If you are a single person and want to get things quickly and conveniently, then a single cup coffee maker is best. You can twitch your morning fast by making a coffee cup in just minutes. It is to note that single Cup drip coffee makers may be manual or automatic and can brew capsules, coffee pods, or freshly ground coffee.
The question arises of which coffee maker is right for you with so many options. This guide will get enough information to choose the best one-cup coffee maker. This post will discuss coffee makers of many potential brands common in the market.
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What do we mean by a single-serve coffee maker?
Single-cup coffee makers are three types which are:
Nespresso
Nespresso coffee makers make a more concentrated and stronger espresso-style brew. These coffee machines give out shots of espresso made with a creamy layer.
With the help of this type of single drip coffee maker, you can make cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso drinks. Many people do not know that Nespresso capsules are expensive, but many affordable models are also available.
Keurig pod compatible
The Keurig brand is famous for producing pod coffee makers. This brand, therefore, produces a large number of single-cup coffee makers. Patented cups have ground coffee packaged in vacuum-sealed in nitrogen in these machines.
This seal, therefore, protects the oxidation of coffee beans. The top and bottom of this type of coffee maker are punctured with small pins. A pod is present in this area. So when you push the bottom of these coffee makers, water is put from a tank.
There is a heating coil which heats up the water in a reservoir. So when the water is heated, it automatically comes in to your mug.
Drip machines
These coffee makers are very simple and smaller versions of traditional drip machines. They are very simple and work like most home brewers you are probably familiar with. The main difference between this drip machine and traditional coffee makers is that they drip directly into your waiting mug.
Comparison Table for the One Cup Coffee Maker
| Product Name | Brand | Capacity | Special Feature | Amazon Link |
| Hamilton Beach One Cup Coffee Maker | Hamilton Beach | 14 Fluid Ounces | Built-in stand for coffee mugs, Durable stainless steel construction | Check On Amazon |
| Nespresso Vertuo Espresso Maker | Nestle Nespresso | 8 Ounces | Built-in stand for coffee mugs | Check On Amazon |
| Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker | Keurig | 4 Cups | Manual | Check On Amazon |
| Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker | Cuisinart | 0.35 Liters | Manual | Check On Amazon |
| Breville Espresso Machine | Breville | 5 Cups | Manual | Check On Amazon |
| Keurig Coffee Maker | Keurig | 8 Cups | Manual | Check On Amazon |
| Elite Gourmet Compact Coffee Maker | Elite Gourmet | 14 Ounces | Programmable | Check On Amazon |
| Mixpresso – K-Cup Coffee Maker | Mixpresso | 2.8 Pounds | Permanent Filter | Check On Amazon |
| Mueller Ultimate Coffee Maker | Mueller Austria | 1 Cup | Manual | Check On Amazon |
| Lavazza BLUE Espresso Coffee Machine | Lavazza | 14 Fluid Ounces | Manual | Check On Amazon |
List of Best Single Serve Coffee Makers
Hamilton Beach One Cup Coffee Maker
Hamilton Beach single cup coffee makers stand out in the market with high-quality plastic made. This is why it looks smarter in the kitchen and is also equipped with a few removable parts that fit well. Surprisingly, Hamilton beach is the best one-cup coffee maker that is very easy to use.
You have to pour water and coffee grounds, and ultimately, hot coffee comes out into your cup. It is highly recommended not to overfill your cup as it will overflow and can create a button on your counter space. Another amazing feature that impresses me about Hamilton beach is its auto shut-off functionality.
So even if you neglect to turn it off, it automatically shuts off. Consequently, it also comes in the best single-serve drip coffee maker category. So it is the best coffee maker from the fresh flavor to the ease of cleaning.
Specifications
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 14 Fluid Ounces
- Special Feature: Built-in stand for coffee mugs, Durable stainless steel construction
- Material: Stainless Steel
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great tasting coffee
- stainless steel construction
- Fast brewing
- Easy to clean and easy to use
Cons
- Not fully programmable
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker
Nespresso is also a great brand in producing high-quality and potential single-cup coffee makers. It is also famous for making tastier coffee that will freshen up your mood. The good thing about this 1 cup drip coffee maker is that it is equipped with various options.
