- Quick Glance: What Is The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker?
- Best Single Cup Coffee Maker Reviews
- 1. Keurig K-Elite Brewing System – Best Overall
- 2. Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker – Best Customization
- 3. Hamilton Beach 49976 Flexbrew Coffee Maker – Best 2 Way Brewer
- 4. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker – Best For Specialty Drinks
- 5. Sboly Single Cup Coffee Maker – Best Value Pick
- 6. Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker – Best For Ground Coffee
- 7. Nespresso by De’Longhi ENV150GY VertuoPlus – Best For Espresso
- 8. AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker – Best Portable Single Cup Coffee Maker
- 9. Keurig K-Cafe – Best Single Cup Coffee Maker With Frother
- 10. Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine – Best Single Cup Coffee Maker With Grinder
- Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
- Who Needs A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
- Can I Make Different Drinks With A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
- How Do I Clean A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
- Final Word
Single cup coffee makers are convenient, quick and practical. Make sure the water reservoir is full, pop in a pod or reusable filter, hit a button and in a couple minutes you’ll be sipping your favorite coffee. It’s easy to understand why they’re one of America’s most popular brewing methods.
There are what seems like an endless amount of options on the market and it can be a daunting task when it comes to deciding on the best single cup coffee maker.
To help you find the best brewer for your personal needs we evaluated highly rated single serve coffee maker models from some of the most trusted brands including Keurig, Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, Ninja and Nespresso.
Below you’ll find reviews of the 10 best single cup coffee makers and a buyers guide to help you make the right purchase.
We want you to know this post contains affiliate links. If you click on a product and decide to buy it we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Glance: What Is The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker?
- Keurig K-Elite: Best Overall
- Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker: Best Customization
- Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker: Best 2 Way Brewer
- Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker: Best For Specialty Brews
- Sboly Single Cup Coffee Maker: Best Value Pick
Best Single Cup Coffee Maker Reviews
1. Keurig K-Elite Brewing System – Best Overall
The
At 75oz you won’t have to constantly fill the water reservoir, it’s removable for added convenience when you do.
Select from 5 brew sizes ranging from 4 to 12 ounces and hit the strong button when you’re looking for a bold cup.
The temperature control feature allows you to brew from 187-192 degrees Fahrenheit. This is right in line with the temperature range recommended by the National Coffee Association.
You can use the iced brew setting to make an iced coffee or use the hot water on demand button for oatmeal or soup. The hot water on demand is also handy if you prefer tea bags over K-Cups.
The K-Elite preheats in under one and a half minutes but, if that’s longer than you want to wait just use the auto-on feature to program what time you want the machine to turn on.
Once it’s on it can brew a cup of coffee in under a minute.
In addition to pods, you can also brew ground coffee in a reusable filter. The filter can be purchased separately.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| 75oz water reservoir | Can’t program to brew at a specific time |
| 5 brew sizes | Doesn’t come with a reusable filter |
| Iced brewing option | |
| Hot water on demand |
2. Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker – Best Customization
The
The LED control panel is user friendly with surprisingly little learning curve. Our favorite feature on the SS-10 is the ability to program the machine to start brewing at a specific time.
Use any coffee pods or the reusable coffee filter with ground coffee. No need to buy the filter separately, it comes with the machine.
You can choose from 5 different drink sizes and adjust the water temperature. Use the hot water button to make tea or other beverages.
The programmable rinse cycle is a unique selling feature and ensures there won’t be any flavor contamination in between each brew cycle.
The 72oz removable water reservoir will limit how frequently you need to take time out of your day to fill it up. The SS-10 comes with a charcoal filter that’s tucked away in a compartment on the right side of the machine.
The auto-off feature is very handy both for safety and energy efficiency.
You can buy with confidence, Cuisinart offers a 3 year warranty on the SS-10 single cup coffee maker.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| 72oz water reservoir | Noiser than other machines |
| Can be programmed to brew at a specific time | |
| Fast brewing time | |
| 3 year warranty |
3. Hamilton Beach 49976 Flexbrew Coffee Maker – Best 2 Way Brewer
The
The Flexbrew allows you to brew a single cup or on the opposite side use the glass carafe to brew up to 12 cups. Choose from two strength settings, regular or bold.
