Home » Misc » Best single brew coffee makers

Best single brew coffee makers


The Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Isn’t a Keurig)

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

  1. Kitchen
  2. Coffee
Photo: Michael Hession

Sign up for Wirecutter's Top Picks newsletter to get independent reviews, expert advice, and the very best deals sent straight to your inbox.

For roughly 62% of Americans, according to a 2020 survey, starting the day off right means starting with a cup of coffee. But for anyone who’s looking for just a single-serving fix—because you live alone, you don’t have space for a big coffee setup, or you’re the only coffee drinker at home—your options may seem limited to a Keurig machine (which yields subpar coffee) or a to-go order (which can get pricey).

Fortunately, you actually have several lower-cost ways to DIY delicious coffee for one. And figuring out which method will work best for you is really about just two things: “It’s up to the style and flavor of coffee you prefer, as well as whether you prioritize convenience or ritual,” says Wirecutter senior editor Marguerite Preston, who oversees our kitchen coverage. If you run out the door every day balancing a travel mug in one hand, you’re likely to prefer a time-saving appliance that does the work for you. But if you refuse to go anywhere before sitting and savoring a luscious morning cuppa joe, you’ll probably enjoy a more hands-on gadget that lets you craft your coffee just the way you like it.

To help you decide which coffee maker is best for you, we’ve rounded up all the gear we recommend that can produce a well-made, single cup of coffee, including an array of affordable, sustainable, space-saving choices that don’t involve purchasing a so-called “single-serve coffee maker.”

One more thing to keep in mind: “Most manufacturers measure a ‘cup’ of coffee at about 5 ounces, whereas the average coffee mug holds 10 to 12 ounces,” Marguerite says. So make sure your “one cup” isn’t actually two or more before committing to equipment with a smaller capacity.

Which single-serve coffee maker is best?

Get a French press if…

Our pick

Espro P3 French Press

The Espro P3, with its innovative filter, consistently brews bright, grit-free coffee.

Making coffee in a French press can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. If you’re in a rush, “you can just measure your grounds and hot water, dump them in, wait, and then drain it,” Marguerite says. Even though you first need to heat your water in a stovetop kettle or electric kettle, the actual brew time is only about four minutes, so it’s one of the fastest ways to make good coffee while being relatively hands-off.

With more patience and care, plus the right advice (video) and tools such as a kitchen scale, you can also use a French press to compose a more carefully balanced brew, which means the press can accommodate your changing tastes and habits. And if you occasionally find yourself making coffee for a crowd, a full-size French press can brew delicious batches big enough to serve three or four people (which is why we don’t recommend those teeny-tiny single-serve presses).

Because a French press relies on immersion brewing, with the grounds fully soaked in the water rather than the water dripping through the grounds, Marguerite adds, it tends to produce “a cup that is to some people richer-tasting, and to other people muddier-tasting” than what you get from pour-overs. You get some sludginess from fine grounds slipping past the press’s metal filter, which is why we recommend the Espro P3 French Press as our top pick. Its bucket-shaped, fine-mesh double filter does a superior job of keeping that sediment out of your cup, though it still can’t match the level of filtration you can get from a device that uses paper filters.

Speaking of muddy, you have to get your hands a little dirty to make daily use of a French press: You need to scoop wet grounds out of the vessel and wash it after every use. On the plus side, you never have to worry about running out of paper filters, and we’ve found in our testing that our French-press picks are built to last. Other than possibly needing to replace the press’s mesh filter every few years, you’re good to go.

Get a pour-over if…

Our pick

Kalita Wave 185 Dripper

The Kalita Wave’s flat bottom ensures the most even extraction—and the best-tasting coffee—of all the pour-over drippers we’ve tested.

Also great

Chemex Six Cup Classic Series

As gorgeous as it is usable, the Chemex makes several cups at once, and it produced a delicious, bright brew that our testers loved.

When you want to nerd out with a high-end, hands-on setup, pour-over is the way to go. “Pour-over is the only method that gives you full control over every variable: the amount of coffee grounds, the amount of water, the temperature of the water, and the rate at which you distribute the water over the coffee,” Marguerite explains. You need a small suite of accessories: a kitchen scale, a gooseneck kettle, paper filters, and, if you want a completely bespoke process, a grinder. Once you finish brewing your perfect cup, though, cleanup is pretty simple—because the grounds are contained in the paper filter, all you have to do is grab that from the pour-over and toss it into your garbage or compost.

Handled correctly, a pour-over can yield the most sophisticated joe. Due in part to its use of a paper filter and in part to the way water flows through the coffee grounds, “it produces a cleaner, brighter-tasting cup of coffee than a French press or a moka pot,” Marguerite says. “It’s also less concentrated and espresso-like than from a moka pot or AeroPress, yielding a full mug of true drip coffee. ”

We found in our testing that the best-tasting pour-over coffee is made by our top-pick dripper, the Kalita Wave 185. However, if you want something more visually pleasing, or if you want to be able to make more coffee at once, get the Chemex Six Cup Classic Series, an aesthetically gorgeous piece of equipment (it’s in the MoMA) that drips into its own carafe rather than straight into a mug.

Get a moka pot if…

Our pick

Bialetti Moka Express

This moka pot—which, of the four moka models we tested, comes closest to Alfonso Bialetti’s original design—has a classic look, is dead simple to use, and brews coffee as rich and flavorful as that of any model we tested.

The cult-fave, Art Deco–ish moka pot, almost entirely unchanged since its invention by an Italian engineer in the 1930s, is an example of inversion-style brewing. Instead of making water drip from the top down through the grounds, the pot forces the water upward from its lower chamber through the grounds as steam. This pressurized method is the closest you can get to making espresso without an actual espresso machine. (Though the resulting brew is a notch milder than true espresso, one expert we consulted for our moka pot guide describes it as “viscous and strong.”)

