One of the very first things many of us do every morning is go for a hot cup of coffee, a great cup of coffee at that. However, with so much to prepare for the day, from making breakfast for kids and getting them ready for school to getting ready for work yourself, not many have the time to grind fresh coffee beans and wait for their pot of java to brew. This is exactly why single serve coffee makers are growing in popularity in recent years.
As the name suggests, single serve coffee makers brew only one serving of coffee at a time, and these life-saving machines come with a lot of amazing benefits. Check out our complete guide about the best cuisinart coffee makers.
Benefits of Single Serve Coffee Makers
Convenience
Obviously the most beneficial aspect of a single serve coffee maker is the ability to make a single cup of coffee when you need and not brewing a whole pot. While this gives you the convenience of enjoying a freshly brewed cup of hot coffee whenever you feel like it, it is also a great option for travelers and office goers, because you can just place your travel mug straightaway, push a button, and have your coffee ready, hot and fresh, when you are ready to head out. We have also written a complete guide about the best coffee makers with grinders.
Variety
The fact that single serve coffee makers make just the right amount of coffee sufficient for one person gives you the ability to try and experiment with new flavors without worry about having to pour the remainder down the drain in case you’re not a big fan. Also, these machines are designed to make not just coffee, but a wide range of other hot beverages as well, including tea. What this means is that while you get to enjoy your morning brew and try out different coffee flavors, the non-coffee drinker in your home can use the same machine for their tea.
Ease of Cleaning
One other aspect of single serve coffee makers that make them beneficial over the traditional ones is the easy cleanup process. A traditional coffee maker involves a lot of different parts or elements that need to be cleaned regularly to make sure that you get the best tasting coffee every single time. With a single serve coffee maker, the elements involved are less, which typically makes cleanup much easier. Since these machines use coffee pods, you won’t be dealing with loose coffee grounds, which are usually considered the messy part of any coffee machine.
Cost-Effective
Yes, coffee chains produce great tasting coffees. But, how many times have you found yourself spending too much money on a cup of coffee on a daily basis? And when you are at it, you would obviously want a muffin, doughnut, or a different accompaniment to go with your coffee, which further escalates your cost. By investing in a single serve coffee maker, you get to control spending thousands of dollars a year, while being able to enjoy equally good coffee right at home.
Portability
Most single serve coffee makers are highly compact and portable. These aspects not only make them a great choice for homes with limited space in the kitchen, but also a great travel companion. You can easily pack your single serve coffee maker and carry it along during your weekend getaways, especially when you know that your hotel doesn’t offer a coffee maker in room.
Perfect for Workplace
Whether you run a company or work at home and have your own home office, a single serve coffee maker would be the ideal addition to your office. At work, the machine gives your employees the freedom to choose any drink or flavor they like rather than sharing a whole pot of coffee brewed in regular intervals. And in the case of your home office, it is once again the convenience of getting a single cup of freshly brewed coffee that makes this machine ideal.
Types of Single Serve Coffee Makers
K-Cup/Capsule/T-Disc Coffee Makers
K-cups, as you are probably aware as a coffee lover, are coffee systems that come with coffee grounds and filter in small individual cups to produce a single serving of coffee. Capsules and T-Discs belong to the same category as well. These three coffee systems can only be used in single serve coffee makers of specific brands; for instance, the T-Discs can be used only with Tassimo coffee makers. Some of the benefits of these single serve coffee makers are: they are fast and convenient, create no mess, coffee tastes great, and the K-cups are available in different brands.
Traditional Single Brew Coffee Makers
You will also be able to find traditional coffee makers that are designed to brew only a single cup of coffee at a time, instead of using the coffee systems mentioned above. These machines are especially for those of you who do not want to move way from a traditionally brewed coffee, using freshly ground beans. The biggest advantage of these single brew coffee makers is that each individual in your household can brew their cup according to their preference in caffeine level, etc.
Pod Coffee Makers
These are again single serve coffee makers in which coffee pods are used instead of ground coffee. All you need to do is place the coffee pod in its assigned area and press the “brew” button to enjoy your morning brew.
