Which single cup coffee maker is best

Pros

• Small footprint
• Comes with a travel mug
• Easy to use

Cons

• May splatter when brewing in a regular mug

If you're short on countertop space and want to save money, the BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a compact brewer with a modest price tag. There's no fuss with this machine since it has just one simple start button and automatically shuts off at the end of the brew cycle. We found the included 16-ounce travel mug useful as a measuring cup to fill the water reservoir. The machine will brew all of the water you add, so make sure you measure your coffee accordingly.

The included reusable filter was easy to remove and clean. And all non-electric parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, so it's extra easy to clean up after making a cup. But beware if you decide not to use a travel mug: During our testing, we noticed that when using a regular mug, hot coffee would often splatter while brewing.

3

Best Large-Capacity Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer

3

Best Large-Capacity Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer

$150 at Amazon$150 at Home Depot$150 at Sur la Table

Pros

• One of the fastest brewing machines in our tests
• Large water tank
• Brews consistent flavorful coffee

Cons

• Arrow buttons not intuitive

The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve coffee maker eliminates the need for frequent refills with its large 72-ounce removable water reservoir. It comes with a reusable filter that is brilliantly hidden in a compartment on the right side of the machine. Our testers found it easy to access and use. In our tests, we found it takes virtually no time to preheat and this model brewed a cup of coffee in under 90 seconds. It also consistently brewed a hot cup of coffee at 172º F.

Choose from five drink sizes on an easy-to-read LED-lit control panel. We found the arrow buttons weren't immediately intuitive but they became easy to use with practice. Its programmable rinse cycle flushes out residual flavors between brews and our testers liked that it consistently brewed flavorful and well-rounded coffee.

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4

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker With Grinder

Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker

4

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker With Grinder

Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker

$145 at Amazon

Pros

• Grinds beans for a single cup of coffee
• Can also use pre-ground coffee and single cup pods
• Easy to use

Cons

• Grinding and brewing is a two-step process

Unlike other single-serve coffeemakers that only offer options to use pods or pre-ground coffee, this compact Cuisinart machine has a built-in grinder that dispenses coffee grounds into a reusable pod for a freshly ground single cup of coffee. The trade-off is that it adds an extra step in the process to grind the beans, put the pod in the machine and brew. We found it was worth the extra effort for the tasty, medium-bodied cup of coffee it brewed in our test.

For days you're in a rush or want to use decaf, the reusable filter pod can also be used with pre-ground coffee or you can load any single-cup coffee pod such as Keurig K-cups. We also found that this machine was intuitive to use without the instruction manual. The capsule was easy to clean and the water tank is detachable for easy filling at the sink.

5

Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker With Pods

Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus

5

Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker With Pods

Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus

Now 13% Off

$191 at Amazon$220 at Sur la Table$290 at Walmart

Pros

• Brews a silky smooth coffee
• Testers found it easy to use
• Nearly 30 flavor options

Cons

• Only takes Nespresso brand Vertuo capsules

According to our tests, the Nespresso VertuoPlus was one of the best espresso machines to offer the convenience of using pods. It makes a well-rounded brew with frothy crema that was consistent in temperature and volume every time. It also brews other great-tasting single-serve coffee drinks including double espresso, lungo and regular coffee in sizes up to 14 ounces. Our taste testers were impressed by the smooth and foamy crema that made the coffee taste silky smooth; one tester didn’t even want to add milk even though that’s how she normally drinks her coffee.

The coffee maker features a sleek and modern design with a small footprint and our testers found the machine easy to use. Coffee is ready with one touch of a button since the machine reads the barcode on the coffee capsule and brews it accordingly. The Nespresso VertuoPlus only takes large Nespresso capsules, but they come in nearly 30 flavor options.

6

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods

BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker

6

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods

BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker

$20 at Amazon$38 at Walmart

Pros

• No pods required
• Small footprint
• Adjustable drip tray to minimize splashing

Cons

• Does not automatically shut off when finished

This single-serve coffee maker uses a small reusable filter so no pods or paper filters are required. It has a 14-ounce water tank and can make a larger cup of coffee which is great for filling your travel mug. Unlike most coffee machines that accommodate travel mugs but cause splashing with a shorter mug, this coffee maker is equipped with an adjustable drip tray that you can adjust to the height of your mug. The small footprint and compact design also make it ideal if you have limited counter space or need to store it when finished.

