Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

single serve espresso machine-serve coffee machines are ideal for quick cups or cold brew. They can use pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters stuffed with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who value individualization will require a machine which can make a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. Many of these machines also address the environmental impact of coffee pods by utilizing capsules that are recyclable or reused.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a stunning machine that combines top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew -- it can brew K-Cups and ground coffee and hot chocolate and tea. The large, reusable 72-ounce tank can produce up to seven medium-sized cups before requiring a refill. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods, which could save you money over the long term.

It's simple to use, even having more buttons than other Keurig. The top control panel has the power button, the settings button along with up and down buttons for the menu as well as an "strong" button that is hot water, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large LCD with a color-coded display allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or refill.

The K-Elite is one of our top Keurigs, does have some drawbacks. It can, for instance, be difficult to clean because it doesn't have a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secure. The spout could also cause splatters when using shorter travel cups.

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

It was also the fastest to boil the water before brewing the cup. And it was the least likely machine to produce grounds. However, the K-Elite was not able to create the same hot cup as some of our other top models. In addition, its iced option was less tasty than the strong brew. However the K-Elite is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants the convenience of one cup coffee makers-serve coffee makers. It is available at many retailers including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can purchase it for about $150. The K-Classic model is an option if you want a more affordable model. It costs a bit more than the Elite but it's not as expensive as our other top picks.

2. single brew coffee-Serve Espresso Maker Black+Decker

A single-serve machine gives you the convenience of a hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and less bulky than drip models, making them a good option for small kitchens or dorm rooms. They can also be used to make a variety of different coffee beverages, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate making them an ideal choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 may be one of the cheapest models on the market however it comes with a few key features which make it worth a look. It has a permanent filter that is able to accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods, and it comes with an auto-shutoff feature that turns the machine off after brewing to conserve water and energy. It takes just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel mug that fits in most cup holders in cars.

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was able to create a delicious cup of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took for the standard model in our lab. It also has some programming options that are typically reserved for brewers with higher prices including an automatic start.

Its sleek, retro style is a great option for those who like an elegant look that is coordinated with other kitchen appliances, and its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable makes it easy to move. Our test subjects found it simple to operate and operated with a user-friendly menu and control panel that was easy to follow even for those with no previous experience using a single-serve espresso machine. The brew speed in our tests was average, and the machine didn't achieve 195degF in less than five or six minutes that is the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures also were higher than other models we tested, which could lead to burning or overheated coffee. Despite these concerns, the CM618 remains a great option for those on a limited budget who want to make brews using K-Cup pods and their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo single cup coffee maker with pods-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they only make use of their own coffee pods. The brand categorizes its pod-based machines into two categories that are VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, including lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were specifically designed to work with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and reused.

The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 features four different sizes of drinks and smart capsule detection as well as the centrifusion brewing technique. It is modern and sleek design, and comes with a removable 37-ounce tank of water. It is simple to use and features an automatic system that lets pods empty in a container integrated inside the machine. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to preheat, and it is shut down by itself after nine minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 made a good cup of coffee. It had a lovely crema and was hot enough to enjoy in the morning without having to worry about burning your tongue. It was slower to prepare than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee which was the third slowest of our tests. This isn't a big deal, but if you are familiar with brewing coffee fast in the morning, it may be a problem.

Overall, the NespressoXP371 is a fantastic option for coffee and espresso lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules which are more sustainable. The VertuoLine's price is high and its dependence on proprietary capsules may cause some buyers to be hesitant.

If you don't have the money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker but want to experience the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we suggest you check out our review of disposable cups. You can also make use of one of our top cups that are insulated to keep your tea or coffee warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by thousands of users for its convenience features and many other models do not include these features. Its price is affordable for a machine that is of good quality and comes with a sleek design to boot. Some owners have claimed that this model poses an a fire hazard. This is something to be aware of before purchasing.

The fully automated coffeemaker can be programmed to run for all hours of the day. You can program it to make four cups or twelve at a time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe features an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, which enhances the flavor of the coffee. The "Brew Pause", which will stop the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour one cup. The auto-cleaning feature keeps the tank free of impurities.

The controls are evenly spaced, and clearly identified. You'll be able to quickly determine what each button does. Other features include an automatic shutoff as well as a dripless spout with the knuckleguard. This coffee maker is easy to use and comes with stunning brushed stainless finishes.

Some buyers have complained that the gold toned permanent wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir does not fill up properly due to a flaw in the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole in the back of the machine.

A few people have also complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spits coffee grounds and water all over the counter while it's in operation, but this seems to be an uncommon occurrence. In any case, this is a top-quality coffee machine single serve maker that is worth a look if are looking for a simple model with plenty of convenience features at a very reasonable cost.