Nothing beats a cup of coffee to start the day, and a single-serve coffee maker allows you to brew a fast cup for yourself whenever you choose.
Single-serve coffee makers are more capable than ever at producing a good, rich brew, from a simple cup of drip coffee to a latte or cappuccino on demand, and they’re often as straightforward to use as the push of a button. Coffee makers, including drip coffee makers,Cold Brew Coffee Makers, single-serve coffee machines, French press coffee makers, latte machines, cold brew coffee makers, and coffee makers with grinders. At the Home Accessories Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve tested and sampled a variety of coffee makers to help ensure that you receive a fantastic cup of coffee every time.
Our top picks:
5
BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER TO USE WITHOUT PODS
Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker
7
BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER WITH GRINDER
Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker
We’ve brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee in various machines, from the most basic to the most complex, including drip coffee makers, French presses, portable coffee makers, Nespresso machines, cold brew coffee makers, and espresso machines, to find the best cups of coffee you can make at home. We examined roughly 30 best-selling and highly rated single-serve coffee machines from well-known brands, including Keurig, Cuisinart, Nespresso, etc. Each model is evaluated for convenience, including how simple it is to fill the water reservoir and how effectively it functions. We assess the water temperature to ensure that the brew is as tasty as possible — and, of course, our coffee specialists taste each cup.
At the end of this article, you can learn more about how we evaluated single-serve coffee makers in our Lab and everything you need to know to purchase the finest single-serve coffee maker.
1
BEST SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKER FOR ALL TYPES OF COFFEE
SPINN Espresso & Coffee Machine
PROS
- Makes cold brew and nitro-like cold brew
- Wide array of drink options
- Can start coffee maker through the Spinn app on phone
CONS
- No option for a second type of beans like decaf
- Must froth milk separately
Brew sizes: Customizable up to 20 ounces.
Brew options: Customizable.
Water reservoir: Removable 40-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: Whole beans.
Whatever type of coffee you want, the Spinn machine can create it. It can make cold and nitro-like cold brews in addition to ordinary drip coffee and espresso. We discovered a very delightful smoothness to the cold brew. The cold brew was also creamy, with a somewhat thinner and smoother body. We were blown away by how distinct the drip coffee, espresso, and cold brews tasted. This is due to the centrifugal brewing core, which spins at different speeds for each variety of drink, contributing to their distinct flavours.
Other drink alternatives are available, including Americanos, lungos, doppios, and others. Remember that the Spinn does not froth milk, so drinks like lattes and cappuccinos require a separate frother. The Spinn app, on the other hand, leads you through making each drink and provides personalization options to make it easier. The app also controls the complete machine, allowing you to start a coffee from the comfort of your bed. If you don’t want to use the app, the coffee machine still features a control panel with a few drink options.
The elegant design, spacious hopper, and detachable reservoir appeal to us. Load your favourite whole beans into the machine, and it will grind them to your specifications. Please remember that you can only load one type of bean into the device at a time, so if you have a decaf drinker in the family, they will need another device.
2
PROS
- Consistent brewing
- Compatible with K-Cups or reusable filter
- Includes a 12-cup thermal carafe
CONS
- Thermal carafe may not keep coffee hot longer than one or two hours
Brew sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces; up to 12 cups in carafe.
Brew options: Regular and robust.
Water reservoir: Removable 60-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: K-Cup or reusable filter filled with ground coffee.
The K-Duo Plus accepts K-Cups for a single cup of coffee and a reusable filter for ground coffee to brew a complete pot. It consistently made coffee at the same temperature and volume during our tests, and the resulting coffee was tasty and well-rounded. We like that the K-Duo Plus has numerous brew settings and a thermal carafe that can keep up to 12 cups of coffee hot without a warming plate. It can also accommodate a travel cup up to 8 inches tall, the most significant room we found in testing.
One of our favourite features is the removable 60-ounce water reservoir that rotates to the left, right, or back to match your counter space. Not only can you configure it to brew coffee up to 24 hours ahead of time, but it also features a button that allows you to pause the coffee maker mid-brew so you may pour from the carafe while it’s still brewing.