So you can make both the espresso and coffee in various sizes and single and double espresso. Overall, it also stands out in the market with its compact and modern design, which is only 5.5 inches wide, and its energy-saving automatic turn-off feature.
Most surprisingly, it is a single-cup coffee maker expertly brewed every time. This is due to the revolutionary one-touch brewing system that normally utilizes barcode scanning technology to give you the perfect brew whenever you want. At first glance at this coffee maker, I am impressed by its slim-fit design and the Nespresso recycling program.
Specifications
- Brand: Nestle Nespresso
- Color: White
- Capacity: 8 Ounces
- Special Feature: Built-in stand for coffee mugs
- Material: Aluminum
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made up of high-quality aluminum
- One-touch brewing system
- Removable water tank
Cons
- The build quality could be improved
Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker
No one can beat the Keurig brand whenever we think about coffee makers. It is a great brand famous for producing high-quality coffee brewers. Like many one cup coffee makers, it has a compact design and takes up almost no space on your countertop.
It is only 5 inches wide and equipped with a convenient water reservoir. Many models are available in the market where you have to fill each cup manually, but this is a unique one where you can make several cups with no need to refill.
So it is a single serve drip coffee maker that provides you the coffee at a nice temperature. Like many k-cup coffee makers, it is also energy efficient with an auto-off feature. With the help of this automatic shut-off function, your coffee maker will turn off after 5 minutes of use, thus helping in saving energy.
Specifications
- Brand: Keurig
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 4 Cups
- Special Feature: Manual
- Material: Plastic
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to clean coffee maker
- 3 cup sizes
- Fast and fresh brewing
Cons
- Tends to drip after brewing
Cuisinart Premium 72-Ounce Single-Serve Coffeemaker
Cuisinart is also a famous brand for producing 1 cup coffee makers. Not only these coffee makers, but it also produces various coffee makers, from single cups to 12 cups of coffee makers.
With a compact design, you will be impressed with various features such as an LCD, a digital clock, and adjustable temperature control. Auto on or off feature is also present in this gadget to save energy while using the coffee makers. Most surprisingly, it also has a unique 72-ounce removable water reservoir.
This 72-ounce removable water reservoir is perfect for convenient refills. A charcoal water filter is also present in this k-cup coffee maker to give you the best ever tasting coffee. Not only does this single cup drip coffee maker, but it also includes a filter cup so that you can get the best-tasting coffee with your favorite coffee grounds.
Specifications
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Silver
- Capacity: 0.35 Liters
- Special Feature: Manual
- Material: Stainless Steel
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Multiple beverages sizes
- Backlit LCD
Cons
- The quality of the coffee maker could be improved.
Breville BNV250CRO1BUC1 Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Breville is also a famous brand in manufacturing high-quality and long-lasting coffee makers. If we talk about this coffee maker, it stands out in the market with a 40 oz removable water tank for easy refilling.
Now, you can easily make high-grade espresso cups after touching a single button. Along with all these amazing features, it can easily make different types of coffee. Overall, it is a sleek and modern coffee maker that can easily fit on your countertop.
The heat-up time for this coffee maker is only 15 seconds. On the other side, the drip tray is also adjustable so that your counter space remains clean while using it. With the Nespresso Aeroccino3 technology, the coffee machine gives smooth hot milky coffee.
Specifications
- Brand: Breville
- Color: Chrome
- Capacity: 5 Cups
- Special Feature: Manual
- Material: Stainless Steel
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Beautiful and modern design
- Automatically adapts brewing parameters
- One-touch brewing system
Cons
- The durability of this coffee maker could be improved.
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Due to the high demand for the Keurig brand, I also include other products as these are high-quality coffee machines. After opening the box, you will get one filter and one water filter handle. Keep in mind that this filter helps enhance the beverage’s taste to its absolute best.