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7

Best Smart Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart Coffee Maker

7

Best Smart Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart Coffee Maker

Now 28% Off

$166 at Amazon$219 at Walmart$225 at farmandfleet. com

Pros

• Automatically adjusts brew settings to each K-cup
• Able to adjust temperature and strength
• Can start the machine through the app on a phone

Cons

• Scheduled coffee does not start automatically

If you're looking for a no-fuss smart coffee maker, you'll love this Keurig machine. The new BrewID feature automatically recognizes the brand and roast of the pod and customizes the brew setting to the recommendations of the coffee experts who created it. However, you can still adjust the strength, temperature and size if you choose.

Our testers and experts raved about tasty coffee and the option to further customize the temperature and strength of the brew. In our tests, we found both the control panel and the app to be intuitive and simple to use. Through the app, you can start the machine, make customizations and schedule a cup of coffee ahead of time. The downside to the coffee scheduling is that it must be confirmed on the app at the scheduled time before it starts, so it won't brew while you sleep.

8

Best Single Serve Coffee Maker for All Types of Coffee

SPINN Single Serve Coffee Maker

8

Best Single Serve Coffee Maker for All Types of Coffee

SPINN Single Serve Coffee Maker

$979 at Amazon

Pros

• Makes cold brew and nitro-like cold brew
• Wide array of drink options
• Can start coffee maker through the Spinn app on phone

Cons

• No option for a second type of beans like decaf
• Must froth milk separately

No matter what type of coffee you want, chances are the Spinn machine can make it. On top of regular drip coffee and espresso, it can also make cold brew and nitro-like cold brew. We found the cold brew had a surprisingly pleasant creaminess to it and the nitro-like cold brew also tasted creamy with a slightly thinner and smoother body.

We were impressed with how different the drip coffee, espresso and cold brews tasted. This is thanks to the centrifugal brewing core that spins at varying speeds for each type of drink lending to their unique tastes.

There are a number of drink options available like americanos, lungos, doppios and more. Keep in mind that the Spinn does not froth milk, so you will need a separate frother to make drinks with milk like lattes and cappuccinos. However, the Spinn app walks you through how to make each drink and offers customization to make it easy. The app also controls the entire machine so you can start a cup of coffee from your bed. The coffee machine still has a control panel with a few drink options if you want to skip the app.

We also liked the sleek design, large hopper and detachable reservoir. Simply load your favorite whole beans into the machine and it will grind them to order. Several of our experts and testers loved this machine for its convenience and ability to produce excellent coffee. Take note: You can only load one type of bean into the machine at once, so if you have a decaf drinker in the house, they'll need to use another machine.

9

Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker Without Pods

De'Longhi Dinamica Plus Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine

9

Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker Without Pods

De'Longhi Dinamica Plus Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine

$1,700 at Williams Sonoma

Pros

• Fully automatic
• Built-in frother can be removed to store extra milk in the fridge
• Makes a wide variety of drinks

Cons

• Pricey

This ultra-convenient coffee maker and espresso machine make a variety of drinks at the push of a button. It's a favorite of Nicole Papantoniou, Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director, for its easy-to-use and highly responsive touch screen as well as its built-in frother that is removable to store leftover milk for use at a later time.

We were impressed with the fully automatic frother for making drinks like lattes and cappuccinos with a push of a button rather than making the milk in a separate frother and pouring it in ourselves. It can also brew over ice for iced coffee and make an array of other drinks such as flat whites, macchiato, regular coffee and more. It also makes hot milk and dispenses hot water for hot chocolate or tea. We found cleanup a breeze and appreciate that the frother is located on the machine so it doesn't take up more counter space.

