Grabbing a cup of coffee throughout the day is normal for many people, and, as a result, the coffee machine that’s right for you is the one that provides high-quality coffee while still managing to be easy to use. If you’d rather have coffee ready as you roll out of bed, you’ll want to make sure it has an internal timer. Also, if you intend to leave your coffee machine on the kitchen counter for accessibility, it’s worth considering some aesthetic elements, too. Functional and stylish, the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is our number one recommendation. “Knowing how you like your coffee can help narrow down your decision,” says Tom Saxon, a former barista and the co-founder of Batch Coffee. “If you like milky espresso-based coffees, then a coffee maker that’s compatible with pods is your answer. If you like black coffee, then consider opting for a coffee maker that can brew coffee grounds.” Our list of top machines offers something for every type of discerning coffee drinker. These are the best single-serve coffee makers to consider. This is not a pod machine, so you can add whatever particular brand of coffee you happen to prefer. The included scoop will correctly measure out your coffee depending on brew size. The machine’s thermal extraction also guarantees that your coffee will be as delicious as it should be. A fold-away milk frother helps make lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Price at time of Publish: $170 Dimensions (LxWxH): 12 x 8.8 x 15 inches | Weight: 9.2 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 50 ounces You can program this machine so that it’s set to make a cup when you wake up in the morning (automatic shut-off turns it off after two hours). It’s also compatible with soft pods if you’d rather someone else did all the measuring. A brew strength selector offers options when it comes to personal preference. Keep in mind that the travel mug side can handle mugs up to 6.5 inches in height, and one isn’t included. All in all, it’s a workhorse machine that’s perfect for households with flexible needs. Price at time of Publish: $75 Dimensions (LxWxH): 11 x 12.2 x 13.9 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 60 ounces Capsules are automatically ejected after use, and the machine brews in about 15 to 20 seconds, a fast, efficient, and streamlined process that delivers coffee right when you need it. And the cup support is adjustable, meaning you can fit that travel mug in there, should you wish to take your coffee to go. Price at time of Publish: $250 Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.9 x 8.3 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 40 ounces A hot water button produces steamy water fast, which you can use for tea, hot chocolate, and instant soup. The rinse feature keeps the unit clean between cups, and the water reservoir with a filter can also be removed for separate cleaning. A larger unit than most, this is most appropriate for households with accommodating counter space. Price at time of Publish: $150 Dimensions (LxWxH): 11 x 9.3 x 12.1 inches | Weight: 9.4 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 72 ounces “This machine works in a similar manner to many other drip brewers but is super easy and quick to use,” he says. “Simply use the scoop to measure out your coffee grounds and place them in the brew chamber. The showerhead then pours over the perfect temperature brew water to extract the most delicious coffee. This coffee maker straddles many needs when it comes to coffee drinkers: it’s perfect for those that need coffee quickly in the morning but also doesn’t compromise on taste. It is also great for the one cuppers and leaves little waste for cleaning up.” There’s no paper filter required for this machine since it comes equipped with a permanent metal mesh version. If you do prefer a paper filter, however, there are some small versions that will work with this model. This machine’s size makes it a great fit for homes with compact kitchens. Price at time of Publish: $57 Dimensions (LxWxH): 8.4 x 6.7 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 5.75 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 14 ounces The iced brew setting produces this chilly option with the press of a button (just add ice). A large reservoir means that you can sip your single-serve over and over again without refilling. There’s also a hot water setting for teas, instant soups, hot chocolate, and even oatmeal. Price at time of Publish: $190 Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.7 x 9.9 x 13.1 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 75 ounces The machine offers four cup sizes, from four to 12 ounces, and contains a 60-ounce water reservoir for multiple brews. An automatic shutoff turns the coffee machine off after two hours to save energy. Because of the pods, it’s a no-fuss, no-muss solution to single-serve coffee. Price at time of Publish: $190 Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.7 x 15.3 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Reservoir Capacity: 60 ounces
What to Look for in a Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Pods vs. Grounds
There are three main ways to brew coffee: using single-serve pods, pre-ground coffee, or grinding your own coffee beans. The former is the fastest, but the latter is the freshest. Coffee grounds you can purchase at the supermarket offer a happy medium in terms of speed and flavor. “When selecting your single-serve coffee maker, you’ll be faced with a host of different price ranges, functionalities, and sizes. The first thing you need to ask yourself is how you want to brew coffee,” says Saxon. “Do you prefer coffee grounds, coffee beans, or pods? There is no right answer here and it all depends on how you consume coffee.” Choosing between pods and grounds usually comes down to preference, but convenience, time, and money are also factors. “Brewing freshly ground coffee takes a few extra minutes to get the freshest taste, but push-of-a-button brews can’t be beaten in terms of ease,” Saxon explains. In terms of price, pods come at a premium. You pay more for the extra packaging and convenience. For the best value, go for grounds. While you may see a plethora of exciting pod flavors at the grocery store, pods actually limit the type of coffee you can make. There are more types of coffee grounds to choose from if you like to mix it up.
Features
The most important feature of a single-serve coffee maker is producing the best cup of coffee, but the features may not stop there. Some features like rinsing between uses and automatic shutoff can make your morning coffee experience much smoother. Other features to look for include adjustable temperature control, pre-programmed settings, and LCD display.
Versatility
Coffee isn’t the only drink you can make with some single-serve coffee makers. If your machine uses pods, you can purchase pods for hot chocolate, apple cider, tea, and more. You can also make iced coffee, iced tea, and cold lemonade by brewing over a glass of ice. Some machines can even make espresso. Having an array of brew sizes is also a consideration for versatility. Many machines have preset cup sizes so you can brew the perfect amount of coffee each time.
How do you clean a single-serve coffee maker?
Some single-serve coffee makers have a rinse feature to help with cleaning, but you should descale your coffee machine every few months. Fill the water chamber with equal parts water and vinegar and brew until the vinegar taste no longer lingers. Since vinegar has natural antimicrobial properties, it’s a simple way to clean your single-serve coffee maker.
Can you use a single-serve coffee machine to just make hot water?
If your single-serve coffee machine has a hot water button, you can use it to make just hot water. You can use this to make tea, oatmeal, and instant ramen. Machines that use pods can make hot water by brewing without a pod in place.
Can you use single-serve coffee makers in dorm rooms?
Coffee machines are permitted in most dorms if they don’t use a warming plate to heat up. Single-serve coffee makers are perfect for dorm rooms since they tend to have a smaller footprint, and individuals who live alone or with a roommate may not need a full pot of coffee.
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Hannah Selinger has written about food and drinks for local and national publications since 2015. A former sommelier, Hannah has worked for some of New York’s top restaurant groups, including Laurent Tourondel’s BLT group and David Chang’s Momofuku group. Her work has appeared in Eater, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Wine Enthusiast, and more. Hannah lives with a coffee-obsessive, whose unparalleled taste informs her high level of coffee-based knowledge. Read Next: The Best Pizza Stones
