Most one serve coffee makers use coffee pods to brew a cup of coffee. This means Coffee lovers can find their perfect cup of coffee from the wide variety of beverages available in coffee pods such as coffee, milk-based specialties, hot chocolate, tea and many more. Single serve brewers are intended for those who enjoy the comfort of making smaller servings of coffee. With today’s economy, coffee lovers can now save some money by brewing their perfect cup of coffee at home, rather than frequently heading to the local coffee shops. Single serve coffee machines can also entertain house guests especially when you have a variety of K-cups available for your guests to enjoy.
In the past, there was a downside to using Single Serve Coffee machines. In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, the impact of disposable K-Cups outweigh the benefits in the eyes of many users. Fortunately, many of our top 10 options also allow for brewing without K-Cups using reusable filters and your own Coffee grounds
TOP 10 SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKERS 2018
Our Best Single Serve Coffee Makers 2018 – Pods, No Pods and Programmable
#1 Keurig K575 Programmable K-Cup Coffee Maker
The Keurig company was built on the brewing of single cups/serves of coffee that provide greater consistency in the quality of the coffee. Keurig is a Dutch word that means “proper” and the inventors saw the translation as meaning Excellence. The Keurig K575 Programmable coffee maker is one of Keurig’s best single cup coffee machines. It is currently the #1 best selling programmable single serve brewer on Amazon. The Keurig K575 is an easy to use coffeemaker that allows you to enjoy an awesome fresh brewed taste, cup after cup. You can choose from five different brewing sizes – small (4oz or 6oz), medium (8oz-10oz) and large (12oz). The machine also features a large (80 oz) removable water Reservoir so you will probably brew 8 cups or so before having to refill it. With the appropriate Carafe, you can also bre up to 30oz of coffee to serve to guests should the need arise. You control brew strength, temperature, and can preset turn on and turn off times. Comes with 6 K-Cup pods and 2 Filters.
Consumers are impressed by the large, easy to fill water Reservoir and the large, clear display panel that makes modifying your brew so easy. It produces quality coffee, fast, as both the heating time and the dispensing processes are quick. It works with both Keurig and third party K-Cups so your brewing options are endless with this coffee machine. By using K-cups, consumers are delighted to find that they can produce great tasting coffee that’s definitely hot, even the tea K-cup tastes as good as if it was from having boiling water in a kettle. Of course the wide range of K-Cups available means there is always a K-cup for every member of the family that satisfies their choice from a hot cup of coffee to iced beverages. You can also choose to buy the reusable coffee filters, and refill them your favorite grounds, and avoid buying Coffee pods entirely. The Keurig K575 is stylishly finished in Platinum and looks at home with your stainless steel appliances. You can even choose the color of the display, effectively changing your kitchen night lighting to suit your mood. This is a nice step up from the Keurig K45 or the K55 which replaced it in the Keurig range.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.0 stars (1,295 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- With “My K-cup” reusable filter basket (purchased seperately) I can brew my own ground coffee or tea
- Compatible with any brand of K-cups
- Great-flavored coffee, tea, hot chocolate and iced beverages
- Heats water fast and water is HOT
- Large water reservoir for a single-serve coffeemaker
- Mess free and easy to clean
- Programmable Brew Strength
- Great Customer Service
Cons:
- Needle needs regular cleaning
- Machine casing is made of Plastic.
Warranty Period: 1 Year
2. Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker
Good news for espresso lovers. You can now easily make delicious espressos without the mess and fuss. Meet the Inissia, a stylish single cup espresso machine that combines superb espresso making capabilities and ultra-compact design. The Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker exclusively uses Nespresso capsules to brew coffee in a variety of flavors. Choose from: Full & Banlanced Roma, Rich & Distinctive Capriccio, Creamy Arpeggio, Fortission Lungo and many more. Coffee lovers should note that this machine does not make regular coffee. Instead, it brews top-notch Americano, an espresso shot with hot water added. Simply make an espresso by placing a pod on the machine and let it brew. Push the brew button again to add more water to the cup. Now you have an Americano style coffee.