Marguerite describes the pot as “a coffee maker that’s as much about aesthetics and ritual as it is about flavor. ” Like the Chemex, the Moka Express is in the MoMA. And as with the French press, you should be able to go years without needing replacement parts for your moka pot.

Though you can fill a moka pot’s lower chamber with room-temperature water and use it as an all-in-one option, we recommend pre-boiling the water in a separate vessel to reduce the risk of scorching your coffee.

Get a cold-brew maker if…

Our pick

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

OXO's cold-brew coffee maker produced the strongest, boldest coffee of any model we tested. It's also easier to assemble than the competition.

If you tend to wake up 15 minutes before you need to be out the door, having a jug of cold-brew concentrate at the ready in your fridge can be a godsend. All you need to do is pour a couple of ounces into a cup and then mix with water and, if you want, milk, cream, or sugar. You can even make hot coffee if you swap in boiling water for cold or just nuke your diluted concentrate in the microwave.

Cold brew is another immersion style of coffee making, but it uses time (about 12 to 24 hours) rather than heat to extract flavor from the grounds. If you want to enjoy an artisanal style of coffee but you don’t consider yourself skilled at making it, our top-pick cold-brew coffee maker from OXO may be just what you’re looking for. It’s even more set-it-and-forget-it than a French press. Our testers found that the OXO cold-brew maker “produced a more consistent, flavorful cup of coffee” than other models, creating “balanced acidity, a stronger aroma, and a cleaner finish. ”

The OXO cold-brew maker can also store up to 32 ounces of concentrate, so you could technically make about two weeks’ worth of coffee with one batch. A cold-brew maker is also worth considering if you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from heartburn, as cold-brewed coffee is typically found to contain significantly less acid than coffees brewed through most other methods.

Get a Nespresso if…

Our pick

Nespresso Essenza Mini

The Essenza Mini makes the same espresso as $400 Nespresso machines but has a smaller footprint and no unnecessary features.

Fill a water tank, pop in a pod, press a button. That’s all the human input required to make coffee with our top-pick Nespresso machine, the slender and compact Nespresso Essenza Mini. Whereas other pod-style coffee makers deservedly get a bad rap (ahem, Keurig), we find that Nespresso machines produce comparatively better-tasting coffee with less wasteful packaging. (Nespresso pods are made from aluminum and therefore recyclable, including through the company’s recycling program.) Besides disposing of your pods, Marguerite notes, descaling the machine every three months or so is the only upkeep a Nespresso model needs.

Depending on your palate, though, using this method may still involve a trade-off of convenience for taste. In our Nespresso guide, we note that we “don’t love the flavor” of Nespresso’s espresso and espresso-based milk drinks, rating them as “drinkable,” which certainly falls short of lofty praise.

Get an AeroPress if…

Our pick

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

The lightweight, compact AeroPress is the simplest way to make an excellent-tasting single cup of coffee, no electricity needed.

You can use this plunger-style gizmo anywhere you can boil water. Aficionados like to do it in one of two ways: The traditional way is to fill its chamber with premeasured grounds and hot water, place the plunger on top, let it steep for a couple of minutes, and then plunge the resulting java juice into the cup. More advanced users often prefer what’s called the inverted method, which entails (among other nifty moves) standing the plunger on its head.

Either way, AeroPress coffee should take only about two minutes to brew, not counting the time necessary to boil water, so it’s one of the flat-out fastest devices for making great coffee quickly. However, unlike the French press’s more hands-off brewing, with an AeroPress you spend most of the time working (preheating all the elements with hot water, measuring, stirring, and so on) rather than waiting.

Though the AeroPress is an unassuming, small piece of equipment, it can actually make coffee in lots of different ways, and if you’re into that, you’re likely to make internet friends with fellow AeroPress-heads who say that it’s a toy as much as it is a tool. “You can find all kinds of recipes online that will allow you to make anything from an 8-ounce cup resembling drip coffee to something that resembles a concentrated shot of espresso,” Marguerite says.

The company also sells an AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press that comes with a scoop, paper filters, and a stirrer, all of which travels compactly, but its capacity is a little smaller than the original’s, and we find both models equally easy to take anywhere.

Get an espresso machine if…

Our pick

Breville Bambino Plus

Fast, small, and easy to use, the Bambino Plus impresses both beginners and experienced baristas with its consistent espresso shots and silky frothed milk.

If you insist that your morning coffee whisk you away to a cozy coffee bar in the Italian Alps (credit card be damned), only a true espresso machine will do. Nowadays, some of these gorgeous models of modern machinery are thankfully designed with newbie-friendliness in mind, although we still think a little practice is required before you can call yourself a barista.

Besides having the ability to brew a true cup of delicious espresso at home, the other big benefit of owning an espresso machine is that it’s a showstopper. Our top pick, the Breville Bambino Plus, allows you to “pull shots back to back in very little time,” Marguerite says, and the machine has an automatic milk-frothing function, making it easy for you to serve (and amaze) several guests relatively quickly.

Get a drip machine if…

Our pick

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker

A compact cousin to our top-pick drip coffee maker, the 8-cup OXO model brews slightly better coffee but lacks an auto-brew function. It’s the only drip machine we recommend that allows you to brew directly into a mug.

Though it may seem counterintuitive (and pricier than everything but the espresso machine), it is possible to make just one or two good cups of coffee using a drip machine. This method is also as automated as it gets: Add grounds and water to the machine, press the button, go do something else. One of our drip coffee maker picks, the OXO Brew 8-Cup, is ideal for this purpose because it allows you to swap out its carafe and just brew straight into your cup or mug, so it can flexibly accommodate your coffee-for-one habits. It even comes with a distinct, dedicated filter basket for brewing single servings, which creates a cup of coffee that’s not too far off from pour-over. We’ve also found that the 8-cup model makes a full pot of coffee faster than our top pick, the OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker, finishing in just over six minutes, and that the resulting brew even tastes a little better.