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10

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe

Keurig K-Duo Plus

10

Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe

Keurig K-Duo Plus

Now 28% Off

$165 at Amazon$189 at Walmart$220 at Wayfair

Pros

• Consistent brewing
• Compatible with K-Cups or reusable filter
• Includes a 12-cup thermal carafe

Cons

• Thermal carafe may not keep coffee hot longer than 1-2 hours

The K-Duo Plus is compatible with K-Cups for a single cup and a reusable filter for ground coffee to make an entire pot. In our testing, it consistently brewed coffee at the same temperature and volume, not to mention the resulting coffee tasted flavorful and well-rounded. We love that the Keurig K-Duo Plus has multiple brew options and includes a thermal carafe that keeps up to 12 cups of coffee hot without a warming plate. It can also fit a travel mug up to 8 inches tall — the most space we saw in testing.

One of our favorite features is the 60-ounce removable water reservoir that rotates to the left, right or back to fit your counter space. Not only can you pre-program it to brew coffee up to 24 hours in advance, but this machine also has a button to pause the coffee maker mid-brew so that you can pour from the carafe while it's still brewing.

How we test single-serve coffee makers

The kitchen tech experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute tested 26 best-selling models from brands we trust to find the best single-serve coffee makers.

When we test single-serve coffee makers we evaluate their ease of use and performance. We assess how easy each coffee maker is to set up, the clarity of the instruction manual, how intuitive each one is to use and how easy it is clean the coffee machine after use. We also consider ease of use when it comes to filling the water reservoir, preheat time and brew time.

When making coffee, we measure the temperature after brewing to ensure a hot cup of coffee. We brew multiple cups to check for the consistency and functionality of the machine. We also note anything that's not consumer friendly such as coffee splashing out of the mug while brewing or a difficult-to-read control panel.

Finally, we taste each cup of coffee in search of a full-bodied brew with little to no acidity or bitterness. We also consider the cost and availability of coffee pods, refills and paper filters.

What to look for when buying a single-serve coffee maker

✔️ Single-use coffee pods vs. reusable filters: Most single-serve coffee makers use store-bought coffee pods, like the popular K-Cup pods from Keurig. Pods are small plastic or aluminum cups that contain pre-portioned ground coffee and a built-in filter. K-Cups and capsules are convenient to use but are more expensive than using your own ground coffee. And while some pods are recyclable, like K-Cups, you need to remove the grounds and foil first and check with your local recycling facility to ensure they can process the type of plastic your pods are made from. Soft pods are a popular alternative: The ground coffee comes in a tea bag-like round paper filter, which eliminates the plastic waste.

If you prefer a coffee maker with no pods, there are single-serve machines that feature a reusable filter to fill with your own ground coffee. Reusable filters are definitely the more eco-friendly option but the filters need to be washed after each use. All of the reusable filters we tested were easy to detach from the coffee maker and dishwasher-safe. We recommend adding 2 tablespoons of ground coffee into the reusable filter for a 6-ounce cup of coffee.

✔️ Water reservoir: Consider how often you brew coffee. For two or more servings per day, you would benefit from a large water reservoir which means less refilling. Some water reservoirs are removable and have handles that make it easy to carry to the sink to refill and clean. Others are permanently attached to the coffee maker so you may want to have a spouted pitcher on hand to refill it. Others lack a water reservoir altogether and require you to measure and add the amount of water you want to brew each time.

✔️ Brewing options: While some single-serve coffee makers brew only one cup size, some models provide more brewing options from single espresso shots up to 16 ounces (perfect for a travel mug). Coffee choices range from basic (like regular or strong brew coffee) to fancy (think iced drinks or even cappuccinos and lattes on more advanced models that have milk frothing attachments).

✔️ Speed: One advantage of a single-serve coffee maker is its quick brew time. Some models have a powerful heating mechanism that can heat the water and brew the coffee in less than a minute! Others require you to heat and pour your own water over the ground coffee. In our tests, the average time it took to brew an 8-ounce cup of coffee was about two minutes.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Jamie Kim's first job at Good Housekeeping Institute was testing a variety of consumer products, including coffee makers. Since then she has tested and written about many coffee and espresso makers as well as kitchen-related and cooking tools. She has a passion for coffee and has even attended a coffee cupping class. Over the years she's taste-tested hundreds of cups of coffee. She holds an apparel and textile design degree as well as mechanical engineering.

Nicole Papantoniou has run the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab since 2019; she oversees all the content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, including coffee makers. Previously she worked in product development for small kitchen appliances and tools since 2014 as well as in several test kitchens, where she tested and developed recipes and food content starting in 2012. She has a grand diplome in classic culinary arts from the former French Culinary Institute and a certificate in culinary nutrition from the former Natural Gourmet Institute, now both known as the Institute of Culinary Education.

