Single-serve coffee makers are convenient appliances that allow you to make a fresh cup of coffee quickly and easily. They use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules to brew a single serving, making it an ideal solution for those who want the convenience of a quick cup of coffee without the hassle of preparing a whole pot.
If you are a frequent coffee drinker and love making coffee at home instead of buying from a coffee shop, look no further! Here are some of the best single-serve coffee makers.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers
| # | Preview | Product | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker | Best overall |
| 2 |  | Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker | 1st runner up |
| 3 |  | BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker | 2nd runner up |
What to Look for When Buying Single-Serve Coffee Makers
When buying Single-Serve Coffee Makers, there are several things to keep in mind. Everyone has different preferences on what is important or not. But below are the key factors.
Reusable filters vs. Single-use coffee pods:
You need to decide if you want a coffee machine with a reusable filter or coffee pods. Coffee pods are like small aluminum or plastic cups which contain a small portion of grounded coffee and a built in filter. These are very convenient to use but also more expensive than buying and using your own grounded coffee. A popular example is the K-Cup pods from keurig.
On the other hand, some single-serve coffee machines come with a re-useable filter which allows you to simply put in your own ground coffee. While is more eco-friendly and cheaper, keep in mind that the filter needs to be removed and washed after every use.
Brewing options:
The brewing options can range from basic to advanced/fancy. For example brewing a regular strong cup of coffee to brewing coffee for an ice drinks and latte. Also, some have the capacity to brew for only 1 cup size, while others may brew a bit more.
Water Reservoir:
Some single-serve coffee machines have a removable water reservoir and a handle, making it easy to pull out and take to the sink for re-filling. The water reservoir for others are permanently attached to the coffee maker. In this case you may need a jug to use to get some water and pour in. Lastly, some coffee machines do not come with a water reservoir at all. You will need to measure your water and pour the amount of water you need each time.
Brewing Speed:
Some coffee machines can heat and brew within a minute. But for some others, you may need to heat your water and pour into the coffee.
Single-Serve Coffee Makers Product Reviews
Here are our top recommended Single-Serve Coffee Makers
1. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker (Best Overall)
Coffee drinkers who want a versatile and convenient single-serve will find this one attractive. The Keurig K-Mini features a compact design that takes up minimal counter space. In fact, you can easily store it away when not in use. With its lightweight design, this single-serve coffee maker can brew a cup of coffee within a minute with just one touch operation.
There are hundreds of different K-Cup options available, so users can choose from a wide variety of coffee blends, tea, and hot chocolate.
It comes weighing about 5 lbs with dimensions 11.3” x 4.5” x 12.1” inches. Unlike most coffee makers, it allows you to brew coffee using pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules. The single-serve coffee maker lets you not just brew coffee, but also tea and hot cocoa using any K-Cup pods brand, making it easy to enjoy a variety of coffee blends!
Pros
- Automatic shut-off for added safety
- Convenient removable water tank and drip tray
- Large selection of pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules
- Space-saving design
- Available in multiple colors
- Lightning fast brew time
Cons
- No temperature controls
- Limited cup size options
2. Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Hamilton beach is an excellent choice for a hassle-free machine! Brew a fresh hot cup of coffee with one press of a button. Additionally, it features an option to choose and use your ground coffee instead of pre-packaged pods or capsules.
Some parts of the coffee maker are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The compact design of the Scoop makes it an ideal option for those with limited counter space.
The Scoop model is known for its affordability, ease of use, and compact design, making it a popular choice for coffee drinkers who want an easy and convenient brewing solution. It comes weighing about 5 lbs. with dimensions 6.7” x 8.35” x 8.67” inches. Another factor that differentiates it from rest of the crowd is that it can brew up to 14 ounces of coffee, which makes it larger than most single-serve coffee makers.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Cost-effective
- It only uses ground coffee
- Built-in scoop to perfectly measure the amount of coffee for each cup
Cons
- May require a separate paper filter
- Risk of inconsistency
- Limited options for brewing, only a single cup at a time
3. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Do you want budget-friendly single-serve coffee maker? If so, this is perfect for you. Not only is it reasonable, but easy to use as well. The machine is also easy ideal for those who prefer a single cup of coffee. It is quick and gives a hassle-free brewing experience. The single-serve comes weighing 2.2 lbs. with dimensions of the product 7.5” x 5.2” x 11” inches.
It uses K-Cups or coffee grounds and has a compact design making it suitable for small spaces. Overall, the machine is equipped with features such as a cup-size selector and auto shut-off. With that said, some models may have additional features such as adjustable temperature control.
Pros
- It allows both K-Cups and ground coffee
- Reasonably priced for a coffee maker
- Super simple operation and maintenance
- Minimal and compact design
Cons
- A bit noisy during brewing
- Small water reservoir
- May produce inconsistent results with different coffee brands or roast levels
FAQ’s
Here are some commonly asked questions about Single-Serve Coffee Makers
Can you put milk in a single-serve coffee maker?
You should not add milk. It is not advisable as this can easily damage the machine and difficult to clean out. Milk also does not always react well to heat. So this might negatively influence the final taste of your coffee.
How long do single-serve coffee pods last?
It is best to check the expiration date written on the packs. However, coffee pods can usually last 3 to 6 months beyond their expiry date.
Why are single-serve coffee so popular?
They are popular due to the convenience. Single-serve coffee maker can brew coffee directly into your cup or a travel mug, whereas the standard coffee maker would brew into a pot.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the best single-serve coffee makers helps you decide which one of these coffee makers will suit your needs best. Feel free to check out our other buying guides here.