Top rated single cup coffee maker


9 Best Single Serve Coffee Maker Picks—According to Our Home Editor

Sometimes you need only

one really good cup of coffee.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

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Calling all coffee addicts! If you’re brewing coffee for one or making multiple cups throughout the day that you want to taste fresh and be piping hot, investing in one of the best single-serve coffee makers brings your java game to the next level. These genius devices make several types of coffee and neatly fit your favorite cute coffee mugs below their dispensers. Just hit a button and you’re on your way to a cup of coffee ASAP.

What to Look for When Buying Single-Serve Coffee Makers

As a Home Editor and busy mom of five, I know a thing or two about coffee. The best single-serve coffee makers are easy to set up and even easier to clean. They also offer convenient functions like larger water reservoirs, preheating and brew time settings. It’s important to make sure your machine doesn’t require loads of extra coffee products and accessories that can add time and cost to brewing each cup. Models offering minimal splatter and countertop messes are additional perks.

Evaluation Criteria

We chose the best single-serve coffee maker machines based on overall performance, ease of use, value for price and bonus functions like preheating, scheduled brews and coffeemakers with grinders built-in. We considered real user reviews, methods of cleaning each device, design and how compatible each machine was with popular coffee styles. Additionally, we considered the cost of accessories like brew pods, filters and cleaning equipment. Here are our editor-approved suggestions for the best single-serve coffee makers you can buy.

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Best Overall Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker

You’ll love waking up to freshly brewed coffee from this easy-to-use Hamilton Beach FlexBrew. It ranks as our best single-serve coffee maker overall because you can use it with or without K-cup pods and it brews up to 10 ounces of coffee at a time, or up to 14 ounces with a pod. A pod holder and grounds basket are included with the machine, and the affordable price point makes it one of the best values.

The built-in pod-piercing needle removes for quick cleaning. Not cleaning your machine frequently is one of the biggest coffee mistakes, which is why this easy-to-use feature makes this Hamilton Beach model stand out in the crowd. You can also switch between favorite sustainable coffee grinds or specialty K-cups without much fuss.

Pros

What we like about the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew:

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We also recommend the Hamilton Beach Scoop single-serve coffee maker.

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Best Affordable Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Black+Decker Single-Serve Coffee Maker

At under $35, this narrow-footprint Black+Decker single-serve coffee maker is a budget-friendly brewer that’s worth every dime—and then some! You’ll love the included permanent filter and travel mug that comes in the box. Use your own coffee grounds or store-bought pre-packaged coffee pods to brew directly into the 16-ounce thermal mug. Even better? The mug was designed to fit most car cup holders so you can take your java on the go.

This machine also has mostly dishwasher-safe parts, one-touch operation and an auto-shutoff function reviewers can’t stop raving about. All you’ll need to do is figure out which coffee creamer brands you’ll want to pour into your first brew.

Pros

What we like about the Black+Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Black+Decker Coffee Maker:

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Best Combination Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nutribullet Brew Choice

If you have a little more counter space to work with, the slightly larger footprint Nutribullet Brew Choice is easily one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. It makes brewing coffee a breeze and offers the versatility of smaller single-serve K-cup brews all the way up to 10-cup carafes. In fact, our Nutribullet Brew Choice review left us feeling so satisfied that we use it every single day.

It’s ideal for in-between households that have people coming and going at different hours and for those who like to host friends over for coffee and cake. The large reservoir holds enough water for several robust cups, and the single-touch brewing functionality makes it a cinch to use for those who aren’t technologically inclined.

Pros

What we like about the Nutribullet Brew Choice:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Nutribullet Brew Choice:

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker With Thermal Carafe

Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker

The extremely-reliable Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker tops our list of the best single-serve coffee makers with thermal carafes because it offers hotter coffee for longer periods of time than the majority of other models. It features multiple brew options that can be brewed directly into the thermal carafe which holds a whopping 12 cups of coffee—a size far beyond the average. If you’re strictly into single-serves though, the machine fits most typical coffee mugs and travel mugs under eight inches tall. Individual brews are offered in six, eight, 10 and 12-ounce sizes.

