What Is the Best Single Cup Coffee Maker to Buy?
We did a lot of feature testing to be able to select the ten best single-cup coffee makers available today. Let's take a look at our top picks
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Keurig K-Elite - Best for Overall
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Keurig K-Duo Plus - Best With Thermal Carafe
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew - Best Dual Brewer
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CHULUX Single-Serve - Best for Travel
- BLACK+DECKER Coffeemaker - Best for Budget
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Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo - Best Luxury Machine
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AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker - Best for Camping
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Cuisinart SS-10 - Fastest Single-Cup Maker
Keep scrolling down for more information.
In-Depth Review of Today’s Top 10 Models
After doing a few tests, we selected the 10 models that pleased us the most. Note that they are only our subjective opinions.
1. Keurig K-Elite - Best for Overall
Important Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Keurig
- Color: Brushed Slate
- Capacity: 8 Cups
- Human Interface Input: Buttons
Product's highlights
This coffee maker is one of the top-performing models available today. It produces the best flavor of the models we tested. The coffee product it creates has a delicious and rich flavor.
It comes with an easy-to-use control panel that includes simple buttons. It gives you 5 drink sizes (from four to twelve ounces) and regular/strong/iced brews.
However, the serving options do not come with exact numbers. Instead, you can only see icons of cups of different heights.
This model comes with a clear owner manual, allowing beginners to get used to it quickly. In addition, this great coffee maker comes with a 75-ounce water tank. So, it is not necessary to have to refill water constantly.
The Keurig K-Elite, on the other hand, has an auto-on feature that allows it to set the exact time according to your needs. Thanks to that, you won't have to wait too long to get a hot cup of coffee before going to work.
Pros
- Top-performing
- Can make iced brews
- Big water tank
- Compact in size
Cons
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Water level is not visible from the front
The Bottom Line
If you want to try something different, such as oatmeal or soup, this machine has a hot water function, which allows you to skip the brewing process entirely.
Keurig also integrates an exclusive maintenance notice. So you'll be prompted when it's time to descale and clean your coffee machine.
2. Keurig K-Duo Plus - Best With Thermal Carafe
Important Specifications
- Brand: Keurig
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 12 Cups
- Human Interface Input: Buttons
- Item Weight: 16.1 Pounds
Product's highlights
It's one of the few models we've tested that consistently brews the coffee at the same temperature and volume. This model is compatible with K-Cups and Keurig's reusable filter for ground coffee. It allows you to get products with delicious and rich flavors.
This model is packed with multiple brewing options. Furthermore, it features a thermal caramel, which allows you to keep up to twelve cups of coffee hot. So, it's the perfect choice for lunch at your workplace where you don't have a warming plate.
It has a 60-ounce water tank, which is removable. You can rotate it right, or left to fit your specific counter space.
It can also be pre-programmed to brew coffee up to two hours in advance. Plus, it has a pause button so you can use the carafe while it's still brewing.
Pros
- Consistent brewing
- A 12-cup thermal carafe included
- Compatible with reusable filters or K-Cups
- Removable 60-ounce water tank
- Programmable for up to 24 hours
Cons
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The thermal carafe may not keep your drink hot for a long time
The Bottom Line
Overall, it's one of Keurig's best products in the mid-range price range. It comes with premium features that you usually only find in high-end products. For under $200, it's a steal!
3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way - Best Dual Brewer
Important Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 12 Gallons
- Item Weight; 6.37 Pounds
Product's highlights
On one side of this machine is a glass carafe if you want to get a full day's worth of coffee. This coffee maker works well with both coffee pods and ground coffee. Its other side serves a single brew of up to fourteen ounces of ground coffee and ten ounces of K-cups.
It allows you to remove the plastic cup base to fit your travel mug before leaving the house. In terms of durability, this product did not disappoint us either. According to feedback from many users, it can last a long time with proper care and maintenance.
You will be grateful for its auto-off feature. It will automatically power off as soon as the brewing process ends, providing you with absolute safety. Moreover, it helps to save energy when not in use.
Pros
- Compatible with K-Cups, ground coffee
- Versatile
- Programmable for up to 24 hours
- Highly durable
Cons
- Slow brewing-time
- Grounds đôi khi spill and get into the cup
The Bottom Line
For just over $100, you can already own the great features of a high-class coffee machine. What's more, it has other valuable features such as a programmable timer for 24 hours, a pause feature, and an auto-off after two hours.