If you truly just want your coffee fast, cheap, and for your lips only, one of our cheap coffee maker picks, the petite Zojirushi Zutto Coffee Maker EC-DAC50, which has a 23-ounce capacity, may be your soulmate. As Marguerite puts it, “If your priority is just being able to press a button and have a machine brew you two or three cups at a time, I would get the Zutto.”

This article was edited by Alex Aciman and Marguerite Preston.

Meet your guide

Rose Maura Lorre

Rose Maura Lorre is a senior staff writer on the discovery team at Wirecutter. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, Salon, Business Insider, HGTV Magazine, and many more. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and lots and lots of houseplants.

Further reading

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

Dismiss

Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers 2023

If you live alone or are the only person in your household who drinks coffee, investing in one of the best single-serve coffee makers may be a better fit for your lifestyle than a traditional drip coffee maker. With standard coffee makers, you generally have to brew at least four cups at a time, which can result in a lot of daily waste if you don’t drink it all. Our top pick overall is the Cuisinart Single-Serve Reservoir Coffee Maker, a solid option that’s compatible with all brands of coffee pods and comes with a reusable filter cup for loose ground coffee.

The best single-serve coffee makers are a convenient and affordable brewing method if all you need ... [+] is a single cup of joe.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

“The main benefits of a single-serve coffee maker are its speed and ease of use compared to brewing a whole pot,” says Maryna Gray, director of coffee at Bean Box. “With single-serve, you'll always have a fresh, hot cup of coffee without having to reheat or drink coffee that's been sitting on a warmer for hours. Plus, it's a waste of coffee beans to make an entire pot of coffee if you're the only one drinking it.”

When it comes to choosing a single-serve coffee makers, there are a few different styles available these days. Most people are familiar with Keurig or pod coffee makers, which use pre-packaged pods to brew single cups of coffee. However, you can also find drip-style coffee makers that can brew one cup at a time, as well as pour-over coffee makers that work without electricity. There’s also been a rise in high-tech “super espresso” machines that can brew single servings of coffee, espresso and even make milk-based drinks. Whether you want to keep it basic and budget-friendly or go all-out on your new coffee machine, these are the best single-serve coffee makers worth considering in 2023.

Amazon

Cuisinart Single-Serve Reservoir Coffee Maker

Type: Drip/pod | Dimensions: 11 x 9. 33 x 12.13 inches | Water reservoir: 72 ounces 

If you want the option to alternate between K-cups, other pre-packaged pods and your favorite ground coffee, the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer is the way to go. It’s compatible with all brands of coffee pods, and it also comes with a reusable filter cup, which you can fill up with loose ground coffee. The machine is able to make 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-ounce beverages at the touch of a button, and its drip tray is removable, allowing you to brew directly into your favorite travel mug. 

To give you even more control over your morning cup of coffee, this single-serve machine offers adjustable brewing temperature, as well as a 24-hour programming feature. It’s equipped with a built-in water filter for better-tasting coffee, and there’s even an auto-rinse setting for easy cleaning.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Type: Pod | Dimensions: 9. 9 x 12.7 x 13.1 inches | Water reservoir: 75 ounces 

There are quite a few Keurig models available today, but for most people, the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker offers the right balance of features and value. This pod-style coffee maker works with the brand’s K-cups, and you have your choice between 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-ounce cup sizes. In addition to hot coffee, the machine can also make iced coffee, and there’s even a “Strong Brew” button if you need an extra jolt of caffeine. 

This Keurig has a large 75-ounce water tank that lets you brew up to eight cups before refilling and the drip tray is removable to accommodate travel mugs. It even offers several programmable settings, such as adjustable temperature control and a high-altitude mode. 

While many people choose Keurigs for the convenience of K-cups, the brand does have the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter, which allows you to use your own ground coffee in the machine. Just keep in mind that this accessory is sold separately.  

Pros:

Cons: 

Amazon

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Type: Super espresso machine | Dimensions: 17.05 x 9.69 x 14.61 inches | Water reservoir: 60 ounces 

Most coffee experts—Gray included—will tell you that freshly ground beans are the key to a better-tasting brew. To ensure you have fresh grounds for every drink, the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine has a built-in bean hopper and grinder with 12 different settings. 

This high-end machine is able to make five different drinks—fresh coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and americanos—and it automatically grinds fresh beans for every cup. You’re able to select the brew strength and drink size for each beverage, and the coffee maker’s unique LatteGo frothing system automatically creates silky smooth foam to top your drink.  

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

Keurig K-Café Smart Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Type: Pod | Dimensions: 12.1 x 11 x 17.2 inches | Water reservoir: 60 ounces 

The Keurig K-Café Smart Coffee Maker is one of the brand’s most advanced models, featuring Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in milk frother. This pod-style coffee maker is able to automatically make fresh coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, all based on the pod you insert into the machine, and its frother features three different speeds, as well as the option to make hot or cold foam. 

This Keurig also offers more customization options than standard models. There are five brew strength and six temperature settings, and if you connect it to the Keurig app, you’ll get access to step-by-step directions for making a variety of signature drinks.  

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

Aeropress Original Coffee And Espresso Maker

Type: Coffee press | Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches | Water reservoir: N/A 

It may not look like much, but many coffee experts swear by the Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker. This compact, portable single-serve coffee maker is simple to use—just add your favorite ground coffee to the press, then pour in hot water and stir. In less than a minute, you’ll be able to press the plunger, creating a surprisingly smooth, full-flavored 8-ounce cup of coffee. The press has unique microfilters that keep grit out of your drink, and you can even use the device to make cold brew. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight form, the Aeropress is ideal for use in the office, while traveling or even when you’re camping off-the-grid.  

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

OXO Brew Single-Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Type: Pour-over | Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5.5 inches | Water reservoir: N/A 

Even if you’re new to using a pour-over coffee maker, the OXO Brew Pour-Over takes all the guesswork out of the process. This convenient unit is extremely budget-friendly, and it’s designed to sit right over your coffee mug. All you have to do is line it with a cone-shaped filter and add your favorite coffee grounds. From there, attach the water tank and pour in up to 12 ounces of hot water. The auto-drink tank lets the water flow down at the perfect pace, resulting in delicious balanced coffee every time. Plus, when you’re finished, all the pieces can be popped in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.  