Another helpful feature? You can program it to brew coffee up to 24 hours in advance and pause it mid-brew. That means you can get started on your homemade coffee shop drinks while more java is being made. Genius! Pro tip: Keep your Keurig in tip-top shape with Keurig cleaning pods.

Pros

What we like about the Keurig K-Duo Plus:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Keurig K-Duo Plus:

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Megan Wood for Taste of Home

Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is made by De’Longhi (a beloved Italian brand) and offers rich, Italian-style single-serve brews every time. The machine comes in seven trendy and classic colors and makes both coffee and espresso. Choose from five or nearly-eight ounce coffee brews as well as single or double-shot espresso drinks.

Our Deputy Shopping Editor, Megan Wood, has this machine in white and says, “I was a pour-over coffee fanatic but the Nespresso converted me. I love how quickly it brews a rich espresso shot and a full cup of morning coffee. Setting it up was simple, and though I’m picky about what I keep displayed on the kitchen counter—this beauty makes the cut.”

The large 40-ounce water tank makes coffee in a jiffy. In fact, it only takes 15 seconds for it to heat up and boasts an energy-saving automatic shutoff function after nine minutes of inactivity. This is exactly the type of machine you’d expect to see in a luxury hotel room—or Megan’s kitchen. It’s so good, you’ll want to keep your new favorite cup of joe warm all morning long with a coffee mug warmer.

Pros

What we like about the Nespresso Vertuo Plus:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Nespresso Vertuo Plus:

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for Picnics and Camping

Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker

This eye-catching Bodum pour-over coffee maker is a manual single-serve option that allows you to make a brilliant cuppa joe in just minutes. It includes a stainless steel mesh filter that extracts coffee’s natural aromatic oils and subtle flavors that would otherwise be absorbed by a paper filter. Because it doesn’t need any electricity, you can take this one on the go anywhere you can find hot water—like a campsite or RV park.

“I picked this up on a whim, having never tried pour-over coffee,” writes Adam, a five-star Amazon reviewer. “After my first cup, I was hooked! Literally have only used my old faithful Mr. Coffee a single time since receiving this! It’s too dang easy and delicious. Prep? A breeze. Clean up? Stupid simple. Taste? Remarkable.”

Pros

What we like about the Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker:

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Best Large Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer

You can easily make a single cup of coffee with the touch of a button thanks to this Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve coffee brewer. It’s compatible with any brand of K-cup pods and allows you to create your ideal size thanks to cup settings ranging from four to 12 ounces. This handsome-looking machine also includes a HomeBarista reusable filter cup for either ground coffee or tea. Live an eco-friendlier life and get perfect single-serving brews every time.

The removable 72-ounce water reservoir is the largest on this list. While this larger footprint model is likely too big to sit on a compact kitchen island cart, it’s ideal for office workspaces and robust kitchens that have countertop real estate to spare. The machine’s thoughtful design also makes fitting larger, taller travel mugs easy. The removable drip tray makes cleanup simple.

Pros

What we like about the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Cuisinart Single-Serve Brewer:

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Milk Frother

Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition

Frothy cappuccinos, lattes and other specialty drinks are all within reach if you have this Keurig K-Cafe single-serve coffee maker at home. It’s a special-edition, single-serve coffee maker that comes in a modern nickel-colored metal finish. Choose from four cup sizes including six, eight, 10 and 12-ounce brews and then make the most of simple button controls. You can use any K-cup pod, and here’s the kicker—this brilliant coffee machine even lets you make iced lattes and cappuccinos like the popular Starbucks pistachio latte.

“This is just what I needed! I only drink a cup of coffee a day, and it’s usually a latte or mocha,” writes one of the nearly 25,000 enthusiastic Amazon purchasers, jlightfritz. “I use my favorite Starbucks coffee and I get two espresso shots per use. The milk foamer is perfect. I’ve used half-and-half, heavy whipping cream and almond milk—so far no issues with that. I get nice foam with all three. Totally worth what I paid for it and in the long run I will save money and this machine will have paid for itself!”