Hybrid Coffee Makers
Hybrid coffee makers are for those coffee lovers who wish to have the convenience of both single- and multi-cup coffee makers in a single machine. As the name suggests, these coffee makers offer both single serve and whole pot brewing options and is known to be the highly flexible option of all.
Single Serve Coffee Makers Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best single serve coffee maker, there are a lot of different features and characteristics you need to analyze before making your choice. Following are some of the most vital features you should look at:
Brew Speed – How fast the machine can brew a cup of coffee is one of the important features you need to consider. Just remember that a machine that brews the fastest doesn’t necessarily make the best coffee.
Price – Of course! When it comes to the price of single serve coffee makers, there are two basic aspects to consider: the price of the machine itself and the price of the refills.
Size – Size of your single serve coffee maker matters, especially if you have limited space in your kitchen or any counter in general. You need to make sure that the machine fits the area where you want to place it, including having enough space to lift the lid. You can know the size of any machine by looking at the product dimensions.
Timer – This is an excellent feature to have if you are the type of person who loves to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed cup of coffee every morning.
Water Reservoir – This feature is for utter convenience. Yes, single serve coffee makers brew only one cup at a time; however, you wouldn’t want to pour in water every time you want to make a cup. Therefore, you can look for a machine that comes with a larger water reservoir. Talking about water reservoir, going for a machine with a transparent and detachable reservoir would work best.
Cup/Mug Size – This depends on the size of the mugs you regularly use, including your travel mugs. Make sure that the machine is big enough to accommodate the height and width of your mugs.
Top 15 Best Single Serve Coffee Makers in 2022
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
1. Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker |
5 beverage sizes: 4-12 oz | $$ | 4.8 | |
2. Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single Serve Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel |
Removable 72 oz. water reservoir | $$$ | 4.7 | |
3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker (49983) |
2 hour automatic shutoff | $$ | 4.7 | |
4. Keurig K-Elite K Single Serve K-Cup Pod Maker |
BREWS MULTIPLE CUP SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12oz | $$$ | 4.6 | |
5. Keurig K250 Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker |
40oz WATER RESERVOIR | $$$ | 4.6 | |
6. Hamilton Beach (49966) Coffee Maker |
10-CUP THERMAL CARAFE | $$$ | 4.5 | |
7. Keurig K-Elite C Single Serve Coffee Maker |
Brews K-Cup pods | $$$ | 4.5 | |
8. Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Brewer and Full Pot Coffee Maker (49980A) |
12 cup glass carafe | $$$ | 4.4 | |
9. Aicok Single Serve Programmable Coffee Maker |
2 years warranty | $$ | 4.3 | |
10. Coffee K-Cup Coffee Maker System |
80oz WATER RESERVOIR | $$ | 4.3 |
|
11. Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker |
2 oz/360 milliliter water tank | $$ | 4.2 | |
12. Mixpresso Single Cup Machine |
1 year replacement or repayment warranty | $$ | 4.1 | |
13. Litchi Single Serve Coffee Maker |
1200Watts heating elements | $$ | 4.1 | |
14. Cuisinart SS-5 Single Serve Brewer |
3 beverage sizes: 6, 8, 10 oz | $$ | 4.0 | |
15. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker (49963) |
Compatible with all K-Cup packs | $$ | 3.9 |
1. Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker
If you are looking for the best K-Cup coffee maker on the market and ready to invest a bit high on the same, the Cuisinart SS-10 Single Serve Brewing System is the one you should take a look at.
Design and Construction
The Cuisinart SS-10 is definitely one handsome-looking single serve coffee maker. It carries a highly thoughtful design and the overall construction of the machine is extremely strong and durable. The sheer weight of the machine (around 16 pounds) gives us a confidence that this is one sturdy coffee maker, unlike many other models that are constructed light.
Also, this single serve coffee maker comes with a metal pod receptacle, which is usually plastic in most machines, which is another proof of this machine’s sturdiness and durability. Moreover, the Cuisinart SS-700BK is designed to look attractive and amazing on any counter top and does its intended job extremely well as well.
