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Coffee lovers know the joy of a perfect cup of joe to start the day. For those who prefer brewing just one cup at a time, single cup coffee makers are a game-changer. These compact machines deliver fresh, hot coffee quickly without the waste of making a full pot.
Single cup brewers come in many styles, from simple pour-over devices to high-tech machines with programmable settings. The key things to consider are brew speed, ease of use, and coffee quality. Some models use pre-packaged pods or capsules, while others let you use your own ground coffee.
We tested dozens of single cup coffee makers to find the best options for different needs and budgets.
Our top picks make it easy to enjoy barista-quality coffee at home without the fuss of traditional brewing methods.
So if you’re ready, let’s crack on!
Straight to the Point
When it came to testing, two single-cup coffee makers really stood out. The first that we enjoyed brewing coffee with was the Ninja PB041ST Coffee Brewer. We also found the Cuisinart Grind + Brew Single Serve Coffee Maker to be a great functional machine that offered a few different brewing options.
Best Single Cup Coffee Makers
We’ve compiled a list of the top single cup coffee makers for your convenience. These machines are perfect for brewing a quick cup without the hassle of making a full pot.
Our picks offer a range of features and price points to suit different needs and preferences.
We are sure there’s a single serve machine on our list that will make good coffee just the way you like it.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker For 1 Cup of Coffee
The Keurig K-Mini is a great choice for coffee lovers with limited space.
We recently tried out the Keurig K-Mini, and we were impressed by its small footprint. At less than 5 inches wide, it fits perfectly in tight spaces like dorm rooms or small kitchens. The sleek black design looks nice too.
Using the K-Mini is a breeze. We just added water, popped in a K-Cup, and pressed the brew button. In minutes, we had a hot cup of coffee. The machine works with lots of K-Cup flavors, so we could try different drinks each day.
One thing to note is the small water tank. We had to refill it for each cup, which was a bit annoying when making coffee for guests. The Keurig K-Mini also only brews one cup at a time, so it’s better for personal use than for big groups.
We liked that the K-Mini turns off by itself after 90 seconds. This saves energy and gives us peace of mind if we forget to switch it off. The removable drip tray is handy too. It fits travel mugs up to 7 inches tall, perfect for on-the-go coffee drinkers.
What We Love
- Compact size fits almost anywhere.
- Quick and easy to use.
- Works with many K-Cup varieties – including 3rd party pods.
Take Note
- Small water reservoir.
- Only brews one cup at a time.
- Limited brewing options.
De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus One Cup Machine
The De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus is a top-notch single-cup coffee maker that’s worth buying for its ease of use and great-tasting coffee.
We’ve been using the De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus for a while now, and it’s become our go-to coffee maker. The machine is sleek and compact, fitting nicely on our kitchen counter without taking up too much space.
One of the things we love most about this coffee maker is how quick and easy it is to use. We just pop in a capsule, push a button, and in less than a minute, we have a piping hot cup of coffee or espresso. The Centrifusion technology spins the capsule up to 7,000 times per minute, creating a rich crema that makes every sip feel like a treat.
We’ve tried a variety of Nespresso capsules, and we’re impressed by the range of flavors and strengths available. From bold espressos to smooth, full-bodied coffees, there’s something for every taste.
The machine reads the barcode on each capsule to adjust its brewing parameters, ensuring each cup is made to perfection.
What We Love
- Makes both coffee and espresso.
- Quick 25-second heat-up time.
- Easy one-touch operation.
Take Note
- Only works with Nespresso capsules.
- Capsules can be pricey.
- Limited customization options.
Ninja PB041ST Pods & Grounds Single-Serve Coffee Maker
We think this coffee maker is a great buy for its versatility and compact design.
We’ve been using the Ninja PB041ST for a few weeks. It’s amazing how this little coffee machine packs so much punch in such a small package. We love that we can use both coffee pods and grounds – it’s like having two machines in one!
The brew options are a game-changer. We can make anything from a quick 6-oz cup to a big 24-oz travel mug. The Classic, Rich, and Over Ice brew styles let us mix things up depending on our mood.
We’ve found the Over Ice option makes a great iced coffee that doesn’t taste watered down.
One thing we really like is how tidy this machine is. There’s a neat little drawer for storing the brew basket or filter when we’re not using them. It’s these smart design touches that make the Ninja stand out.
The 56-oz water tank is easy to remove and fill, which is a big plus in our book.
What We Love
- Works with pods and grounds.
- Multiple brew sizes and styles.
- Compact with smart storage design.
Take Note
- Slightly pricey.
- Plastic parts feel less durable.
- No milk frother included.
Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer Stainless Steel, SS-10P1
This versatile coffee maker is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable single-serve machine with lots of options.
The first thing we noticed about the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer was how easy it is to use. Just pop in a K-Cup, choose your cup size, and you’re good to go.
One feature we really like is the range of cup sizes. Whether we want a small 4-ounce coffee or a big 12-ounce pot of coffee, this machine can handle it. The hot water button is also handy for making tea or instant oatmeal.
The large water tank is a big plus. We don’t have to refill it as often as some other coffee makers we’ve tried. It’s also nice that we can use our own ground coffee with the reusable filter cup. This saves money and cuts down on waste from disposable K-Cups.