4. CHULUX Single-Serve - Best for Travel
Important Specifications
- Brand: CHULUX
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 12 Ounces
- Human Interface Input: Buttons
Product's highlights
The CHULUX Single-Serve is a small and versatile coffee machine. You can take it with you anywhere.
Thanks to its compact size, you can place this machine in small spaces such as office desks, dorm rooms, or the interior of an RV. It is also a perfect choice for tourists.
This product can make coffee quickly thanks to the 800-watt heating element. On average, it took less than 3 minutes for the process from start to finish.
Its minimalistic design consists of only a one-button start and one-button clean, allowing anyone to access it easily.
Pros
- Small counter space footprint
- Portable & lightweight design
- Durable BPA-free plastic
- One-button operation
- Shuts off automatically after brewing
Cons
- Can't make a lot of coffee at once
The Bottom Line
If you need a compact model, the CHULUX Single-Serve is a good choice for you. You can bring it to work, travel or anywhere you want. All you need to do is put it carefully in your backpack.
5. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffeemaker - Best Value
Important Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: BLACK+DECKER
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 0.47 Liters
- Human Interface Input: Touchscreen
Product's highlights
This model is the perfect choice for those looking for a compact coffee machine at a modest price. It is minimalist in features and design, consisting only of an automatic start button that turns off automatically when the brewing process ends.
It comes with a 16-ounce travel mug. It acts as a measuring device for pouring liquid into a water tank.
This coffee maker will handle all the water you add. So, it is essential to use the right amount of coffee.
It has a reusable filter that can be easily removed and cleaned. What's more, all of its parts are dishwasher safe, making cleaning so much easier and quicker.
However, we recommend using a travel mug. We noticed that hot coffee tends to splash while brewing when using a regular cup.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Fits travel mugs
- Fairly cheap
- Compact in size
Cons
May splatter when brewing in regular mugs
The Bottom Line
Travelers will benefit significantly from this compact model. Moreover, it is available at a meager price. As a result, anyone can easily own this simple but effective coffee machine.
6. Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo - Best Luxury Machine
Important Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Brand: Nestle Nespresso
- Color: Graphite Metal
- Human Interface Input: Buttons
- Item Weight: 5 Ounces
Product's highlights
This Nespresso machine has an eye-catching design, luxurious silver color, and well-placed controls for simple one-touch brewing. It gives you three different settings, including espresso, alto, and coffee.
It can even let you save your favorite settings. Then, you only have to wait about a quarter of a minute before brewing begins.
Thanks to the unique Centrifusion technology, you can get perfectly flavored espresso. Two dark and medium roast options allow it to adjust to make the best drink for your needs. These options are available in three intensities: 6, 7, and 8.
This model can brew up to 14 ounces per session. Like K-Elite, it will give you a reminder when it needs to get rid of the calcium and minerals that have built up inside it.
It also has an eco-mode, which shuts it down after nine minutes. So, It is true to say that it is an eco-friendly choice.
Today’s Best Deals
Pros
- Nespresso Centrifusion technology
- Eye-catching look
- Descaling reminder
- Perfect for espresso
- Worth the money
Cons
- Replace Vertuo pods is quite expensive
- Not recommended for light roasts
The Bottom Line
Nespresso can satisfy all your demanding requirements with its Vertuo Evoluo coffee machine. While it costs more than the models on this list, it's worth the money. So, you should add it to your kitchen or workspace as soon as possible.
Related Post: Best Automatic Espresso Machines: Comparisons, Reviews & Buying Guides
7. AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker - Best for Camping
Important Specifications
- Material: Polypropylene
- Brand: Aeropress
- Color: Gray
- Capacity: 3 Cups
- Item Weight: 6.4 Ounces
Product's highlights
The Aeropress coffee maker is a compact model. Its design consists of only a plastic tube with a removable plunger on one end and a filter on the other.
You will need to place the device above your cup. Also, it requires a separate source of hot water to make coffee.
You can store its parts in a one-gallon-sized top zip bag, making it the perfect choice for camping. Moreover, it is easy to clean.
On the downside, it requires a brand-specific paper filter. You should read the user manual carefully to get the best cup of coffee.
Pros
- Compact in size makes
- Easy to carry out
- No pods required
- Easy to use and clean
- Fairly cheap
Cons
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Require brand-specific paper filters
The Bottom Line
This device is perfect for long trips, such as camping. You will not need to carry around a monster-sized model to make coffee. AEROPRESS Coffee maker is all you need to get a great cup of coffee.
