6 best single serve coffee makers
There’s nothing like a fresh, hot cup of coffee to start the day in the morning. The biggest problem with getting a quality cup is that buying a cup in a coffee shop is very expensive, and making your own at home from ground coffee beans often means making more than you need. The solution to this problem, of course, is to get the best single-use coffee maker to use at home.

The market is flooded with these types of coffee makers, so it can be very difficult to find the right one. When compiling this list, we made sure to look at several key features to find the top rated single serve coffee makers. First, we checked the tank capacity of each model, so we knew how often you would need to refill it. Next, we checked the types of coffee each machine uses. Finally, we looked at the overall dimensions of the coffee makers to determine how much space they need to store.

We spent dozens of hours reading hundreds of reader reviews to compile our comprehensive list and in-depth product reviews. We’ve also taken the time to write a detailed buying guide and answer several frequently asked questions, so you can find the perfect coffee maker to create a delicious cup of coffee.

The 6 best single serve coffee makers
1
Keurig K-Cafe single serve coffee maker
Keurig has long been one of the leaders in the world of single-serve coffee makers, and for good reason. Its K-Cup pods are extremely convenient. These pods eliminate all the time needed to measure your coffee, and allow you to simply insert a pod and start brewing immediately. The large capacity reservoir of this model also helps to make it even more convenient, as you won’t need to measure the water every morning.

One of the biggest problems with most Keurig machines is that they can only be used to make regular coffee. Fortunately, this is not the case with this machine. Not only can you make a wonderful cup of coffee with this model, but you can also enjoy the smooth taste of lattes and cappuccinos. The easy-to-use milk frother helps to make these drinks something special.

The milk frother of this coffee maker is one of the easiest to install and use on the market. All you have to do is choose the setting and get to work. This will allow you to make coffee style drinks in the comfort of your own home in a very short time.

As you would expect from such a powerful machine, this coffee maker uses a lot of energy to operate. If you have a small home, this could trip your circuit breaker. While this doesn’t cause any permanent damage, it can be a bit of a nuisance. Fortunately, simply adjusting the automatic shut-off setting will get rid of this problem.

60 oz.
4
K-Cup doses
12.5 x 15.3 x 11.7 inches
Limited to 1 year
removable water tank; comes with a foamer for lattes and cappuccinos
Machine à espresso à service unique Nespresso Creatista de Breville
This is a great coffee maker for those who want to become a barista in their own kitchen. It has a ton of options for making a wide variety of different caffeinated drinks. In fact, this machine can be used to make up to eight different drinks. It also uses Nespresso capsules. These capsules are very similar to Keurig’s K-Cups, but with one big difference. Unlike K-Cups, these capsules can be recycled. Even if you can’t recycle them at home, the company will send you a UPS envelope to send your used capsules so you can be sure they are disposed of properly.

As you would expect from a machine that can be used to make so many different drinks, there is a bit of a learning curve to using it properly. While it’s not too difficult to make a regular cup of coffee, you shouldn’t expect to be able to create lattes and cappuccinos immediately after you start using it.

Fortunately, this company stands behind its product. The instructions that come with the device are very simple and you will have no trouble making the drinks you want. It just takes a little practice to get the exact taste you want.

With such a complex machine, it’s another tribute to the quality of the company that it offers one of the most extensive guarantees on the market. Even if something goes wrong with the normal use of this coffee maker, you’ll be covered for two years.

50 oz.
8 beverage options with adjustable volumes
Nespresso capsules
12.5 x 7 x 12 inches
Limited to 2 years
adjustable milk temperature and foam quality
Ninja CF112
If you’re more of a coffee purist, chances are you don’t want to use capsules or pods to make your morning coffee. With this coffee maker, you can use your favourite ground beans from the shop or make your own blend to create delicious drinks that will rival anything you’ll get in a coffee shop. Using ground coffee also helps to make this option much more environmentally friendly, as you can easily compost the leftover ground coffee.

Unlike other machines that allow you to make more complex drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, this model is relatively simple to use. You can choose from a number of different settings that will allow you to brew different beverages to your exact specifications. You can also make four different cup sizes, which means you can make the right cup size for any occasion.

The milk frother also works very well. Like the other settings on this machine, it is very easy to use, making it a great option for anyone looking to make more sophisticated caffeinated drinks.

Although this coffee maker is not very difficult to use, you will need to ensure that you clean it often. Otherwise, you may find that your drinks taste a little different, which is obviously less than ideal. The coffee maker may also not work properly or may even break down.

22 oz.
4
field
12.2 x 11 x 16.3 inches
Limited to 1 year
Built-in frother; classic and rich brew
AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker
Although we would all like to be able to sit down in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee at home, this is not always possible. Many people lead extremely busy lives and don’t have enough time to sit at home and drink their coffee. With this model from AdirChef, you can quickly and easily brew a great cup of coffee and be on your way in no time.