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

GSI Outdoors Collapsible Java Drip Coffee Maker

Type: Pour-over | Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches | Water reservoir: N/A

The GSI Outdoors Java Drip Collapsible Pour-Over Coffee Maker was designed with campers in mind—the lightweight silicone form collapses down into a convenient 1-inch disc, making it easy to stash in any bag. To make a cup of coffee, simply set the pour-over on top of your cup or travel mug and line it with a cone-shaped filter. Because of its larger shape, you can even use the pour-over to make multiple cups of coffee at once. 

The Java Drip’s unique flange makes it easy to center the device over your mug, and it also helps to prevent spills while you’re brewing. All that, and it’s extremely inexpensive, too. 

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker

Type: Drip | Dimensions: 8.75 x 11.99 x 15.04 inches | Water reservoir: 40 ounces 

If you want the option to brew a full carafe of coffee, as well as a single cup, the Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker can do both. This versatile machine actually offers six brew sizes in total: a single cup, extra-large cup, travel mug, multi-serve travel mug, half carafe or full 10-cup carafe. You also have the choice between four different brew styles, including classic, rich, over ice or specialty brew. No matter how you like your coffee, this machine will deliver.

That’s not all, either. The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker has a fold-away milk frother that can make warm or cold milk froth for your drinks, and the majority of its components are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.  

Pros:

Cons:

What To Look For In A Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Considering adding a single-serve coffee maker to your home kitchen? While considering the various models out there, keep these factors in mind to ensure you pick the right one for your household.

Style

There are several types of single-serve coffee makers available today, all of which have their own benefits. If you want an electric model, there are traditional drip models, as well as units that use coffee pods. Drip models allow you to use your own coffee grounds, while pods are quick and convenient to use, as there’s no measuring or filters needed. For those who like espresso-based drinks, there are also high-end machines that can make single servings of coffee, lattes and more.

However, there are also a few styles of manual single-serve coffee makers. Pour-overs are a popular option for making just one cup of coffee, as they’re simple to use and often give you the ability to adjust brew strength and steep time to meet your tastes. Coffee presses are another option that allow you to make one cup at a time, and they’re usually small, lightweight and portable.

Coffee Options

The quality of your coffee beans or grounds has a direct impact on the quality of your brew, so you’ll want to consider what type of coffee you can use with your new machine. Some high-end machines have built-in grinders, allowing you to use whole beans, while others use filters and ground coffee or pre-packaged coffee pods.

In particular, coffee pods are the most limiting option—even though they’re convenient. “If you want a pod machine, look for one that can work with reusable pod cups, so you can brew your own specialty beans,” recommends Gray. “It is hard to find good quality coffee in pod format, and these tend to be more expensive, too.”

Features

Manual coffee makers generally have a very basic design with little to no extra features, but if you splurge on a high-end electric model, it may come with the ability to customize your brew. Some single-serve coffee makers allow you to adjust the brew strength and water temperature, and certain machines even have an option to brew iced coffee.

If you’re looking at extremely high-end models, you’ll find that some single-serve coffee makers have the ability to make espresso and other drinks: “A push-button espresso machine for the home isn't cheap, but that coffee will taste better than most single-serve drip brews,” says Gray. Some espresso machines even have built-in milk frothers for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.

Is It Worth Buying A Coffee Pod Machine?

Coffee pod machines can be quite polarizing—some people love them while others don’t like them at all. The main benefits of coffee pods is that they’re quick and easy to use. You simply select the pod you want, pop it into the machine and start brewing. Just like that, you’ll have a fresh cup of coffee in a matter of minutes. Plus, there are a wide range of coffee pods available today, including options from many of the top coffee brands, like Starbucks and Dunkin.

However, if you’re discerning about your coffee, a pod machine may not live up to your expectations. Because they brew so quickly, coffee pods typically result in a less flavorful drink.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Single-Serving Coffee Pods?

One of the main criticisms of single-serve coffee pods is the waste created. The plastic pods are designed to be thrown away after a single use, which results in a lot of non-recyclable trash if you’re drinking one or more cups a day. “Pod-based coffee has its own waste built-in, but there are reusable pod baskets available on market,” explains Gray.

Further, coffee pods simply don’t deliver the same flavor that drip coffee machines do. “The main downside to single-serve is that the taste and quality of the coffee is generally lower,” says Gray. “Many pod and single-serve brewers brew at a lower temp so the end cup is at a safer temperature, which can mean the coffee is going to be a little under-extracted.”

TOP-7 best coffee makers with a coffee grinder: rating from MOYO.

ua And what, now to buy a coffee grinder? Not necessarily: here you can find the TOP 7 excellent coffee makers with built-in coffee grinders with a story about why they are good.

Spoiler: top devices are able to please not only with aromatic drinks, but also with interesting additional functions. This rating will help you make a choice in favor of the best option.

SAECO LIRIKA BLACK

This device can become not only a home barista, but also an office barista. It is the best fit for those who dream of delicious coffee and do not want to spend time caring for the appliance.

The model is not just a coffee maker, but a coffee machine: it is durable, roomy and functional, and also independent. More than one and a half liters of water can be poured into its tank, and up to 350 grams of grains can be poured into the container.

Good to know: TOP 10 best automatic coffee machines for home: rating from MOYO.UA

3 nice qualities:

  1. It will do what you need: a top coffee maker will prepare a drink of exactly the strength that its owner wants. Her coffee grinder will grind the beans just right. You can also choose the serving size and brewing temperature, and it can also prepare two cups at a time.
  2. In addition to classic espresso, he can make cappuccino and tea. Cooks in cups up to 145 mm high: the dispenser rises and falls.
  3. You won't need to bother too much with washing SAECO LIRIKA BLACK: there is an indicator on the cake container - it will tell you when it's time to clean it. Also, the coffee machine itself eliminates scale and flushes the system, only it needs help - add a special liquid.

