The 9 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers

Best Overall

Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker

$120 at Amazon $120 at Wayfair $150 at Lowe's

Overall, we found the best option to be the Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker. The coffee maker has a 72-ounce water reservoir that's ideal for people who drink several cups of coffee per day, or for households with more than one coffee drinker.

The coffee maker is compatible with a variety of pods; however, it also comes with a reusable filter cup if you prefer to use your own grounds. Plus, the machine also dispenses hot water, so you'll be able to use it for tea and hot chocolate as well.

The machine can brew servings from four to 12 ounces, so you'll be able to use a variety of mug sizes. The model also allows you to choose what brewing temperature you prefer. Plus, the machine is programmable, so you can adjust settings to brew your perfect. A charcoal filter also removes impurities for a better tasting coffee.

For easier cleaning, the water reservoir is removable, and the unit itself comes with a rinse feature to clean inside of the brewing chamber. You can also pop out the drip tray for cleaning and to more readily brew coffee right into a travel mug.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Both | Beverage Size: 4 to 12 ounces | Water Reservoir: 72 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee and hot water | Brew Speed: Not listed

Best Budget

Black+Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker

$29 at Amazon $29 at Home Depot

If you're in the market for a less-expensive option, consider the Black+Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker. The small appliance brews single servings of coffee using a permanent filter that's compatible with both ground coffee and coffee pods. It also comes with a 16-ounce travel mug in case you need your caffeine on-the-go.

The filter can be cleaned by simply rinsing it out, so it's a lower-maintenance option for daily cleaning. Because it doesn't require paper filters, this coffee maker creates less waste and doesn't require the added expense of buying filters than other options on the market. The filter basket is also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

The machine shuts itself off automatically after the cup of coffee is finished brewing, a great detail especially if you're rushing in the morning. It's also a smaller option—just 7.4 inches wide and 12.1 inches tall—if you're trying to conserve valuable counter space.

Keep in mind that this machine doesn't have a water reservoir tank to hold extra water beyond 16 ounces. You will need to add water each time you want to brew a cup of coffee, which could be inconvenient for frequent coffee drinkers or a household of coffee lovers.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Both | Beverage Size: 5 to 16 ounces | Water Reservoir: 16 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee | Brew Speed: Not listed

Best Splurge

Bruvi Brewer BV-01

$398 at Amazon $348 at Bruvi.com

What can’t the Bruvi BV-01—available in black and cream & sugar—do? Let’s start with the brewing options on the large touchscreen: Choose from standard coffee, iced coffee, tea, espresso, americano, infused coffee, cold brew, and hot water, plus extra-hot, low acid, or strong settings. 

The quiet coffee maker is bluetooth-enabled, which means you can connect it to the Bruvi app to schedule it in advance, brew remotely, order pods, and find out how much coffee you’ve consumed in total.

Maintenance is made easy with the auto dispense waste bin (able to hold up to six pods), 70-ounce water tank, and hygienic brewing that prevents the coffee from actually touching the inside of the brewer. 

The energy-efficient temperature control is also incredibly impressive, with the choice of a high altitude setting and ability to quickly brew another cup without waiting for the Bruvi to reheat. It can even adjust for cold brew and make you a cup in just minutes.

Bruvi takes the actual coffee just as seriously as the design. While you can only brew its signature B-Pods, they contain verified sustainable craft coffee. When you insert a pod, the Bruvi scans it and automatically adjusts the parameters.

Included with the brewer are Bruvi’s water filter kit and reusable Japanese knot bag. No paper filters are needed, since the double filters within the machine let micro grinds pass to create full bodied flavor in mouthfeel.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Pods | Beverage Size: 1-12 ounces | Water Reservoir: 70 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee, iced coffee, tea, espresso, americano, cold brew, infused coffee, and hot water | Brew Speed: Not listed

Best for Ground Coffee

Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker

$40 at Amazon $40 at Wayfair $53 at Home Depot

The Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker is the best option for those who don't want to use coffee pods. The mesh scoop filter can be used as a measuring device, so all you have to do is choose your favorite grounds. Once you've made your coffee, the scoop can be run through the dishwasher for quick cleaning.

You can choose to brew either an 8-ounce or a 14-ounce cup of coffee, though the 14-ounce will take about a minute longer to brew. You'll also be able to choose between the automatic drip brewing option or a bolder brew if you prefer stronger coffee.

Once the machine is done brewing, it shuts itself off automatically, so you won't have to worry about it once you head out for the day.

With this model, keep in mind that the reservoir won't hold more than 14 ounces of water so you will need to refill it after every cup. This isn't an inconvenience for those who only want to savor one cup of coffee, but it may matter if you want multiple, quick cups of coffee at home.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Filter | Beverage Size: 8 to 14 ounces | Water Reservoir: 14 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee | Brew Speed: 1.5 to 2.5 minutes

Best for Espresso

Nespresso Vertuo Plus

$189 at Amazon $189 at Wayfair $249 at Saks Fifth Avenue

For espresso aficionados, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the best single-serve coffee machine. The machine, which is offered in either chrome or matte black finishes, can brew both standard coffee and espresso, making it a more versatile option compared to other similar styles.

