Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee machines can be used for quick cups or cold brew. They can use pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable 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 drip coffee or espresso shots. These machines are also designed to minimize 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 has top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of what it can brew -- it can brew K-Cups and ground coffee as well as hot tea and chocolate. The large and removable 72-ounce water tank is able to dispense up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods that can save you money over the long term.

Despite having a lot more buttons on its control panel than other Keurig model, it's easy to navigate and operate. The top control panel features an energy button, a settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu and a "strong" button that is hot water, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large LCD display with color coded colors makes it easy to see when the machine needs a descale or refill.

The K-Elite, while one of our Keurigs we love, does have some drawbacks. For example, it can be difficult to clean, because it doesn't have an adjustable drip tray, and the lid isn't secured. The spout also can cause some splatter when using smaller travel cups.

We also tested the K-Elite's performance in our Coffee Makers test program, and it scored quite well in all categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, temperature consistency, and repeat speed.

It was also among the fastest to heat water and make cups, and it was also the least likely to produce grounds in your coffee. However the K-Elite did not make as hot of a cup as some of our other top models. In addition the iced version was not as flavorful as the stronger cup. Nevertheless, the K-Elite is a fantastic option for those who want the convenience of a single coffee machines-serve coffee maker. It's available for purchase from numerous retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can purchase it for about $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model it's the K-Classic is also worth a look. It costs a little more than the Elite but not as much as our top selections.

2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A single cup coffee makers-serve coffee maker offers you the convenience of a hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and more compact than drip models which makes them a great option for small kitchens or dorm rooms. They also offer the ability to make a variety of different coffee drinks, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are simple to clean and use, making them an excellent choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is among the least expensive models available but it has certain key features that make it worth considering. It has a permanent filter that is able to accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods and it has an auto-shutoff function that shuts the machine off after the brewing process has finished to save water and energy. It takes only a few minutes to perk one cup of coffee maker single cup, and it comes with a thermos travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer).

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was capable to produce a tasty pot of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took for the standard model we tested in our lab. It also has some programmable features that are generally reserved for brewers with higher prices like an automatic start.

Its retro-styled design is perfect for those who like to blend their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight design and removable tank make it easy to move. It was relatively easy to use with a touch-screen control panel that was intuitive and a menu that anyone could comprehend. The brew time we measured in our tests was average and the machine didn't attain 195degF in five or six minutes, which is the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than other models we test, which could lead to burned or overheated grounds. However, despite these issues, the CM618 is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods as well as their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

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

The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different sizes of drink and intelligent capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It also has an elegant, modern design and a water tank that is removable that holds 37 ounces of water. The machine is easy to operate and uses an automated system that releases used pods into the built-in container. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds to heat up and then will shut down after nine minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 brewed a good cup of coffee. It produced a good cup of coffee with an excellent crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to brew. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to brew 7,7 ounces. This was the third slowest among the models we examined. This isn't a deal-breaker but it could be an issue if you're used to quick morning coffee making.

Overall the NespressoXP371 is a great choice for coffee and espresso lovers who wish to cut back on waste. Its design is more luxurious than other pod brewers. It's also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more environmentally friendly. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules could turn some buyers off.

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

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has received thousands of favorable reviews single serve coffee makers from customers and has many useful features that many other models do not have. Its price is affordable for a machine of its quality and has an elegant design. Some owners have reported that this model poses dangerous to fire. This is something you should keep in mind before buying.

This fully automated coffeemaker comes with 24-hour programming and you can set it to brew just one or four cups at a time, or an entire pot that holds 12. The carafe features thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, which enhances the flavor of the 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 helps keep the tank clean.

The controls are well-spaced and clearly identified. You can quickly identify what each button does. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle and alerts to decalcify the carafe and tank as well as an automatic shutoff and a knuckle-guard dripless spill spout to allow for comfortable pouring. The coffee maker is simple to use and has a beautiful brushed stainless finish.

Some customers have complained that the permanent gold toned wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be an issue for people who prefer paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir does not fill up properly due to an error in the design that forces water into the filter through a small hole at the back of machine.

Some users have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spits coffee grounds and water all over the counter when it is in operation, but it appears to be an uncommon occurrence. In any case, this is a great coffee maker that is worth a look if you are looking for a basic model that has plenty of convenient features at a very reasonable price.