3
BEST SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKER FOR CAPPUCCINOS AND LATTES
Lavazza Coffee Classy Plus
NOW 8% OFF
PROS
- Milk froths automatically
- Easy clean up and budget-friendly
CONS
- Machine doesn't shut off automatically
Brew sizes: 8 ounces.
Brew options: Espresso, double shot, lungo, macchiato, cappuccino, latte and 8-ounce coffee.
Water reservoir: Removable 41.6-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: Blue or Expert capsules or reusable filters filled with ground coffee.
During our testing, this all-in-one computer blew us away. It automatically froths the foam for cappuccinos and lattes, then adds the coffee capsule to make a fantastic drink. There is no need to repeat procedures or switch to a new attachment. It even froths beautifully with nut milk, which may be challenging to work with, and there are three foam settings so you can pick how much foam you want. A shot or double-shot of espresso, lungo, Italian-style coffee, or a typical cup of drip coffee are alternatives.
Our experienced testers were “very impressed with this machine” and its unique capabilities, discovering that brewing was simple, convenient, and, most importantly, produced delicious coffee. You can use Lavazza Blue or Lavazza Expert capsules or ground coffee in the reusable filter. With the push of a button, you may pre-select your preferred beverage during the 40-second boot-up time.
Even better, because of its modest size, this unique pick is easy to store and will not clutter your countertop. Of course, turn the machine off after use because it does not shut off automatically.
4
BEST SMART SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER
Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart Coffee Maker
NOW 22% OFF
PROS
- Automatically adjusts brew settings to each K-cup
- Able to adjust temperature and strength
- Can start the machine through the app on a phone
CONS
- Scheduled coffee does not start automatically
Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces.
Brew options: Five brew strength settings and iced.
Water reservoir: Removable 78-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: K-Cup or reusable filter filled with ground coffee.
This Keurig machine is ideal if you want a no-fuss intelligent coffee maker. The new BrewID technology recognizes the pod’s brand and roasts automatically and tailors the brew setting to the suggestions of the coffee experts who made it. You can, however, change the strength, temperature, and size if you choose.
The excellent coffee and the ability to further tailor the temperature and strength of the brew satisfied both our testers and specialists. The control panel and the app were intuitive and simple to use in our tests. You can start the machine, customize it, and schedule a cup of coffee ahead of time using the app. The disadvantage of coffee scheduling is that it must be confirmed on the app at the specified time before it begins, which means it will not brew while you sleep.
5
BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER TO USE WITHOUT PODS
Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker
NOW 20% OFF
PROS
- Slim design makes for easy for storage
- Built-in frothing wand
- Onboard accessory storage
CONS
- Frothing wand does heat milk
Brew sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 18 or 24 ounces.
Brew options: Classic, affluent, over ice and speciality.
Water reservoir: Removable 56-ounce capacity
Coffee type: K-cups or coffee grounds.
The Ninja creates great lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other exciting coffee drinks at home using single-serve pods or coffee grounds. It has four distinct brew sizes when using pods and six different brew sizes when using coffee grounds, which is perfect if you like to mix things up daily. Select your brew style (classic, affluent, over ice, or speciality) and use the built-in frothing wand to transform your coffee into a cappuccino or latte. It frothed hot and cold milk nicely in our testing, but you’ll have to heat it separately; the wand does not steam the milk.
We liked the inbuilt accessory storage, so you’ll always have your measuring scoop again. When you’re finished, the frothing wand tucks inside the machine and slides neatly into storage until you need it again.
6
BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE AND ESPRESSO MAKER WITH PODS
Breville Nespresso VertuoPlus
NOW 12% OFF
PROS
- Brews a silky smooth coffee
- Testers found it easy to use
- Nearly 30 flavor options
CONS
- Only takes Nespresso brand Vertuo capsules
Brew sizes: 1.35, 2.7, 5, 8 and 14 ounces.
Brew options: Regular coffee and espresso.
