Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

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

Coffee drinkers who value individualization will likely require machines that can prepare an entire pot of drip coffee or espresso-style shots. These machines are also designed to reduce the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They use recyclable or reusable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite has a beautiful design that blends premium finishes with programmable features. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms of the types of coffee it can brew -it can be used with K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot chocolate or tea. The large and removable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before requiring refills. It is also compatible with K-Cups that can be reused that will help you save money over time.

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

The K-Elite, while one of our top Keurigs however, it has some disadvantages. For instance, it can be difficult to clean, because it doesn't come with an adjustable drip tray, and the lid isn't secured. Additionally, the spout is prone to leave a few splatters particularly when using shorter travel mugs.

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

It was also the fastest to warm the water and then brew the cup. It was also the least likely to make grounds. However, the K-Elite was not able to create the same hot cup as some of our other top models. In addition, its iced option was not as flavorful as the stronger coffee. The K-Elite is a great choice to anyone who is looking for a best single brew coffee maker-serve machine. It's available for purchase at many retailers, including Keurig's website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It can be found for about $150. The K-Classic model is also a good option if you are looking for a less expensive model. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite but it's not as expensive as our other top models.

2. Single-Serve Coffee Maker BLACK+DECKER

A single-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a quick hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and compact than drip models which makes them a great fit for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They can also make a variety coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are simple to use and clean and make a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be one of the cheapest models available, however it comes with a few key attributes that are worth considering. It is equipped with an in-built filter that can accommodate both ground coffee and soft coffee pods that are pre-packaged, and it has an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just minutes to make a single cup of coffee. The machine comes with a travel cup that is thermal that fits into most cup holders in cars.

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was able to produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the time it took for the standard model in our lab. It also comes with programming options that are typically reserved for higher-end brewers like an automatic start.

Its retro-styled design is ideal for those who like to blend their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight design and removable tank make it easy to transport. Our testers found it relatively simple to operate and operated with a user-friendly digital control panel and menu that was easy to follow even for those with no prior experience with a single-serve coffee machine. However, the brew time was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it was not able to reach 195degF for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperature was also noticeable higher than other models in our tests and could result in burning grounds and overheated coffee. Despite these issues the CM618 is an excellent 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: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to create larger coffee and milk recipes, including lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were specifically designed to work with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.

The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso comes with four different sizes of drinks and smart capsule detection as well as the centrifusion brewing technique. It is modern and sleek design, and comes with a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy-to-use and has an automatic system that lets pods empty in a container integrated into the machine. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 seconds to heat up and then shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 made an excellent cup of coffee. It made a great cup of coffee that had a nice crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the mornings without burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to brew 7,7 ounces, which is the third slowest among the models we tested. This isn't a big deal however if you're used to making coffee quickly in the morning, it may 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's also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more environmentally friendly. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a turn off for potential buyers.

If you don't have the funds to purchase a top-rated pod coffee maker but would like to have the convenience of a single-serve machine then we suggest you check out our review of cup reusable. You can also consider one of our favorite insulated tumblers to keep your tea or coffee warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by a lot of users for its convenience features and many other models do not include them. The price is very reasonable for a top-quality machine and it also has a sleek design. However, a few owners have reported this model as a potential fire risk which is something that you should certainly keep in mind if you are considering buying it.

The fully automatic coffeemaker features 24-hour programming and you can program it to brew one or four cups at a time or the entire pot of 12. The carafe has thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter as well as charcoal filter remove impurities, enhancing the flavor of the coffee. The "Brew Pause", which stops the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour the contents of a cup. The self-cleaning feature helps keep the tank free of impurities.

The controls on this coffee maker are equally spaced and clearly labeled making it easy to find what each button does at glance. Other features include an automatic shutoff and an spout that is drip-free and has Knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also extremely user-friendly, and its brushed stainless steel finish looks beautiful on the countertop.

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

Some have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills water and coffee grounds all over the counter while it is operating, but this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. This is a great coffee maker for those who want a basic model with numerous features that make it convenient for a reasonable price.