Functionality
The SS-10 Single Serve Brewing System from Cuisinart is one of the top contenders out there that feature the most famous and innovative one-touch technology in coffee making. This home-brewing system is designed to produce not just coffee, but also tea, hot cocoa, and more hot beverages, including soup, all under a minute. The machine allows you to choose between different brewing size options, from 4 to 10, and by using K-Cups, you can easily enjoy a wide array of hot beverages with this single coffee maker.
While the Cuisinart SS-10 single serve coffee maker looks like it can accommodate only a regular sized coffee mug, it is only after you take a closer look you’ll come to know that this machine is designed to accommodate even travel mugs, by simply removing the drip tray. You can program the brewer for any specific time and brew temperature, so that the machine is ready to brew your morning cup of coffee without any waiting time. The machine can also be left on all the time, being always ready to produce your next dose of joe.
On the whole, this would be the best K-Cup single serve coffee maker you will come across, provided you are ready to pay a little bit more for what it has to offer.
2. Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single Serve Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel
One single serve coffee maker that has become a crowd pleaser in the mid-tier category is the Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single Serve Coffeemaker. If you are looking for a machine that comes with extreme compatibility, this should be your choice.
Design and Construction
With a silver and black finish and some stainless steel parts, the whole design of the SS-10 single serve coffeemaker is sleek, modern and stylish. While the machine itself weighs relatively less when compared to its brand counterparts, its lighter weight doesn’t really affect its durability or sturdiness, which is very much evident from its finish. The backlit LCD control panel makes it look even more sophisticated but at the same time is easy to use as well.
As you would be aware, Cuisinart is one of the top brands in kitchen appliances. Therefore, durability of their products is something you can rely on. With the Cuisinart SS-10 Coffeemaker, though the whole machine is made of plastic with some stainless steel parts, which actually isn’t something we are fond of in an appliance, it is certainly surprising that the unit doesn’t really feel cheap. In fact, a lot of coffee drinkers who have been using this machine for several months have reported that this unit is more durable than many other similar units they have owned before.
Functionality
Whether you choose to brew a K-Cup or your favorite freshly ground coffee, the Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single Serve Coffeemaker does it all. With a single touch of the Hot Water button, you get to enjoy a hot cup of tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or even soup or oatmeal. The Rinse feature allows you to clean the whole brew chamber so each cup you drink tastes just as good as the first one.
One of the major advantages of the Cuisinart SS-10 coffee maker is that it comes with a 72-ounce removable water reservoir, which means you don’t have to refill water every single time you need a hot drink. Also, you can choose between five different brew sizes (4 to 12 oz), the drip tray can be removed to accommodate the larger cups you have, and the machine is fully programmable. For the price tag that it comes with, this is definitely a great single serve coffee maker you can choose without any hesitation.
3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker (49983)
Who wouldn’t mind getting a coffee maker with huge bang for their buck? With the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker, you get exactly that.
Design and Construction
Available in a classic combination of black and silver, this 2-way coffee maker can easily blend into any kitchen décor or office counter top. The two sides of the machine, single serve and full coffee pot, are made distinct with a change of color. The unit itself is extremely compact, making it a perfect choice even for smaller spaces. And weighing 13 pounds, the FlexBrew coffee maker is highly durable as well, despite the use of plastic in most of the areas. Hamilton Beach being a reliable brand in appliances, durability isn’t an area you need to be worried about when it comes to this single serve coffee maker.
Functionality
The biggest functionality of this coffee maker is obviously its 2-way operation mode. You can use the machine to brew just a single cup or brew a 12-cup whole pot, like you would with a traditional coffee maker. And since there are two separate water reservoirs to serve these purposes, you don’t have to worry about running out of water or having to refill after each brew. Also, these reservoirs come with a water window, which makes it easy for you to know the water level from the outside.
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker allows you to choose your own brew strength, between regular and bold. There is a digital clock using which you can easily set your brew time in advance. There is also an auto shutoff option, which means you don’t have to worry about leaving the machine on. With the Auto Pause & Serve feature, you can remove the carafe in between the brewing process to pour yourself a cup, no dripping whatsoever. You also have the ability to use either a single-serve pack or ground coffee according to your preference.
