If you live alone or you’re the only person in your household who drinks coffee, a traditional drip coffee maker probably doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Instead, it makes more sense to invest in one of the best single-serve coffee makers, which brew just enough java for one person at a time—and in a matter of minutes. The top option for most households is the Nespresso VertuoPlus, a sleek, intuitive model that can make both drip-style coffee and espresso, though it’s not the only one of its kind that’s worthy of kitchen counter space.
Single-serve coffee makers are a convenient and affordable brewing method if all you need is a ... [+] single cup of joe. Coffee Filter Pouches
“The main benefits of a single-serve coffee maker are its speed and ease of use compared to brewing a whole pot,” says Maryna Gray, director of coffee at subscription service Bean Box. “With single-serve, you'll always have a fresh, hot cup of coffee without having to reheat or drink coffee that's been sitting on a warmer for hours. Plus, it's a waste of coffee beans to make an entire pot of coffee if you're the only one drinking it.” When it comes to choosing the right model for your home, keep in mind that there are a few different styles. Most people are familiar with Keurig or pod coffee makers, which use pre-packaged pods to brew single cups of coffee. These days, you can also find drip coffee makers capable of brewing single servings, as well as pour-over coffee makers that work without electricity. Whether you want to keep it basic and budget-friendly or go all-out on your new coffee maker, here are the best single-serve coffee makers out there.
Type: Drip/pod and espresso | Dimensions: 8.7 x 12.7 x 12.8 inches | Water reservoir: 40 ounces
Not only is the Nespresso VertuoPlus the best Nespresso machine, based on extensive testing, but it’s also the best single-serve coffee maker across the board. Capable of brewing a range of coffee drinks (in 5 or 8 ounces), as well as espresso and double espresso shots, the machine scans whatever Nespresso Vertuo you place inside and brews your drink accordingly. During testing, contributor Ella White found the machine to be intuitive to use and a breeze to clean. “Another winning aspect of the VertuoPlus is that the positioning of its generously sized water tank is adjustable, so you can customize placement based on your countertop space; the water tank can sit at the back, or on either side of the machine’s body,” she writes in her review.
The main drawback? The machine is only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods (though the brand does offer a free recycling program for the aluminum capsules).
Type: Pod | Dimensions: 9.9 x 12.7 x 13.1 inches | Water reservoir: 75 ounces
There are quite a few Keurig models available today, but for most people, the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker offers the right balance of features and value. This pod-style coffee maker works with the brand’s K-cups, and you have your choice between 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-ounce cup sizes. In addition to hot coffee, the machine can also make iced coffee, and there’s even a “Strong Brew” button if you need an extra jolt of caffeine.
This Keurig has a large 75-ounce water tank that lets you brew up to eight cups before refilling and the drip tray is removable to accommodate travel mugs. It even offers several programmable settings, such as adjustable temperature control and a high-altitude mode. And while many people choose Keurigs for the convenience of K-cups, the brand does have the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter, which allows you to use your own ground coffee in the machine. Just keep in mind that this accessory is sold separately.
Type: Super espresso machine | Dimensions: 17.05 x 9.69 x 14.61 inches | Water reservoir: 60 ounces
Most coffee experts—Gray included—will tell you that freshly ground beans are the key to a better-tasting brew. To ensure you have fresh grounds for every drink, the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine has a built-in bean hopper and grinder with 12 different settings.
This high-end machine is able to make five different drinks—fresh coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, latte macchiatos and americanos—and it automatically grinds fresh beans for every cup. You’re able to select the brew strength and drink size for each beverage, and the coffee maker’s unique LatteGo frothing system automatically creates silky smooth foam to top your drink.
Type: Pod | Dimensions: 12.1 x 11 x 17.2 inches | Water reservoir: 60 ounces
The Keurig K-Café Smart Coffee Maker is one of the brand’s most advanced models, featuring Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in milk frother. This pod-style coffee maker is able to automatically make fresh coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, all based on the pod you insert into the machine, and its frother features three different speeds, as well as the option to make hot or cold foam.
This Keurig also offers more customization options than standard models. There are five brew strength and six temperature settings, and if you connect it to the Keurig app, you’ll get access to step-by-step directions for making a variety of signature drinks.
Type: Coffee press | Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches | Water reservoir: N/A
It may not look like much, but many coffee experts swear by the Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso Maker. This compact, portable single-serve coffee maker is simple to use—just add your favorite ground coffee to the press, then pour in hot water and stir. In less than a minute, you’ll be able to press the plunger, creating a surprisingly smooth, full-flavored 8-ounce cup of coffee. The press has unique microfilters that keep grit out of your drink, and you can even use the device to make cold brew. Thanks to its compact size and lightweight form, the Aeropress is ideal for use in the office, while traveling or even when you’re camping off-the-grid.
Type: Pour-over | Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5.5 inches | Water reservoir: N/A
Even if you’re new to using a pour-over coffee maker, the OXO Brew Pour-Over takes all the guesswork out of the process. This convenient unit is extremely budget-friendly, and it’s designed to sit right over your coffee mug. All you have to do is line it with a cone-shaped filter and add your favorite coffee grounds. From there, attach the water tank and pour in up to 12 ounces of hot water. The auto-drink tank lets the water flow down at the perfect pace, resulting in delicious balanced coffee every time. Plus, when you’re finished, all the pieces can be popped in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Type: Pour-over | Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches | Water reservoir: N/A
The GSI Outdoors Java Drip Collapsible Pour-Over Coffee Maker was designed with campers in mind—the lightweight silicone form collapses down into a convenient 1-inch disc, making it easy to stash in any bag. To make a cup of coffee, simply set the pour-over on top of your cup or travel mug and line it with a cone-shaped filter. Because of its larger shape, you can even use the pour-over to make multiple cups of coffee at once.
