Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee makers offer convenience for a quick cup of cold or hot coffee. They can use pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who value personalization will likely need an appliance that can make an entire pot of espresso-style drip coffee or drip shots. Many of these machines also tackle the environmental impact of coffee pods by utilizing recyclable or reusable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a gorgeous design that combines premium finishes with customizable features. It's one the most versatile Keurigs in terms what can be brewed -it can be used with K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot chocolate or tea. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank is able to dispense up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It's also compatible with reusable K-Cup pods, which can save you money in the long run.

Despite having way more buttons on the control panel than other Keurig model, it's easy to navigate and use. The top control panel features a power button, settings button, up and down buttons for the menu and a "strong" button and a hot water button and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color coded to make it easy to know when the machine requires descale or refill.

The K-Elite, while one of our favorite Keurigs, does have some drawbacks. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, because it doesn't have a drip tray with a removable lid and the lid isn't secure. The spout can also cause some splatter when using smaller travel cups.

In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and found that it performed well in all categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency.

It was also the quickest to boil the water before brewing the cup. It was also the least likely to produce grounds. However, the K-Elite was not able to create the same hot cup as some of our other top models. Additionally the iced version was less flavorful than the stronger coffee. Nevertheless the K-Elite is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the convenience of an espresso maker that is single-serve. It's available for purchase from numerous retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's priced around $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model then the K-Classic is also worth a look. It costs a little more than the Elite, but not as much as our top choices.

2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A single-serve machine allows you to prepare a cup of coffee maker single serve quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller and more compact than drip models which makes them a great option for small kitchens or dorm rooms. They also allow you to make a variety of different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are easy to clean and use and make a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is among the most affordable models on the market, but it still offers some important features that are worth considering. It uses an in-built filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and soft coffee pods that are pre-packaged, and it comes with an auto-shutoff function that shuts the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just a few just a few minutes to make a single serve coffee machine cup of coffee, and it comes with a thermal travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can make use of your own if prefer).

In our tests, the BLACK+DECKER was able to create a delicious cup of coffee with less than half the time it took the typical model we tested in our lab. It also comes with functions that are normally reserved for brewers with higher prices including an automatic start.

Its sleek and retro design is an ideal fit for anyone who appreciates an aesthetically pleasing design that blends with other kitchen appliances Its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable make it easy to transport. Our testers found it relatively easy to use, with an intuitive menu and control panel that was easy to follow even for those with no previous experience using a single-serve espresso machine. However, the brew time was not the best in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195 degrees F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were also higher than other models we tried which could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these concerns the CM618 is still an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who want to make their favorite K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo single serving coffee machine-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are different from K-Cup and Keurig machines as they only use the brand's espresso and coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Because they're designed to be used with Nespresso's sustainable and reusable capsules, the Original machines typically cost more than VertuoLine models.

The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso comes with four different sizes of drink and smart capsule detection as well as the centrifusion brewing method. It has a modern and sleek design as well as a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy-to-use and features an automatic system that lets pods empty in a container integrated inside the machine. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 seconds to preheat and then shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 brewed a good cup of coffee. It produced a decent cup of coffee with an excellent crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to make than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third slowest in our tests. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it can be an issue if you're used to fast morning coffee brews.

Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is a great choice for those who love coffee and espresso who want to cut down on waste. Its design is more lavish than the typical pod brewer and it's compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules which are more environmentally friendly than K-Cups and other traditional pods on market. The VertuoLine's high price and dependence on proprietary capsules might cause some buyers to be hesitant.

If you aren't able to purchase the best single-serve pod maker but are still in love with the convenience of a single-serve machine we suggest you check out our top reusable cups review. You might also want to try one of our favorite tumblers that are insulated to keep your coffee or tea warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of users for its convenience features and many other models do not have these features. The price is affordable for a machine of this quality and it has a sleek appearance. However, a few owners have cited this model as a fire danger which is something you should be aware of if you are considering buying it.

This fully automatic coffeemaker can be programmed for up to all hours of the day. You can program it to make four cups or 12 at a time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe has a thermal design and the permanent gold tone filter with wire mesh and charcoal water filter remove impurities to enhance the flavor of your brew. There is a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that interrupts the brewing cycle to allow you to pour a cup, and the self-cleaning function keeps the tank clean.

The controls on this coffee maker are evenly spaced and clearly labeled, so you can easily determine what each button is at an instant. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle and alerts to decalcify the carafe and tank and an automatic shutoff and a knuckle guard dripless spout for comfortable pouring. This coffee maker is easy to use and has gorgeous brushed stainless finish.

Some buyers have reported that the gold toned mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be an issue for people who prefer paper filters. Some users have also complained that the reservoir does not fill up properly due to an error in the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine.

Some people have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spews water and coffee grounds everywhere it is operating, but this appears to be rare. In any case, this is a great coffee maker that is worth a look if are seeking a basic model that has plenty of convenient features at a very reasonable price.