4. Keurig K-Elite K Single Serve K-Cup Pod Maker
If you have been a Keurig skeptic for a long time, you will be a changed person once you try the brand’s new addition to their K-Cup system, the Keurig K-Elite K Single Serve K-Cup Pod Maker.
Design and Construction
Made from a combination of metal and plastic, the Keurig K-Elite is available in two different finishes: Brushed Silver and Brushed Slate, both looking stunning and elegant. The smooth finish of the unit makes it a perfect addition to any interior design and the improvement in the design from the brand’s previous models is certainly evident. Thanks to the brushed finish, the machine carries a tempting design that will attract many of you looking for a quality single serve coffee maker.
In addition to its amazing looks, the Keurig K-Elite is constructed to be sturdier than many other K-Cup single serve coffee makers. The combination of metal and plastic not only make the unit fingerprint resistant, but also add to the overall durability of the machine, making it one of the most reliable investments you would make in a coffee machine.
Functionality
Though it is a bit disappointing to know that this particular single serve coffee maker from Keurig is designed to brew only K-Cup pods, unlike the other models we have reviewed so far, which also brew ground coffee, there are certain functionalities that make this unit stand out. For instance, the Keurig K-Elite is one of the very few models in the market that come with an iced setting, allowing you to enjoy iced coffee at the touch of a button.
The Strong Brew option allows you to increase the strength of your coffee, so you can enjoy a bold tasting cup early in the morning. The Keurig K-Elite brews multiple cup sizes as well, from 4 to 12 oz., and the Hot Water on Demand function is useful to enjoy instant soups and oatmeal. The unit comes with a large 75 oz. water reservoir, which is large enough to hold water to make 8 cups before requiring a refill. And like many other single serve coffee maker models, the drip unit of this machine can also be removed to accommodate travel mugs.
One main drawback of this model, however, is that it brews only K-Cups and not fresh ground coffee, which many other models with a similar price tag do.
5. Keurig K250 Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K250 Single Serve Coffee Maker is known to be a definite step up from the brand’s previous models, but not quite as good as some of its other counterparts. However, this could be a great option for you if you are into K-Cups.
Design and Construction
Without a doubt, the Keurig K250 is one of the most stylish single server coffee makers you will come across. Sporting a slim and sleek design, this coffee maker model comes in a wide range of attractive colors, such as Imperial Red, Oasis, Peacock Blue, Sandy Pearl, and also the classic Black, catering to the varied tastes of individuals. The machine is so slim that it has a small counter top footprint, which makes it perfect for small spaces.
Similar to many other Keurig coffee maker models, the K250 is also made with a combination of plastic and metal. The machine, in general, is known to be durable, and its durability can be increased when it is cleaned regularly. To help with cleaning, the product initially comes with a descale solution. However, the brand is infamous for leaking and pump failure issues in their coffee makers, especially after the given warranty period (which is 1 year in this case), which definitely is a concern.
Functionality
The Keurig K250 Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is capable of delivering very good coffee, thanks to its great functionalities. One of the key advantages of this single serve brewer is that it brews a wide range of K-Cup pod brew sizes. While many other models, including the Keurig model we have shared above, brew only sizes between 4 and 12 oz., this unit goes an extra mile and brews 22, 26, and 30 oz. as well with K-Carafe pods. However, the package doesn’t come with a carafe, which has to be bought separately.
There is a Strength Control setting with which you can adjust the flavor level of your coffee. With the Specialty Beverage setting, you can choose to have other hot drinks other than coffee. The drip tray in this model is also removable, making it easy for you to directly brew coffee into your travel mug. The size of the water reservoir in this model is quite small, 40 oz., which lets you have only around 4 cups of drinks before needing a refill. But, the fact that the reservoir is removable makes refilling easier.
6. Hamilton Beach (49966) Coffee Maker
If you find it hard to choose between the convenience of a single serve coffee maker and making a full carafe for the whole family, why do you have to deal with this tough decision making when you have the Hamilton Beach 49966 Coffee Maker?