You can also decide whether you want to use pods or ground coffee. A pod holder and single serve brew basket are both included.
This machine offers the option to program your desired brew time up to 24 hours in advance.
It also has the coveted brew pause feature allowing you to remove the carafe and pour yourself a cup during the brewing process without any drips.
The biggest negative about the
If you’re looking for a single cup coffee maker that offers the flexibility to also use a carafe the
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| You can brew a pot of coffee into the carafe or use single serve cups | Can only use one side at a time |
| Can be programmed to brew at a specific time | Water reservoir for the single cup side of the machine only holds 10oz |
| Works with ground coffee of pods |
4. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker – Best For Specialty Drinks
It’s all in the name with the Ninja Speciality Coffee Maker. If you love coffeehouse style drinks keep reading.
This machine offers a size for literally anyone – 6 of them to be exact. Starting with a single cup and going all the way up to a full carafe. Have a travel mug? No worries, it has a size for that too. It even has an XL travel mug size.
Now for the speciality drinks. Make a classic or rich brew, iced coffee, or speciality drinks like lattes, macchiatos, or cappuccinos.
You can also transform hot or cold milk into the perfect froth with the built in frother.
If you’re over using pods or just want to do your part for the environment you’ll love that this machine does not take pods. Use your favorite ground coffee to make the perfect brew.
The Intelligent Warming Plate can remain on for up to 4 hours. Choose between the high or low temperature setting. By default the plate is set to remain on for 2 hours on the high setting.
This machine even has a clean button that will illuminate when a cleaning cycle is needed.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| 4 different brew types | Doesn’t brew true espresso |
| Built in frother | Big footprint |
| Dishwasher safe | |
| SCA certified |
5. Sboly Single Cup Coffee Maker – Best Value Pick
If you don’t need or want all the bells and whistles the
The water reservoir is 14oz and while that might be small this is meant to be a compact machine. You can fill the reservoir to your desired strength. The measurement marks range from 6-14oz.
You can easily choose between using a coffee pod or ground coffee, just push the button for which one you want. The filter for the ground coffee can hold up to ¾ cup of grounds.
This machine will also automatically turn off after brewing a cup of coffee and comes with a removable drip tray.
Cleaning is very easy, simply press 2 buttons and the machine will clean itself.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Works with pods and ground coffee | Slow brewing time |
| Small footprint | Doesn’t work with travel mugs |
| Great value | |
| 1-year warranty |
6. Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker – Best For Ground Coffee
If you’re looking for a single cup coffee maker that functions like a drip machine this compact, budget-friendly machine is worth adding to your short list.
This machine operates exclusively with ground coffee, no pods. Fill the mesh scoop filter with your favorite grounds, select from regular or bold and you’re off and running.
You’ll have to fill the water reservoir for each brewing session but, that’s to be expected with a compact design.
Use caution if grinding your own beans. The reusable mesh filter tends to let fine grinds through but you can supplement with a paper filter if you find it to be an issue.
Your 8oz cup will be ready in about 90 seconds and a 14oz travel mug in about 2.5 minutes.
The
This is a great option for a practical and eco-friendly single cup coffee maker.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Accommodates different cup sizes | Fine grounds can get through the mesh filter |
| Extremely user friendly | Prone to leak – be extra careful to not overfill |
| Compact design | |
| Easy to clean |
7. Nespresso by De’Longhi ENV150GY VertuoPlus – Best For Espresso
Nespresso’s are not cheap but they’re known for their top of the line performance and reliability both of which secure their place on our best single cup coffee makers list.
The VertuoPlus is an automatic coffee maker and espresso machine.
It offers the choice of 5 different cup sizes:
- 1.35oz Espresso
- 2.7oz Double Espresso
- 5oz Gran Lungo
- 8oz Coffee
- 14oz Alto Coffee
Nespresso’s technology shines using an intelligent extraction system that recognizes each capsule by reading a barcode. No need to adjust the settings, once the barcode is read the VertuoPlus adjusts the brewing parameters to deliver the very best in cup results.
