The Best Single Serve Coffee Makers

Is there anything better than a mug of fragrant, freshly-brewed coffee first thing in the morning? (The correct answer is a definite no, in case you're wondering.) And with a single-serve coffee maker, you can enjoy your morning cup of joe in mere seconds. That's because single-serve coffee makers are mighty efficient at brewing coffee. All you have to do is pop in your coffee pod, press a button, and you'll be on your way to Caffeine Land in no time. If you're a one-cup coffee drinker, or you frequently find yourself throwing out old coffee, a single-serve maker is super-convenient. And, in terms of eco-friendliness, you can always use reusable coffee pods instead of single-use ones. Ready to get caffeinated? Here, we've rounded up the five best single-serve coffee makers for every coffee drinker.
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
The creme de la creme of coffee makers
The cult-fave Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker is beloved by coffee lovers everywhere for its unfailing ability to produce delicious coffee in minutes, and for its top-performing features: namely, a spacious, 48-ounce water reservoir, an easy-to-use, sleek control panel, and a handy auto-off feature that can be programmed to turn off your coffee maker after two hours. It allows you to brew multiple K-Cup pod sizes ranging from 6 to 10 ounces, for a fully customized coffee experience—or, you can even use your Keurig to brew tea or hot cocoa, if coffee isn’t your thing.
Pros:
- Brews multiple K-Cup pod sizes, ranging from 6 to 10 ounces
- Has a sizable water reservoir of 48 ounces
- You can brew up to six cups before refilling
- Comes equipped with an auto-off feature
- Brew tea, cocoa, or a variety of other hot beverages
Cons:
- Total brew time is two minutes for the first cup since you have to heat the water first but once it’s heated, it brews fast.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
Small but mighty
If you live in a small space or simply want to be able to bring your coffee maker on the go, the Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker is a godsend. Sleek and compact, this highly touted coffee maker measures just 11.3 x 4.5 x 12.1 inches, and it even has a built-in storage unit that holds up to nine K-Cup pods—while conveniently being able to accommodate travel mugs up to 7 inches tall. The removable reservoir makes cleanup and filling an easy job, and the auto-off feature helps to save energy. Not to mention, we simply love the look of this chic coffee maker—it’s simple yet sophisticated, with a gleaming matte finish and silver details. Plus, you can pick from one of five ultra-modern colors: black, cardinal red, evening teal, studio gray, and white.
Pros:
- Boasts a sleek, compact design; comes with a built-in storage unit that holds up to nine K-Cup pods, freeing up counter space
- Removable reservoir makes for easy cleaning and filling
- Accommodates travel mugs up to 7 inches tall
- Comes in five adorable colors
- Energy-efficient auto-off feature
Cons:
- On the pricey end
Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker
Less time cleaning, more time sipping coffee
What’s better than a coffee maker that cleans itself? With the Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker, all you have to do is press a couple buttons when you’re finished, and the machine will auto-clean itself (talk about a perk). You can opt to use a coffee pod or traditional grounds; either way, this coffee maker churns out tasty, full-bodied coffee drinks in just three minutes. And, if you’re worried about wasting grounds, simply use the water adjustment feature to control exactly how much coffee you want to brew.
Pros:
- Has an awesomely effective auto-cleaning button—cleaning the machine is just a matter of pressing a couple of buttons
- You can either use a pod or brew coffee the traditional way
- Water adjustment feature allows you to control how much coffee you want to brew
- Compact design; you can really fit this coffee maker into those tight spaces on your countertop
Cons:
- It’s a tad awkward to pour the water into the chamber
Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker
Keep the coffee a-flowing, all morning long
There’s no need for frequent water refills when you invest in the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker, which is outfitted with a huge, 72-ounce water reservoir, along with five different brew sizes and a fully removable drip tray. In a nice eco-friendly touch, this coffee maker also comes with a reusable filter cup (which is tucked away in a small side compartment), while the charcoal water filter makes your java taste oh-so-fresh and flavorful. The LED-lit control panel is super user-friendly, too.
Pros:
- Has a whopping 72-ounce water reservoir, which means fewer refills
- Contains a removable drip tray
- Includes a reusable filter cup
- Has a charcoal water filter, which greatly improves the taste and quality of your coffee
- Has adjustable brewing temperatures
- Hot water button
Cons:
- Definitely doesn’t come cheap
- You have to be careful not to fill the ground coffee pod all the way to the top; otherwise, you’ll have grounds in your coffee
Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker
Great-tasting, fast coffee on the cheap
No need to break the bank just to enjoy a nice cup of coffee every morning—get the Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker, which comes at an affordable price, without skimping on quality. This heavy-duty coffee maker is made from top-grade stainless steel, and boasts a convenient one-touch operation: With a quick press of a button, you can brew up to 14 ounces of delicious coffee, at just the right temperature. And, this machine’s tall, narrow design allows for easy, streamlined storage in even the tightest nooks and crannies of your kitchen.
Pros:
- Crafted from high-quality stainless steel
- Makes coffee in 30 seconds
- You can brew up to 14 ounces of coffee
- Use fresh grounds or K-Cups
- Affordable price point
- Sleek, narrow, streamlined design
Cons:
- You have to unplug it after every use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an iced coffee with my single-serve coffee maker?
If it’s hot outside and you’d rather have an iced coffee, you’re in luck—all you have to do is fill your cup with ice and combine it with the hot coffee from your coffee maker, then mix in whatever creamer or sweetener you prefer. Yum.
What kind of water should I use in my coffee maker?
It’s always best to use filtered water, both to improve the quality of your cup of coffee and to ensure that your coffee maker continues to function for as many years as possible—using tap water every morning can eventually cause mineral buildup, which can then cause your coffee maker to stop working.