Design and Construction
The 49966 FlexBrew 2-Way Thermal Single Serve Coffee Maker from Hamilton Beach comes in a classic black and silver finish, a design that allows it to sit perfectly on any counter top regardless of the interiors. The overall design looks sleek and polished, and the unit is neither too fancy nor too simple. When it comes to durability, like many other Hamilton Beach coffee maker models, this machine is also made of plastic and steel, a combination that makes the unit sturdy and reliable. However, it is the weight of the product that leaves us concerned in terms of durability. Weighing just 8 pounds, this is one of the lightweight coffee makers available today, which apparently makes us question its construction and sturdiness.
Functionality
When you see the term FlexBrew in any Hamilton Beach coffee maker models, you are guaranteed the convenience of having a single serve and multi-cup brewers in the same machine. This 2-way coffee maker can brew K-Cups as well as fresh ground coffee, so you don’t have to worry about not pleasing other coffee drinkers in your family or office. The machine comes with a separate water reservoir for each side, with separate windows as well, so you can monitor the water level without any hassle. You can choose between two strength options: regular and bold, and the carafe side comes with an auto shutoff option and a programmable timer.
What’s unique and useful about the 49966 FlexBrew is that you get a thermal carafe instead of the usual glass ones, helping keep your coffee warm for a long time, and this can hold up to 10 cups of brewed coffee in a single serving. On the single brewing side, you can use your regular coffee mug or a travel mug, and also use a K-Cup or your favorite ground coffee. The unit is also designed to make cleaning easy.
7. Keurig K-Elite C Single Serve Coffee Maker
The K-Elite C belongs to the new K-Elite range of single serve coffee makers from the famous brand Keurig, a range that is known to have more personalization options than the rest.
Design and Construction
The design and construction of the K-Elite C is highly similar to that of the K-Elite K we have reviewed above. Constructed of plastic and metal, this unit can easily blend with any modern décor, and the same construction also makes it a sturdy unit. The brushed silver finish gives it an elegant and attractive look, and the whole unit is just the right size to accommodate a standard counter top. At about 12 pounds, this single serve coffee maker is neither too heavy nor too light and is certainly a durable option you can trust.
Functionality
What we like the most about the K-Elite C Single Serve Coffee Maker is that you can easily and quickly program features according to your preferences. You have the ability to adjust the brewing temperature and also set the time for the brewer to activate, so you can wake up to the bold and flavorful smell and taste of your favorite coffee. The machine can brew five different cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz., all brewed in just under a minute, enabling you to enjoy an amazing cup of joe in no time.
The large 75 oz. water reservoir makes sure that there is enough water to make multiple cups of drinks before refill, and the reservoir is also designed to be removable to make refilling easier. The Strong Brew feature allows you to enhance the flavor of your coffee, making it bolder, and the Iced button lets you savor a refreshing mug of iced coffee on a hot summer day. Once again, similar to the K-Elite K, this coffee maker also uses only K-Cups and not ground coffee, which is a definite drawback.
8. Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Brewer and Full Pot Coffee Maker (49980A)
This Hamilton Beach two-way brewer is a versatile machine from the brand that is equipped with latest technology to make your coffee drinking experience easier, quicker and more enjoyable.
Design and Construction
Made of stainless steel and plastic, this 2-way brewer from Hamilton Beach is definitely attractive to the eye. The standard black and silver finish makes it look professional, elegant and very much appealing, perfect for both home and office use. The control panel is clear and the programming is made easy even for first-time coffee maker users. The use of stainless steel makes the unit a durable option, and there have been no major complaints on the sturdiness or durability of the model so far.
Functionality
As evident from the name, the Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Brewer and Full Pot Coffee Maker comes with 2-way brewing options. With the single serve option, you can either use a soft pod with the pod holder or go for ground coffee whenever you feel like it. For those lazy days when you want to enjoy more than one cup, use the carafe side of the machine to brew the 12-cup pot. The non-stick, keep-hot plate is designed to keep your brewed coffee hot for longer durations.
The single serve side has a multilevel cup rest, which can be adjusted to fit the different sizes of mugs you have. Use the brew strength selector to adjust the flavor of your coffee, and the programmable timer enables automatic 2-hour shutoff, making it easier and convenient for you.