DELONGHI ESAM 2600

This is a real coffee machine: its owner will receive a chic set of functions and will be able to enjoy the rich aroma of various coffee drinks. And with it you can pamper a friend with a delicious drink - the device is able to prepare two servings at once.

This capacious machine with a coffee grinder has two compartments: for water - almost two liters, and for coffee - 200 grams will fit. It is convenient that the height of the dispenser of this DELONGHI can be adjusted, so it is not necessary to prepare coffee in small espresso cups: glassy glasses or tall cappuccino cups will also fit.

What you like:

See also: TOP 9 best carob coffee makers for the home

RUSSELL HOBBS 20180-56 ILLUMINA

Pros:

DELONGHI ESAM 3200 S

Making the best coffee in one click is possible with this machine. The top model can brew both from ground coffee (a coffee grinder is built into it) and from pressed coffee - in “pills”.

Note: ESAM 3200 S has a milk frother.

Top 5 features:

  1. It is impossible to damage the device by turning it on without water: the indicator will show when it is time to fill the 1.4-liter container with water.
  2. Cooks what you want: can grind grains in different ways (it has 13 grinding levels).
  3. Saves a lot of electricity: if the coffee maker is idle for 20 minutes, it will turn itself off.
  4. Easy and quick to clean: removable parts can be easily washed under running water. And the device eliminates scale in tandem with a special tool.
  5. You can't forget to throw away the grounds - there is an indicator on the coffee grounds container. He will tell you when to empty it.

It will come in handy: TOP 8 best drip coffee makers

REDMOND RCM-M1505S

This drip version seems to be created for those who not only appreciate the impeccable taste of coffee, but also love technology: a “smart” coffee maker can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet.

Note: with grinder will prepare fresh, aromatic coffee for several people - it comes with a half-litre coffee pot.

How the model deserved a place in the ranking of the best:

DELONGHI ECZ 351 BG

This three-filter device works well with both regular, loose and pressed coffee pods. Thanks to the built-in coffee grinder, the drink always turns out to be fragrant, with a rich taste.

Note: three-filter coffee maker can brew two cups of coffee at once.

Attractive features:

The secret to great espresso is to warm the cups before brewing coffee. This device can do that.

0009

Vintage model is the best option for fans of retro style. But this coffee maker is not good looking. The device got into the rating of top models due to the fact that it brews delicious espresso and helps to make cappuccino. And he also “lives” for a long time, because he was protected from overheating.

Note: carob model can make two portions at once.

Why this coffee maker is a worthy choice: 4 reasons

  1. Cooks deliciously: it has a coffee grinder, and only just crushed beans are the key to an aromatic drink. The tray is heated: espresso in heated cups tastes better. In addition, it will not allow the already prepared drink to cool down ahead of time.
  2. Cappuccino froth just the way you like it: the power of the steam jet is adjustable.
  3. Works with different coffees: ground and tablet.
  4. Don't waste your money: if ECOV 311 GR is not used for 9 minutes, it will turn off automatically. Thanks to this, you can not worry that something will happen to it if the user forgets to turn it off.

Interesting read: Top 8 espresso coffee makers: pod coffee maker rating

Any coffee maker included in the top seven will be a worthy choice. They all make great coffee. Fans of technological inventions will love the RCM-M1505S – a “smart” coffee maker with coffee pot heating can be controlled from a smartphone. For those who need a professional home barista, the DELONGHI ESAM 3200 S is suitable. The top device not only cooks deliciously, but will descale itself if you give it a special cleaner.

Top 8 Single Shot Coffee Makers in 2022

At a Glance:

  • Best Overall: Keurig K-Elite
  • Best value for money: Koerig K-Classic
  • BUDGET PICK: Black + Decker Single Serving Coffee Maker

What to look for when choosing the best single-cup coffee maker

The single-cup coffee maker market is huge and growing. The good news is that this means there are more options to suit your needs and your budget. The downside is that this can make it difficult to choose a machine. To help you with that, here are some things you should keep in mind before buying a single serving coffee maker.

Product Read more Button
Best Overall Keurig K-Elite
  • Water tank: 75 oz
  • Dimensions: 13.1 x 9.9 x 12.7 inches
  • Beer with: K-Cups, My K-Cup
View on Amazon
Best for ground coffee Hamilton Beach
  • Water tank: 14 oz.
  • Dimensions: 8.4 x 6. 7 x 8.7 inches
  • Preparation: ground coffee
WATCH ON AMAZON
The best ratio of price and quality Koerig K-Classic
  • Water tank: 48 oz
  • Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.8 x 13 inches
  • Beer with: K-Cups, My K-Cup
WATCH ON AMAZON
Best for small kitchens Keurig K-Mini
  • Water tank: 12 oz.
  • Dimensions: 12.1 x 4.5 x 11.3 inches
  • Beer with: K-Cups, My K-Cup
WATCH ON AMAZON
Budget selection Single serving Black + Decker coffee maker
  • Water tank: 16 oz
  • Dimensions: 7. 4 x 5.9 x 12.1 inches
  • Preparation: coffee grounds, ESE 9 capsules0024
View on Amazon
The best for espresso lovers DeLonghi Nespresso Pixie
  • Water tank: 24 oz.
  • Dimensions: 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inches
  • Preparation: Nespresso capsules
View on Amazon
The best travel mug AdirChef Grab N' Go
  • Water tank: 15 oz
  • Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.1 x 10.1 inches
  • Preparation: ground coffee
View on Amazon
Best for camping AeroPress coffee and espresso maker
  • Water tank: 8 oz.
  • Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 9.5 inches
  • Machine type: Manual
WATCH ON AMAZON

Keurig K-Elite

Best Overall

  • Water tank: 75 oz
  • Dimensions: 13.1 x 9.9 x 12.7 inches
  • Beer with: K-Cups, My K-Cup