You’ll enjoy coffee or espresso at the touch of a button.
The Nespresso Vertuo capsule system offers 16 brewed coffees and 10 espressos, you’re sure to find a favorite. The capsules are hermetically sealed for ultimate freshness and made of recyclable aluminum.
Nespresso offers a recycling program with drop off locations or use the recycling bag for your used capsules and pop it in the mail when it’s full.
The crema is naturally formed of coffee and air during the brewing process. It really makes you feel like you’re at a coffeehouse.
This machine also features a 40oz swivel water reservoir for a customized fit to your space.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| 19 bar pressure pump | Not programmable |
| Swivel water reservoir | Only compatible with Nespresso capsules |
| 2 year warranty |
8. AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker – Best Portable Single Cup Coffee Maker
The AdirChef Grab N’ Go is ideal for tiny spaces like dorm rooms or RV’s. This is the best single cup coffee maker if you’re looking for a compact no frills design.
With that comes the need to adjust your expectations to be in line with it’s insanely affordable price point. It’s all about function and less about features.
This machine is exclusively compatible with ground coffee and is equipped with a permanent filter.
As the name hints, if you like your coffee on the go you’ll find brewing directly into the included 15oz travel mug very convenient. It’s tapered to fit most vehicle cup holders and is well insulated.
You won’t have to worry about turning this machine off, it has an auto shut off that will take care of it for you.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Inexpensive | Only compatible with ground coffee |
| Dishwasher safe | Slow brewing time |
| Good for travel |
9. Keurig K-Cafe – Best Single Cup Coffee Maker With Frother
If you like the convenience of using coffee pods but also like frothy milk in your cappuccino or latte the
At the push of a button it can brew a regular cup of coffee or a concentrated coffee shot. Hit the strong button to give an extra boost to your cup in the morning or use the iced setting to cool off in the afternoon.
You’ll have 4 drink sizes to choose from ranging from 6oz to 12oz. In addition to coffee the K-Cafe can also make cocoa and tea.
The milk frother can froth fresh milk including skim, soy, and almond. It even features a cold setting for cold frothed milk.
We especially like that the frother will prepare hot or cold milk in under 2 minutes and it’s dishwasher safe. It even has a lid so that you can store any extra milk in the fridge.
Pro-Tip: put the lid on the frother if you want more froth or a thicker foam.
The removable 60oz water reservoir ensures you won’t constantly have to be filling up every time you brew.
The auto off feature will automatically shut the K-Cafe down 2 hours after the last brew for peace of mind and energy efficiency.
This is the best single serve coffee maker for anyone who wants speed and convenience while still being able to enjoy coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes.
It combines the coffee and speciality drink world into one seamless brewing experience at a surprisingly affordable price.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| User friendly with no learning curve | Not programmable |
| Fast brewing times | Slow brewing time |
| Highly versatile | |
| Compatible with K-Cups or ground coffee (K-Cup universal filter sold separately) |
10. Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine – Best Single Cup Coffee Maker With Grinder
We’ll start out by saying the
It’s like the Bentley of single cup coffee makers. If that’s not your thing you won’t want to waste your time reading this review.
The
The built in AromaG3 burr grinder has 6 levels and ensures your coffee is optimally ground every time. It doesn’t get any better than freshly ground beans.
You can choose from 8 different intensity levels and 12 programmable speciality beverages.
With the touch of a button this machine will automatically grind, compress, brew, and dispense the coffee you selected. You’ll have Barista quality coffee from the comfort of home.
The double spout allows you to brew two single servings of coffee at the same time.
You can literally brew fantastic drinks that in our opinion are better than any Starbucks we’ve been to at the push of a button from home.
This machine is the bee knees and it is the best single cup coffee maker money can buy but, it’s for someone who is serious about making the best coffee at home.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| 64oz water reservoir | Doesn’t fit a travel mug |
| Burr grinder | Requires regular maintenance for optimal performance |
| 10oz bean hopper | |
| One touch brewing with 12 drink options |
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
Brewing Versatility
Some single cup coffee makers come with features that make them extremely versatile while others are more budget friendly with less to offer.