Water reservoir: Removable 37-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: Large Nespresso capsules.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus was one of the best espresso machines we tested that offered the convenience of pods. It produces a well-rounded brew with frothy crema that is temperature and volume consistent every time. It also makes delicious single-serve coffee drinks like double espresso, lungo, and ordinary coffee in amounts up to 14 ounces. The smooth and foamy crema that made the coffee taste velvety smooth impressed our taste testers; one tester didn’t even want to add milk, even though that’s how she generally enjoys her coffee.
The coffee maker has a sleek and modern appearance with a tiny footprint, and our testers found it simple to operate. Because the machine recognizes the barcode on the coffee capsule and prepares it accordingly, coffee is ready with a single button press. The Nespresso VertuoPlus only accepts big Nespresso capsules, which come in approximately 30 different flavours.
7
BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER WITH GRINDER
Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker
NOW 28% OFF
PROS
- Grinds beans for a single cup of coffee
- Can also use pre-ground coffee and single cup pods
- Easy to use
CONS
- Grinding and brewing is a two-step process
Brew sizes: 8, 10 and 12 ounces.
Brew options: Regular.
Water reservoir: Removable 48-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: Reusable filter filled with freshly ground beans, pre-ground coffee or single-cup pods.
Unlike other single-serve coffeemakers, this tiny Cuisinart machine features a built-in grinder that feeds coffee grounds into a reusable pod for a freshly ground cup of coffee. The disadvantage is that it adds an extra step to the process: grind the beans, insert the pod into the machine, and then brew. The extra work was worth it for the delicious, medium-bodied cup of coffee it produced in our test.
If you’re in a hurry or prefer decaf, the reusable filter pod can be loaded with pre-ground coffee or any single-cup coffee pod, such as Keurig K-cups. We also discovered that this machine was simple to operate even without the instruction booklet. The capsule was simple to clean, and the water tank was easily detachable for filling at the sink.
8
BEST LARGE-CAPACITY SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER
Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer
NOW 31% OFF
PROS
- One of the fastest brewing machines in our tests
- Large water tank
- Brews consistent flavorful coffee
CONS
- Arrow buttons not intuitive
Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces.
Brew options: Regular and hot water.
Water reservoir: Removable 72-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: K-Cup or reusable filter filled with ground coffee.
With its large 72-ounce detachable water tank, the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve coffee maker avoids the need for frequent refills. It comes with a reusable filter that is cleverly placed in a compartment on the machine’s right side. Our testers found it simple to use and navigate. Our experiments discovered that it preheats swiftly, producing a cup of coffee in less than 90 seconds. It also made a hot cup of coffee at 172o F every time.
On an easy-to-read LED-lit control panel, select from five drink sizes. We discovered that the arrow buttons were not immediately intuitive, but they became second nature with repetition. Its automated rinse cycle removes lingering flavours between brews, and our testers appreciated how flavorful and well-rounded the coffee was.
9
PROS
- Small footprint
- Comes with a travel mug
- Easy to use
CONS
- May splatter when brewing in a regular mug
Brew sizes: 16 ounces.
Brew options: Regular.
Water reservoir: Attached 16-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: Soft pod or reusable filter filled with ground coffee.
If you need more counter space and want to simplify your morning coffee routine, the BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a small but reasonably-priced brewer. This machine is simple because it has only one start button and automatically shuts off at the end of the brew cycle. We used the provided 16-ounce travel mug to fill the water reservoir as a measuring cup. Because the machine will brew all the water you add, measure your coffee correctly.
During our testing, we discovered that the provided reusable filter was simple to remove and clean. And because all non-electric pieces are top-rack dishwasher safe, cleaning up after a cup is a breeze. However, if you choose not to use a travel mug, be aware that hot coffee will frequently spill while brewing.
10
PROS
- Top-performing in our tests
- Can also make iced brews
- Large water tank
CONS
- Serving sizes aren't marked with numbers
Brew sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces.
Brewing Options: Regular, intense, iced and hot water.
Water reservoir: Removable 75-ounce capacity.