Pros

What we like about the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition:

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods

Elite Gourmet Single Serve Coffee Maker

There’s no need for wasteful filters or pods with the handy Elite Gourmet single-serve coffee maker. It includes a removable and reusable filter that works with both coffee and loose-leaf teas. The machine includes a 14-ounce stainless steel travel mug that fits beneath the dispenser perfectly and slides right into most car cup holders. The narrow countertop footprint is a space-saving wonder that offers an impressive 600 watts of power and one-touch operation that makes coffee as good as you’d find at any popular coffee shop.

Shoppers note that this is also the best single-serve coffee maker you can travel with because the entire device fits into large handbags and small carry-on bags. Shoppers also love that it’s a total bargain. “This Elite Gourmet small coffee maker is absolutely adorable,” writes verified Amazon purchaser, Mills. “It is easy to operate and I don’t have to wait for five to 10 minutes to get my cup of joe like I did with the two previous machines.”

Pros

What we like about the Elite Gourmet Single-Serve Coffee Maker:

Cons

What to consider before purchasing the Elite Gourmet Coffee Maker:

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Originally Published: April 12, 2022

Bryce Gruber

As Home Editor, Bryce Gruber is an expert in gift ideas, shopping, and e-commerce at Taste of Home. You've likely seen her work across a variety of women's lifestyle and parenting outlets and on TV shows. She lives and works in New York's Hudson Valley with her five small children.

10 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers of 2022, According to Testing

This story was updated in October 2022 to ensure all picks tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab were in stock and correctly priced.


Single-serve coffee makers have continued to stand out for the convenience of making a single cup of coffee in just a few minutes — no waiting for a pot to brew or wasted leftover coffee. A good single-serve coffee machine should deliver a tasty, hot cup of coffee just the way you like it without a lot of hassle.

Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we love coffee and test coffee products and espresso machines year-round. Over the years we have brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee in different machines, including drip coffee makers, French presses, portable coffee makers, Nespresso machines, cold brew coffee makers and espresso machines, to find the tastiest cups of coffee you can brew at home. For this guide, GH experts tested 26 best-selling and highly-rated single-serve coffee machines from brands we trust such as Keurig, Cuisinart, Nespresso and more. When testing single-serve coffee makers we evaluate each model for its ease of use including how easy it is to fill the water reservoir and how well it performs. We perform water temperature testing to make sure the brew is as flavorful as it can be — and of course our coffee experts taste every cup. Our list includes the top-performing machines in our hands-on tests as well as popular ones from brands our experts have tested in the past.

You can read more about how we evaluated single-serve coffee makers in our Lab — plus everything you need to know to shop for the best single-serve coffee maker — at the end of this guide.

Most 1-cup models are capsule models. They are inexpensive and simple and reliable in operation. They all work on a thermal block and their nozzles are not regulated.

Comparison chart

What else might be useful

Also be sure to check out the rating of the best two-cup coffee machines.

If you have a small kitchen, it makes sense to look at a selection of small coffee machines. And separately I collected narrow cars.

But the rating of the best coffee machines with a water connection will definitely make life easier.

If you are looking for a device for a new kitchen, then look at the rating of the best built-in coffee machines. Coffee used:

Capsules

Capsules:

TASSIMO

Power:

9000 W

Volume All characteristics...

Reader's rating:

This capsule coffee machine is designed to prepare hot drinks. The assortment of drinks includes tea, coffee, hot chocolate. Equipped with electronic control and designed for use in small spaces: office, apartment. The Bosch TAS 1001/1002/1003/1006/1007 Tassimo Happy coffee machine prepares cappuccino, espresso, latte macchiato. The volume of the water tank is 0.7 liters.

Equipped with an automatic switch-off after a drink has been prepared. This model does not have a system for automatic cleaning of scale and other contaminants. At a time, it is able to fill one cup with hot drinks. The coffee machine is equipped with a barcode reader. This technology allows you to find out the type of drink in the capsule and how it was prepared. Built-in standby mode.