Jamie Kim

Contributing Writer and Analyst

Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.

6 highly-rated single-serve coffee makers

Buying a cup of coffee every day from your favorite cafe won't break the bank, but it’s an added expense and one that's only increasing in price. Single-serve coffee makers are a particularly convenient and affordable brewing method if all you need is one cup on the go, or between meetings while working from home. The machines are also a useful small kitchen appliance for dorm rooms or your office desk.

LEARN MORE What are single-serve coffee machines | Pods versus reusable brew baskets

“Popularity of single-serve machines has been on the rise over recent years,” said Jessica Rodriguez, a coffee trainer who previously worked at the Specialty Coffee Association, a nonprofit coffee trade organization. “Innovation and new technology from manufacturers have led to machines that have a variety of single-serve options, from espresso to hot coffee to iced coffee and even tea.”

Highly-rated single serve coffee machines

The exact single-serve coffee maker you choose dictates which features it’s built with, but the experts we spoke to recommended considering qualities like brew size and water reservoir size while shopping. They also suggested noting whether machines are compatible with disposable pods, reusable brew baskets or both.

• Brew size: Experts told us single-serve coffee makers usually brew between a 5-ounce and a 12-ounce cup of coffee. Some machines give you multiple different sizes to choose from or allow you to brew both single servings and a large carafe of coffee — these are often referred to as dual coffee makers, or you may see machines advertised with multi-brew settings.
• Pods versus brew baskets: Most single-serve coffee makers employ single-use coffee pods — capsules of pre-ground coffee packaged into aluminum or plastic containers — but some are compatible with reusable brew baskets, giving you the flexibility to make any ground coffee of your choosing. (Read more about the difference between pods and brew baskets here).
• Water reservoir size: Some single-serve machines have a reservoir that only holds enough water to brew one 12-ounce cup of coffee, while others are built with a larger reservoir so you don’t have to refill it every time you brew.
• Brew time: Not all brands list the brew time for their single-serve coffee makers. Brew time for all models is relatively fast since the machines are making a single cup, not a large carafe. But “if speed is a top priority, look for a machine with the shortest brewing time,” Rodriguez advised.

Below, we rounded up a handful of highly-rated single-serve coffee makers you may want to consider and explained what else you should know about buying one. We highlighted important features to help you decide between different options. Select staff also shared their experience using models they own.

Keurig K-Café Smart

• Brew sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces
• Compatible with: Keurig K-Cup Pods and My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
• Water reservoir size: 60 ounces
• Rating: 4.7-star average rating from over 19,600 reviews on Amazon

Morgan Greenwald, Select’s senior editor, said the K-Café Smart, which Keurig recently added to its line of Wi-Fi enabled single-serve coffee makers, has helped her cut down on trips to Dunkin’. The machine pairs with the Keurig app, allowing you to get step-by-step instructions for making different beverages, like lattes or cappuccinos. You can adjust settings manually, or use Keurig’s Brew ID technology, which detects the type of K-Cup pod you’re using and adjusts the brew settings accordingly. Keurig's Multi-Stream technology also saturates coffee grounds more evenly compared to Keurig’s K-Classic Brewer, leading to a fuller flavor and aroma, the brand says. The coffee maker has a built-in milk frother, too, which Greenwald said makes a nice, foamy consistency for your latte.

Keurig K-Mini

• Brew sizes: 6 to 12 ounces
• Compatible with: Keurig K-Cup Pods and My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter
• Water reservoir size: 12 ounces
• Rating: 4.6-star average rating from over 72,300 reviews on Amazon

Zoe Malin, Select’s associate updates editor, said she bought Keurig’s K-Mini coffee maker because of its compact size and more affordable price point compared to some of the brand’s other machines. It’s less than 5 inches wide, which Malin said is perfect for her small apartment’s limited counter space. Shari Uyehara, Select’s manager of editorial operations, also owns this machine, and said it’s a great option for those, like her, who are the only coffee drinker in their household. The Keurig’s cord can be tucked into the back when it’s not in use and its drip tray is removable so you can fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall. The coffee maker automatically turns off 90 seconds after your last brew. It comes in colors like black, dusty rose, poppy red and studio gray.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus

