Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

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

Coffee drinkers who are adamant about individualization will likely require an appliance that can make an entire pot of espresso-style drip coffee or drip shots. Many of these machines take into consideration the environmental impact of coffee pods by utilizing reusable or recyclable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that combines premium finishes and programmable features. It's among the most versatile Keurig models in terms of what it can brew -- it supports K-Cups and ground coffee and hot chocolate and tea. Its large and removable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before requiring refills. It's also compatible with refillable K-Cup pods, which can save you money in the long run.

Despite having more buttons on its control panel than other Keurig model, it's easy to navigate and operate. The top control panel features an energy button, a settings button along with up and down buttons for the menu and the "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 refills and descales.

While the K-Elite is one of our top Keurig models, it does have some negatives. It can, for instance, be difficult to clean because it doesn't come with a detachable drip tray and the lid isn't secured. The spout also can cause splatters when using smaller travel cups.

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

It was also the fastest to warm the water and then brew the cup. And it was the least likely machine to produce grounds. The K-Elite could not create a more hot cup than some of our top models. The iced coffee also was less savory than its robust brew. The K-Elite is a great choice for anyone seeking a single-serve machine. It is available at many retailers including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair. You can find it for around $150. The K-Classic model is a good option if you are looking for a less expensive model. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite but it's not as expensive as our other top choices.

2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A single-serve machine 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 can also be used to make a variety of different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate and are a great option for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be among the most affordable models available, but it offers some key attributes that are worth looking into. It has a permanent filter that can be used with ground coffee or soft coffee pods. It also comes with an automatic shut-off function to save energy and water. It takes only a few minutes to perk a single cup of coffee, and it comes with a travel mug that is thermal 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 produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took the average model we tested in our lab. It also has some programmable functions that are usually reserved for higher-end models like auto start.

Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who want to match their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight construction and removable tank makes it easy to move. It was surprisingly user-friendly and had a digital control panel that was simple and a menu that anyone could comprehend. However, the brew speed was not the best single brew coffee maker in our tests, and it was not able to reach 195degF for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than other models we tested, which could lead to burning or overheated coffee. However, despite these issues, the CM618 remains a great choice for those on a tight budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods as well as their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they only use their own coffee pods. The brand separates its pod-based machines into two categories: Original and VertuoLine. Original machines make espresso-based drinks. VertuoLine models are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, such as cappuccinos and lattes. Since they're meant to be used in conjunction with Nespresso's recyclable and sustainable capsules, Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine models.

The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 offers four different sizes of drink with intelligent capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion brewing process. It also features modern, sleek design and a water tank that is removable that can hold 37 ounces of water. It is user-friendly and comes with an automated system which ejects used pods inside a container that is built inside the machine. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds to warm up and then is shut down by itself after 9 minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 made an excellent cup of coffee. It produced a good cup of coffee that had a nice crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to brew. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee which was the third slowest of our tests. This isn't a big deal but if you're used to brewing coffee quickly in the morning, it could be a problem.

Overall, the NespressoXP371 is an excellent choice for coffee and espresso lovers who are looking to reduce waste. Its design is more lavish than the typical pod brewer and is compatible with Nespresso's capsules that are reusable, which are more eco-friendly than K-Cups and other traditional pods on market. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a deterrent for buyers who are interested in buying.

If you don't have the funds to purchase a top-rated pod coffee maker but want to experience the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we suggest you check out our review of cup reusable. You can also try one of our favorite tumblers with insulation to keep your coffee or tea warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has received thousands of positive reviews from its users and comes with a variety of convenient features that other models don't have. The price is reasonable for such a high-quality machine and it has a sleek look. However, some owners have cited this model as a potential fire danger and this is something you should be aware of in the event that you're thinking of buying it.

This fully automatic coffeemaker has 24-hour programming, and you can set it to make one or four cups at once or an entire pot of 12 cups. The carafe is an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter eliminate impurities, thus enhancing the taste of the coffee. There is a 30-second "Brew Pause" feature that will stop the brewing process so you can pour a cup, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean.

The controls are evenly spaced and clearly labeled. It is easy to determine the function of each button. Other features include a self-cleaning, alerts to reduce the calcification of the carafe and tank as well as an automatic shutoff and a drip-free knuckle guard spout that allows for a ease of pouring. The coffee maker is simple to use and comes with a beautiful brushed stainless finish.

Some buyers have complained that the gold toned mesh filter is difficult to clean. This could be an issue for those who prefer to use paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill up properly due to an error in the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole in the back of the machine.

Some users have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spews water and coffee grounds all over the counter when it is in operation, but this appears to be not a common occurrence. It's a great coffee maker if you're looking for a basic model with numerous features that make it convenient for a reasonable price.