One main downfall of this single serve coffee maker model from Hamilton Beach is that you can use only disk-shaped soft pods, because the machine is not compatible with capsules, K-Cups, or other similar single serve packs. This could be one of the reasons why many coffee drinkers go for other models from the brand. If you don’t mind this drawback, this could be a great 2-way brewer for you, especially for the minimal pricing.
9. Aicok Single Serve Programmable Coffee Maker
If you are on the search for a lightweight, travel-friendly single serve coffee maker, the Aicok Single Serve Programmable Coffee Maker should be on the top of your list.
Design and Construction
The Aicok Single Serve Coffee Maker comes in a unique and attractive design that pleases the eye instantly. The overall look of the machine will definitely add some style to your kitchen or wherever you choose to place the unit. Even when you entertain guests, the very look of this coffee maker will give them the confidence that they are about to enjoy a great tasting coffee. Moreover, the Aicok coffee maker is made with BPA free material (the water tank), which gives you safety guarantee as well.
When it comes to durability, the very first aspect that concerns us is the use of material for the machine’s construction, which is entirely plastic. The machine itself weight only 7 pounds and the fact that it is constructed with plastic is definitely worrisome. However, a ray of hope is that we did not come across any complaints pertinent to the unit’s durability, which leads us to believe that this is indeed one sturdy coffee maker.
Functionality
As mentioned earlier, this Single Serve Programmable Coffee Maker from Aicok is one of the most compact models available on the market today, and its sheer weight and compactness make this product highly portable. What this means is that this coffee maker will make a great travel companion even when you go on vacations. With the Quick Brew Technology, the machine is able to brew a single cup within 30 seconds, while most other models take about a minute. Also, the coffee maker is compatible with most single cup pods, including K-Cups, Realcups, etc., giving you a wide range of options to choose from.
With the one touch buttons, you can easily choose between different brew sizes to satisfy your varying taste. The unit comes with a 45 oz water tank, made with BPA free material. Though the size of the tank is quite small when compared to many other single serve models, it should be sufficient to make at least 4 cups at a time, once again perfect for traveling. The drip tray can be removed to accommodate mugs up to 7.5 inches tall, and the Auto Shut-off button helps save energy by shutting the machine off automatically after an hour of no use.
One common complaint we came across about this machine is that it makes some noise while brewing. However, this would be the least of your problems, considering the fact that the machine excels in all other aspects.
10. Coffee K-Cup Coffee Maker System
If you are not really a fan of the latest single serve coffee makers that come equipped with different modern technologies, you may want to take a look at the classic Mr. Coffee K-Cup Coffee Maker System.
Design and Construction
This K-Cup Coffee Maker System from Mr. Coffee is one of the basic models you can find today. This reflects in the machine’s design as well. The overall design is also basic, with the classic black and silver finish, and the unit is quite compact too. Its narrow design prevents it from taking up too much space on your counter and the drip tray is just the right size to hold a regular sized coffee mug.
As mentioned, the machine is very compact and weighs just around 4 pounds. Since it is also made entirely of plastic, durability is a high concern with this single serve coffee maker. Despite these factors and its affordable pricing, it is still a huge surprise that this machine is highly durable and the reviews from hundreds of owners who have been using it for years is the proof for the same.
Functionality
The Mr. Coffee K-Cup Coffee Maker System is perhaps the simplest single serve coffee maker you will come across on the market today. The machine is designed to be super easy to use, with no fancy controls or digital features, perfect for less tech savvy and new users of coffee makers.
Despite being a basic model, this coffee maker can brew both ground coffee as well as K-Cup packs, and you can attain servings up to 10 oz. There is an automatic shutoff function that switches off the machine automatically after the brewing is complete. The drip tray is removable, which not only makes it easy for you to use your travel mug in the machine, but also makes cleaning easy. Since the filter is reusable, you can purchase your favorite ground coffee rather than individual K-Cups for brewing.
The fact that there is no display, programmable timer, brew strength selection, etc. could make this machine a least preferred model among today’s fast-paced crowd. But, if you are just starting out with a coffee maker and don’t mind the lack of such modern features, you can go with this single serve coffee maker.
11. Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Single Serve Coffee Maker from Chulux is widely known to be a great option for people on the go. With just a few simple instructions to follow, this coffee maker is perfect for those who are always busy.
Design and Construction
The Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker comes in a simple yet efficient design. The machine is available in five straightforward and beautiful colors, enabling you to choose one that best suits your interest or the interior of your kitchen. The compact design of the unit makes it extremely portable and therefore would be a perfect model not just for home, but also for apartments, caravans, dorm rooms, and more.
Weighing just above 2 pounds, this single serve coffee maker from Chulux is one of the most lightweight models available today. Despite being light in weight and made of plastic, the machine looks and feels sturdy, and for the price point that it is offered and its efficiency, even a year or two of proper operation would be sufficient from this unit.
Functionality
One big advantage of the Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker is that it is compatible with most K-Cup capsule types, so you don’t have to worry about brands or versions of the same. Its One Touch Operation makes it easy for you to brew your favorite hot drink with just the touch of a button. To suit the compact design of this machine, the water reservoir is designed small, only 12 oz., and is BPA free; however, unlike the many other coffee makers we have seen so far, the water reservoir of this one cannot be removed, which is a slight drawback.
The drip tray can be easily removed to accommodate different cup sizes, and this same feature also makes cleaning easy. Cleaning the brewer is also made easy with just a press of a button. There is also an automatic shutoff option that stops the machine after brewing. Despite so many positives, what many users think is a major downfall of this Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker model is that it takes around 3 to 5 minutes to brew a single cup. This number, as we know, is quite high, especially when we know that there are models that can brew within 30 seconds. All things considered, this is an amazing offering for this price point.
12. Mixpresso Single Cup Machine
Take a look slightly away from the leading brands in coffee makers and you will come across Mixpresso, a brand known for producing equally good quality, if not better, coffee machines. The Single Cup Machine from the brand is its popular option in this category.
Design and Construction
Sporting the most loved and classic black and stainless steel finish, the Mixpresso Single Cup Machine is a compact single serve coffee maker that can be used in confined spaces without any worries. The whole design of the machine is just clean and professional, with just a single button on the side, which also shows that the machine doesn’t involve a lot of complicated procedures.
The machine is made of plastic and weighs just over 3.5 pounds, which makes it evident that this is one compact model that can be used while traveling as well. The Single Cup Machine is constructed to be very durable, despite being light in weight and compact, so you shouldn’t have any problem using it without facing any major issues for at least a couple of years. Moreover, to ensure quality and durability, the company offers a 1 year replacement warranty.
Functionality
The Mixpresso Single Cup Machine is one of the powerful and fast single serve coffee makers available for coffee lovers. The machine is designed to take up preheating time of just 30 seconds, which means it wouldn’t take long for your single cup of coffee to brew. Designed especially for K-Cups, this coffee maker also lets you enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and make hot water instantly for your other needs as well. With the reusable filter, you get the ability to brew even your favorite brand of ground coffee.
As mentioned before, the machine carries only one button, which pretty much is responsible for all actions. Press the button once for start and shut down and press and hold the same for cleaning and draining water. This single button operation is something many users are likely to love, as it involves no complex procedures or instructions to follow. The water reservoir is just 10 oz. in size, not too big, and is not removable as well.
If you don’t like dealing with a lot of buttons or instructions and prefer a single serve coffee maker with a small footprint, the Mixpresso Single Press Machine could be what you need.
13. Litchi Single Serve Coffee Maker
Litchi is a brand that has been bringing users value in their kitchen appliances, and the Single Serve Coffee Maker from the brand is built for those of you who are constantly on the go and always in need of a strong cup of coffee to keep you going.
Design and Construction
The Litchi Single Serve Coffee Maker comes in a black and silver finish, a standard combination in coffee makers, which makes it blend well with almost all types of decors and counter tops. The transparent reservoir at the back gives it an elegant look, and the non-slip base keeps it in place without any concerns of slipping. At this reasonable pricing, this single serve coffee maker is definitely one good looking model.