This is the best single-serve coffee maker that can brew multiple cups sizes such as 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. Also, it is equipped with a strong brew button which gives the strong taste to the coffee. Now it’s your choice whether you want hot coffee or iced coffee.
You can do this by changing the iced settings and getting the iced coffee. The brew temperature can also be changed according to your desire.
Specifications
- Brand: Keurig
- Color: Brushed Slate
- Capacity: 8 Cups
- Special Feature: Manual
- Material: Plastic
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 1 water filter handle
- Strong brew button
- Fast and fresh brewing
Cons
- Brewing time could be improved.
Elite Gourmet Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker
If you are want a potential single-cup drip coffee machine, you are at the right place. Elite Gourmet Personal Single-Serve is a compact coffee maker with a universal design. Also, there is no need to put paper or plastic cups.
This amazing coffee maker comprises a high-quality stainless steel interior and exterior. You can make your fresh-tasting coffee in just under 60 seconds at home. It is the best coffee maker if you want to make coffee fast in the morning when you are in a hurry.
Also, it gives you an easy one-touch working where you can get the tasty, hot and fresh coffee in just seconds. This gadget is also compact and stylish to easily fit on your countertop. You do not have to go for any filter paper, whether removable or reusable.
Specifications
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 14 Ounces
- Special Feature: Programmable
- Material: Stainless Steel
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 4 brew sizes
- Easy to clean and easy to use
- Universal design
- Auto shut off feature
Cons
- Slow brewing time
Mixpresso – K-Cup Coffee Maker
Mixpresso is also the best one-cup drip coffee maker with amazing results. Now, you can just get the best cup of coffee just as you want the traditional coffee. You can get the finest brewed coffee with a removable 45 Oz water tank.
It is also the best K cup coffee maker capable of brewing a cup of rich, smooth, and tasty coffee. In many coffee makers, filters are not attached, but this device comes up with a reusable filter. So we can also call it a smart coffee maker with potential heating elements to brew your favorite flavor single cup coffee.
Its preheating time is only 30 seconds, and it has an auto-off feature that turns it off automatically when it’s finished. So overall, it is the best product with a great combination of quality and good results.
Specifications
- Brand: Mixpresso
- Color: Dark/Gray
- Capacity: 2.8 Pounds
- Special Feature: Permanent Filter
- Material: Plastic
Pros and Cons
Pros
- BPA free materials
- Quick brew technology
- Collects all drips
Cons
- The machine might get hot after extensive use.
Mueller Ultimate Single Serve Coffee Maker
Mueller is the best coffee machine if you want to start the day with a great cup of coffee. You can make tastier cup of coffee at any time during the day using this single-serve coffee maker.
Most surprisingly, it stands out in the market with a compact design that easily fits into the tight spaces on your countertop. Most surprisingly, this coffee maker is also compatible with all single cups to fit all one or two single coffee capsules.
The most surprising thing about this coffee maker is that it only takes 3 minutes to make your favorite cup of coffee. Moreover, it is also superior to other coffee makers because it has a 10 Oz water tank that supports the standard size and large coffee cups.
Specifications
- Brand: Mueller Austria
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 1 Cups
- Special Feature: Manual
- Material: MU-CM10
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One-touch start button
- Lightweight 1 cup coffee maker
- Easily fits on your countertop
Cons
- Short chord
Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini Single Serve Espresso Coffee Machine
Lavazza BLUE Classy Mini also comes in the category of the fastest and most potential single-cup coffee makers. It also gives you visual alerts with a visual indicator. With the help of this visual indicator, you will come to know that the water tank is empty or the capsule drawer is full.
Also, this single cup drip coffee maker works with Lavazza blue capsules. If we talk about the capsule drawer, it provides a maximum capacity of 5 exhausted capsules of frequency 5060 Hertz.
Along with all these things, it also has removable cup support that can be perfect for any cup, from espresso cups to mugs. It is a very lightweight and compact coffee machine weighing only 7.7 Pounds. So you can easily fit it everywhere on your countertop and take it with you while traveling.