The device has very small dimensions of 18x31x27 cm and weighs 2.12 kg. It differs from competitors in a wide range of prepared drinks and ease of cleaning. The assembly is as simple as possible, so it is convenient to use this model. Users note the concise design and compactness of the device.

Benefits

Disadvantages

used coffee:

capsules

Capsules:

Dolce Gusto

Power:

1600 W

Volume:

0.8 L 9000

All characteristics...

Readers' rating:

Dolce Gusto Genio S KP 240110 is a capsule machine that allows you to prepare varieties of coffee drinks for every taste: cappuccino, latte, americano, espresso and lungo. Suitable for home use or small office.

The model is made of high-quality plastic at the German Krups factories with a long history. The volume of 0.8 liters allows you to prepare from 3-6 cups of delicious coffee in one application, while dispensing only one cup at a time. In additional settings, you can adjust the amount of hot water and the temperature of the drink to create the perfect consistency for coffee drinks.

Stylish and modern design Dolce Gusto Genio S KP 240110 in white shade will fit into any kitchen area. It has a digital display showing cooking time and selected functions on the screen.

It does not have an automatic cleaning system and a cappuccinatore due to the budget cost of the model and its compact size. After each coffee brewing, it is enough to wipe the kitchen assistant with a soft cloth and descale it with a special agent once every 6 months, then the coffee machine will serve your home for many years, allowing you to enjoy natural coffee every day. The model is equipped with a removable drip tray and an auto-off function after brewing coffee. With all its compactness and light weight, the device brews delicious and aromatic drinks.

Buyers note the ease of operation on the display with the Russian language, stylish design and high build quality. This option weighs only about 2 kg, so it can easily fit into a travel bag for enjoying aromatic coffee on business trips and travels.

Benefits

  • Compact size.
  • Convenient control system.
  • Quality build.
  • Rich and aromatic coffee taste.
  • Stylish design.
  • Bright digital display.

Disadvantages

  • Expensive Dolce Gusto capsules
  • No simultaneous preparation of two cups.
  • High noise level

used coffee:

Capsules

Volume:

1 l

Preparation of cappuccino:

is

Auto

9000 two cups:

no

All features...

Readers' rating:

Capsule coffee machine, which is perfect for home use. Prepares espresso and lungo, and uses capsules for preparation. The water capacity is 1 liter, the machine is also equipped with a built-in cappuccinatore, pouring into one cup individually.

The machine has a light weight - 4 kg., and small dimensions. Very convenient to carry. Users respond positively about it, it is convenient for making small amounts of coffee and is an excellent combination of price and quality.

Benefits

  • Low maintenance.
  • Easy coffee preparation.
  • Milk heating function.
  • Includes two coasters for different cups of coffee.
  • Compact and ergonomic.

Disadvantages

  • High cost of capsules.
  • Loud noise during operation.
  • Small range of drinks.

Number of groups:

1

Power:

1450 W

Volume:

1.1 l

Maximum pressure:

15 Bar

Manometer:

All characteristics .. all characteristics ..

Readers' rating:

This table-top automatic coffee machine allows you to prepare small portions of delicious drinks. Jura Ena 8 is suitable for home use. She works with grain and ground coffee. The volume of the water tank is 1.1 liters. The machine is equipped with an automatic cappuccinatore. It whips up a thick milk foam for a cappuccino. Among other drinks that the machine can prepare are latte, espresso, latte macchiato, ristretto. A flat white is also available, which is quite rare in the assortment of coffee machines. The capacity of the bean container is 125 g.

The Jura Ena 8 does not have a two-cup system. The device is equipped with touch control via a backlit LCD display. In addition, there is an automatic descaling system. A built-in timer allows you to choose the start time. It has an automatic shut off feature when not in use. The machine allows you to control the strength of coffee, regulate its temperature, as well as a portion of hot water. The ability to select a setting that will pre-wet the coffee beans improves the taste of drinks.

The Jura Ena 8 coffee machine has an automatic water decalcification system. The case has a nice four-color design. Available in white, red, gray and black. Even an elderly person will understand the management, because all the necessary elements are outside. Those who have purchased this model note the sophistication of the design and ease of use.