For starters, this machine has a stylish design. This makes it a great addition to anyone’s kitchen counter, even if you already have another coffee maker or a smaller kitchen. Because it is so compact, it can easily be stored in a cabinet when not in use, making it a perfect option if counter space is limited in your home.

This model comes with a travel mug, which is available in five different colours. This mug is perfectly designed to fit the machine without any problems. The coffee maker’s reservoir is just large enough to fill this size of cup, so there are no spills or overflow.

There are however two things you should keep in mind with this machine. Firstly, the filter provided, although very easy to clean, allows water to pass through too quickly. This rapid transfer makes it difficult to get the right strength for your coffee, especially if you like stronger coffee.

The second problem you need to consider with this machine is that the mug supplied has a plastic interior. While this isn’t an immediate problem, it does mean that the mug won’t last as long as a stainless steel model, and you may need to replace it sooner than expected.

15 oz.
1
field
6.7 x 5.1 x 10.1 inches
Limited to 1 year
Comes with a travel mug available in 5 colours
Hamilton Beach 49981A
This coffee maker is another great option if you’re looking to save some counter space. It is extremely compact, making it a great choice for anyone with a small kitchen or who doesn’t like cluttered countertops. Even though it is quite small, it is capable of making an excellent cup of coffee.

This machine does not offer many brewing options, but it can be used to brew regular coffee for a normal day or strong coffee when you need a boost of energy. This coffee maker can only produce two different cup sizes. While this may seem a little restrictive to some people, the simple design and operation of this model makes it an excellent choice for people in a hurry who want a basic cup of coffee.

One of the major problems with small coffee makers is that they tend to get a little dirty during the brewing process. This mess can be attributed to the fact that the cups are usually not close enough to the spout of the coffee maker. This model, however, has an easily adjustable stand that makes it much easier to bring your cup closer to the spout.

Another thing to consider before buying this machine is that the coffee you make will have a slight plastic taste after the first few uses. This plastic aftertaste won’t hurt you, but it can make the coffee a little bitter. Fortunately, this aftertaste does not last very long and should therefore not be an obstacle to purchase.

14 oz.
2
field
8.3 x 6.7 x 8.7 inches
Limited to 1 year
regular and strong coffee settings; integrated adjustable stand
Neat K575
While single-serve coffee makers are generally Keurig’s target market, this model is a little different. While it can be used to brew a single serving of coffee, it can also be used to brew much larger quantities. This machine can actually brew a travel mug or even a twelve-ounce carafe of coffee. These different sizes make it one of the most versatile single serve coffee makers on the market, which would be perfect for a whole family of coffee drinkers.

One of the reasons why this model can make so much coffee at once is its extra-large reservoir. While other models can only hold a few cups of coffee before needing to be refilled, this model has a capacity of 80 ounces. This is enough for more than ten cups of coffee, which is perfect for a larger group. It’s also very easy to set up and use, so no matter who wakes up in the morning, you should have no trouble getting a delicious cup of coffee to start your day off right.

If you want to brew large quantities of coffee, you’ll need to use different Keurig pods, including the K-Carafe, which isn’t easy to find in shops and you’ll have to order online, which may not be very convenient for everyone. The coffee also tends to be a little colder when brewing large quantities with this machine, so be sure to keep that in mind before making your final decision.

80 oz.
5
K-Cup, K-Mug, K-Carafe pods
13.2 x 10.5 x 13.3 inches
Limited to 1 year
Comes with a pack of 6 K-Cups and 2 water filter cartridges.
Features to consider when choosing a single serve coffee maker
As you can imagine, there are many different factors you need to consider before making your final decision on your new coffee maker. In this section, we’ll go through all the details so that you can find the best model for your needs.

Capacity
One of the first things you should keep in mind when looking for a new coffee maker is the capacity you need. The capacity of a coffee maker is the amount of water it can hold in its tank that can then be used to make your cup of coffee. Obviously, the larger the capacity, the more cups of coffee you can make before you have to refill the tank, which is a great help on a busy morning.
Of course, if you live alone, you probably won’t need a large capacity model, as you will be the only one making coffee with the machine. In this case, a model like the Hamilton Beach 49981A will be fine. On the other hand, if you live with a large group of deep L coffee lovers, a large capacity coffee maker, such as the Keurig K575, might be your best option.

Number of cup sizes
Before making your final purchase, you’ll also need to consider how many cups your new coffee maker should be able to handle.

If you always use the same cup size, you can probably settle for a one-size-fits-all coffeemaker, such as AdirChef’s Grab N’ Go personal coffee maker. Of course, if you’re looking for a little variety in your cup choices, you can opt for something like the Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup coffee maker, which will allow you to choose from four different cup sizes to suit your different coffee needs on different days.