View on Amazon

Hamilton Beach

Best for ground coffee

  • Water tank: 14 oz
  • Dimensions: 8. 4 x 6.7 x 8.7 inches
  • Preparation: ground coffee

WATCH ON AMAZON

Koerig K-Classic

The best ratio of price and quality

  • Water tank: 48 oz
  • Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.8 x 13 inches
  • Beer with: K-Cups, My K-Cup

WATCH ON AMAZON

Keurig K-Mini

Best for small kitchens

  • Water tank: 12 oz
  • Dimensions: 12.1 x 4.5 x 11. 3 inches
  • Beer with: K-Cups, My K-Cup

WATCH ON AMAZON

Single serving Black + Decker coffee maker

Budget selection

  • Water tank: 16 oz
  • Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.9 x 12.1 inches
  • Preparation: coffee grounds, capsules ESE

View on Amazon

DeLonghi Nespresso Pixie

The best for espresso lovers

  • Water tank: 24 oz
  • Dimensions: 4. 4 x 12.8 x 9.3 inches
  • Preparation: Nespresso capsules

View on Amazon

AdirChef Grab N' Go

The best travel mug

  • Water tank: 15 oz
  • Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.1 x 10.1 inches
  • Preparation: ground coffee

View on Amazon

AeroPress coffee and espresso maker

Best for camping

  • Water tank: 8 oz
  • Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 9. 5 inches
  • Machine type: Manual

VIEW ON AMAZONE

Capsules, pods or ground coffee

What you put in your coffee maker will be one of the biggest factors influencing what kind of coffee you get out of it. We are not only talking about the choice between coffee and espresso, but also about the quality of the coffee. But isn't that the most important thing?

Capsules – Think of a one-shot coffee maker and you most likely think of a capsule machine. It's these prepackaged containers that make single serving brewers so quick and convenient. All you need to do is insert the capsule and press the button. It also makes making coffee easier, even for people with no experience.

However, there are some disadvantages. First, you can only use coffee pods that are compatible with your particular machine. This limits your choice of coffee and also adds to the cost. Secondly, quality. Coffee is best within 30 minutes of being ground, so any capsule you put in your machine will be long overdue (1).

Capsules are often referred to as pods and single dose machines are even sometimes referred to as pod machines, but keep in mind that these are not the same thing.

Beans – ESE (easy serve espresso) capsules consist of a portion of pre-ground coffee pressed between paper filters. They look like tea bags, but instead of dipping them into a cup, you pop them into a coffee maker. ESE coffee pods were originally developed for use in espresso machines, so they are capable of making a real espresso with rich flavor. But in the end, they suffer from the same problem: they're not exactly fresh.

You may also come across something known as soft pods, which are similar to ESE pods but not as tightly packed.

Ground coffee - Freshly ground coffee will make you the most delicious drink. Using your own coffee also gives you a much larger selection of beans than if you were using prepackaged capsules or coffee pods. But ground coffee has one major downside when it comes to using a single-serve coffee maker - it's inconvenient. The need to grind coffee before every cup, as well as the mess involved in cleaning up coffee grounds, is one of the reasons pod coffee machines remain so popular.

If you don't like capsules, but grinding grains seems too laborious, consider a machine with an integrated grinder.

Environmental impact

One thing that should not be overlooked is the environmental impact of capsule or capsule machines. The nature of single-serve brewing means that every coffee you brew requires some sort of prepackaged grounds, which creates waste with every cup. As of late 2021, both Nespresso and Keurig offer recyclable capsules, but only because they are can be recycled does not mean they are.

…of the 39,000 capsules produced worldwide every minute, 29,000 end up in landfills.

wire cutters

Aluminum Nespresso capsules must be sent back to the company for recycling, while Keurig K-Cups must be manually de-grounded and then separated into aluminum and plastic parts before they can be responsibly disposed of.

For those who already own a capsule machine but want to reduce waste, Nespresso and Keurig offer reusable capsules. These are plastic or metal capsules that can be filled with your own coffee grounds, although they are not compatible with all models.

The paper filter used in the ESE containers is biodegradable, so these single serving options can be added to the compost - this is one of their advantages. What is usually not stated, however, is that in order to keep the coffee as fresh as possible, many brands of coffee pods are individually wrapped in plastic.

Size

One advantage of single shot coffee makers is that they tend to be more compact than those brewed in carafes. This is useful for use in small kitchens, or even for people who don't want to set aside a lot of table space for their brewing.

These coffee makers are all designed to brew one cup at a time, but that doesn't mean they're designed the same way. The smallest will have a tank that only holds water for one cup of coffee. This makes them very compact, but the downside is that you will need to refill them before each brew. If you prefer not to top up every day, you can sacrifice less footprint for a larger water tank.

Versatility and ease of use

Maybe you're not the only coffee drinker in our house, or maybe you just like to mix things up from time to time. If so, you'll need a single-serve coffee maker that has options to customize your drink. The most common settings you'll see on individual servings are cup size and brew strength, but more expensive models may also let you program the brew temperature or time to turn on automatically.

Just keep in mind that the more functions you add, the more steps it takes to make coffee. If the amount of energy you have first thing in the morning is just the push of a button, then a simpler machine might be better for you.

For maximum convenience, you can also view machines that can be controlled from your smartphone. Some are even SCAA-certified.

The best single-serve coffee makers will have features such as a removable water tank and dishwasher-safe parts for ease of use and cleaning. And, like all coffee makers, they require descaling, but with a water filter, you can extend the time between cleanings.

Best Single Shot Coffee Makers

Whether you choose capsules, pods or ground coffee, there is a machine for you. Here are some of the best single serving coffee maker options we've tried.

1. Keurig K-Elite - Best Overall

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZON

Keurig K-Elite, one of the most versatile and feature-rich single serving coffee makers on the market, is a step up from the K-Classic in many ways. At the same time, it retains Keurig's characteristic ease of use. It's still a great choice for a quick coffee brew thanks to a brew time of less than a minute. But it also has some extra bells and whistles to justify its higher price.

