The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker

If convenience is the primary aspect to you, a single cup coffee maker is the right option. These machines take up less counter space and are simpler to use than their drip counterparts.

You can choose from models that make use of K-Cups Original Nespresso pods or reusable aftermarket ones. Some can also make iced coffee, or espresso-style shots.

1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew

This well-designed machine from a reputable brand can grind and brew one cup or a whole pot. It's smaller than many other coffee makers that incorporate grinders which means it frees the space on the countertop for other appliances. Unlike some grinders that can leave an uncooperative granular consistency, the Grind & Brew uses a burr grinder that's designed to precisely crush beans down to a preset size. This ensures a more consistent ground coffee.

The Grind & Brew also features an automatic shut-off feature and a showerhead design that distributes water evenly over the grounds, helping to ensure consistency from brew to brew. It can be programmed up to 24 hours prior to time to start brewing. It also provides various options for controlling the process, including a customizable clock as well as coffee strength (mild or medium), and a brew-pause function that allows you to pour a cup of coffee without interrupting the brewing process.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this model is that it is able to brew from whole beans as well as K-Cups. The choice between them is determined by your personal preference. The machine can hold 12 K-Cups or you can fill it with whole bean ground. The timing of brewing is a bit slower than our top pick however it's still fast enough for most people to have their coffee ready by the time they wake up.

Overall, the Grind & Brew performed well in our tests, however it was not able to achieve our top overall score. The brew temperature was the least stable among all the models we tested. It fluctuated from the initial brew to the fifth by nearly 5 degrees, and it was never able to reach the 195 degree target set by the SCAA for great coffee.

It's worthwhile to have a dedicated grinder/brewer to use for your mornings. The machine is simple to use and clean with all of its components sliding into place and closing with an enthralling clack. It's also compact and light, which is a nice feature for those who don't have a lot of extra countertop space.

2. Smeg Drip Coffee Maker

This SMEG single cup coffeemaker is a fantastic option if you're looking for a sleek and compact machine to put in your home. The Italian-based company is known for its '50s retro-style appliances, and this drip filter coffee maker combines form and function in an elegant style that will look great on your counter. It can make up to 10 cups of coffee in one go and the auto-start function makes it easy to awake to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. You can also choose between two different aroma settings either Delicate or Intense, to adjust the strength of your coffee. Set an alarm to when it's time to prepare.

This coffee maker programmable has a generous 1.4-liter water tank, so you don't have to worry about running out of water. The reusable filter reduces waste, and the water level indicator lets you know when to refill. You can also use this coffee maker to make hot chocolate or herbal tea. The brewing process is fast, and it comes with an insulated plate that keeps warm to ensure that your coffee is kept warm until you're ready to drink it.

The sleek controls of this SMEG drip filter coffee maker are simple to use with just four buttons that can be pushed, and the LED clock display displays current settings. The dishwasher-safe permanent filter and reusable filter help reduce waste, and the drip spout is designed so that it will not cause spills. If you live in a region with hard water, the SMEG drip filter coffee maker needs to be periodically descaled. You can descale the machine by pressing the automatic-start, on/off buttons for five seconds and then pouring the descaler solution into the reservoir of water.

Another benefit of this drip filter coffee maker that can be programmed is that it is compatible with ESE pods, which are an eco-friendly alternative to K-Cups and other single serve coffee makers comparison-serve pods. This coffee maker has only one downside that it doesn't have a brew-timer. You'll need to establish the start time each morning.

3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe

The Oxo Brew 12-cup thermal carafe is a great alternative for those who want a coffee maker that has the ability to make one cup or a whole pot. It includes a stainless-steel thermal carafe with a double wall and a vacuum insulation that keeps coffee hot for several hours. It also comes with an interactive display screen that is simple to use as well as a mixer tube that can be removed. The machine can be programmed for up to 24 hours in advance, and the backlit LCD display shows the remaining time until your coffee is ready.

This coffee maker comes with two distinct size brew baskets that can be used for small or large quantities, making it ideal for households that utilize various sizes and quantities of cups. It is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for brewing Gold-standard coffee. The BetterBrew Precision System and Rainmaker Shower Head evenly disperse water throughout your grounds, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.

This machine, unlike many pod-based machines, uses regular ground or entire beans (not proprietary ones) instead of pre-packaged capsules for single brew coffee-serve. The use of regular coffee grounds decreases the amount of waste and also saves money. The machine is also speedy and can make a cup in less than six minutes. It is more expensive than the other drip coffee makers we have tested. However its sleek design and high-quality build make it a top choice.

This drip coffee maker is a fantastic alternative to multi-functional kitchen appliances that are geared towards gadgets. It's quiet, well-built and features an easy interface that allows you to set the exact amount of water you want to make. The Brew Barista brain is an extremely reliable machine that handled our most difficult test coffee (Costco House Blend with medium grind) well.

While the majority of cold brew coffee makers use the method of immersion however this model dispensates your coffee with the help of iced water that gives you the most drinkable results than what you get with infusion. It also has a programable setting that starts brewing exactly five minutes from now. This means you don't have to worry about waiting for your coffee to be brewed.

4. Bruvi Brewer

If you're ready to invest a little more than your standard K-cup coffee maker, this sleek machine from Bruvi could be the perfect single cup coffee machine-cup brewer for you. It uses "B-Pods" from Bruvi, that contain 40 percent more than the regular K-cup pod. They are constructed of treated polypropylene, and are designed to break down over time in landfills and composters without releasing microplastics (although it is not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods are the brewing process to be hygienic since each cup is sealed within the pod. This prevents the possibility of contaminating flavors between cups. The Bruvi's sleek and modern design is also striking. The touchscreen is activated only when you insert a pod and then automatically displays the options for that type of beverage.

The Bruvi has a range of options for cold brew coffee as well as iced coffees, including hot and iced americanos and espresso. The Bruvi is made to use less than one-serve brewer. This will help reduce dilution after adding the ice.

Another great feature of the Bruvi is that it's a much smarter single coffee maker-serve pod brewer--it has an embedded camera that analyzes the unique code on each B-Pod, and then optimizes multiple brewing settings to match the specific type of coffee. So, you can rest assured that your Bruvi will consistently turn out a delicious cup of coffee every time.

Lastly, the Bruvi's drip tray can be adjusted to reduce splashing when brewing into a smaller mug or glass and can be removed completely for tall travel mugs. The Bruvi also comes with a few additional features, such as a removable water reservoir and an automatic cleaning cycle to keep it working efficiently and effectively.

Although the Bruvi is more expensive than other pod coffee makers, it's worth it for its exceptional coffee taste and reduced environmental impact. It's a great choice for those who switch between espresso and coffee frequently because its hygienic design allows for easy and quick change to cold brew or iced coffee, without the need for a separate coffee maker. It also includes a milk frother, which is a welcome feature at this price.