The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker

If convenience is your top priority A single-cup coffee maker could be the best option for you. These machines take up less counter space and are simpler to use than their drip counterparts.

You can pick between models that make use of K-Cups or Nespresso original pods, or reusable aftermarket pods. Some models can also make iced coffee, or espresso-style shots.

1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew

The machine is designed to be elegant and stylish. It can grind and brew just one cup or a full pot. It's smaller than many other coffee makers that include a grinder which means it frees the space on the countertop for other appliances. Unlike some grinders that can leave the coffee with a coarse, granular consistency the Grind & Brew uses a burr grinder that is designed to precisely crush beans to a predetermined size. This results in a more uniform ground coffee.

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

This model is unique because it can brew K-Cups as well as whole beans. The choice of which one to use is contingent on your preference. The machine can hold 12 K-Cups or you can fill it up with whole bean ground. The brew is slower than our top choice, however it is still sufficient to make your coffee when you wake up.

In general the Grind & Brew performed well in our tests, however it was not able to achieve our best overall score. The brew temperature was the most unstable of all the models we test. It fluctuated from the initial brew to the fifth by nearly 5 degrees, and it never achieved the 195-degree target set by the SCAA for excellent coffee.

It's worth it to have a dedicated grinder/brewer to use for your mornings. The machine is easy to operate and clean with all of its components slotting into place and closing with an enthralling clack. It's also lightweight and compact which is ideal for those who have a limited counter space.

2. Smeg Drip coffee maker

If you're looking for a sleek and compact single cup coffee maker to put in your kitchen, this model from SMEG is a fantastic choice. This drip filter coffee maker from the Italian brand is renowned for its retro-styled kitchen appliances from the 1950s. It has an elegant design that combines function with form. The auto-start function allows you to get up to fresh coffee. It can make 10 cups at once. You can also select between two different aroma settings, Intense or Delicate, to adjust the strength of your brew. Set an alarm to when it's time to prepare.

This programmable espresso maker has an ample water tank of 1.4 Liters, which means you won't run out of water. The reusable filter minimizes consumption and the level indicator lets you know when to refill. The coffee maker can be used to make hot chocolate and herbal tea. The brewing cycle is relatively rapid, and there's a keep-warm plate to help ensure that your coffee is kept warm until you're ready drink it.

This SMEG drip-filter coffee maker features four buttons that are simple to use. The LED clock displays the 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 reside in a region that has hard water, your SMEG drip-filter coffee maker may need to be periodically descaled. You can descale the machine by pressing the automatic-start and off/on buttons for five seconds and then pouring the descaler solution or powder into the reservoir of water.

This drip-filter coffee maker is programmable and also has the added bonus of being compatible with ESE pods. These are an eco-friendly alternative to K-Cups or other single serve coffee maker-serve pods. This coffee maker comes with only one downside that it doesn't have an brew-timer. You'll need to manually determine the time to start each morning.

3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe

The Oxo Brew 12-Cup thermal carafe is a great alternative for those who want an espresso maker that has the capability to brew a single cup or a full pot. It comes with a double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel thermal carafe that will keep your coffee hot for hours. It also comes with a convenient, easy-to-use interactive display screen and a mixing tube that can be removed. The machine can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance and the backlit LCD display displays the time remaining until the coffee is ready.

This coffee maker comes with two distinct sized brew baskets for small or large batches which makes it perfect for households that use different sizes and amounts of cups. It is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for brewing Gold-standard coffee. The BetterBrew Precision System and Rainmaker Shower Head evenly distribute water to your grounds to ensure the best flavor extraction.

This machine, unlike many pod-based machines, uses regular ground or entire beans (not proprietary ones) instead of pre-packaged capsules that are single serving coffee maker-serve. The use of regular coffee grounds can save money and also reduces the waste generated by used pods. The machine is fast as well, brewing an entire pot in just six minutes. It is more expensive than the other drip coffee makers that we tested. However, its sleek design and top-quality build make it an excellent option.

Many multifunctional kitchen gadgets lean toward gimmicks and flashy features however this drip coffee maker gets the job done without fuss. It's quiet, well-built, and features a simple interface that allows you to determine the exact amount of water that you want to brew. The Brew Barista brain was a very reliable machine that was able to handle our most difficult test coffee (Costco House Blend with medium grind) well.

Although most cold brew coffee makers use the method reviews of single serve coffee makers immersion however this model dispensates your coffee with the help of iced water, which gives you a much more drinkable result than infusion. It also has a programable setting that starts brewing five minutes into the future. This will save you from having to wait for your coffee brew.

4. Bruvi Brewer

If you're willing to invest a bit more than your typical K-cup coffee maker, this sleek machine from Bruvi could be the ideal single-cup brewer. It utilizes "B-Pods" from Bruvi, that contain 40 percent more than a standard K-cup pod. They are made of treated polypropylene and are designed to break down in composters and landfills, without releasing microplastics (although it is not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods allow for the brewing process to be hygienic, with each individual cup being sealed inside the pod to ensure no flavor cross contamination between cups. The sleek, modern design is impressive. The machine's touch screen comes to life only when you insert a pod. It it displays the various options for that kind of beverage.

The Bruvi has a range of cold brew and Iced coffees, which include americanos that are iced and hot, as well as espresso. The Bruvi is designed to be less than one-serve brewer. This helps reduce dilution after adding the ice.

Another great feature of the Bruvi is that it's a smarter single-serve pod brewer. It comes with an embedded camera that scans the unique code on each B-Pod, and then optimizes the brewing settings to suit the specific type of coffee. Therefore, you can be sure that your Bruvi will consistently produce an amazing cup of coffee each time.

Lastly, the drip tray on the Bruvi can be adjusted to reduce splashing when brewing into a smaller glass or mug or even be removed completely for tall travel mugs. The Bruvi also has a few extra features like an adjustable reservoir for water and an automatic cleaning cycle that keeps it functioning efficiently and effectively.

While the Bruvi is pricier than other pod coffee makers, it's worth it for its great coffee taste and lower environmental impact. It's an especially good option for those who frequently changes between espresso and coffee, since its hygienic system of brewing allows for quick and simple conversion to cold brew or iced coffee--no need for a separate machine. It comes with a milk frother which is a great addition at this price.