Single-Serve Coffee Makers

If you're a single person or just require coffee for one person There's a single serve coffee maker that can help you. The best ones can brew quickly and taste great, and don't require regular maintenance.

These models are also more ecologically friendly than pod-based ones that make use of pre-portioned coffee, or K-Cups.

Types

A single-cup coffee maker utilizes pre-packaged coffee pods or tea capsules to brew a cup of hot beverage. These single-use containers are available in soft and hard pods made of filter paper, or in hard plastic K Cups and Nespresso capsules. Some single-cup brewers also use tea bags, which are ideal to brew loose leaf tea. Brewers that use recycled materials for their reusable filters as well as other components. If you want to make a bigger batch of coffee, or use different types of beans, you'll need an ordinary brewer.

Several brands of single-cup coffee makers are offered, and each type is distinct in terms of the types of drinks it can produce and the price range. Some single-cup coffee makers are created exclusively for pods, while others can brew a full pot of ground coffee. Some models come with drawers that can be removed to allow you to select whether you'd like to brew using pods or ground coffee. Many are able to make hot tea and cold-brewed coffee.

Take into consideration other features, such as the type of beverage you'd like to make. If you are planning to use the machine with many people, you should purchase it with a carafe and/or various mug sizes. Consider a model which brews espresso pods and coffee to create an Americano or Cappuccino.

Derek Rose is The Spruce Eats' Coffee and Tea Expert. He tests a variety coffee makers by reading articles and reviews single serve coffee makers from third party sources and conducting his own tests to determine the top products. He holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and an MFA Creative Writing. He is an experienced writer who is primarily interested in food travel, lifestyle and travel topics.

Benefits

Coffee lovers love the hot, fresh brew to start the day or get their afternoon energy boost. Traditionally, making large batches of coffee in drip machines can be time-consuming and risky particularly when it comes down to making sure that everyone gets the perfect cup for them. Single-serve coffee brewers are easy to use and will give you an excellent cup of coffee every time.

Single-serve coffee machines can also reduce waste by eliminating the need to throw away leftovers. While many personal coffee maker brewers produce only a few extra cups to fill up space, this single serving coffee maker-serve will only make one at a time, meaning there is never a chance of being left with a full pot of coffee you won't drink later in the day. In addition the majority of these brewers can be used to make more than coffee. You can make tea and hot chocolate using these single-serve brewers too.

Another advantage of single-serve brewers is that they are more clean than traditional coffee makers. Since there is no pot to wash, and the pods are sealed which are sealed, they are easy to clean. These coffee makers are an excellent option for households with food allergies or intolerances as they reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

A single-serve machine can be expensive, particularly when you need to purchase your own pods, K-Cups or capsules. If you are able to purchase this type of brewer, it's worthwhile because you will be able to save time and be able to enjoy your favorite beverage without ever leaving your home.

It is important to remember that most single-serve brewers are constructed of plastic, which isn't great for the environment. Environmentalists are concerned about the use of plastic by some companies despite trying to reduce it. If you buy a high-quality product, it is likely to be recyclable. If you have an existing recycling program in your area, it will help to ensure that the environment is protected since these products won't end in landfills.

Convenience

A single-serve coffee maker could be a great option for those who don't need the flexibility of brewing multiple cups at a time. These brewers are typically made to fit directly into your mug or cup which helps reduce pod waste and makes it simple for you to customize the strength of your coffee. Some are also equipped with drip tray that raises your coffee mug, which can help avoid spills.

If you're seeking an easy-to-use coffee maker, the BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a fantastic option. This compact brewer comes with one start button and automatically shuts off at the end of the brewing process making it a great option for those who prefer to keep things simple. The smaller than normal water tank means it requires refills more often and some owners have complained about its functionality.

For those who want a more versatile brewer that can be used for multiple purposes, the Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Latte, Cappuccino, and Iced Coffee Maker with Milk Frother is a good choice. This machine is a versatile one that lets you select from seven different brewing options, ranging from a 5-ounce cup to 10 cups. It's compatible with K-Cups and Nespresso pods, as well as loose coffee grounds. It also offers hot and cold brewing options, and preset settings for frothing.

Another convenient option is a single-cup pour over maker, like the popular Chemex Wave series or the Kalita single-cup pour-over coffee maker. These brewers are capable of making a full pot of coffee or a single cup. You can experiment with different brewing methods. They can also be used to make other drinks, such as hot chocolate or tea.

If convenience is your top priority, then you'll need to think about how much time and effort you're willing invest in cleaning your single-serve coffee maker. Some models require daily cleaning, which includes wiping and rinsing the reservoir and receptacle. Others require only to be cleaned and descaled every now and then. Consider whether the coffee maker has an insulated reservoir that can be removed. This will save you from having a separate container to rinse and empty after each use.

Price

A single-serve commercial machine is a great choice when a carafe is too much for one person to make. Many of these small individual coffee brewer makers are designed to connect to the water line, eliminating the need to refill frequently. You can find models that offer hot cocoa, tea and even iced drinks. The Black+DECKER that we tested comes with an 16-ounce travel mug and is compact enough to be put on counters in a majority of homes. It was among the most affordable options we tested, and it made a pot of coffee which was hot to the touch. Choose a coffee maker single maker that is able to use reused K-Cups, Nespresso Vertuo pods or grounds. It will save you money over time by reducing the coffee maker's disposable waste.