The Java Drip’s unique flange makes it easy to center the device over your mug, and it also helps to prevent spills while you’re brewing. All that, and it’s extremely inexpensive, too.
Type: Drip | Dimensions: 8.75 x 11.99 x 15.04 inches | Water reservoir: 40 ounces
If you want the option to brew a full carafe of coffee, as well as a single cup, the Ninja Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker can do both. This versatile machine actually offers six brew sizes in total: a single cup, extra-large cup, travel mug, multi-serve travel mug, half carafe or full 10-cup carafe. You also have the choice between four different brew styles, including classic, rich, over ice or specialty brew. No matter how you like your coffee, this machine will deliver.
That’s not all, either. The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker has a fold-away milk frother that can make warm or cold milk froth for your drinks, and the majority of its components are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
While we might not be able to rival a professional barista or coffee industry veteran, we at Forbes Vetted know a thing or two about java, considering the collective hours we’ve passed researching, testing and reviewing essential coffee tools. Not only have we tested single-serve coffee makers like Nespresso machines, but also drip coffee makers and espresso machines, as well must-have gear like coffee grinders and electric kettles. While compiling this roundup, we tapped into our existing knowledge and consulted Maryna Gray, director of coffee at Seattle-based subscription service Bean Box.
To determine the best single-serve coffee makers the market has to offer, we started by identifying popular, top-rated models from trusted brands like Keurig, Nespresso, OXO and more. Then, we analyzed the construction of the noted machines and combed through customer reviews to get a better sense of what people love (and don’t love) about each one. Lastly, we know not everyone has the same lifestyle or budget, which is reflected in the variety of machines that make this list.
Considering adding a single-serve coffee maker to your home kitchen? While considering the various models out there, keep these factors in mind to ensure you pick the right one for your household.
There are several types of single-serve coffee makers available today, all of which have their own benefits. If you want an electric model, there are traditional drip models, as well as units that use coffee pods. Drip models allow you to use your own coffee grounds, while pods are quick and convenient to use, as there’s no measuring or filters needed. For those who like espresso-based drinks, there are also high-end machines that can make single servings of coffee, lattes and more.
However, there are also a few styles of manual single-serve coffee makers. Pour-overs are a popular option for making just one cup of coffee, as they’re simple to use and often give you the ability to adjust brew strength and steep time to meet your tastes. Coffee presses are another option that allow you to make one cup at a time, and they’re usually small, lightweight and portable.
The quality of your coffee beans or grounds has a direct impact on the quality of your brew, so you’ll want to consider what type of coffee you can use with your new machine. Some high-end machines have built-in grinders, allowing you to use whole beans, while others use filters and ground coffee or pre-packaged coffee pods.
In particular, coffee pods are the most limiting option—even though they’re convenient. “If you want a pod machine, look for one that can work with reusable pod cups, so you can brew your own specialty beans,” recommends Gray. “It is hard to find good quality coffee in pod format, and these tend to be more expensive, too.”
Manual coffee makers generally have a very basic design with little to no extra features, but if you splurge on a high-end electric model, it may come with the ability to customize your brew. Some single-serve coffee makers allow you to adjust the brew strength and water temperature, and certain machines even have an option to brew iced coffee.
If you’re looking at extremely high-end models, you’ll find that some single-serve coffee makers have the ability to make espresso and other drinks: “A push-button espresso machine for the home isn't cheap, but that coffee will taste better than most single-serve drip brews,” says Gray. Some espresso machines even have built-in milk frothers for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
Coffee pod machines can be quite polarizing—some people love them while others don’t like them at all. The main benefits of coffee pods is that they’re quick and easy to use. You simply select the pod you want, pop it into the machine and start brewing. Just like that, you’ll have a fresh cup of coffee in a matter of minutes. Plus, there are a wide range of coffee pods available today, including options from many of the top coffee brands, like Starbucks and Dunkin.
However, if you’re discerning about your coffee, a pod machine may not live up to your expectations. Because they brew so quickly, coffee pods typically result in a less flavorful drink.
One of the main criticisms of single-serve coffee pods is the waste created. The plastic pods are designed to be thrown away after a single use, which results in a lot of non-recyclable trash if you’re drinking one or more cups a day. “Pod-based coffee has its own waste built-in, but there are reusable pod baskets available on market,” explains Gray.
Further, coffee pods simply don’t deliver the same flavor that drip coffee machines do. “The main downside to single-serve is that the taste and quality of the coffee is generally lower,” says Gray. “Many pod and single-serve brewers brew at a lower temp so the end cup is at a safer temperature, which can mean the coffee is going to be a little under-extracted.”
I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
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I am an accomplished author, journalist, and photographer who specializes in consumer technologies. Please visit my website at www.JasonRich.com and check out my eBook, \"iPhone 14 Pro Max Digital Photography\" (www.iPhoneBookShop.com). I am also the author of The Remote Worker's Handbook (Entrepreneur Books) that'll be published in March 2023.
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I'm a writer based near New York City (after 12 years in LA, four in Boston, and the first 18 just outside DC). When not writing, testing camping gear, cooking, working on DIY projects, or spending time with my wife, son, and daughter, I jog, bike, sometimes get in a kayak, and look for a chance to climb mountains. I writes for several major outlets, and my novels can be found on my website here.
Leah Koenig's writing and recipes have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Epicurious, Food52, and Tablet, among other publications.
Leah is the author of six cookbooks including The Jewish Cookbook (Phaidon, 2019) and Modern Jewish Cooking. (Chronicle Books). In addition to writing, Leah also leads cooking demonstrations and workshops around the country and world. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and two children.
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