• Brew sizes: 5 and 8 ounces
• Compatible with: Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso capsules
• Water reservoir size: 40 ounces
• Rating: 4.6-star average rating from over 13,800 reviews on Amazon

Mili Godio, Select’s associate reporter, said the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is her most “prized possession” due to its convenience. At 9.I inches wide, it doesn't take up too much counter space in her small apartment’s kitchen and enables her to make coffee, espresso shots and other beverages. The machine automatically adjusts coffee size, temperature, pressure and brewing time after reading the barcode on the capsule you insert. You can change the position of the machine’s water reservoir or remove it completely when it needs to be refilled. The coffee maker comes with a built-in capsule storage container and heats up in 15 seconds, plus automatically shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity. You can purchase it in colors like red, gray, ink black and LE black matte.

Instant Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker

• Brew sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces
• Compatible with: Keurig K-Cup Pods, Nespresso Capsules and included reusable pod
• Water reservoir size: 68 ounces
• Rating: 4.2-star average rating from over 6,500 reviews on Amazon

Launched in early 2022, the Instant Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker is one of the brand’s newest products. Instant sent us a machine to try, and Malin said she loves that it’s designed with two separate slots for pods — one for K-Cup Pods and one for Nespresso Capsules — so you have a wide variety of coffee types and flavors to choose from. The coffee maker also has a “bold” option you can select if you want to brew stronger coffee. It can fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall underneath the dispenser with the removable drip tray and has a smaller drip tray that flips out to hold espresso shot glasses or teacups.

Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker

• Brew sizes: 8 or 14 ounces
• Compatible with: Coffee grounds
• Water reservoir size: 40 ounces
• Rating: 4.2-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews on Walmart

Instead of pods, Hamilton Beach’s coffee maker brews a single cup using a mesh filter basket that doubles as a scoop, ensuring you always measure out the correct amount of coffee grounds. The machine’s adjustable base can accommodate multiple heights and different-sized mugs and travel mugs. The machine also offers a “bold” brew setting to make a stronger cup of coffee.

Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffee Maker

• Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces
• Compatible with: Keurig K-Cup Pods and Cuisinart’s HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup
• Water reservoir size: 72 ounces (40-ounce model also available)
• Rating: 4.4-star average rating from over 15,300 reviews on Amazon

Cuisinart’s single-serve coffee maker has a built-in charcoal water filter, which the brand says removes chlorine, calcium and other impurities from water. You can adjust the brew temperature for each beverage you make and brew hot water in addition to coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The machine comes in colors like silver, matte black and whit

NutriBullet Brew Choice Pod + Carafe

• Brew sizes: 6, 8 or 10-ounce cups or 6, 9, or 12-cup carafes
• Compatible with: Keurig K-Cup Pods, My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter or coffee grounds
• Water reservoir size: 96 ounces
• Rating: 4. 1-star average rating from over 30 reviews on Best Buy

With NutriBullet’s first-ever coffee machine, you can make single serve coffee or brew a large carafe, which is included with the appliance. The machine uses Brew Sense technology to automatically detect whether you added a pod or a filter basket. It fits travel mugs up to 7 inches tall underneath the brew spout.

What are single-serve coffee machines?

Single-serve coffee machines are designed to produce brewed coffee in small quantities, typically between 5 to 12 ounces, experts said. They brew coffee in seconds, which is their main draw, but also why the quality of their brew might suffer.

“In any coffee brewing method, proper water temperature is essential to a good extraction,” Rodriguez said. “Since single-serve brewing happens in such a short amount of time, some machines face the challenge of being able to reach a proper brewing temperature.”

Because of this, coffee brewed in a single-serve machine may taste weaker than if you were to use a drip brewer, for example. Single-serve machines also don’t usually allow you to customize brew settings, which Rodriguez said may prevent you from making a strong cup of coffee. However, some single-serve coffee machines are designed with a “bold” function, like the Instant and Hamilton Beach models we recommend above. The brands say brewing “bold” coffee usually means the machine keeps hot water in its brewing chamber for a longer period of time, thus lengthening the amount of time flavors have to be extracted out of coffee grounds.