Benefits

Shortcomings

used coffee:

capsules

Capsules:

Nespresso

Power:

9000 W

Volume:

1 l

Gauge:

no

All features. ..

Reader rating:

Desktop capsule coffee machine with touch controls. The built-in automatic milk frother allows you to prepare various drinks with thick milk foam. The package includes a 0.5 liter milk container. The water tank is designed for 1 liter. The preparation of drinks is provided: latte macchiato, espresso, latte, cappuccino. Nespresso capsules are recommended for use. The small dimensions of the device 37x28x20 cm make it ideal for home use. The distribution of the drink is possible only for one serving.

The machine does not have an anti-drip system. The display is missing. Auto power off in long standby mode. The settings provide a choice of 9 recipes: 3 without milk, 6 with milk. Waste container holds up to 10 servings. The tray is adjustable in height. There is an adjustable portion of hot water. The indication system is able to notify you of the need to clean the device from scale. The cappuccinatore is cleaned automatically.

This model of coffee machine is simple and easy to use, which is a determining factor when choosing a machine. Users note the excellent work of the cappuccino machine, with the help of which the milk foam is thick and tender, which makes the device an ideal solution for lovers of coffee and milk drinks.

Advantages

Disadvantages

9000 0 900 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000

Olga Sergeeva

Coffeemaker with many years of experience, professional barista. I have tried more than one coffee machine in my life. I love starting a cup of invigorating espresso every morning.

Polaris PCM 0109 very small best single cup coffee maker

Contents

Drip coffee maker is an invariable attribute for all lovers of such a variety of coffee as "Americano". The name, which translates from Italian as American coffee, reflects the European perception of Americans as not particularly fastidious connoisseurs of this ubiquitous drink.

The Polaris PCM 0109 coffee maker is equipped with a nylon filter and is designed for one cup. One ceramic cup is included, as is a special measuring spoon. Inside this model from Polaris you will find a removable filter container.

The coffee maker has a light indicator of device operation. Removable drip tray will be easy to clean and the coffee maker stand won't slip.

The device does not have an auto-off, please be aware of this.

Model Power (W) Dimensions (cm)
WxHxD
Capacity (ml)
Polaris PCM 0109 350 11.6x18.5x11 100 Read more

What makes drip coffee makers different from others?

The principle of their operation and the temperature of the water for brewing are optimal for making American coffee. To prepare it, you just need to pour the right amount of water into the coffee maker and add ground coffee to a special cone-shaped filter.

After turning on the device, the water heats up and steam is formed, from which drops of condensate of a certain temperature (85-90°C) are formed. These hottest water droplets pass through the coffee powder in the filter and flow into the glass bulb.

And from there, the finished drink is poured into cups or mugs. Drip coffee makers are extremely easy to use and inexpensive . No wonder they are widespread.

What you need to pay attention to

Power.

This parameter determines the coffee brewing speed and quantity. It is quite logical that larger models and higher power have higher. However, for conventional drip coffee makers of the same size, the coffee strength may be higher for less powerful ones. This is due to the fact that in them the brewing process takes a longer time. If you need a stronger drink, you should choose a model for 750-800 watts.

Type of coffee filters.

Absolutely all drip coffee makers require a special filter to add ground coffee to it. But these filters in different models may be different. When choosing a coffee maker, it is important to focus on this.

Nylon. This type is the most common. And it is usually present in the coffee maker kit. Most users consider it permanent and operate until it is completely worn out. But keep in mind that the quality of food cooked in such a filter deteriorates after a certain time. Although it is reusable, in fact its resource is approximately 60 brewing cycles.

Gold . This is a variation of the same nylon filter, but covered with a protective layer of titanium nitride. Its feature is a slightly longer service life and ease of cleaning. However, the benefits are not particularly great, but the price can increase markedly.

Paper disposable. These filters are considered to be the most practical and environmentally friendly. After each use, paper cones with the remnants of the used coffee powder are simply thrown away.

Features

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nothing is absolutely perfect in this world.