The Best Single Serve Coffee Makers – 2024 List

Single-cup coffee makers are gaining popularity due to their simplicity and convenience. They ensure a fresh cup of coffee every time you brew. The best ones are easy to operate, brew flavorful coffee, and are built to last.

When choosing a single-cup coffee maker, consider the two main types available: pod-based and non-pod-based. Pod-based machines use pre-packaged coffee pods, providing convenience but often at a higher cost than buying coffee beans or grounds. On the other hand, non-pod-based machines allow you to use your coffee grounds or beans, offering flexibility and potentially saving money over time.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the coffee maker. These machines come in various sizes, from compact models suitable for small kitchens to larger ones capable of brewing multiple cups simultaneously. The size you choose should align with your brewing needs and the available counter space in your kitchen.

After trying out various single-serve coffee makers, our top pick for most people is the Keurig K-Mini 

When selecting the best single-serve coffee maker, consider a few key factors.

Firstly, convenience matters. Look for a machine that is easy to use and clean, saving you time and hassle.

Secondly, brewing options are important. Choose a coffee maker that offers flexibility in cup sizes and brewing strength to customize your coffee.

Lastly, durability is crucial. opt for a machine made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use without breaking down.

This article will delve into our top recommendations for single-serve coffee makers, highlighting their features and benefits to help you find the perfect one for your morning routine.

Best Single Serve Coffee Makers

If you're a coffee lover, you know that nothing beats a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. But what if you're the only coffee drinker in your household? Or you're always on the go and need a quick caffeine fix? That's where single serve coffee makers come in handy. Our team has tested and researched the top single serve coffee makers on the market to bring you the best options available. Whether you prefer a classic cup of coffee or a specialty drink, we've got you covered. Check out our list below for the best single serve coffee makers.

Best Overall – Keurig K-Mini 
Runner Up – Hamilton Beach The Scoop
Best Value – Keurig K-Express 
Most Versatile – Ninja Pods & Grounds 
Most Compact Design – Famiworths Mini 
Most Energy Efficient – Keurig K-Iced 
For Those on a Budget – Famiworths 

Best Overall

Keurig K-Mini 

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The Keurig K-Mini is a fantastic choice if you want a small and effective single-serve coffee maker.

Pros

• The K-Mini is tiny and fits in small places like apartments or offices.
• It's easy to use: just add water, put in a K-Cup pod, and press brew.
• You get your coffee fast with the K-Mini, ready in a few minutes.

Cons

• The K-Mini only holds one cup, so you have to fill it every time you brew.
• It doesn't have fancy stuff like temperature control or a clock.
• The K-Mini can be loud when making coffee, not great if you want quiet.

Having used the Keurig K-Mini myself, I highly recommend it! It's incredibly slim, fitting perfectly in tight spots. With its flexible brewing options, you can choose your cup size from 6 to 12 ounces using Keurig K-Cup pods. Plus, it's super easy to use – just fill the single cup reservoir with water for each brew, and you'll have your coffee ready in minutes.

I love how it's designed for convenience, with features like cord storage for easy moving and a removable drip tray that can fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall. And the best part? It's energy-efficient, automatically turning off after 90 seconds of inactivity, helping you save power.

Overall, it's a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a compact, efficient, and hassle-free coffee maker.

Runner Up

Hamilton Beach The Scoop

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Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker & Fast Grounds Brewer is a great choice if you want an affordable and eco-friendly single-serve coffee maker.

Pros

• Easy to use: scoop your favorite ground coffee and brew.
• Eco-friendly and budget-friendly: no need for K-Cup pods, uses a permanent filter.
• Adjustable stand lets you choose your size: brew into a standard 8 oz. cup or up to 14 oz. into a 7” travel mug (not included).

Cons

• Coffee may not be as hot as you want.
• Might not be as strong as you like.
• May leak if you don't use the right amount of coffee.

