The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker

If you're looking for a simple priority the single-cup coffee maker might be the ideal choice for you. These machines are smaller and more user-friendly than drip coffee makers.

You can pick from models that make use of K-Cups or Nespresso pods that are original or reused aftermarket pods. Some also make iced drinks or espresso-style shots.

1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew

This well-designed machine from a trusted brand can grind and brew a single cup or a whole pot. It's smaller than other coffee makers that have grinders which means it frees up countertop space for other appliances. The Grind & Brew's grinder is designed to crush beans to a specific size. This makes for a more consistent grind of coffee.

The Grind & Brew has an automatic shut-off, as well as showerhead that evenly distributes water evenly over the grounds. This ensures consistency between the brews. It can be programmed up to 24 hours prior to time to begin brewing. It also offers a variety of options for controlling the process, including a customizable clock, coffee strength (mild or medium), and a brew-pause function, which allows you to pour a cup of coffee without disrupting the process.

This model is unique in that it can be used to brew K-Cups and whole beans. Choosing between the two depends on your preferences. The machine can hold up to 12 K-Cups, or you can fill the hopper with ground beans. The coffee brewing time is a bit slower than our top pick however it's still fast enough to have their coffee brewed before they get up.

The Grind & Brew did well in our overall tests but did not achieve our top overall score. Its brew temperature was the least stable of all model we tested. Its brew temperature varied from the first to the fifth brew by almost 5degrees, and it failed to reach the SCAA's ideal for great coffee.

It's a minor price to pay for the convenience of having a dedicated grinder and brewer that can make your mornings easier. The machine is simple to operate and clean with all of its components slipping into place and closing with an enthralling clack. It's also lightweight and compact which is perfect for those with a small counter space.

2. Smeg Drip coffee maker

This SMEG single cup coffeemaker is an excellent choice if you're looking to buy a compact and sleek machine to add to your home. The Italian-based company is famous for its '50s retro-style appliances, and this drip filter coffee maker combines form and function in an elegant design that looks great on your counter. It can brew up 10 cups of coffee in one go and the auto-start function allows you to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee. You can also adjust the strength of your brew by selecting from two different aroma settings (Delicate or Intense) and set an end-of-brewing alarm to remind you when it is ready.

This programmable espresso maker comes with an ample water tank of 1.4 Liters, which means you'll never run out. The reusable filter minimizes waste and the water level indicator lets you know when it's time to refill. This coffee maker can also be used to make hot chocolate and herbal tea. The brewing cycle is relatively quick, and there's an insulated plate that keeps warm to ensure that your coffee is kept warm until you're ready drink it.

The simple controls on this SMEG drip filter coffee maker are easy to use using four buttons that can be pushed, and the LED clock display displays the current settings. The dishwasher-safe permanent filter and reuseable filter help to reduce waste, and the spout is designed to avoid spills. If you live in an area with hard water, the SMEG drip filter coffee maker will need to be descaled periodically. There is a descale icon on the front of the machine and you can descale it by pouring the descaler solution or powder into the reservoir of water and pressing the on/off and auto-start buttons for five seconds.

Another benefit of this drip filter coffee maker that is programmable is that it's compatible with ESE pods, which are an eco-friendly alternative to K-Cups and other single serving coffee machine-serve pods. This coffee maker comes with only one drawback that it doesn't have a brew-timer. You will need to set the start time every morning.

3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe

The Oxo Brew 12-cup thermal carafe makes a great alternative if you're looking for a coffee maker with the ability to make one cup or a whole pot. It has a double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel thermal carafe which keeps your coffee hot for hours. It also comes with a handy interactive display screen and a mixing tube that can be removed. The machine can be programmed to 24 hours in advance, and the backlit LCD display shows the remaining time until the coffee is ready.

The coffee maker comes with two differently size brew baskets that can be used for small or large quantities which makes it perfect for households that use a range of sizes and amounts of cups. It's certified by the Specialty Coffee Association to brew Gold-standard coffee, and its BetterBrew Precision system and Rainmaker shower head evenly distributes the water over your grounds to ensure the fullest flavor extraction.

In contrast to most pod-based coffee machines, this one uses ground or whole beans (not proprietary ones) instead of prepackaged single coffee maker-serve capsules. The use of regular coffee grounds decreases the amount of waste and also saves money. The machine is also speedy and can make a cup in less than six minutes. The only downside to this machine is that it's more expensive than many other drip coffee makers we've tried however, its sleek design and high-end build make it a good option.

This drip coffee maker is a great alternative to kitchen appliances that are multi-functional which are designed for tricks. It's quiet, well-built, and features an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to determine the exact amount of water that you want to brew. The Brew Barista brain is a reliable machine that was able to handle our most difficult test coffee (Costco House Blend with medium grind) well.

This model uses a spray of brewed ice instead of the traditional immersion method. The result is more drinkable than infusion. It also has a programable setting that starts brewing exactly five minutes in the future. This means you don't have to worry about waiting for your coffee to be brewed.

4. Bruvi Brewer

If you're willing to spend a little more than your standard K-cup coffee maker, this sleek machine from Bruvi could be the ideal single cup coffee maker-cup brewer for you. It utilizes "B-Pods" from Bruvi, which contain 40 percent more than a regular K-cup pod. They are made of treated polypropylene and are designed to break down in landfills and composters without leaving behind microplastics (although it's not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods allow for an hygienic brewing experience since each cup is sealed inside the pod. This helps prevent contamination of the flavor between cups. The Bruvi is also impressive for its sleek and modern design. The touchscreen only is activated when you insert the pod. It shows the available options based on what type of beverage you're looking for.

The Bruvi also provides a variety of options for cold coffee and iced brew including hot and iced espresso and americanos. It is also designed to make use of less water than a conventional single-serve brewer, which can reduce dilution when you add Ice.

Another great feature of the Bruvi is that it's a more intelligent single serving coffee machine-serve pod brewer--it has an embedded camera that analyzes the unique code on each B-Pod and then optimizes the brewing settings to suit the specific type of coffee. So, you can trust that your Bruvi will consistently produce an amazing cup of coffee every time.

The drip tray on the Bruvi can be adjusted to limit splashing when brewing into a small glass or mug, and it can even be removed completely for tall travel mugs. The Bruvi comes with additional features, including a removable water tank and an automatic cleaning cycle, to ensure it runs efficiently and efficiently.

While the Bruvi costs more than other pod coffee makers, it's well worth it for its exceptional coffee flavor and less environmental impact. It's a great option for those who switch between espresso and coffee frequently due to its clean system. makes it easy and quick transition to cold brew and iced coffee, without the need for a separate coffee machine. It also comes with a milk frother, which is a welcome feature at this price.