The Nespresso Inissia can heat up in just 25 seconds, faster than most single cup coffee machines. This is due to it’s thermoblock heating element that enables the machine’s fast heat-up time. Another nice feature of the machine is its energy-saving mode that shuts off the machine after 9 minutes of non-use. The Nespresso Inissia is for consumers looking to find the best single-serve machine to make quality espressos easily with very little effort, quickly, and with the use of capsules. Included are 16 Nespresso’s premium capsules in the package. The Nespresso Inissia is currently the no.1 best selling Super-Automatic Espresso in Amazon.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.4 stars (2,603 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Sleek design, ultra-compact
- Heats up very fast – 25 to 30 seconds. A time saver
- Can program to brew a certain duration
- Easy to use, minimal mess
- Power saving feature
- Used capsules are smartly ejected inside in an internal receptacle
Cons
- Noisy compared to other single brewers in our picks
- Relatively Expensive
Warranty Period: 1 Year
#3 Hamilton Beach 49981A Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker (No K-cups or pods)
The Hamilton Scoop coffee maker does not need K-cups or coffee pods. Instead it features a mesh scoop filter, allowing for different coffee grind types, so users can brew their choice of coffee flavor (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, etc.), and any brand (Intelligentsia, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, etc.). Users can also choose between ‘Regular’ or ‘Bold’ brewing options. For its great design and functionality, the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) highly ranked the Hamilton Beach 49981 coffeemaker for its capability to utilize coffee grinds, rather than K-cup packs or pods, and at the same time gave consumers the convenience to select their own coffee flavor, brew strength and cup size. The Hamilton Scoop Coffee Machine was also awarded by Good Housekeeping with Very Innovative Products (VIP) Award in year 2012.
This Hamilton Scoop Coffeemaker is also designed for a very simple preparation in 3 straight forward steps: Scoop – Place – Brew. The machine is durable, made of stainless steel to ensure its longevity. Consumers praised the machine’s sturdy feel, it does not occupy much counter space, can accommodate standard cup or a travel mug, and the machine is inexpensive – a “money saver”. This coffee machine is for consumers who are not fans of K-cups and coffee pods, but want to brew one cup at a time using any type of coffee grounds they desire. The Hamilton Scoop Coffeemaker makes an excellent cup of coffee.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.1 stars (3,554 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Great looks. Durable. Stainless Steel. Compact Size
- Lowest priced machine in our picks. Long term cost is also cheaper.
- Regular and Bold settings
- Makes HOT delicious coffee
- Adjustable to accommodate short mugs and tall travel mugs
- Easy to clean and no paper filter needed
Cons
- Needs more experimentation before you get the right brew for your taste
- More clean-up required than with K-cups or pods.
Warranty Period: 1 Year
#4 BUNN MCU Single Cup Multi-Use Home Coffee Brewer
Bunn-o-Matic Corporation introduced the world’s 1st automatic drip-brew coffee machine in 1963. The Bunn My Cafe MCU is the company’s offering in the single cup coffee machine category. The BUNN MCU can brew K-cups, ground coffee, tea pods or bags, loose tea and more. With four different brewing drawers, you can enjoy total flexibility for all your moods. The look of the machine is quite industrial which isn’t a surprise knowing the majority of Bunn’s coffee makers are made for commercial use. But it exhibits durability and functionality that consumers can count on.
There are several ‘taste tests’ posted on the internet comparing different single cup brewers and the Bunn MCU always comes out on top. One example of an independent taste test of this coffee maker came from a consumer who bought the Bunn MCU on Amazon. He did a side by side taste test using Bunn MCU and another coffee machine. He used the same K-cup and Bunn MCU produced hotter, more aromatic and fuller flavored coffee without the bitterness. The other single cup machine brew was a little flat in flavor and had a touch of bitterness. Users also like its ‘Pulse Brew’ feature to extract bolder flavor. Though the machine doesn’t have a water reservoir, (so you have to put water in for each cup). This is a hidden benefit as it makes us use only use fresh water for each cup of coffee, and also enables us to tweak the volume of water to get our preferred coffee strength.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 3.9 stars (2,464 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Includes 4 separate drawers to brew from K-cups to pods, to fresh ground coffee and tea pods, and also dispenses hot water (200 degrees F) for many uses
- A Pulse Brew option for extra strong flavor (really a plus)
- Heats water fast and brews great tasting coffee or tea which were mostly favored in several taste tests
- Durable and has a compact size
- Superb customer service
Cons
- Doesn’t have an On/Off button or power saving feature
- Need extra storage for its 4 drawers
Warranty Period: 2 Years
5. Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer System
If you don’t like K-Cups, but do love a full range of Coffee drinks (hot, cold, flavored etc) you are going to love the Ninja Coffee Bar. This Brewing station comes with it’s own recipe book to help you make a full range of Coffees.One great feature of this system is that it does NOT require pods and unlike most single serve coffee makers this has a built in Frother. The station comes complete with coffee scoop, Filter, a Tumbler and a Glass Carafe. It has a removable, easy to fill water Reservoir as well.
