compared to metal or stainless steel.
- Potential for Noisy Operation: Electric coffee makers can generate noise during the brewing process.
- Limited Programmability: Lacks advanced programmable features found in some coffee makers.
Conclusion:
The top 10 single-serve coffee makers featured in this guide offer a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences, lifestyles, and brewing needs. Whether you prioritize compact designs for small spaces, customizable brew sizes, or compatibility with various coffee formats like K-Cup pods or ground coffee, the market provides a rich selection.
Choosing the best single-serve coffee maker for your needs involves considering factors such as brewing versatility, capacity, construction materials, and additional features. The convenience of a single-serve coffee maker is undeniable, offering quick and efficient brewing without the need to make an entire pot.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual preferences and requirements. By weighing the pros and cons of each model and considering your specific coffee habits, you can make an informed decision that brings the joy of a freshly brewed cup of coffee right to your fingertips.