We’ve found the coffee to be consistently hot and tasty. The ability to adjust the brewing temperature is a nice touch, especially for those who like their coffee extra hot. The coffee machine looks sleek on our counter too, with its stainless steel finish.
While we love this coffee maker, it’s not perfect. It does take up a fair bit of counter space, so it might not be ideal for small kitchens.
It’s also a bit loud when brewing, which could be an issue if you’re making coffee early in the morning while others are sleeping.
What We Love
- Multiple cup size choices.
- Large 72-ounce water reservoir.
- Compatible with K-Cups and reusable filter.
Take Note
- Takes up counter space.
- Pricier than basic models.
- Can be noisy when brewing.
Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker + Coffee Grinder
The Cuisinart Grind & Brew is a versatile single-serve coffee maker that’s worth considering for its built-in grinder and multiple brewing options.
We tried out the Cuisinart Grind & Brew and found it to be a solid choice for coffee lovers who want fresh-ground beans without the hassle of a separate grinder.
The built-in conical burr grinder did a great job of grinding whole beans to the right consistency. We liked being able to choose between 8, 10, and 12-ounce servings with just a push of a button.
One thing we noticed was that the grinding process can be a bit messy. Coffee grounds sometimes spilled out around the pod, which required extra cleanup.
Despite this small issue, we appreciated the flexibility of using whole beans, pre-ground coffee, or K-Cups in the same machine.
The 48-ounce water reservoir was a nice touch, meaning we didn’t have to refill it after every cup. We also found the charcoal water filter helped improve the taste of our coffee.
While it’s not the most compact single-serve machine out there, its versatility makes up for the extra counter space it takes up.
What We Love
- Built-in conical burr grinder.
- Compatible with whole beans, ground coffee, and K-Cups.
- Three cup size options.
Take Note
- Messy grinding process.
- Single-serve only.
- Relatively large footprint for a single-serve machine.
BELLA Dual Brew Single Serve Coffee Maker (K-Cup Compatible)
This compact coffee maker offers versatility and ease of use, but has some drawbacks to consider.
We tried out the BELLA Dual Brew Coffee Maker and found it to be a mixed bag. Its small size is great for tight spaces or travel, but it comes with some trade-offs.
The machine brews coffee quickly, which is nice when we’re in a rush. We like that it works with both K-Cups and ground coffee, giving us options. The included reusable filter for grounds is a nice touch.
Sadly, the build quality left us wanting more. The plastic feels cheap, and we had to be extra careful when handling it. The lid was tricky to close at first – we had to use some force to get it to snap shut.
We found the 14 oz water tank a bit small. It’s fine for one cup, but we had to refill it for each new brew. The auto shut-off is handy though, as we sometimes forget to turn off our coffee makers.
What We Love
- Works with K-Cups and ground coffee.
- Fast brewing time.
- Compact size.
Take Note
- Flimsy construction.
- Difficult to close lid.
- Small water reservoir.
When Buying a Single Serve Coffee Maker, Keep This in Mind
Choosing a single cup coffee maker can be tricky. We’ve put together some tips to help you pick the right one for your needs.
Size matters when it comes to these machines. Think about where you’ll put it in your kitchen. Measure the space to make sure it fits.
Water tank capacity is key. A bigger tank means fewer refills. But it also takes up more room. Pick what works best for you.
Brew strength options let you customize your coffee. Some makers have just one setting. Others let you choose how strong you want it.
Here are some features to look for:
- Auto shut-off for safety
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Compatibility with different pod brands
- Programmable brew times
Speed is another factor to consider when selecting the best coffee maker. Most single cup makers brew fast, but some are quicker than others.
Noise level can be important, especially if you make coffee early. Some machines are louder than others when brewing.
Think about how easy it is to clean. Removable parts make this job simpler. Some models even have self-cleaning cycles.
Price is always a factor when choosing the best single-serve coffee maker. Set a budget before you start shopping. Remember, more features often mean a higher cost.
Warranty length can give you peace of mind. Look for at least a one-year warranty on your new coffee maker.
Wrapping Up
Single cup coffee makers are a game-changer for many coffee lovers. We’ve looked at some great options that can brew a perfect cup just for you. These machines save time and cut down on waste. They’re also easy to use and clean.
Whether you want a simple push-button model or one with lots of features, there’s something for everyone. Some machines use pods, while others let you use your own ground coffee. This gives you more choices for your morning brew.
Remember to think about what matters most to you.
Do you need a fast cup on busy mornings? Or do you want to play around with different coffee strengths?
Your perfect single cup maker is out there waiting for you.
Mark has over 20 years of experience in the catering and hospitality sector. He takes his years of knowledge and expertise and applies it to critiquing coffee equipment and brewing gear.
Since the creation of the Bean Ground coffee blog in 2014, Mark Morphew and a small circle of coffee hobbyists have rigorously tested, reviewed, and researched coffee gear. In most cases, they have purchased the items themselves with the sole intention of rating and evaluating.
In that time, they have built up a list of quality points to look for and what makes specific equipment better than others. They cut through the noise and marketing hype that often surrounds products to give you their unbiased opinions so you can make clear decisions on your next purchase.