Before using the machine you will need to run its cleaning cycle a couple of times. After that, simply select your brew size (regular, extra large cup, travel mug, extra large travel mug, half pot or full pot) using the illuminated dial. Next select from the Regular Brew, Rich Brew, or over Ice options by pushing the correct button.
It also has a 4 oz brew option or a Cafe Forte selection. You have a warming option to keep pots warm, and delayed start as well. One great feature of this machine is the anti-drip slider which stops residual water driping from the filter and onto the heating tray when you remove your container.
Users appreciate the option of using their own, freshly ground beans, and acknowledge that it takes a little more work to get a much better coffee. The 2 stage infusion system extracts maximum flavor from your grounds, and the entire process takes about 6 minutes. The Brewing station delivers consistent high quality coffee and is so simple to use.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.3 stars (460 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Neat design, a place for everything
- Bonus recipe book
- Non drip feature
- Easy brew size selector
- Push button selection of Multiple brewing styles
- No pods required
Cons
- Does not make espresso
- Does not heat milk
- Steam escapes from top of unit
Warranty Period: 1 Year
#6 Keurig K155 Office Pro Single Cup
The Keurig K155 Office Pro is an ideal solution for a small office, or a high demand household, with the manufacturer suggesting it can handle breaks for up to 30 staff. This is because the Office Pro will deliver a perfect cup of Coffee everytime, with no mess, no waste and no clean up required between cups. It is built to handle the rigors of frequent use, and designed to suit all users with 4 serving sizes from 4 oz to 10 oz.
The large (90oz) water reservoir allows for back to back brewing in under a minute, and is easily and quickly refilled. By removing the drip tray, even oversize travel mugs can be accomodated easily. Temperature and cup size are easily adjusted via the interactive touch screen, which also provides instructions in English, Spanish or French.
For environmentally freindly use, combine with Solofill K3 GOLD CUP 24K Plated Refillable Filters.
Along with its durability and stylish looks, users appreciate that fact that this unit can be directly plumbed into their water supply (using the seperately purchased kit), or linked to a water filter. In both home and office use, the flexability of using a range of K-Cups ( or preferred grounds) means that everyone can have the drink they prefer. The ability to quickly deliver numeerous cups of quality coffee back to back is also a big plus. The Office Pro works with Keurig’s own Pods, as well as third party products and Clones. This Professional looking machine is certainly not out of palce in an Office breaks room or sytlish kitchen
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.2 stars (281 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Makes deliciously hot coffee
- Built solid and made to last
- K-cup or reusable filter compatible
- Four brew sizes at the push of a button
- Handles oversized Mugs
- Auto on/off feature
Cons:
- Louder than other home brewers
- Does not have a 12oz brew option
Warranty Period: 1 Year
#7 Hamilton Beach 49976 Flex Brew 2-way Brewer
This Coffee maker is all about Flexability. On one side it has the capacity to brew (and warm) an entire Pot of Coffee using your preferred grounds, whilst on the other it is a Single Serve machine using K-Cups or reuseable grounds basket (supplied). Each option is fueled by its own water reservoir, with reviewing windows. Choose between regular and bold brewing on either side.
On the left, the unit Brews a 12 cup Carafe and has programmable timer, pause, and auto shut-off .
On the right, the “Cup Rest” doubles as a storage device and can be removed to easily to accommodate tall travel mugs (up to 7 inches) . If most of your family likes it’s coffee strong, but you prefer a milder brew, give them what they want with the Carafe and get what you prefer on the single cup side at the same time.