I've tried the Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker, and it's awesome! Scoop your coffee, brew, and you're good to go. It's eco-friendly and budget-friendly because it doesn't use pods.

You can choose your cup size and how strong you want your coffee. Plus, it turns off by itself, so no worries about forgetting. It's a great choice for easy, tasty coffee every morning!

Best Value

Keurig K-Express 

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If you want a fast and simple method to brew tasty coffee, the Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Enjoy stronger coffee with the “Strong Brew” feature, enhancing flavor intensity.
• Customize your coffee size (8, 10, or 12 oz.) effortlessly with one-touch brewing.
• The 42oz. removable reservoir allows brewing up to 4 cups without refilling, ideal for busy mornings.

Cons

• The “Add water” indicator may trigger prematurely, slightly inconvenient.
• My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter compatibility requires a separate purchase.
• Some users find the brewing process noisy, which could be bothersome.

The Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker offers strong brew options, multiple cup sizes, a large water reservoir, quick brewing, travel mug compatibility, energy efficiency, and the ability to use your ground coffee with a reusable filter. Highly recommended for convenient and delicious coffee experiences.

Most Versatile Choice

Ninja Pods & Grounds Single-Serve Coffee Maker

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For a flexible single-serve coffee maker that accommodates both pods and grounds, the Ninja is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The Ninja offers three brew styles (Classic, Rich, and Over Ice) for both pods and grounds, allowing customization.
• Ultimate brew versatility with options for 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz. pod brews and 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, or 24-oz. grounds brews.
• Accommodates up to a 24-oz. travel mug, perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go coffee drinkers.

Cons

• Some users report durability issues, especially with the pod adapter.
• The Ninja's thermal flavor extraction duo may not suit those who prefer milder coffee.
• Refilling the removable reservoir can be tricky and may cause spills.

The Ninja Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a versatile choice for coffee lovers. It offers multiple brewing options with pods or grounds, three brew styles, and various sizes. With its iced coffee capability and travel mug-friendly design, it's perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking convenience and flavor.

Most Compact Design

Famiworths Mini Coffee Maker 

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For an affordable and user-friendly single-serve coffee maker, the Famiworths Mini Coffee Maker is an excellent choice.

Pros

• 2-way coffee maker for K-pods and fresh grounds offers versatile brewing options.
• Water level indicator ensures easy filling for a smoother experience.
• Compact design makes it portable and ideal for small spaces like RVs, offices, dorms, and apartments.

Cons

• Brewed coffee may not be as hot as desired by some users.
• Compatible only with US standard voltage (110V-120V), requiring a voltage converter for use in other countries.
• Durability may not match that of higher-end models.

The 2-Way Coffee Maker offers versatility, brewing both pods and grounds with a reusable filter. It features a water level indicator, brews sizes from 6 to 12 oz, and has a sleek, BPA-free design. With 2-Minute Brew Technology, it makes hot coffee fast. Compact and portable, it's perfect for small spaces. Self-cleaning and with a descaling reminder, it ensures longevity.

Note: Operates only on US standard voltage.

For Those on a Budget 

Famiworths Single Serve Coffee Maker

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For those seeking a compact and budget-friendly single-serve coffee maker, the Famiworths Single Serve Coffee Maker is a solid choice.

Pros

• Compatible with K-Cups and ground coffee, offering flexibility in brewing preferences.
• The Bold setting enhances flavor and richness, providing a stronger coffee experience.
• Compact size allows for easy transportation, ideal for camping or traveling.

Cons

• The ground coffee filter lid's thin plastic hinge may lack durability.
• Coffee flavor may vary based on coffee-to-water ratio, requiring experimentation.
• Powder basket capacity limited to 0.88oz, potentially insufficient for some users.

The Famiworths Single Serve Coffee Maker is a great choice for making your morning brew. You can use K-Cups or your favorite ground coffee with its reusable ground basket. It brews cups ranging from 6 to 14 ounces, so you can get just the right amount to kick-start your day.

