The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker

If you are looking for the most convenience factor to you, a single-cup coffee maker might be the best option. They occupy less counter space and are more simple to use than their drip counterparts.

There are models that use K-Cups or Nespresso original pods or reusable aftermarket pods. Some models can also make iced coffee or espresso-style shots.

1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew

This sleekly designed machine from a reputable brand can grind and brew one cup coffee makers cup or an entire pot. It is smaller than other coffee makers with a grinder. This allows you to utilize the counter space for other appliances. The Grind & Brew's burr grinder is designed to crush beans to a specific size. This makes for an even ground coffee.

The Grind & Brew also features an automatic shut-off feature and showerhead designs that distribute the water evenly across the grounds, which helps ensure consistency from brew to. It can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance of time to begin the brewing process. It also provides a variety of control options, such as a customizable clock as well as coffee strength (mild or medium), and a brew-pause function that allows you to pour a cup out without interrupting the cycle.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this model is that it can be brewed from both whole beans and K-Cups. The choice between the two is dependent on your personal preferences. The machine can hold 12 K-Cups or you can fill it with whole beans ground. The brew is a bit slower than our top choice however it is still fast enough to have your coffee ready when you wake up.

The Grind & Brew did well in our tests in general but did not achieve our highest overall score. The brew temperature was the most unstable of the models we test. It deviated from the first coffee to the fifth by nearly 5 degrees, and was never able to reach the 195 degree target set by the SCAA for great coffee.

It's worth it to have an exclusive grinder/brewer for your mornings. The machine is easy to operate and clean, with all of its components slotting into place and opening/closing with a satisfying clunk. It's also lightweight and compact and is a nice option for those who don't have a lot of extra countertop space.

2. Smeg Drip coffee maker

This SMEG single cup coffeemaker is an excellent option if you're in the market for an elegant and compact machine to put in your home. The Italian-based brand is known for its '50s retro-style appliances, and this drip filter coffee machine blends function and form in an elegant design that looks great on your counter. It can brew up 10 cups of coffee at a time and the auto-start function allows you to awake to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. You can also customize your brew strength by selecting from two aroma settings (Delicate or Intense) and set an alarm at the end of brewing to remind you when it is ready.

This coffee maker programmable features a huge 1.4-liter water tank, which means you do not have to worry about running out of water. The reusable filter minimizes waste and the water level indicator will let you know when to refill. You can also use this coffee maker to make herbal tea and hot chocolate. The brewing process can be completed in a short time, and the keep-warm plate helps keep your coffee warm until you are ready to drink.

This SMEG drip-filter coffee maker comes with four buttons that are simple to use. The LED clock displays the current settings. The permanent filter is dishwasher safe and can be used over and over again. The spout has been designed to prevent spills. If you reside in a region with hard water, your SMEG drip-filter coffee maker could need to be periodically descaled. You can descale the machine by pressing the automatic-start and on/off buttons for five seconds and then pouring the descaler solution into the reservoir for water.

This drip-filter coffee maker that can be programmed has the added benefit of being compatible with ESE pods. These are an eco-friendly alternative to K-Cups or other single-serve pods. This coffee maker has one drawback It does not include an brew-timer. You'll have to manually determine the time to start each morning.

3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe

The Oxo Brew 12-Cup thermal carafe is an excellent alternative for those who want a coffee maker that has the capability to brew a single cup or a whole pot. It features a double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel thermal carafe that will keep your coffee hot for a long time. It also comes with a convenient interactive display screen that is easy to use and a movable mixing tube. The machine can be programmed to run up to 24 hours ahead of time and the LCD display backlit shows the remaining time until the coffee is ready.

This coffee maker comes with two differently sized brew baskets for small or large batches and is ideal for households that require various sizes and amounts of cups. It's certified by the Specialty Coffee Association to brew Gold-standard coffee, and its BetterBrew Precision system and Rainmaker shower head evenly distributes the water over your grounds to ensure the most flavorful extraction.

In contrast to most pod-based coffee machines, this one makes use of ground or whole beans (not proprietary ones) instead of prepackaged single-serve capsules. The use of regular coffee grounds can save money and also reduces waste from used pods. It's also very fast, brewing a cup in less than six minutes. The only issue with this machine is that it's more expensive than other drip coffee makers that we tried, but its sleek design and quality construction make it an excellent choice.

Many multifunctional kitchen gadgets lean towards flashy and gimmicks however this drip coffee maker gets the job done without any frills. It's sturdy and quiet. The simple interface makes it easy to set the precise amount of water needed to be brewed. The Brew Barista brain is an extremely reliable machine that handled our most difficult test coffee (Costco House Blend with medium grind) well.

This model uses a stream of brewed water that has been iced instead of the usual method of infusion. The result is much more drinkable than if you use infusion. It also has a programable setting that starts the brew at exactly five minutes from now and avoids the hassle of waiting for the coffee to be brewed.

4. Bruvi Brewer

If you're looking to spend a little more than the standard K-cup coffee maker, this sleek machine from Bruvi could be the perfect single-cup brewer. It is made with what Bruvi calls "B-Pods," which contain 40 percent more coffee than a standard K-cup and are made with treated polypropylene that is intended to break down in composters and landfills over time without leaving any microplastics in the process (though it's not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods also allow for hygiene-conscious brewing, with every individual cup being sealed inside the pod to prevent flavor cross-contamination between cups. The Bruvi's sleek, modern design is also striking. The machine's touch screen will come to life when you insert a pod, and it will display the options for that particular type of beverage.

The Bruvi also provides a variety of options for cold brew and iced coffee, including hot and iced espresso and americanos. The machine is also designed to utilize less water than a traditional single-serve coffee brewer. This can help reduce dilution when add Ice.

Another nice feature about the Bruvi is that it's a smarter reviews single serve coffee makers-serve pod brewer. It comes with an embedded camera that scans the unique code on each B-Pod before optimizing the brewing settings to suit the type of coffee. Therefore, you can be sure that your Bruvi will consistently turn out a delicious cup of coffee each time.

The drip tray can also be adjusted to limit splashing when brewing with a small mug, or even removed completely for larger travel mugs. The Bruvi also comes with a few additional features, such as the ability to remove the reservoir of water and an automatic cleaning cycle that keeps it working efficiently and effectively.

The pod coffee maker Bruvi is more expensive than other pod machines, however, it's worth the cost for its exceptional coffee flavor and less impact on the environment. It's a great choice if you're someone who regularly shifts between espresso and coffee, since its hygienic brewing system allows for quick and easy transition to cold brew and iced coffee--no need for an additional machine. It comes with an milk frother that is a nice addition for this price.