K-Cup pods, Nespresso capsules and ground coffee
When it comes to the coffee you’re going to put in your new coffee maker, there are several different options you can choose from depending on the type of coffee maker you choose. These choices are as follows:

K-Cup pods – As the name suggests, these pods are intended for use with Keurig machines. K-Cups are incredibly convenient and come in a ton of different flavours. Their only major drawback is that they are not very good for the environment as they cannot be recycled at all.
Nespresso Capsules – Nespresso capsules are used in Nespresso machines, such as the Breville Nespresso Creatista single serve espresso machine. These capsules are very similar to K-cups in that they contain a single serving of coffee or espresso. Unfortunately, they are not available in as many flavours. However, these capsules are made of aluminium, which means that they can be recycled.
Ground coffee – Ground coffee is perhaps the most environmentally friendly method of making coffee, as the grounds and filters can usually be composted or recycled. You can also buy reusable, washable pods that fit into Keurig or Nespresso machines. This way you can choose your favourite coffee flavours and help the environment. On the other hand, ground coffee is not very convenient to use, as you have to carefully measure the right amount, put it in the coffee basket and clean it afterwards. This means more mess and less of your valuable time in the morning.
Brewing parameters
When it comes to having a cup of coffee at your local café, there are no limits to the different options you have when it comes to the varieties of different brews you can choose from. This large number of choices is the main reason why so many people go to these shops, as most home coffee makers can only make a regular cup. Fortunately, if you buy the top rated single serve coffee maker, you will have the option to choose from several brew settings.

These brew settings will allow you to make a cup of light, regular or strong coffee. This way, you can get the taste you like in your local coffee shop at home. Of course, these brew settings, like the Hamilton Beach 49981A and Ninja CF112, may cost you a little more, but the taste is worth it.

If you’re an espresso lover, you might also want to consider some cheap espresso machines under $300 or our top picks for manual espresso machines.

If there’s a milk frother
Cappuccinos and lattes are another drink that are usually only found in a coffee shop, as they require a different blend of coffee and a milk froth. Milk frothers are necessary for these drinks because they create the top layer by heating and mixing the milk so quickly that it becomes frothy.

While this feature is certainly not necessary for anyone looking for a normal cup of coffee, it is absolutely essential if you want to use your single serve coffee maker to make lattes and cappuccinos at home. Although other models come with a milk frother, the Keurig K-Cafe cup coffee maker is probably the easiest to use and the most effective. Check out our roundup of the best latte machines if this feature is particularly important.

Dimensions
When it comes to the size of your new coffee maker, you’ll want to make sure you have a large enough slot for the model you have in mind on your countertop. If your kitchen is smaller, you will need to choose a smaller model. Otherwise, it may take up too much of your space. Of course, if you have a larger kitchen, the size of your new coffee maker should not be a major concern.

Warranty
When you’re considering any type of large use, it’s always best to look for a model with a good warranty. You will want to make sure that the coffee maker you decide to buy comes with a good warranty. This way, you will be covered if something stops working or if your machine is damaged in any way through normal use. You just need to be careful, as many companies claim to offer a long and comprehensive warranty, but will actually only cover you for a short period of time.

More features
One of the best features to look for with this type of coffee maker is a removable water tank. While this may not seem like a big deal, it is a huge time saver, as it allows you to fill the water tank directly in your sink. This way, you won’t have to deal with accidental spills when you fill your machine.
Another interesting feature is a heating function, as can be found in thermal coffee makers.

Also, it’s always good to get an accessory pack with your purchase. For example, the Keurig K575 comes with a six-pack of K-Cup pods so you can try different varieties of coffee before deciding which one you prefer.

How to maintain your coffee maker
You might not think that a machine that uses hot water could be that dirty, but germs can actually build up quite quickly. Fortunately, a quick cleaning will restore your coffee maker to its former glory.

Unplug your machine, take out the removable parts and rinse them in hot soapy water.
Wipe the inside of the machine with a damp microfiber cloth.
Dry and replace all the parts you have washed.
Fill the water tank with half white vinegar and half cold water. Run the machine without capsules or coffee until all the solution has been used.
Refill the water tank with cold water and run the cycle without capsules and coffee.
Return to using your coffee maker as normal.
Our verdict
Keurig has long been one of the best brands in the world of single-use coffee makers, so it’s not much of a surprise that the Keurig K-Cafe single-use bucket coffee maker is perhaps the best on the market. It can be used to make many different caffeinated drinks, from regular cups of coffee to lattes and cappuccinos. This coffee maker is also very easy to use and we highly recommend that you give it a try.

If you fancy trying your hand at a more complex coffee maker to create coffee quality drinks at home, then the Breville Nespresso Creatista single serve espresso machine may catch your eye. Although it takes a little time to learn, this machine can make drinks that rival any coffee, making it a great choice for people with very particular tastes.

One of the biggest problems with single serve coffee makers is that they use pods, which are difficult or impossible to recycle. The Ninja CF112 is perhaps the best single serve coffee maker to solve this problem by using coffee grounds instead. This model gives you the ability to create delicious drinks without having to worry about harming the environment with unnecessary waste.