Plus, its big powder basket can hold up to 0.88 ounces of coffee, giving you a tasty cup every time. With simple push-button controls and a Bold setting, you can make stronger coffee with richer flavor. It's small and easy to take with you when you're camping or traveling.

It brews a 6-ounce cup in just 3 minutes at the perfect temperature, 185F, so you can enjoy your coffee nice and hot. And cleaning up is easy, with a reminder to descale it for better performance and a longer life.

Most Energy Effecient

Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker 

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If you want a coffee maker that can brew both hot and cold coffee, the Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker is an excellent option.

Pros

• Brew over ice button ensures vibrant, balanced iced coffee without dilution.
• 42oz removable reservoir allows for up to 4 cups of brewing between refills, ideal for multiple servings.
• Fast and fresh-brewed coffee in minutes is perfect for busy mornings.

Cons

• Some users experience iced coffee coming out hot, melting ice and diluting the drink.
• Tank sensor may be finicky, requiring a specific water level for selecting brew sizes.
• Pouring may be messy, but this is a minor inconvenience.

The Keurig K-Iced Single Serve Coffee Maker offers versatile brewing with features like Brew Over Ice and Strong Brew. It accommodates 3 cup sizes and has a 42oz removable reservoir for convenience. With fast brewing, compatibility with iced tumblers, and energy-saving auto-off, it's a great choice. Plus, it works with the My K-Cup Universal Coffee Filter for ground coffee.

A Single Serve Coffee Maker Buying Guide

When searching for the perfect single-serve coffee maker, keep these important features in mind:

Capacity

The size of the coffee maker matters. If you only drink a cup a day, a small one works. But for more people or guests, choose a bigger one.

Brewing Options

Coffee makers have different brewing options. Some just make regular coffee, while others can also make espresso, cappuccino, and latte. Pick one that fits what you like and need.

Size and Design

Size and looks matter too. If you don't have much counter space, go for a smaller machine. Also, think about how it looks in your kitchen and if it matches your style.

Ease of Use

A coffee maker that's easy to use and clean can make mornings easier. Look for simple controls and easy-to-clean designs.

Price

Price matters too. Some machines are pricier but have more features and make better coffee. Yet, there are also affordable ones that still brew great coffee.

By considering these factors, you can find the best single serve coffee maker to fit your needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in a single-serve coffee maker without using pods?

When choosing a single-serve coffee maker without using pods, it is important to consider the brewing time, water reservoir capacity, and ease of cleaning. Look for a machine that can brew a cup of coffee quickly, has a water reservoir that can hold enough water for multiple cups, and is easy to clean.

Which single-serve coffee maker with a built-in grinder offers the best value?

The Cuisinart DGB-1 Single Cup Grind & Brew Coffeemaker is a great option for those looking for a single-serve coffee maker with a built-in grinder that offers good value. It is compact, easy to use, and produces a great cup of coffee.

How do pod-based single-serve coffee makers compare to traditional drip machines?

Pod-based single-serve coffee makers are more convenient and faster than traditional drip machines. However, they can be more expensive in the long run due to the cost of pods. Traditional drip machines are more affordable and can brew larger quantities of coffee at once.

Can you recommend a single-serve coffee maker that has received high ratings from consumer reports?

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker has received high ratings from consumer reports. It is versatile, easy to use, and can brew both coffee pods and ground coffee.

What are some alternatives to Keurig machines that provide a superior coffee experience?

The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker and the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine are both excellent alternatives to Keurig machines. They offer a superior coffee experience with their high-quality brewing technology.

How does the taste of Nespresso coffee stack up against that of Keurig?

Nespresso coffee is known for its rich, smooth taste and is often preferred over Keurig coffee. Nespresso machines use high-quality coffee pods that are specifically designed for their machines, resulting in a more consistent and flavorful cup of coffee.