Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for quick cups of cold or hot coffee. They may use pre-packaged coffee pods or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who appreciate individualization will require machines that can make a full pot of drip coffee or espresso shots. These machines are also designed to minimize the environmental impact caused by disposable coffee pods. They use reusable or recyclable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that combines exquisite finishes and programmable functions. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew. it can brew K-Cups and ground coffee and hot chocolate and tea. The large and removable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before needing refills. It's also compatible with reusable K-Cup pods, which can save you money over the long term.

It's simple to use, even when it has more buttons than any other Keurig. The top control panel has a power button, settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu, the "strong" button and a hot water button as well as four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. A large, color-coded LCD display allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or refill.

Although the K-Elite is one of our top Keurig models, it does have some disadvantages. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, because it does not have a drip tray that is removable, and the lid is not secure. Additionally, the spout is prone to produce a splatter particularly when you use smaller travel mugs.

We also evaluated the K-Elite's performance in our Coffee Makers test program, and it performed quite well in all categories. It did better than average in first-cup speed, repeat speed and temperature consistency.

It was also the fastest to warm the water and then brew the cup. It was also the least likely machine to make grounds. The K-Elite could not create a more hot cup than some of our top models. In addition the iced option was not as flavorful as the stronger brew. 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 website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's priced around $150. The K-Classic model is a good option if you need a lower-cost model. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite but isn't as expensive as our other top picks.

2. Single-Serve Espresso Maker Black+Decker

A single-serve coffee maker gives you the convenience of a hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller, less bulky and perfect for small kitchens or dorms. They also allow you to make a variety of different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate and are a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is one of the least expensive models on the market, but it still offers several key features that are worth considering. It has a permanent filter that can be used with both ground coffee and soft coffee pods. It also has an automatic shut-off feature that helps save energy and water. It takes just a few just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee, and it comes with a thermos travel mug that can fit most standard car-cup holders (though you can use your own mug if you prefer).

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was able to make a delicious pot of coffee in less than half the time that it took the average model we tested in our lab. It also has programming options that are typically reserved for higher-end brewers including an automatic start.

Its retro-styled design is perfect for those who like to coordinate their kitchen appliances. Its light construction and tank that can be removed makes it easy to transport. It was relatively user-friendly with a touch-screen control panel that was intuitive and an easy menu that anyone can comprehend. However, the brew speed was not the best rated single serve coffee machines in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195 degrees F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperatures were also higher than the other models we test and could result in burning or overheated coffee. Despite these concerns, the CM618 is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who still want the flexibility to brew their favorite K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are a bit different from K-Cup or Keurig machines as they only use the brand's own coffee and espresso pods. The brand divides its pod-based machine into two categories which are VertuoLine and the Original. Original machines are designed to make espresso-based drinks, while VertuoLine models are designed to brew larger coffee and milk recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they are designed to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.

The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 offers four different sizes of drinks, intelligent capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion process for brewing. It also has a sleek, modern design and a removable water tank which holds 37 ounces water. It is easy to operate and features an automatic system that ejects pods that are no longer used into the built-in container. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds to preheat and is shut down by itself after nine minutes.

In our tests, we found that the XP371 made an excellent cup. It had a nice crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to prepare than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee, which was the third-lowest speed in our tests. It's not a huge issue, but if you are used to making coffee quickly in the morning, this could be an issue.

Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is an excellent choice for coffee and espresso lovers who wish to cut back on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more environmentally friendly. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules may be a deterrent for potential buyers.

If you don't have the money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker, but would like to have the convenience of a single serve coffee and espresso maker-serve coffee maker, we recommend that you check out our review of reusable cups. You could also consider one of our favorite insulated tumblers to keep your coffee or tea warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has received a plethora of positive reviews from users and offers a variety of convenient features that many other models do not have. The price is affordable for such a high-quality machine and it has a sleek appearance. Some owners have reported that this model poses a fire hazard. This is something to be aware of prior to purchasing.

The fully automatic coffeemaker features 24-hour programming and you can program it to make one or four cups at a time or an entire pot that holds 12 cups. The carafe features thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter as well as charcoal filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of the brew. There's a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that will stop the brewing process so that you can make a cup, and the self-cleaning function keeps the tank clean.

The controls on this coffee maker are evenly spaced and are clearly marked, so you can easily find what each button does at an instant. Other features include an automatic shutoff as well as a dripless spout with the knuckleguard. The coffee maker is simple to use and comes with a beautiful brushed stainless finish.

Some buyers have complained that the gold toned permanent wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This could be a problem for people who prefer paper filters. Some users have also complained that the reservoir does not fill up properly due to an issue with the design that forces water into the filter through a small hole at the back of machine.

A few people have also complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spits coffee grounds and water everywhere while it's in operation, but this seems to be a rare event. This is a fantastic coffee maker if you want a basic model that has many convenience features for a reasonable price.