Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

Single-serve coffee machines can be used for a quick cup or cold brew. They can use pre-packaged pods of coffee or reusable filters filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who are adamant about customization will likely want an appliance that can make an entire pot of drip coffee or espresso-style 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 has a beautiful design that blends premium finishes with customizable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew -- it supports K-Cups and ground coffee as well as hot tea and chocolate. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before needing refills. It's also compatible with refillable K-Cup pods that can save you money in the long run.

Despite having a lot more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's simple to use and navigate. The top control panel contains the power button as well as a settings button. It also includes up and down buttons to navigate the menu. There are four different sizes of brew buttons as well as an "iced button", an "iced button", a "strong button" and one for hot water. A large LCD display with color coded colors makes it easy to determine when the machine needs to descale or refill.

Although the K-Elite is one of our top Keurig models however, it has some negatives. For example, it can be difficult to clean since it doesn't have a drip tray that can be detached and the lid isn't secure. Also, the spout tends to leave a few splatters especially when using shorter travel mugs.

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

It was also among the fastest to heat water and brew the cup, and was also the least likely to produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite could not make a cup that was hotter than some of our top models. The iced coffee also was less savory than its robust brew. The K-Elite is a great option for anyone looking for a single-serve machine. It's available for purchase from numerous retailers, including Keurig's website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's priced about $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model it's the K-Classic is a good option. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite however, not as much as some of our top picks.

2. Black+Decker single cup coffee maker uk-Serve Espresso Maker

A single-serve machine enables you to prepare coffee quickly and at any time. These machines are smaller, more compact and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They can also prepare a variety of coffee drinks, such as espresso shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate, making them a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 may be among the most affordable models available, but it has some important 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 has an auto-shutoff feature that turns the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just a few just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee, and it comes with a travel mug that is thermal that can fit most standard car-cup holders (though you can make use of your own if prefer).

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was capable to make a delicious pot of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took the average model in our lab. It also has programmable features that are generally reserved for brewers with higher prices including an automatic start.

Its sleek retro design is a perfect option for those who like a coordinated look with the other appliances in your kitchen Its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable make it easy to transport. It was surprisingly user-friendly with a touch-screen control panel that was intuitive and an interface that anyone could understand. The brew speed in our tests was average, and the machine was unable to achieve 195degF in less than five or six minutes that is the industry standard for optimum flavor. The brew temperature was noticeably higher than that of other models we tested and could result in overheated coffee and burnt grounds. Despite these concerns, the CM618 is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget but still want the flexibility to brew their preferred K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo single serve coffee brewer-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are different than K-Cup or Keurig machines in that they only use the brand's own espresso and coffee pods. The brand separates its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to create larger milk and coffee recipes, including lattes and cappuccinos. Since they're meant to be used with Nespresso's sustainable and reusable capsules, the Original machines typically cost more than VertuoLine models.

The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 offers four different sizes of drinks with smart capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion process for brewing. It is sleek and modern design, and a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy-to-use and has an automatic system that lets pods empty in a container built inside the machine. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds for the machine to get heated, and shuts off automatically after nine minutes.

In our tests, we discovered that the XP371 produced a great cup. It produced a good cup of coffee that had a nice crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 min and 51 secs to brew 7,7 ounces. This was the third slowest among the models we test. This isn't a big deal however if you're used to brewing coffee quickly in the morning, it could be a problem.

Overall the NespressoXP371 is a great choice for espresso and coffee lovers who want to cut down on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules which are more sustainable. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a turn off for buyers who are interested in buying.

If you don't have enough money to purchase a top-rated pod coffee maker but want to enjoy the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we recommend checking out our review of cup reusable. You might also want to test one of our top tumblers that are insulated to keep your tea or coffee warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by thousands of customers for its ease of use features and many other models do not include them. Its price tag is also quite reasonable for a product that is of good quality and comes with an elegant design. However, some owners have reported this model as a possible fire danger which is something to be aware of in the event that you're thinking of buying it.

The fully automatic coffeemaker features the ability to be programmed for 24 hours and you can set it to brew one or four cups at a time or the entire pot of 12 cups. The carafe has a thermal design and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal water filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of your brew. There's 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 evenly spaced, and clearly labeled. You'll be able to quickly determine the functions of each button. Other features include an automatic shutoff, as well as drip-free spout that has Knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also extremely easy to use, and its brushed stainless steel finish is stunning on the counter.

However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter difficult to clean, and this could be an issue for those who prefer paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill correctly due to an issue with the design that forces water into the filter through a tiny hole in the back of the machine.

Some have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water everywhere when it is operating but this appears to be a rare occurrence. It's a great coffee maker if you're looking for an affordable model that comes with many convenience features for affordable prices.