Specifications
- Brand: Lavazza
- Color: Blue
- Capacity: 14 Fluid Ounces
- Special Feature: Manual
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes with a visual indicator
- 2 coffee selections
- Removable cup support
Cons
- Be careful; it might be prone to leaking
What to consider when purchasing a single-cup coffee maker?
There are different types of coffee makers in the market, but here in this post, our main concern is single-cup drip coffee makers. When buying a single-cup coffee maker, you must consider some things. By reading the buying guide, you will find the single drip coffee maker that fits your needs.
Brewing options
There are many options for one cup coffee makers. Many coffee makers are available to brew just one size cup, whereas others have the capacity of bringing anything from single espresso shots to 50 ounces carafe.
Most surprisingly, you will have many choices regarding the type of coffee drink. So you can make cold brew, cappuccinos, lattes, hot coffee, iced coffee, and much more in a single cup coffee maker.
The larger the coffee maker, the more expensive it will be. However, on the other side, other models are also available, which are larger in size but affordable. If you do not want some extra features, these models are available with limited features.
Pods versus ground coffee
You should also decide which type of coffee machine you want to purchase. It is necessary that the single-cup drip coffee makers must be compatible with single-use coffee pods and reusable coffee pods.
Note that you can use reusable coffee pods by filling them with ground coffee and using it again and again. Other single-cup coffee makers are also available, giving a reusable filter. So if you do not go with the coffee pods, you can go for single-use or reusable filters that might be the best option for you.
Brewing speed
As I also discussed earlier, single coffee makers are ideal for people who are in a hurry and want to make coffee in just seconds. So make sure that the coffee maker you will purchase must be equipped with great brewing speed.
So the potential coffee maker easily and quickly heats water and brews the coffee in very little time compared to a traditional coffee maker. Normally, the total brew time of many coffee makers ranges from under a minute to almost 4 minutes.
In contrast, if you are more concerned with brewing speed, you should keep this in mind when choosing the coffee machine.
Size of the 1 cup coffee maker
If you want to go for the casual use of the coffee maker, then there is no need to have a large water reservoir. However, if you normally drink 4 to 5 cups of coffee, the coffee maker must be bigger with a big water reservoir. If the water Reservoir is larger, you can save time by having to refill it constantly.
Many compact coffee makers and travel coffee makers are also available in the market that doesn’t even have a water reservoir. They just need you to measure and add the amount of water you want each time. However, if we talk about large water reservoirs, they are difficult to clean. Now it’s your choice which one you want for your daily routine.
Related Article: Best 10 Cup Coffee Makers
Frequently asked questions
How can we clean a single cup coffee maker?
Yes, you can easily make one cup of coffee in a single cup coffee maker. First of all, take two cups of water to boil in a kettle or pot. When you think the water is boiling, insert a filter into a coffee maker. Then put a quarter of hot water into the filter and rinse it out. By doing this, all the residue is removed that might affect the taste of the coffee.
How much coffee should you use for one cup of coffee?
The normal measurement of coffee for one cup coffee ranges from 6 ounces to two tablespoons of ground coffee. However, many people also use three tablespoons of coffee.
Does expensive coffee taste better?
It is normally seen that expensive coffee makers normally give better-tasting coffee. However, it also depends on the coffee beans you use to make coffee.
How important is the quality of a coffee maker?
It is to note that many low-quality coffee makers are also present in the market, so you should make sure of the quality of the coffee maker. On the other hand, if you have high-quality coffee beans, you will not get the desired taste of a coffee. So the quality of the coffee maker makes a huge difference to the taste.
Final Words
One cup coffee makers are very easy to use where the coffee ground is easily trapped in the pods. Make sure that you clean the coffee makers regularly to increase their life. It is to note that selecting a single cup coffee maker usually depends on the budget and exact need.
From my point of view, Keurig is the best single-serve coffee maker. This model stands out in the market with fast brewing speed, customization options, and user-friendliness. Now you can easily make the coffee in this coffee maker with all the options you need.