Pods versus reusable brew baskets

Single-serve machines utilize either disposable pods or reusable filter baskets to brew coffee. Pods — which are used with Keurig or Nespresso machines, for example — are capsules of pre-ground coffee packaged into aluminum or plastic containers. Rodriguez explained that the coffee inside them is ground to a specific particle size to optimize extraction and flow rate while brewing. Reusable filter baskets, on the other hand, are designed to hold the appropriate amount of ground coffee for a single cup. You have to add ground coffee to the filter every time you use it.

Brewing coffee with pods versus with a reusable filter basket is one of the main factors experts said you should take into consideration while shopping. Here’s what you should know about them before you buy:

Coffee pods

There are two downsides to using pods with single-serve machines: a lack of fresh coffee grounds and the creation of waste. Pods are packed with ground coffee weeks — or even months — before you purchase them, so they’re not fresh by the time they’re used. This can impact the strength and taste of your brew, said Kaleena Teoh, director of education at Coffee Project NY’s Academy. And using disposable pods everyday, or multiple times a day, creates a lot of trash.

However, companies are starting to catch up with demand. “[Because] the specialty coffee industry has begun embracing the coffee capsule revolution and demand for single-serve machines, we are seeing great innovation and improvement in quality and variety of machines and capsules alike,” Rodriguez said.

One of those innovations is recyclable and compostable pods, Teoh noted. For example, as of 2020, 100 percent of Keurig K-Cup Pods are recyclable. You can also order a free recycling bag to collect used Nespresso Pods in and when it’s full, ship it back to the brand at no cost by visiting any UPS drop off location (New York City residents, however, can pop Nespresso Pods can directly into their recycling bin, the brand says). Reusable pods are also available for some single-serve machines — notably Keurig and Nespresso models — which act like a small brew basket that you fill with the ground coffee of your choice.

If you are interested in buying a machine that utilizes pods, experts said it’s important to research the types of ground beans and flavors they come in to make sure they align with your coffee preferences. Beyond coffee and espresso pods, some brands sell pods for hot chocolate, tea, matcha and more.

Reusable brew baskets

Compared to pods, reusable brew baskets “provide the freedom to brew with your coffee of choice and are better for the environment,” Teoh said. You can grind coffee every time you need to fill the filter instead of buying pre-ground beans, making for a fresher brew.

Since pods are filled with pre-ground coffee, Teoh said they “lose a lot of aromatic compounds after grinding, and there will also be a lot of surface area for oxidation.” In other words, after being ground, coffee begins to lose some of its smell and flavor. To combat that issue, pods are often flushed with nitrogen to prevent oxidation, Teoh explained. Thus, using freshly ground coffee in reusable brew baskets eliminates any additives that may be in pods.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Jessica Rodriguez is a coffee trainer who previously worked at the Specialty Coffee Association, a nonprofit coffee trade organization.
• Kaleena Teoh is the director of education at Coffee Project NY’s Academy. Coffee Project NY is a cafe, award-winning coffee roaster and coffee training campus certified by the Specialty Coffee Association.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Ranking of the best one-cup coffee machines in 2023

1. Assortment of drinks. All presented models of coffee machines will delight you with several coffee options.
2. Power.

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

• Low price.
• Easy assembly.
• Easy to clean.
• Low noise level.
• Beverage preparation speed.
• Cup support height adjustment.

Disadvantages

• Hard to find capsules of original flavors.
• Plastic housing.
• No automatic cleaning system.
• Short life water filter.

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

• Large assortment of coffees.
• Convenient LCD display.
• Flexible parameter setting.
• Nice design in many colors.

Shortcomings

• Cappuccino not strong enough.
• Small bean container.
• Small water tank.

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

• The presence of a cappuccinator with a capacity of milk
• A roomy container for spent capsules
• adjustable pallet

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.

How to choose a coffee maker or coffee machine

There are several types of home coffee makers. They differ in the way the drink is brewed and the level of automation of their work. To choose the right coffee maker, consider their main differences and features.