Single shot coffee makers often don't have a lot of options for customizing your drink, but that's what sets the K-Elite apart. You can program the brew temperature from 187° to 192° and you have the choice of regular or strong brew. There is also an iced coffee function that allows you to prepare concentrated coffee suitable for pouring over ice. The brew time is less than a minute, but if you don't like to wait, you can program the K-Elite to turn on automatically at a specific time.

K-Elite comes in five different cup sizes, from 4 oz to huge 12 oz. Depending on which cup size you choose, you'll be able to make about eight cups of coffee before filling up the machine, thanks to the large 75-ounce water tank.

Other handy features include a hot water button for making tea, soup or even oatmeal.

The drip tray is removable for easy cleaning and also fits large cups and mugs. It can hold a whole serving of coffee, so it's less likely to overflow. For deeper cleaning, the machine will alert you when it's time to descale.

For a one-shot coffee maker with even more features, including a milk frother, you might want to consider the Keurig K-Cafe.

2. Hamilton Beach - Best for ground coffee

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZONE

While most single-serve coffee makers rely on pods of some sort, The Scoop uses ground coffee. The need to grind your own beans will eliminate some of the conveniences that characterize a single shot coffee maker, but the quality of the freshly ground bean coffee makes up for it.

"In the long run, it's cheaper than capsule-based coffee makers, which is always something to consider."

Brian, Aromacup.com

This single shot coffee machine also restores a few convenience points thanks to speed. It can make a standard 8oz cup of coffee in less than 90 seconds and fill a 14oz travel mug in about 2 minutes. This is perfect if you want to brew and run.

Scoop offers versatility in beverage preparation without any complicated functions. The amount of water you add to the tank corresponds to the amount of coffee the machine will dispense. Similarly, you fill the strainer with exactly the amount of soil you want to use, although there are a few measuring lines for reference.

The only button you need to press is the "regular" or "bold" brew option. The button in bold prints the hot water at a slower rate to give it more time to contact the ground coffee, resulting in a stronger cup of coffee. However, this will increase the brewing time.

Permanent filter means no paper type needed so you don't have to deal with any extra waste other than your coffee grounds. And with automatic shutdown after a brew cycle, you'll also save energy.

3. Köhrig K-Classic - Best value for money

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZON

For most people, single shot coffee maker means Keurig Machine, with these coffee makers installed in about a third of US homes (2). The Keurig K-Classic coffee maker sits in the middle of the brand's extensive lineup, and even with the release of more high-tech machines, it continues to be a bestseller (3).

It is fast, brewing time is about one minute. And its ease of use is hard to beat. Put on the K-Cup, press the button, and in a few moments you are drinking one of over 75 different brands and 400 varieties of coffee. This is a good car for those who don't want to mess around with too many settings. The only options here are your drink sizes: 6 oz, 8 oz, or 10 oz cups. You can make a difference by using your own ground coffee in the reusable My K-Cup, sold separately.

This one-shot coffee maker has a large, removable water tank that holds 48 ounces, enough for about six cups of coffee before you have to worry about refilling. It's also relatively easy to clean. It has a removable drip tray, but it doesn't have a descaling feature, so you'll need to clean it regularly with vinegar if your tap water is hard.

All in all, this is a great all-around one-shot coffee maker for the money, perfect for a busy morning or small office.

4. Keurig K-Mini - Best for small kitchens

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZON

Once the smallest Keurig coffee maker on the market was the Mini K-15 - the best option for those with limited space. The K15 has unfortunately been discontinued, but the good news is that the Keurig K-Mini that replaces it is not only thinner, but also something of an upgrade.

Despite being smaller, the K-Mini has a slightly larger water tank. At 12 ounces, that's not a lot, but it means you can now brew enough for a travel mug. The drip tray has also been adapted to accommodate the new size of drinks - after removing it, you can place a 7-inch travel mug underneath.

It is designed to be refilled after every coffee, and the amount you add determines the strength and volume of your drink. Unlike larger Keurig machines, it does not have a removable water tank.

Aside from the amount of water you use, there are no options for customizing your drink with the K-Mini, but this can be one of the joys of a one-shot coffee maker. You simply add the K-Cup, press the brew button, and in less than two minutes you have your drink. And with an automatic shutdown function that works after 90 seconds, you don't even have to remember to turn it off.

5. Black + Decker single serving coffee maker - Budget choice

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZON

Here's another small brewery that won't take up much counter space or money in your bill. You may wonder what a power tool company does by making coffee machines, but don't worry, Black + Decker has also been making kitchen appliances since the 1980s.

The result of many years of experience is an excellent small coffee maker without the premium price tag associated with models of more famous coffee brands.

It is ideal for small apartments or common areas such as dorms due to its small footprint. It's also great for the morning after last night, as you just need to press one button to get a nicely brewed cup of coffee.

The filter basket fits both ground coffee and ESE pods, making this the only coffee maker on the list that works with them. As with the Hamilton Beach Scoop, the strength and amount of coffee is determined by the amount of ground coffee and water you add – capacity up to 16 oz.

What we think makes the Black + Decker an ideal machine for an early start (and great value for money) is the inclusion of a stainless steel thermo mug. The 16oz mug fits under the spout so you can go right in and out the door. It's even designed to fit in your car's cup holder.

Considering the price, size and convenience, this is one of the best budget coffee makers. Whether you are a student or moving into your first apartment, this coffee maker is for you.

6. DeLonghi Nespresso Pixie - The best for espresso lovers

Features

VIEW ON AMAZON

Keurig may be the market leader in personal coffee machines in the US, but Nespresso reigns supreme in other countries (4). While Keurig mimics drip coffee, Nespresso coffee makers create an espresso-style drink.

Pixie delivers rich, concentrated shots with a 19 bar pump that outperforms anything an espresso needs (5). If the coffee is too strong for your taste, there is also a button for making lungo coffee, which requires twice as much water. Also, there is no way to customize your coffee, the focus here is on convenience and speed.

