The 10 Best Single Serve Coffee Makers
Aside from using a K-cup, brewing fresh coffee for one can be a struggle. Well, it *was* a struggle. We’ve found that today’s single servers are nothing like the ones we grew up with. Instead, these budget-friendly machines have new technologies that can make one hell of a good cup of joe, at home, and in under five minutes (watch out, Starbucks and Dunkin’). Plus, they can brew everything from espressos and cappuccinos to lattes and iced coffee—all in a single serving. So, read on for the 10 best single serve coffee machines that’ll give skeptics a run for their money.
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1. NESPRESSO VERTUOPLUS DELUXE COFFEE MAKER
Up first on our list is the VertuoPlus (aka the crème de la crème of single servers). It was given 97 points out of 100 in our PureWow100 review, and editor Angela Pares says, “Unlike the OG Nespresso machines, which only create espresso shots, the Vertuo line brews a full-range of single-serve espresso and coffee beverages (18 to 1.35 ounces)...Pop in the pod, push the button and you’re good to go. No, honestly, it’s that easy. The VertuoPlus line uses an intelligent extraction system that recognizes each pod, thanks to a barcode on the rim of the capsule. That means you don’t need to ever manually adjust the setting on the machine—the type of capsule dictates the brew and the drink size.”
2. MR. COFFEE SINGLE-SERVE ICED AND HOT COFFEE MAKER
For some, iced coffee should only be enjoyed during the warmer months. For others, it’s a necessity that we couldn’t live without (yes, even as we’re waiting for the car to heat up in the dead of winter). If you’re the latter, you need this machine. Not only can it produce a barista-worthy cup of iced coffee in seconds, but it also has a hot brew option (you know, for an S.O. who thinks iced coffee in January is a crime). “The best part of all is that it's so easy to use. All that's needed to make a big tumbler of iced coffee are water, ice, and coffee grounds. You simply drop a scoop-full of coffee grounds into the coffee filter at the top of the machine using a handy measuring spoon that comes with the device. Then, you fill a second compartment with water, the exact amount of which is helpfully labeled on the provided tumbler,” writes Marisa Petrarca in her review.
3. NINJA DUALBREW PRO COFFEE SYSTEM
Looking to splurge? This is your guy. Not only does the Ninja DualBrew Pro feature 13 different cup and carafe options (ranging from 4 ounces to 55 ounces), but you can also brew a classic cup, a rich cup, brew over ice or specialty drinks, like cappuccinos and lattes. For particularly challenging mornings, you can even pop in a K-cup or use a standard coffee filter before adding your grounds. Oh, and did we mention that it has a compact design that allows you to place the 60-ounce water reservoir on the side or back of the machine to optimize counter space? Here’s looking at you, tiny apartment-dwellers.
4. CUISINART GRIND-N-BREW SINGLE SERVE SYSTEM
Coffee connoisseurs, this one’s for you. This elegant, matte-black machine can deliver a Starbucks-worthy brew with its built-in blade grinder that automatically grinds whole beans into three beverage sizes—8-ounce, 10-ounce and 12-ounce. And, while we love having the option of brewing freshly ground coffee, this one is also compatible with any single-cup coffee pod (including Keurig's K-Cups) and allows you to use pre-ground coffee. A win-win for every kind of coffee lover.
5. ART & COOK SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKER
It’s hard not to think aww upon first glance of this adorable little coffee maker. Its compact, 5.52-inch by 9.44-inch size is ideal for small spaces, and it comes in three vibrant colors—pink, blue and black. But don’t let its tiny size fool you; this machine can quickly brew a delicious 10-ounce cup, and it’s compatible with K-Cups or pre-ground coffee. Plus, it features a simple one-touch control system and auto shut-off after brewing is finished.
6. JONATHAN ADLER K-MINI SINGLE SERVE K-CUP POD COFFEE MAKER
Speaking of chic designs—how current is this limited-edition Keurig designed by Jonathan Adler? You’ll be hard-pressed to find another appliance that’ll elevate your quartzite countertops like this one can. Plus, there’s a reason this K-mini coffee maker is a consistent best-seller; it’s effective, efficient and affordable, and it can deliver a steaming cup of coffee without all the bells and whistles. Just add water, pop in a K-Cup pod and press brew. And for $50? Sign. Us. Up.
7. KEURIG K-DUO SPECIAL EDITION COFFEE MAKER
And, of course, the king of all Keurigs. Perfect for large families, the K-duo offers the best of both worlds by including a brew a cup and a carafe that allows you to use both ground coffee and K-Cup pods. Now, you can fill your travel mug before you head out the door while still leaving an entire carafe of warm, delicious coffee for the entire fam—thanks to its heating plate. Plus, its 60-ounce water reservoir is shared between single serve and carafe brewing (which means fewer water refills for you), and its “Programmable Carafe Auto Brew” function allows you to set your preferred brew time up to 24 hours in advance.
8. BLACK+DECKER SINGLE SERVE COFFEEMAKER
Simple, affordable and compact, this no-fuss machine can brew both grounds and pods into the included 16-ounce thermal mug at the ideal temperature. One reviewer raves: “Because this machine does not have any fancy operations like brew strengths etc, I [also] bought a pricier, fancier coffee maker for my home. After having coffee from both, I wish I had bought two of these instead. The coffee from this little maker is so bold and rich, I end up having to use [less] grounds to make a delicious cup of coffee to start my day.”
9. HAMILTON BEACH FLEXBREW SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER
If you’re someone who can barely remember your name before caffeine, a machine with lots of bells and whistles probably sounds like your worst nightmare. Luckily, this coffee maker has over 12,280 ratings with an average of 4.5 stars, indicating it’s an easy-to-use machine that can brew up to 14-ounces of pod or pre-ground coffee. Just place your pod—or grounds— in the holder, lower the lid and press brew (or ‘bold brew’ for when you need a pick-me-up). One reviewer says, “The coffee quality is superb, and it is so quick and easy [to use]... I bought this little gem of a machine thinking I would be using it only for the occasional cup of pod coffee, but it has become my number one way of making coffee all day and every day. Kudos to Hamilton Beach for coming up with a simple, versatile and inexpensive way to make coffee.”
10. CHEFMAN INSTACOFFEE MAX
Last but not least, another affordable best-seller. This one can brew 6 to 14 ounces of fresh coffee with K-Cups or up to 3 ½ tablespoons of fresh grounds—all under 60 seconds. Not to mention, it’s super easy to use. Simply adjust its built-in lift to accommodate your mug size and press start on its seamless one-touch control. How’s that for piping hot coffee?
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