The machine weighs just over 4 pounds and is made of plastic almost entirely. However, in an effort to keep up their promise of producing high quality products, Litchi have managed to make this coffee maker very durable. The company have also included a 30-day money back guarantee and 12 months seller warranty with the product.
Functionality
This single serve coffee maker is suitable for brewing single serve pods of coffee, tea, and also hot cocoa. In addition, during times when you feel like drinking something much bolder in flavor, you can use your favorite ground coffee in the same machine as well. Operating in 1200-watt power, the machine is capable of brewing coffee with just 30 seconds preheating time.
The transparent water reservoir is 40 oz. large and can be detached for easy refilling. The spout, K-Cup holder as well as the drip tray, all can be removed for easy cleaning. Unlike the many models we have seen above, this one supports automatic brew sizes of only 4 and 8 oz. Though it comes with an option to customize your own brew size, the feature doesn’t seem very convenient. With the risk-free purchasing ability and a reasonable price tag, the Litchi Single Serve Coffee Maker is a model you can certainly give a try.
14. Cuisinart SS-5 Single Serve Brewer
The Cuisinart SS-5 is a big hit among those coffee lovers who have been seeking a smaller single serve brewer that can be kept at the ready whenever they are in need of a strong cup of joe.
Design and Construction
Without any hesitation, you would agree that the SS-5 is one of the few good looking and attractive models in the single serve category. With silver dominating the front and the sides and back carrying a contrast black shade, the coffee maker looks stunning and ready to take up some counter space in any scenario. The machine is also available in full white. While the design is simple and sleek, the machine is quite the right size to be called compact and portable. When it comes to durability, though made of plastic, the SS-5 Single Serve Brewer manages to stay true to the brand’s reputation in delivering durable products.
Functionality
The SS-5 Single Serve Brewer from Cuisinart is K-Cup compatible, allowing you to enjoy your favorite brand of K-Cup any time of the day. Conveniently located at the front, there is a power button, and separate buttons to choose your brew size, between 6, 8 and 10 oz. The water reservoir is 40 oz. large and is easily removable for easy refilling of water. There is also a 30-minute auto shutoff option, a feature that helps you with energy saving, even when you forget to turn off the machine. The drip tray can also be removed to hold a big travel mug.
While the machine is designed to be compatible with a reusable filter cup to let you brew ground coffee, the fact that one is not included in the package is a big disappointment, because most other models support both K-Cups and ground coffee and come with a filter cup as well. Also, there are no programmable options, neither there is a brew strength selection option. Overall, a good single serve coffee maker to consider if you’re not really fond of all the bells and whistles.
15. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker (49963)
From one of the most trusted kitchen appliance brands, Hamilton Beach, this FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker is designed to satisfy the taste buds of ardent coffee lovers in two different ways: with single-serve packs and freshly ground coffee.
Design and Construction
As always, like with most of their other products in the category, Hamilton Beach have managed to design and produce a single serve coffee machine that is extremely stylish and attractive. This particular machine from the brand is available in two different finishes: black and gray, both carrying some amount of silver finish to give them that polished coffee maker look. The unit itself is highly compact and takes up less space. And staying true to their reputation, the brand has made even this product to be highly robust, despite the use of plastic as the main material.
Functionality
Whether you are a traditional java drinker preferring freshly ground coffee to achieve the perfect start to your day, or don’t mind a quick shortcut with a single-serve pack, this single serve coffee maker from Hamilton Beach can serve both those purposes. In addition to ground coffee and single-serve packs, the machine is also compatible with soft pods, further extending your choices. The cup rest is adjustable, which means it can accommodate both standard size cups as well as your travel mugs. Most of the machine’s parts are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleaning effortless for you.
The machine doesn’t come with programmable options and has only one brew strength mode. Also, it can brew only up to 10 oz. and the water reservoir is big enough for just the same. Adding to these drawbacks, some users have also complained about the machine leaking after a few uses; however, this could be due to some defective units, which you can have resolved using the 1-year warranty. The Hamilton Beach 49963 Single Serve model is not really the best option available out there but should be sufficient for those with minimal needs.