Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

single serve coffee machines-serve coffee makers are convenient for quick cups of cold or hot coffee. They may use pre-packaged coffee pods or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who appreciate the ability to customize their coffee will need machines that can make a full-pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. These machines are also designed to minimize the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They make use of reusable or recyclable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a stunning design that blends high-end finishes with programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurigs in terms the types of coffee it can brew -it supports K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot tea or chocolate. The large, removable 72-ounce tank can make up to seven medium-sized cups before requiring refills. It is also compatible with reusable K-Cups which can help you save money over time.

It's easy to navigate even having more buttons than other Keurig. The top control panel has an energy button, a settings button, up and down buttons for the menu and an "strong" button, a hot water button, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large LCD display with color coded colors makes it easy to determine when the machine needs to descale or refill.

The K-Elite, while one cup coffee makers of our top Keurigs has its drawbacks. It can, for instance, be difficult to clean because it doesn't have an adjustable drip tray, and the lid isn't secured. Also, the spout tends to create some splatter, especially when using shorter travel mugs.

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

It was also one of the fastest to make hot water and brew the cup, and was the least likely to produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite was not able to make a cup that was hotter than some of our top models. In addition the iced version was less tasty than the stronger brew. However the K-Elite is a great option for anyone looking for the convenience of an espresso maker that is single-serve. It is available from many retailers including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's available for purchase for around $150. If you're looking for a less expensive model it's the K-Classic is also worth a look. It's priced a bit higher than the Elite but isn't as costly as our other top picks.

2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Espresso Maker

A single-serve machine gives you the convenience of a cup of hot coffee on demand. These machines are smaller, less bulky and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They are also able to make a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are simple to clean and use and make a great option for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 might be among the most affordable models available, but it has some important features that are worth looking into. It uses a permanent filter that is able to accommodate both ground coffee and soft coffee pods that are pre-packaged, and it also has an auto-shutoff function that shuts the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes only a few minutes to perk a single cup of coffee, and it comes with a thermal travel mug that fits most standard car-cup holders (though you can make use of your own if prefer).

In our tests, the BLACK+DECKER was able to make a delicious pot of coffee in less than half the time that it took the typical model in our lab. It also comes with functions that are normally reserved for brewers with higher prices including an automatic start.

Its sleek and retro design is an ideal fit for anyone who appreciates an elegant look that is coordinated with other appliances in your kitchen, and its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable make it easy to transport. Our testers found it easy to use, with an intuitive menu and control panel that was simple to comprehend even for those with no previous experience using a single-serve espresso machine. However, the brew time was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195 degrees F for five or six minutes--the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than the other models we test which could result in burned or overheated grounds. Despite these issues, the CM618 is a great option for people on a tight budget who want to brew their preferred K-Cup pods, or even their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are different from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they are the only ones that use the brand's espresso and coffee pods. The brand categorizes its pod-based machine into two categories which are VertuoLine and the 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 are designed to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.

The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different drink sizes with intelligent capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion process for brewing. It is modern and sleek design, and a removable 37-ounce tank of water. The machine is easy-to-use and features an automatic system that lets pods empty inside a container that is built inside the machine. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 seconds to preheat, and it is shut down by itself after nine minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 produced an excellent cup of coffee. It made a great cup of coffee that had a nice crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to make than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 secs to make 7,7 ounces. This was the third-fastest of the models we tested. It's not a huge issue however if you're used to making coffee quickly in the morning, it may be an issue.

Overall, the NespressoXP371 makes a great option for coffee and espresso lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than the average pod brewer and is compatible with Nespresso's capsules that are reusable, which are greener than the K-Cups and other traditional pods on the market. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules might cause some buyers to be hesitant.

If you aren't able to purchase a top-rated single-serve pod coffee maker, but still love the convenience of using one-serve machines We suggest checking out our best reusable cups review. You might also want to test one of our top insulated tumblers 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 have them. The price is very reasonable for a top-quality machine, and it has a sleek design. However, a few users have reported this model as a potential fire danger which is something you should be aware of when you're considering purchasing it.

The fully automatic coffeemaker features 24-hour programmability and you can set it to brew just one or four cups at a time, or an entire pot that holds 12. The carafe has a thermal design and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter as well as charcoal filter eliminate impurities, enhancing the flavor of the coffee. There is a 30-second "Brew Pause" feature that stops the brewing process to allow you to pour a cup of brew, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean.

The controls on this coffee maker are equally spaced and clearly marked, so you can easily identify what each button does at glance. Other features include an automatic shutoff as well as a dripless spout with Knuckleguard. The coffee maker is extremely user-friendly, and its stainless steel finish brushed is stunning on the countertop.

However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. Some have also reported that they cannot get the reservoir to fill correctly due to a design flaw that forces water through a tiny opening in the back reviews of single serve coffee makers the machine, and into the filter.

Some users have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spits coffee grounds and water all over the counter while it is in operation, but this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. It's a great coffee maker if you're looking for an affordable model that comes with numerous features that make it convenient for an affordable price.