Coffee type: K-Cup or reusable filter filled with ground coffee.
In our tests, this Keurig machine came out on top, brewing the best-tasting coffee that was consistently delicious, full-bodied, and smooth. Its simple control panel allows you to select from five drink sizes (4 to 12 ounces) and regular, firm, or iced brews. However, remember that the serving size options on the control panel must be clearly labelled with ounce amounts. There are just images of cups of varying heights.
The owner’s instructions were comprehensive and straightforward, allowing our testers to figure out how to brew a cup of coffee quickly. The Keurig K-Elite has one of the larger water reservoirs we tested, at 75 ounces (or around 9 cups of coffee), so you won’t have to replace it as frequently. If you want to use your ground coffee, a reusable filter attachment is available for purchase separately.
Although our testers noticed that it preheats in less than 90 seconds if you don’t like waiting, this coffee maker features an auto-on option that lets you choose the exact moment it should turn on.
How we test single-serve coffee makers
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s kitchen gear specialists examined 26 top-selling models from trusted brands to find the finest single-serve coffee makers.
We analyze the simplicity of use and performance of single-serve coffee makers when we test them. We evaluate how simple it is to set up each coffee maker, the clarity of the instruction manual, how intuitive each one is to use, and how simple it is to clean the coffee machine after use. When filling the water reservoir, preheat time and brew time, we also consider the convenience of use.
We measure the temperature after brewing coffee to ensure a hot cup every time. We brew several cups to ensure the machine’s consistency and operation. We also take note of anything that could be more user-friendly, such as coffee spilling out of the mug during brewing or a difficult-to-read control panel.
Finally, we sample each cup of coffee to find a full-bodied brew with minimal acidity or bitterness. We also consider the price and availability of coffee pods, refills, and paper filters.
What to look for when buying a single-serve coffee maker
✔️Coffee pods vs. reusable filters: Which is better? Most single-serve coffee machines use store-bought coffee pods like Keurig’s popular K-Cup pods. Pods are small plastic or aluminium cups with pre-portioned ground coffee and an integrated filter. K-cups and capsules are convenient, but they cost more than using your ground coffee. While some pods, like K-Cups, are recyclable, you must first remove the grounds and foil and check with your local recycling facility to ensure they can process the type of plastic your pods are made of. Soft pods are a common substitute: The ground coffee is packaged in a tea bag-style spherical paper filter, reducing plastic waste.
✔️If you prefer a coffee maker without pods, there are single-serve models with a reusable filter that you can fill with your ground coffee. Reusable filters are unquestionably the more environmentally responsible alternative, but they must be washed after each use. All the reusable filters we tested were dishwasher-safe and easy to remove from the coffee maker. For a 6-ounce cup of coffee, we recommend two teaspoons of ground coffee in the reusable filter.
✔️Consider the frequency with which you brew coffee. A large water tank, which means less refilling, would benefit two or more servings daily. Some water reservoirs are detachable and feature handles, making them easier to transport to the sink for refilling and cleaning. Others are permanently attached to the coffee machine, so have a spouted pitcher nearby to replenish it. Others do not have a water reservoir, so you must measure and add the water you wish to brew each time.
✔️Brewing options: While some single-serve coffee makers only brew one cup size, others offer a range of brewing options ranging from single espresso shots to 16-ounce brews (ideal for a travel mug). Coffee options range from basic (such as ordinary or strong brewed coffee) to upscale (such as iced drinks or, on more modern versions with milk-frothing attachments, cappuccinos and lattes).
✔️The rapid brew time of a single-serve coffee maker is one of its advantages. Some types feature a robust heating mechanism that can quickly heat the water and brew the coffee. Others need you to heat and pour your water over the ground coffee. In our experiments, brewing an 8-ounce coffee takes roughly two minutes on average.
Why trust Home Accessories?
Brigit Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of expertise covering home products such as furniture and accessories. She researched and reviewed the vacuum cleaner mentioned in this story with the help of HA Institute professionals, including vacuum scientists and engineers in the HA Institute Textiles Lab.