What we like about this car is its speed. It goes from cold to brew-ready in 25-30 seconds, and thanks to the fuser heating system, it can brew coffee in just 25 seconds (6).

Pixie is easy to clean as the capsules are automatically ejected into the interior and the fold-down drip tray helps avoid spillage. Plus, it has a 9-minute auto-off so you don't have to worry if you forget to turn it off yourself. But you don't need to turn it on again after every cup.

If you love espresso every morning but don't want to pay the hefty price for a full espresso machine, this is a great way to go.

7. AdirChef Grab N' Go - Best travel mug

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZON

As the name suggests, AdirChef Grab N' Go is for people who want to drink coffee on the go. Included is a dishwasher safe 15 oz travel mug that fits snugly into the coffee maker instead of the usual glass carafe so you can brew coffee straight into it.

The mug itself is insulated from stainless steel, so you can continue to enjoy hot coffee for hours. It features a leak-proof lid, soft-touch silicone band for extra grip, and a tapered base that fits most cup holders.

Even if you don't plan to take your coffee anywhere, this is still a great little coffee machine. The small size means it will fit in almost any kitchen, and with one-button start, you can brew coffee without a second thought.

Grab N' Go uses only coffee grounds, so you will need to grind the beans yourself or choose a pre-ground material. The advantage of this is that you can choose any coffee you like and adjust the strength of your coffee by adding more ground coffee to the cart. The built-in fine mesh filter eliminates the need for paper filters, so you don't have to worry about waste.

The fact that it's electric means it's not suitable for camping, but it's small and light enough to pack in your suitcase for a weekend or business trip.
If you want your coffee hot but don't have to go anywhere, check out our guide to the best insulated jug coffee makers.

8. AeroPress coffee and espresso maker - Best for camping

Specifications

VIEW ON AMAZON

The AeroPress is a favorite among travelers as one of the most portable coffee makers but is often overlooked as an alternative to the single serving coffee maker. But we think it's doing a disservice to this little brewer.

Unlike other manual brewing methods such as dipping, the AeroPress does not require special equipment such as a flexible neck kettle. It's also a faster process than you might expect. Once you boil the water, the standard espresso-style coffee brewing method will take less than a minute (7).

Consists of only three pieces of Bisphenol plastic, there are no settings to adjust. But it's one of the most versatile things you can own. There are countless AeroPress espresso and coffee recipes to get you French press style for a cold drink and even a concentrate that can be diluted when you're brewing a beer for friends.

Cleaning the AeroPress is very easy. The grounds used form a hard, dry puck that can be thrown out of the chamber with a characteristic pop. After that, the parts of the machine just need to be rinsed quickly.

Compared to other single serving coffee makers on this list, it has the disadvantage of having to boil water separately. But that's what makes it good for camping. No electricity is required, so if you have a camp stove or even a fire to heat water, you can make hot coffee with the AeroPress.

If that wasn't enough to convince you to give AeroPress a try, we're also proudly American made.

Verdict

The Single Shot Coffee Maker is the perfect choice for those who just want to make a quick cup of coffee every morning without having to brew a whole cup. The best of these machines will have fast brew times and no complicated settings, and of course provide a delicious cup of coffee.

That's why we chose the Keurig K-Elite as our best single serving coffee maker. It's fast and versatile, yet has the simplicity and convenience that makes Keurig machines so popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot use a Nespresso capsule twice to make two different cups of coffee - the second cup will be too weak and watery. However, some people will run the brew cycle twice with one pod to make a larger Americano style coffee.

No, you cannot put K-Cups in a regular coffee maker. Conventional drip coffee makers are designed to use coffee grounds in a filter basket. If you no longer have access to a single-serve machine but still have K-Cup capsules, you can open them and pour the grounds into the brew filter.

You clean a one-cup coffee maker by filling the water tank with a mixture of water and white vinegar and then running the brew cycle without a capsule or filter. The brew cycle should be repeated using clean water until you no longer smell the vinegar.

To make a double cup with the ESE pod, you need to brew two separate cups using a new coffee capsule each time. It is not recommended to insert two capsules into the machine at once. Alternatively, some brands sell double-serve ESE capsules that contain more coffee grounds.

You cannot make espresso with the AeroPress. Like Moka Pot, it does not generate the 9 bar pressure needed to make a real espresso. However, with the right grind size and pressure, the AeroPress can produce something close to espresso.

Recommendations

  1. Martin, T. (2018, April 19). 7 tips that will change the way you brew coffee at home. CNET. Retrieved October 4, 2021 from https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/these-tips-will-change-the-way-you-brew-coffee-at-home/.
  2. Perelmutter, S. (2021, March 1). How many US households have become Keurig users during the pandemic? xtalks. Retrieved October 4, 2021 from https://xtalks.com/how-many-us-households-became-keurig-users-during-the-pandemic-2613/.
  3. Friedman, L. (2020 Jan 24). The best Keurig coffee machines for making coffee at home quickly and easily. Kitchen. Retrieved October 4, 2021 from https://www.thekitchn.com/best-k-cup-coffee-maker-22987588.
  4. Market for coffee pods and capsules in Europe: 2021. Mordor intelligence. (th). Retrieved October 4, 2021 from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-coffee-pods-and-capsules-market.
  5. Kilbride, D. (2020 Nov 11). How does pressure affect the quality of espresso? Ideal daily diet. Retrieved October 4, 2021 from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2017/06/how-does-pressure-affect-espresso-quality/.
  6. Thermoblock: Knowledge base. Giesen coffee roasters. (2021, 19July). Retrieved 4 October 2021 from https://www.giesencoffeeroasters.eu/knowledge-base/thermoblock/.
  7. Introduction to the Aeropress coffee maker. AeroPress. (2021, September 24). Retrieved October 4, 2021 from https://aeropress.com/use-it-now/getting-started/.

    Learn more