Single-Serve Coffee Makers

Whether you live alone or you just want coffee for one person, there's a single-serve coffee maker available that can meet your needs. The best ones brew fast, taste great and don't require daily maintenance.

They're also more eco-friendly than pod-based models which use K-Cups or ground coffee that is pre-portioned.

Types

A single-cup coffee maker utilizes pre-packaged coffee pods or tea capsules to make a cup hot beverage. These single cup coffee maker-use containers are available in hard and soft pods made from filter paper or in K-Cups made of hard plastic and Nespresso capsules. Some single-cup brewers also utilize tea bags, which are convenient to brew loose leaf tea. Brewers that use recycled materials for their reusable filters as well as other components. If you're planning to make a bigger batch of coffee or use different types of beans, you'll need an ordinary brewer.

There are several brands of single cup coffee makers each with a different price and drinks that it can make. Some single-cup coffee makers are designed to work with pods. Others can make a full pot of coffee. Some models come with drawers that can be removed which allow you to select between brewing with a pod or using ground coffee. Many can also make hot tea and cold-brewed coffee.

Think about other aspects like the kind of beverage you'd like to brew. For example, if you have several people using the machine, think about purchasing one that comes with an insulated carafe or the option of different sizes for mugs. You might want to consider a machine that makes espresso pods as well as coffee to make an Americano or Cappuccino.

Derek Rose is the Coffee and Tea Expert at The Spruce Eats. He tests a variety coffee makers by reading articles and reviews from third-party sources and then conducting his own tests to find the best products. He holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and an MFA Creative Writing. He is a seasoned writer who focuses on food and lifestyle, travel and travel.

Benefits

Coffee lovers love an iced cup of fresh coffee in the morning, or to boost their energy levels. Traditionally, making large batches of coffee in drip machines can be time-consuming and risky particularly when it comes down to making sure each person gets a cup that's just right for them. Single-serve coffee brewers are simple to use and guarantee an excellent cup of coffee every time.

single serve coffee and espresso maker-serve coffee machines can also reduce waste by removing the need to throw away leftovers. This coffee maker will only produce one cup at one time. While most coffee makers will make a few extra cups to take up space however, the single-serve coffee maker will only make one cup coffee machines cup. Furthermore, many of these brewers can be used to make more than coffee. You can also brew tea or hot chocolate using these single pod coffee-serve brewers as well.

Single-serve coffee makers are more hygiene-conscious than traditional coffee makers. The brewers are easy to clean because there is no pot, and they utilize sealed pods. These coffee makers are a great alternative for families with food allergies or intolerances because they eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

A single-serve machine can be expensive, especially if it requires you to purchase your own pods, K-Cups or capsules. However, if you have the funds to invest in this type of brewer, it is worth the investment as you will save a lot of time, and be capable of enjoying your drink of choice at home without having leave the house.

It's important to know that most single-serve brewers are made of plastic, which isn't good for the environment. Environmentalists are concerned about the use of plastics by some businesses, even though they are trying to limit it. However, if you purchase a top-quality product it is likely to have a chance that it will be reusable. If you have a recycling program in place in your area, it will help to ensure that the environment is protected since these products won't end in landfills.

Convenience

Single-serve coffee makers are an excellent option for those who don't have to make multiple cups at the same time. These brewers are typically designed to fit directly into your cup or mug which helps reduce pod waste and makes it easier to adjust the strength of your coffee. Some are also equipped with drip tray that can be elevated to your coffee mug, which helps to avoid spills.

If you're looking for a simple and straightforward coffee maker the BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker is a good option. The compact brewer comes with just one button for starting, and it is shut down automatically at conclusion of the brewing cycle. It's a great choice for those who like to keep things simple. The smaller than normal water tank means it needs to be refilled more frequently, and some owners have complained about its performance.

The Mr. Coffee Single Serve Latte, Cappuccino and Iced Coffee Maker is a great choice for those looking for a more flexible machine. This machine is able to choose between seven different brewing options, from 5-ounce cups to 10 cups of carafe. It's compatible with K-Cups and Nespresso pods, as well as loose coffee grounds. It also provides hot and cold brewing options, as well as preset settings for frothing.

A single-cup pour-over brewer is another useful alternative. This includes the renowned Chemex Wave Series or the Kalita Single-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker. Brewers that use these types of brewers can create an entire pot of ground coffee or a single serve cup, and you can make use of it to test your preferred brewing methods. You can also use them to make tea or hot cocoa.

If convenience is a top priority, you'll need to think about the amount of time and effort you're willing invest in cleaning your single-serve coffee maker. Certain models require regular maintenance, including wiping and washing the reservoir and receptacle. Certain models only require periodic cleaning and descalement. Consider whether the coffee maker comes with a removable reservoir. This will save you from having to buy a separate container to rinse and empty after every use.

Price

When a full carafe of coffee is too much for one person, a single-serve commercial coffee maker is a great alternative. These tiny brewers can be connected to an water supply, removing the need to refill them constantly. You can also find models that are able to serve hot cocoa, tea, and even iced drinks. The Black+DECKER model we tried for instance, comes with an 16-ounce travel mug that is small enough to fit on most countertops. It was among the cheapest options we tested and it produced a pot of coffee which was hot to the touch. It is recommended to look for models that can be used with reused K-Cups or Nespresso Vertuo Pods. It will save you money over time by reducing your disposable coffee-maker waste.