Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee machines are ideal for quick cups or Coffeee cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who are adamant about customization will likely want an appliance that can make an entire pot of drip coffee or espresso-style shots. These machines are also designed to reduce the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They use capsules that are recyclable or reusable.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a stunning machine that combines top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's among the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew. it supports K-Cups and ground coffee and hot tea and chocolate. The large and removable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before needing refills. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods, which could save you money in the long run.

It's easy to navigate, even having more buttons than any other Keurig. The top control panel features the power button, the settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu and an "strong" button and a hot water button and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. A large LCD display with color coded colors allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or refill.

Although the K-Elite is among our top Keurig models, it does have some negatives. For instance, it can be difficult to clean, because it doesn't have an adjustable drip tray, and the lid isn't secured. The spout also tends to create some splatter particularly when you use shorter travel mugs.

In our Coffee Makers Test Program we also tested the K-Elite and discovered that it performed well in most categories. It was above average in the first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency.

It was also among the fastest to heat water and brew cups, and it was also the least likely to produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite could not make a cup that was hotter than some of our top models. The iced coffee was also less flavorful than the strong coffee. The K-Elite is a fantastic choice to anyone who is looking for a single-serve machine. It is available at several retailers like Keurig, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It can be found for around $150. The K-Classic model is also an option if want a more affordable model. It costs a bit more than the Elite but isn't as expensive as some of our other top picks.

2. Black+Decker Single-Serve Espresso Maker

A single-serve machine gives you the convenience of a hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and compact than drip models which makes them a great fit for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They can also prepare a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate and are a great choice for busy families.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be one of the cheapest models on the market however it comes with a few key features that are worth considering. It uses an in-built filter that can accommodate ground coffee as well as pre-packaged soft coffee pods, and it comes with an auto-shutoff feature that turns the machine off after the brewing process has finished to save water and energy. It takes only a few minutes to brew a single brew coffee machines cup of coffee and comes with a thermos travel mug that fits most standard car-cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer).

In our tests, we discovered that the BLACK+DECKER can make an excellent cup of coffee in less than half the time required to make the average model. It also comes with functions that are normally reserved for more expensive brewers, such as an automatic start.

Its sleek, retro style is a great fit for anyone who appreciates an elegant look that is coordinated with other appliances in your kitchen and its light weight construction and water tank that is removable makes it easy to move. Our test subjects found it simple to operate and operated with a user-friendly menu and control panel that was simple to comprehend even for those with no previous experience using a single coffee machine-serve espresso machine. The brew speed in our tests was average and the machine was unable to reach 195degF within five or six minutes which is the industry standard for maximum flavor. The brew temperatures also were higher than other models we test, which could lead to burned or overheated grounds. However, despite these issues, the CM618 remains a great choice for those on a tight budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods and their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are a bit different than K-Cup or Keurig machines as they only use the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand divides 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, such as lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were designed to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and reused.

The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different sizes of drinks as well as intelligent capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing method. It has a sleek and modern design, and comes with a removable 37-ounce tank of water. It is user-friendly and comes with an automated system that ejects pods that are used inside a container that is built into the machine. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to preheat and will shut down after nine minutes.

In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 made an excellent cup. It had a nice crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without having to worry about burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to make 7,7 ounces, which was third-fastest of the models we tested. This isn't an issue however if you're familiar with brewing coffee fast in the morning, it could be a problem.

Overall the Nespresso XP371 is a great choice for coffee and espresso lovers who are looking to cut down on waste. Its design is more lavish than the typical pod brewer and is compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules which are more eco-friendly than K-Cups and other traditional pods available on the market. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules might make some consumers turn away.

If you don't have the money to purchase a top-rated single-serve pod coffee maker, but you still enjoy the convenience of using one-serve machines, we recommend checking out our top reusable coffee cups review. You can also make use of one of our top insulated cups to keep your coffee or tea warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has received thousands of favorable reviews from its users and comes with many useful features that many other models don't have. The price is affordable for a machine that is of high-end quality and features a sleek design to boot. However, some owners have reported this model as a fire risk and this is something that you should be aware of when you're considering purchasing it.

This fully automated coffeemaker comes with the ability to be programmed for 24 hours and you can program it to brew just one or four cups at a time, or the entire pot that holds 12 cups. The carafe has an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, thus enhancing the taste of the coffee. There's a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that interrupts the brewing cycle so that you can pour a cup, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean.

The controls are well-spaced and clearly marked. You'll be able to quickly determine the functions of each button. Other features include an automatic shutoff as well as an spout that is drip-free and has the knuckleguard. The coffee maker is very easy to use and its stainless steel brushed finish is beautiful on the countertop.

Some buyers have complained that the permanent gold toned wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This could be an issue for people who prefer paper filters. Some have also reported that they have difficulty getting the reservoir to fill up correctly due to a design flaw that forces water through a small hole in the back of the machine and into the filter.

Some people have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spits water and coffee grounds all over the counter while it is operating, but this is not a common occurrence. It's a great coffee maker for those who want a basic model that has many features that are convenient at a reasonable price.