Single-Serve Coffee Makers

There are single-serve coffee makers available for everyone, whether you're living in a home by yourself or just need a cup of coffee for yourself. The best coffee makers brew quickly, taste great and don't require any daily maintenance.

These models are also more environmentally green than pod-based models that use pre-portioned individual coffee brewer or K-Cups.

Types

A single-cup coffee maker utilizes pre-packaged capsules of tea or coffee to brew a cup of hot drink. Single-use containers are available in soft and hard pods made from filter paper or in hard plastic K-Cups and Nespresso capsules. Some single-cup brewers also use tea bags, which are convenient to brew loose leaf tea. The filters that are reusable and other components of these brewers are typically made of recyclable materials. You'll need the regular brewer if want to make more coffee or different kinds of.

There are a variety of single-cup coffee makers are on the market and each is different in terms of the kinds of drinks it can produce and the price range. Certain single-cup coffee makers are made specifically for pods, whereas others can brew a whole pot of ground coffee. Some models come with drawers that can be removed to let you choose whether you'd like to brew with a pod or ground coffee. Many can make hot tea and cold brewed coffee.

Take into consideration other features like the kind of beverage you'd like to brew. For instance, if you have multiple people using the machine, think about buying one that has a carafe, or various sizes of mugs. If you want to try espresso-based drinks, look into one that can brew espresso pods and coffee beans for making an Americano or cappuccino.

Derek Rose is the Coffee and Tea Expert at The Spruce Eats. He tests a variety coffee makers by reading reviews and articles from third-party sources and conducting his own testing to determine the top products. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and an MFA Creative Writing. He is an experienced writer with a focus on food travel, lifestyle and travel topics.

Benefits

Coffee lovers love drinking a hot fresh brewed coffee to kick off the day or get an afternoon energy boost. Traditionally, making large quantities of coffee in drip machines can be a time-consuming and risky process particularly when it comes to making sure that everyone gets a cup that's just right for their needs. Single-serve coffee brewers are simple to use and ensure an excellent cup of coffee every time.

Single-serve coffee makers also reduce waste by removing the need to dispose of leftovers. This coffee maker can only produce one cup at one time. While many coffee makers make a few extra cups to fill up space however, the single pod coffee maker-serve coffee maker will only make one cup. Many of these brewers also able to make other beverages in addition to coffee. Single-serve brewers may be used to make hot chocolate and tea.

Single-serve coffee makers are also more hygienic than traditional coffee machines. Since there is no pot to wash, and the pods are sealed they are simple to clean. This is a major benefit for anyone who suffers from food intolerances or allergies because these coffee makers eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

A single-serve machine is expensive, especially when you have to purchase your own pods, K-Cups or capsules. If you can afford to buy this type of brewer, it will be worthwhile because you'll be able to save time and enjoy your favorite beverage without leaving your home.

The majority of single-serve brewers are made of plastic, which isn't environmentally friendly. Although some companies are trying to reduce the amount of plastic they use, it's still a concern for environmentalists. If you buy a high-quality product, it is more likely to be recyclable. In addition when you have a good recycling program in your area, this will further aid the environment by stopping these products from being thrown into landfills.

Convenience

Single-serve coffee makers are an excellent choice for those who do not need to brew multiple cups at once. These small brewers are usually designed to fit right into your mug or cup which reduces pod waste and makes it easy for you to customize the strength of your brew. Some also come with a drip tray that elevates your coffee mug, which can help prevent spills.

If you're looking for an easy and simple Coffee maker Single maker, the BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice. This compact brewer comes with one start button and automatically shuts off at the end of the brewing process making it a great option for those who like to keep things simple. The smaller than typical water tank means it requires refills more frequently and some owners have complained about its functionality.

The Mr. Coffee Single Serve Latte, Cappuccino and Iced Coffee Maker is a great choice for those who are looking for a more flexible machine. This machine can be used to choose from seven different brewing options, from 5 ounces to 10 cups of carafe. It is 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 convenient alternative. This includes the popular Chemex Wave Series or the Kalita Single-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker. Brewers like these can make full pots of ground coffee or a single-serve cup and you can use it to experiment with your favorite brewing methods. You can also make hot cocoa or tea.

If convenience is your top priority, you'll need to consider how much time and effort you're willing invest in cleaning your single-serve coffee maker. Some models require daily cleaning, which includes wiping and washing the reservoir and receptacle. Some models only require periodic cleaning and descalement. In addition, consider whether or not the coffee maker has a removable reservoir that can help you save from having to empty and rinse a separate container after each use.

Price

A commercial machine that has a single serve is a good option when a carafe is just too much for a single person to brew. These tiny brewers can be connected to an water supply, which eliminates the requirement to refill them regularly. You can find models that can serve hot tea, cocoa and even iced drinks. The Black+DECKER we tested comes with a 16 ounce travel mug, and is small enough to be placed on the counters of most homes. It was among the least expensive options that we tried and produced an espresso that was hot to the touch. Look for a model that can use recyclable K-Cups, Nespresso Vertuo pods or grounds. It will save you money over time by reducing the coffee maker's disposable waste.