What is the difference between coffee makers and coffee machines

Coffee makers can only brew a drink, they need to be filled with already ground coffee. Coffee machines can grind beans themselves, add milk to coffee, cook according to a schedule and even wash their mechanisms themselves.

Depending on the method of brewing the drink, coffee makers are drip , geyser and carob . Coffee machines are subdivided into automatic grain and capsule .

Types of coffee makers

Drip coffee makers

The most common, inexpensive and easy to use - drip coffee makers . They can prepare up to 12 cups of drink at once. Coffee preparation time is about 10 minutes. They are used to make Americano coffee. This is the best coffee maker for a small office.

The drip coffee maker is very easy to use. It is enough to pour water into the tank, pour ground coffee into the filter and turn on the machine. A drip coffee maker brews a drink by dropping boiling water into a filter with ground coffee. After absorbing the aroma, the drops flow into the container under the filter.

The filter of a drip coffee maker can be disposable paper or reusable, synthetic. Disposable filters filter coffee better, you just need to keep track of their supply and buy it in time. Reusable filters serve 50-60 coffee brewing cycles, after which they also need to be changed.

Tips for choosing a drip coffee maker:

• It is preferable to choose a coffee maker with a removable water tank. Such a tank can be cleaned of scale and it will last longer.
• If you want to keep your coffee hot at all times, choose a coffee maker with a heated jug.
• Some models have a stop-drip function. This prevents coffee from dripping onto the drip tray after the jug has been removed.
• In addition to the coffee filter, the drip coffee maker can also have a water filter. It should be noted that such filters are practically useless. It is better to buy obviously clean, bottled water for coffee.

The cheapest drip coffee makers start at $15. Reliable and durable models cost from $35.

Geyser or siphon coffee makers

A geyser coffee maker produces much stronger coffee than a drip coffee maker. But such a coffee maker must be monitored in the process of work. If you keep the geyser coffee maker turned on for too long, the coffee will turn out to be too bitter.

The geyser coffee maker consists of two parts. Ground coffee is poured into the upper part, and water is poured into the lower part. When the water boils, pressurized steam enters the upper part, passing through the grains. Coffee in a geyser coffee maker should be brewed for 3-5 minutes.

Tips for choosing a geyser coffee maker:

• It is better to choose a coffee maker with a transparent flask. This will allow you to visually assess the degree of readiness of coffee.
• Check that the volume of the beverage bottle is at least 0.3 liters. That's at least two cups of coffee.
• The geyser coffee maker gets very hot during operation. Make sure the handle is made of heat insulating material.

Geyser coffee makers start at $30. Models with the best reviews cost $100 and up.

Carob coffee makers

In the carob coffee maker, coffee is brewed with high pressure steam, approx. 9-15 bar. Real "espresso" is brewed only in this way. Ground coffee is poured into a special container (“horn”), where it is rammed with tempera. The taste of the drink directly depends on the degree of compaction. This coffee is prepared very quickly, literally in half a minute.

The most delicious coffee is obtained if it is brewed from "pods" and not from ground beans. A pod is a paper bag filled with a mixture of ground and pressed coffee. One pod is required per cup of coffee.

Inexpensive carob coffee makers start at $50. Models with the best reviews cost about $500.

It should be noted that the process of filling the cone is quite tedious and quickly gets boring. Coffee inevitably wakes up and you have to do the cleaning every time. The carob coffee maker is suitable only for true connoisseurs of the drink, who drink only a couple of cups a day. Most buyers will be better off choosing a grain or capsule coffee maker.

Types of coffee machines

Capsule coffee machines

Capsule coffee machines are the most convenient, both in the process of preparing espresso and in maintenance. They don't need to be cleaned. It is enough to start the “cooking” process once every three months with a special cleaning tablet instead of a capsule. To prepare coffee, simply insert a coffee capsule into the machine and pour water into the tank. The machine pierces the capsule and injects boiling water under pressure.

Capsule coffee machines can only brew one cup of coffee at a time. Dairy drinks in them are also prepared from capsules in which powdered milk is packed. Of course, in terms of the taste of the finished drink, capsule coffee makers lose to carob and grain coffee machines.

Inexpensive capsule coffee makers start at $40. The most popular models with excellent reviews cost $100-$200. It should be noted that capsules for such coffee machines are quite expensive.

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