Owners sing the praises of this machine, it produces quality coffee, in varying strengths and can handle a single cup in a hurry or provide a great brew for the whole family, (or your guests), on demand. One owner even claims that the screen on this unit is the very best they have ever seen.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.3 stars (618 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Full pot brews in under 10 minutes
- Single serve with or without K-Cups
- Pot warmer turns off when single Brew is activated
- Single cup brews in 4 minutes
- Clever use of cup stand for storage
Cons:
- Unit is 14″tall-top filling under cabinets maybe difficult
- Printing on buttons wears off
Warranty Period: 1 Year
#8 Single Cup Brewer by Mixpresso
If you are looking for a simple little coffee maker that works with unlicenced K-Cups (1.0 & 2.0) this may be just what you need. It also works with refillable K-Cups and your own Coffee.
Whilst this is a scaled back unit, it still provides great Coffee,fast. In fact this machine preheats in just 30 seconds then brews in just 30 more. It gives you the option of 6oz, 8oz or 10oz serves and the safety of automatic shut off after Brewing, (which you set at 15, 60 or 120 minutes).
It comfortably handles your standard 8oz coffee cup, and with the drip tray removed takes a 6.5″ mug.
Leave the Capsule out, and it produces Hot water for whatever use.
Available in a dark grey, or this more stylish Grey & White design, it stands only 11 inches tall, and with a small counter footprint will fit even the smallest kitchen. Every unit comes with a discount code for savings on Mixpresso’s mixed coffee pods.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.3 stars (542 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Small foot print-suits smaller kitchens
- Works with Licensed and unlicensed pods
- Rapid (30 second) brew time
- Three brew size options
- fits under cabinets- Only 11 inches tall
- Programmable Auto shut off
Cons:
- Removable Cup base rattles when machine is in use
- Is heavy on Electricity for the 30 second Brew time
Warranty Period: 1 Year
#9 AdirChef Grab N’ Go Personal Coffee Maker
This is the personal, “one cup” coffee maker for those who put the needs of the Environment on equal footing with their own.
This unit is available in 7 colors, (prices vary as new shipments arrive), but it is easily the most inexpensive unit in our Top 10
The main focus of this unit is “Eco Friendly” No K-cups or Pods, no filter papers, and no more rubbish going to landfill.
Perfect for a Coffee on the go, the travel mug fits most car cup holders, so reinforcements on the way to work or when running errands is no problem. Brews directly into your 15oz, Insulated, stainless steel travel mug, and shuts off when the vessel is full. Mug lid is also provided, and the safety of a sure grip comfort band around the Mug completes this user friendly unit.
Because it fits into small spaces, you can just set it up in your kitchen, and have coffee to go, as required. High quality , dishwasher friendly materials.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 4.5 stars (1,008 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Quieter than a normal coffee pot
- Brews in about 3 minutes
- No K-cup or paper filters
- Rediculously good value
- Easy”dishwasher” cleaning
- Light weight,-Perfect for travelers
Cons:
- Lid does not stop spills if cup tips or falls
- Power Indicator light could be stronger
#10 Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG6-001 Single Serve Coffee Brewer
The Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG6-001 uses Keurig K-cups to make coffee, tea, hot chocolate and many more. This machine is the least expensive of our single-serve coffee maker picks that are compatible with K-cups.
This versatile and affordable machine is made by two well known companies in the coffee industry, combining Keurig Brewed technology and America’s original coffee maker.The Mr.Coffee KG6 is compatible with “My K-cup” re-usable filter (purchase separately), allowing its users to brew their own coffee grounds or tea. This coffee machine also provides three different brew-size selections 6, 8 or 10 ounces. Consumers find the Mr.Coffee Single Brewer easy to use (1-2-3 steps), fast (it pre-heats the water when plugged-in so coffee is brewed almost immediately), has a solid build quality for the price, and it’s an impressive looking coffeemaker on their kitchen counter. The Mr.Coffee Single Serve Brewer comes in three different colors (black, blue, red), and includes 5 K-cups in the package.
Amazon’s Customer Ratings: 3.6 stars (1,841 Customer Reviews)
Pros:
- Makes deliciously hot coffee
- Good and solid design for the price
- My K-cup reusable filter compatible
- Three brew size options
- Easy to use and clean
- Auto shut off (2 hours)
Cons:
- No brew strength option
- Few reports of durability issues
Warranty Period: 1 Year
I was looking to buy Cuisinart SS-700, but after comparing with your review it seems the Keurig 45 would be better.