8. Cuisinart SS-10 - Fastest Single-Cup Maker
Important Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 0.35 Liters
- Human Interface Input: Butt
Product's highlights
Most of the products mentioned in this list are fast and convenient, but the Cuisinart SS-10 is the fastest.
It can heat up in seconds, and you can expect to receive a cup of coffee in a minute. If that's not fast enough for you on busy mornings, you can even program it to get a cup right when you need it.
The Cuisinart SS-10 works well with K-Cups. However, it is also packaged with a reusable filter cup, which allows you to use ground coffee.
In addition to its great features, it has a charming appearance that can make your kitchen more elegant. It's sleek and modern, with a shiny silver finish.
Furthermore, it comes with a convenient LCD, allowing you to set the brew timer, adjust the phase temperature, and initiate the auto on/off feature with ease.
Pros
- Extra-large reservoir
- Programmable timer and auto on/off
- Brews with ground coffee/ K-Cups
- Fast heating and brewing time
Cons
- Plastic construction (not as durable as metal)
- Large size takes up more space
The Bottom Line
Many people do not like its large size, mainly its 72-ounce water tank. However, you will also benefit from it. Its larger water tank means it rarely needs refilling, which helps you save more energy.
Related Post: Best Coffee Maker with Grinder: How to Choose & Our Top Picks
9. ADIRchef Single Serve Mini Travel - Best for Car Travel
Important Specifications
- Brand: AdirChef
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 14.88 Ounces
- Human Interface Input: Buttons
- Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
Product's highlights
This model has a compact design, perfect for tight kitchens or desks. Despite its simple design, its appearance is very harmonious and eye-catching. In addition, it is very affordable and can last for many years.
It includes a stainless steel travel mug, allowing you to brew as easily as pie. Furthermore, this product gives you complete freedom to select beans and grinds, thanks to the capsule-less system.
Today’s Best Deals
Pros
- A permanent filter
- A stainless-steel travel mug included
- All parts are dishwasher-safe
- Compact in size
- Easy to use
Cons
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Not as suitable for brewing other beverages
The Bottom Line
Using not as a modern model packed with cutting-edge features, this machine remains popular for many good reasons. It is especially suitable for car travel thanks to its portability and compactness.
10. Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew BUddy - Best for Budget
Important Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Primula
- Color: Red
- Item Weight" 0.06 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4.2 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches
Product's highlights
The main feature of this model is its price. Not only is it remarkably cheap (under $10), but it is also suitable for tea, oatmeal, soup, and the like.
Plus, it's easy to keep it in your luggage, whether that’s for a campsite trip or corporate travel.
It is not powered by electricity, nor does it have advanced features like the above models. However, many office workers prefer to use it because of its convenience.
You will need to grind your coffee the night before, and you will also need to boil a pot of water the next day.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Compact in size
- Not require filters or capsules
Cons
The Bottom Line
While it is not an advanced machine, we decided to include it in this list for good reasons.
It is cheap, compact, and convenient. So, it's no surprise that many people like it.
Best Single Cup Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Before deciding on a model, please think about your needs. For example, do you want the easiest-to-use coffee maker or one that makes different kinds of drinks? And that’s not all. Here are some essential factors you need to consider.
Versatility
Many people prefer a simple design model that allows them to make a drink without much effort. They often prefer a machine with as few features as possible.
Many people like the model that allows them to brew many types of drinks in various cup sizes.
So, deciding how much versatility you want is the first step in considering a single-cup coffee maker.
Pods or Grounds
Many machines serve both while others force you to choose one or the other. Brewing pods are quicker and easier but don't quite compete with the taste of the grounds.
Size
A large machine will be acceptable to place permanently in your home or workplace. However, a small machine allows you to take it anywhere. So, consider how portable you want your device to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Single Cup Coffee Makers Worth It?
The answer depends on your preferences. If you prefer quick and convenient, these machines are a perfect choice.
2. How Do You Clean A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
You should follow the cleaning instructions in the manual. It is good to use water and vinegar to clean these machines.
Conclusion
Our guide has helped you answer, "What is the best single-cup coffee maker to buy?” Which model do you like? Hopefully, you will find this article helpful.
If you need any further information, please let us know.
Thank you for reading!