Although it is considered a single-serve machine, you'll have the option to brew up to two servings of coffee or espresso at one time for mornings when you need an extra caffeine boost. Though the machine only brews coffee from Nespresso's own coffee pods, it creates barista-quality espresso at home.

It's made with a specific technology that leads to quiet brewing, a key detail especially if you live with others. Brewing speed depends on how much coffee and what type, but the machine heats up to ideal brewing temperature in 20 seconds or less.

The machine has a feature to let you know when it needs to be descaled, so you won't have to remember to clean it regularly. You'll want to hand wash the water reservoir, capsule holder, and drip tray rather than running them through the dishwasher. Nespresso recommends its descaling cleanser instead of cleaning with vinegar or other DIY methods.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Pods | Brew Size: 1.35 to 7.77 ounces | Water Reservoir: 40 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee and espresso | Brew Speed: Not listed

Best for Iced Coffee

Keurig K-Iced

$100 at Amazon View on Keurig.com

Without a coffee maker specifically for iced coffee, you’re left with subpar results—either it’s watery from melting ice or you have to refrigerate it before drinking. The Keurig K-Iced Single-Serve Coffee Maker adjusts the brewing temperature so that it starts out hot to maximize flavor and then cools down.

With the 42 ounce water reservoir, you can brew up to five cups before you need to refill it (and since it’s removable, doing so is easy). Fill any kind of tumbler or mug up to 7 inches tall thanks to the removable drip tray, which can hold a full cup of coffee if you accidentally brew one so you don’t have to worry about the mess.

While it does only take pods, you can purchase the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter separately and fill it with your own coffee grounds. The coffee maker automatically turns off five minutes after it’s done brewing in order to save energy.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Pods | Brew Size: 8-12 ounces | Water Reservoir: 42 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee and iced coffee | Brew Speed: Not listed

Best Small

Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker

$92 at Amazon $60 at Target $92 at Wayfair

If you're short on counter space but don't want to sacrifice your morning cup of coffee, the K-Mini Plus from Keurig is the best single-serve coffee machine. The unit is small and slim but still provides the option to choose a cup size ranging from 6 to 12 ounces.

The K-Mini Plus has a storage container that can hold up to nine K-Cup coffee pods for convenient storage, eliminating the need to hunt around in the back of the cupboard for a pod to use. It also works with Keurig's My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter if you want to skip single-use pods.

The K-Mini Plus comes in seven colors and even has cord storage that'll help keep your countertop tidy. Like larger coffee makers, the drip tray is removable to accommodate both coffee mugs and larger travel mugs.

Due to its smaller size, it doesn't have a reservoir that holds extra water, which helps save on space. However, if you use a cup that's too small, the drip tray can hold up to a full cup in case of accidental over-brewing.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Pods and filter | Brew Size: 6 to 12 ounces | Water Reservoir: 12 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee | Brew Speed: Not listed

Best Pour Over

OXO Pour-Over Coffee Maker

$18 at Amazon $18 at Wayfair $18 at Home Depot

Brewers don’t need to be fancy to be effective, and the budget-friendly Oxo Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker is proof. The beauty lies in the water tank: Instead of having to pour the hot water over grinds yourself, which can seem to take hours when you’re running behind, it does all the work for you. 

The specially designed hole pattern automatically distributes the water evenly and at the perfect rate to give you the most flavor. This may not be ideal for passionate coffee fans who prefer control over the drip pattern and flow, but it’s a definite benefit for those who like the taste of pour over but don’t always have time to make it.

You can add up to 12 ounces to the tank, easily measured by the exterior markings. Included in the box is a simple card with all the brew ratio conversions you may need, so you know exactly how much water and coffee to add, as well as ten disposable filters. 

A helpful multitasker, the lid keeps the heat in while your coffee brews, and it also moonlights as a drip tray when you’re done. The tank and dripper are both BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Disposable filter | Beverage Size: 12 ounces | Water Reservoir: 12 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee | Brew Speed: Not listed

Most Versatile

Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve Coffee Maker

$139 at Amazon $170 at Target

Finding a versatile brewer like the Keurig K-Supreme, is the key to making multiple kinds of coffee with one multitasking machine. With this model, you can brew 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces of coffee and choose whether you'd like a strong brew or regular strength. The machine can make both hot and iced coffee.

Although this model only takes Keurig-brand pods, you can use Keurig's My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter to customize your coffee grounds (sold separately). The coffee maker has a 66-ounce water reservoir, so there's plenty of water for a multi-person household to have a cup or two of coffee.

This latest model even allows you to choose which side of the brewer the reservoir should be on, so it's easier to fit into tight spaces. The 34-inch cord length also allows you to position it wherever it fits best in your coffee station. The brewer will even remind you when it's time to descale with its automatic alert that occurs every 250 brews.

Product Details: Pods or Reusable Filter: Keurig-brand pods | Brew size: 6 to 12 ounces | Water Reservoir: 66 ounces | Brewing Options: Standard coffee and iced coffee | Brew Speed: Not listed