Consider if you want your machine to provide brewing options in terms of size or strength. Some of the best single cup coffee makers can also brew specialty drinks or even have a milk frother.
Deciding on how much, or how little you want your machine to be able to do is an excellent first step is narrowing down your options.
Single use coffee pods, reusable filter, or whole beans:
Most single cup coffee makers are compatible with coffee pods or in Nespressos case coffee capsules.
The pods and capsules are pre-portioned and extremely convenient to use but, on the downside, they’re more expensive than ground coffee and they’re not good for the environment. Even those that are recyclable are not as eco-friendly as a reusable filter.
Some single cup coffee makers come with a reusable filter but, if the one you purchase doesn’t they’re inexpensive to purchase separately. Just fill it with your favorite ground coffee and wash it in between uses.
Our best single cup coffee makers list includes a machine with a built-in grinder and for that, you’ll want whole coffee beans.
The grind and brew machine will deliver the highest level of freshness and you won’t have pods to throw away or a reusable filter to clean.
Brewing Speed
Chances are if you’re always in a rush to get your cup of coffee you’ll want a machine that brews quickly.
If you’ve got time to spare a fast brewing speed may not be as important to you. There are single-serve coffee makers that can brew a cup in under a minute where others may take up to 3 minutes.
Water Reservoir
The size of the water reservoir and whether or not it’s removable are both worth considering. The larger the water reservoir the less it will need to be filled in-between brews.
If you only have one cup of coffee a day odds are you don’t need one that holds a large capacity but, if multiple cups are going to be brewed each day, factor in the time it will take to constantly fill one that’s on the small side.
Removable water reservoirs are more convenient both for filling and cleaning.
Size
Will your machine have a permanent home on your counter or do you want it to be portable?
The larger machines are not meant to be moved and will need to be set up in a space that accommodates their size including factoring in space to access the water reservoir.
If space or portability are a factor for you, there are a couple of options on our best single serve coffee makers list that will thrive in tight spaces or being transported from place to place.
Price
If you’re willing to spend more to get exactly what you want then it’s just a matter of determining your must haves and narrowing down the machine you like best from there.
If you’re on a tight budget then we recommend starting with the price and then working backwards.
Warranty
Some of the machines featured in our best single cup coffee maker review have extensive features and with that comes more parts that have the possibility of malfunctioning. All of the coffee makers we reviewed have at least a 1-year warranty and some go up to 3 years.
Who Needs A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
- Solo Coffee Drinker: if you’re the only person in your house who likes coffee a single serve coffee maker will avoid the waste that would occur from brewing an entire pot.
- Only Wants One Cup: even if you have another member in our household who likes coffee if you’re only into having one cup instead of multiples this is a great way to go.
- In A Hurry Coffee Drinker: single cup coffee makers will have your cup ready in a matter of minutes, some in less than a minute. They’re great for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time.
Can I Make Different Drinks With A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
You sure can but, it will depend on which machine you buy. Not every single cup coffee maker is capable of making tea, cocoa, or cappuccinos and lattes if you’re talking specialty drinks.
If a variety of drinks is high on your list make sure to verify a machine is capable of making them before your purchase.
How Do I Clean A Single Cup Coffee Maker?
Some coffee makers have a descaling function that will notify you when it’s time to descale. If yours doesn’t have that feature you’ll want to descale every 2-3 months depending on usage.
Check your manual for specific instructions. Most machines can be cleaned with a water and vinegar solution but, there are some single serve machines that cannot be descaled with vinegar so you’ll want to be sure before you begin.
Final Word
If you’re still not 100% sure which machine is best for you we’d go with the Keurig K-Elite. It’s our #1 pick overall for the best single cup coffee maker because of its versatility, competitive pricing, and out of the box functionality.
If you’re on a tight budget we’d go with the Sboly Single Cup Coffee Maker. It’s a no-frills machine and offers a ton of bang for your buck.
We hope this guide has given you all of the information you need to select the best single cup coffee maker that will compliment your lifestyle. Happy Brewing!
