Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee makers are convenient for quick cups of cold or hot coffee. They can use pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who value the ability to customize their coffee will need an appliance that can make a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. These machines are also designed to lessen the environmental impact caused by disposable coffee pods. They use reusable or recyclable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that is a perfect blend of top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurigs in terms of the types of coffee it can brew -- it supports K-Cups as well as ground coffee, hot tea or chocolate. The large, reusable 72-ounce tank can make up to seven medium-sized cups before requiring a refill. It is also compatible with reusable K-Cups, which will save you money over the course of time.

Despite having way more buttons on its control panel than other Keurig model, it's simple to use and navigate. The top control panel includes a power button, settings button, up and down buttons for the menu and an "strong" button that is hot water as well as four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. A large LCD with a color-coded display allows you to easily see when the machine needs a descale or refill.

The K-Elite, while one of our Keurigs we love, does have some drawbacks. It can be difficult to clean, for instance, because it doesn't have a drip tray that is removable and the lid is not secured. The spout can also cause splatters when using smaller travel cups.

In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and discovered that it performed well in most categories. It scored above average for first-cup speed, temperature consistency and repeat speed.

It was also one of the fastest machines to heat water and brew a cup, and it was also the least likely to create grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite could not make a hotter cup than some of our top models. Additionally, its iced option was not as flavorful as the stronger cup. The K-Elite is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a machine that is single-serve. It's available for purchase at many retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can find it for around $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model, the K-Classic is also worth considering. It costs a bit more than the Elite but isn't as expensive as our other top choices.

2. Black+Decker Single-Serve Espresso Maker

A single serve coffee and espresso maker-serve coffee maker gives you the convenience of a quick hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and more compact than drip models, making them a good choice for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They also offer the ability to prepare a variety of different coffee drinks, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate, making them a great option for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be among the most affordable models available, but it has some important attributes that are worth looking into. It comes with a permanent filter that works with ground coffee or soft coffee pods. It also has an automatic shut-off feature to save energy and water. It takes just a few minutes to brew one cup of coffee, and it comes with a travel mug that is thermal that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can make use of your own if prefer).

In our tests, we discovered that the BLACK+DECKER was able to make an excellent cup of coffee in less than half the time it takes to make the average model. It also has programs that are typically reserved for higher-end models like auto-start feature.

Its sleek and retro design is a perfect option for those who like a coordinated look with the other appliances in your kitchen and its light weight construction and removable water tank make it easy to transport. It was fairly easy to use, with a digital control panel that was intuitive and a menu that anyone could understand. The brew speed in our tests was average, and the machine was unable to achieve 195degF in less than five or six minutes that is the industry standard for optimum flavor. The temperature of the brew was noticeably higher than that of other models in our tests which could lead to burned grounds and overheated coffee. Despite these concerns, the CM618 is a great choice for those on a limited budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods and make their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo single serve coffee system-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are a bit different from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they are the only ones that use the brand's espresso and coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to make larger milk and coffee recipes, including cappuccinos and lattes. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were made to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and reused.

The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 features four different sizes of drink and smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing method. It also has modern, sleek design and a removable water tank that holds 37 ounces of water. The machine is easy-to-use and has an automatic system which ejects used pods in a container integrated inside the machine. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to heat up and shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.

In our tests, we found that the XP371 produced an excellent cup. It produced a good cup of coffee that had a lovely crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the mornings without burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to prepare. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee which was the third-lowest speed in our tests. It's not a huge issue however if you're familiar with brewing coffee maker single fast in the morning, it may be a problem.

Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is a fantastic choice for coffee and espresso enthusiasts who want to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than a typical pod brewer, and it's compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules which are more eco-friendly than the K-Cups and other traditional pods on the market. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a turn off for buyers who are interested in buying.

If you don't have enough money to purchase a top-rated pod coffee maker, but still would like to have the convenience of a single-serve machine, then we suggest you check out our review of cup reusable. You can also test one of our top insulated tumblers to keep your tea or coffee warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of customers for its ease of use features, and many other models do not have them. Its price tag is also quite reasonable for a product that is of high-end quality and features a sleek design to boot. However, a few owners have cited this model as a possible fire danger which is something that you should be aware of if you are considering buying it.

This fully automatic coffeemaker can be programmed to run for 24 hours. You can set it up to brew four cups or 12 at a time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe is a thermal one and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of your coffee. There is a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that will stop the brewing process so that you can make a cup, and the self-cleaning function keeps the tank clean.

The controls are well-spaced and clearly labeled. It is easy to determine the function of each button. Other features include an automatic shutoff as well as an spout that is drip-free and has Knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also very easy to use and its brushed stainless steel finish is stunning on the counter.

However, some buyers have found the permanent gold tone mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this may be an issue for those who prefer paper filters. Some have also reported that they have difficulty getting the reservoir to fill properly due to a design flaw that forces water through a small hole in the back of the machine, and into the filter.

Some users have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter while it is operating, but this appears to be not a common occurrence. In all likelihood, this is a fantastic coffee maker that is worth a look if are seeking a basic model that has plenty of convenient features at a reasonable price.