The single-serve coffee maker is now a hot commodity these days. This device allows individuals to create their own brew-level cup of coffee in their own homes.

However, because it is now a popular device, a lot of models are popping up in the market and it can be a tad confusing as to which among those products indeed does what they claim.

The primary purpose of this article is to provide information about the device, reviews, plus tips on choosing the best single-serve coffee maker. Read the rest of the article if you are on the lookout for a good product.

The Best Single Serve Coffee Makers Reviewed at a Glance

The single-serve coffee maker is a revolutionary device for coffee enthusiasts. Brewing your own cup at home has never been this easy or convenient.

The creation of single-serve coffee makers improved the manner in which we enjoy a cup of coffee and having one around feels like having your very own coffee shop in the confines of your own home.

There are plenty of products that consumers can choose from and picking one can be a challenge.

That is why this guide is here to help you make informed decisions and acquire a great model that will go well with your needs.

So here is a list of five suggested products that you can choose from. We are going to discuss the merits and negatives of each product—the essentials you need in order to make better choices.

Read the rest of the reviews and decide on the models you are interested in.

The Aicok Single Serve Coffee Maker is a great item to have in your kitchen if you have a yen for coffee. While single-serve units are designed to just churn out one serving individually, this might not be ideal for some people or homes that have many coffee drinkers.

This unit in particular has a travel-friendly size so if you have plans to bring along a coffee maker with you while traveling, you should check out this product. You should also consider getting the additional K-cups with the unit since it provides extra convenience of drinking your own steaming cup of coffee.

The unit comes with one-touch controls and it will only take two minutes for it to boil 12 ounces of water, which saves you plenty of time. It is convenient at a price you can readily afford.

All users need to do is fill the reservoir with water, put a K-cup pod or capsule inside it, and press the required buttons. You can also make cappuccinos with this device, plus other beverages like cocoa or tea.

The unit is simple and fast to use, plus it’s a snap to clean. The reservoir and the drip tray can be taken away to make cleaning a breeze.

The drip tray is removable so you can position your mug on it instead of the tray, which is another advantage.

This unit is highly recommended for individuals who travel frequently and need their dose of caffeine at all times. All you need with this unit is the water and the capsules and you can brew your cup anywhere you go.

It is suggested that you should brew clean, plain water in it after a lengthy period in order to clean the coffee filter. Users may be required to perform this several times to guarantee that it will stay clean.

However not every part can be removed from this unit. This device has been certified BPA-free by the FDA; hence it is safe and will boost the coffee’s quality too.

Pros

• Has a lightweight, small and travel-friendly size which is a breeze to carry
• Easy to use with convenient controls
• Easy to clean up and manage
• Comes at an affordable price

Cons

• Does not accommodate reusable K-cups and will only take original K-cup capsules

Read the Full Review

The Hamilton Beach 49980A Single Serve Coffee Brewer and Full Pot Coffee Maker is one versatile unit. It is also popularly referred to as a two-way brewer because it allows users to have the capability to brew a single cup for a number of people.

If you want your cup in the morning, you can opt for a single-serve. The unit’s carafe part will let you brew a whole pot of coffee. Hence, you will be buying two units in one convenient machine.

The unit works with several options for brewing so you can fully personalize your coffee. It comes with a brew strength selector which allows users to brew bold or regular cups.

It also comes with a pod holder that snaps in place on the device’s brew basket. This feature lets it hold pods so one can brew coffee with their preferred flavor, minus having to utilize the whole machine for just one cup even if you don’t feel like it.

The unit’s control panel in the front comes with a display that has several readouts which include minute/hour buttons so users can set the program of the device to make a cup or a full pot. The timer allows users to set up brewing times up to an extensive 24 hours beforehand.

It also features a two-hour automatic shut-off which is integrated into the unit so the device will not remain warm all day and will cut back on energy usage.

The unit’s soft pod option lets users take in the flavors of the cup and takes away several steps for convenience. These soft pods come pre-packaged and they contain flavored coffee which is pre-measured so it makes for easier preparation and users won’t have to deal with all that scooping and measuring.

All of the features and the items needed to make a cup in this unit make for a speedy and dependable procedure that users can rely on at all times.

Check out this video review of the Hamilton.

Pros

• Brews fast coffee
• Can keep coffee warm for two hours
• Has easy to manage controls
• Can shut off automatically
• Has dishwasher-safe carafe
• Makes use of ground coffee and pods
• BPA-free
• Has removable reservoir

Cons

• Cannot brew at an optimal temperature for better coffee

Read the Full Review

Coffee is a huge part of most people’s lives and it is a beverage that starts their day and energizes them throughout work and school. Because of the fast-paced life people live with these days, we all need devices that will make certain procedures more convenient and easier for us to tackle. Case in point—the invention of single-serve coffee makers.

The Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker is an affordable and efficient unit that you have to check out. It comes with quick-brewing technology so users can have a fast cup of coffee in just a span of three minutes.

It is quite portable and lightweight which means it is great for traveling. Due to its compact size, it is recommended for individuals who live in small apartments and students residing in dorms.

It is also a neat unit to have in your office. The device comes with a simple, easy to use one-touch button which features a light that indicates the brewing process.

The unit also includes automatic shut-off abilities as soon as the whole brewing procedure is done. It comes with a detachable drip tray for preventing spills. This model has a 12-ounce water reservoir and can lots of coffee in standard-size cups of taller mugs.

The water tank is composed of BPA-free material and for safety assurance, it is certified safe by the FDA and the UL. Another benefit of the unit is that it is backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

• Simple and quick to use
• Includes automatic shut-off
• Has a brewing lid that comes with a lock to avoid spillage
• Portable and compact size great for traveling

Cons

• Does not suit 16-20 oz. mugs even without the drip tray
• Does not contain plenty of water
• Emits loud noises while being used

Read the Full Review

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Keurig K55. Coffee Maker is made from prime materials, is a snap to use, and produces quality-tasting coffee. Setting up the whole brewing procedure with this unit is a breeze since all you need to do is take out the items you need and plug in the power cable.

As soon as you power on the switch, the unit will take around 10 minutes to regulate; you fill the reservoir with water then put a K-cup on it. Keurig’s units are known in the coffee business as one of the easiest coffee makers to deal with and this model is no exception.

While it does feature Quiet-Brew advancement, it still produces a good amount of noise during operation. The unit also comes with an automatic turn-off feature which guarantees that the device will switch off.

If you are into ground coffee, you must check out this particular model. Most Keurig machines do not accommodate ground coffee but this model does—users only have to get rid of the holder that is utilized for the K-cup and place one with their preferred coffee grounds.

If you are the type who loves experimenting with a variety of flavors, then this machine is for you. Users are given the opportunity to choose from hundreds of flavors. The unit is a versatile coffee maker since it can also brew other beverages like lemonade and tea.

If you will not use a K-cup with it, the device can also provide hot water in case you do not have a thermos on hand. Thus, if you are after versatility, this one will provide you a few advantageous capabilities.

Pros

• Users are given a chance to make use of K-cups from other brands
• It can accommodate coffee grounds
• It comes with a sizable water reservoir
• Easy to use and maintain

Cons

• Does not include a storage drawer
• Regular clean-up is needed for both the internal and external components of the unit
• Does not have brew strength feature

Read the Full Review

5. KONA French Press Small Single Serve Coffee and Tea Maker

Coffee making should be a simple job—we all need our coffee in the morning and fast. There are complicated coffee makers and there are units that are pretty simple to use. One such unit that makes for easier coffee making is the Kona French Press Single Serve Coffee Maker.

One of the advantages of this unit is that it has a lovely appearance. This is a contemporary French press and coffee maker which comes with a modern and beautiful exterior shell made from black plastic.

This external feature safeguards the glass part of the device from cracking and chipping. Many French presses do not have this particular kind of protection so it gets damaged easily.

The handle of the unit has a sturdy feel as well and has great ergonomics. In general, the appearance of this unit is striking and will easily take in the interest of customers’ attention.

The device is utilized not only for producing brewed coffee; it can also accommodate loose tea. The screen of the unit fits securely in the jug or carafe of the device and this helps in keeping the coffee grounds and loose tea from seeping out of the unit.

The device is designed in a way that no plastic part will touch the coffee during the steeping process. The unit does not have insulation though and it will only sustain warmth in the carafe for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

While this is not too much of a problem with most people, it is suggested that users decant the beverage to prevent on-going extraction.

The French press has a sizable scope and you can get eight cups from it. It is a great French press to have when you are having visitors over. Other than that, the device also comes with a convenient measuring scoop.

Pros

• Includes BPS and BPA-free lid so no plastic part will touch the coffee or tea while brewing
• Is a non-electric model which makes for quiet operations
• Includes an easy-pouring spout to prevent spilling
• Has a compact and portable size perfect for traveling
• Dishwasher-safe model
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons

• Makes use of a standard filter that does not have any additional support for the middle post, which can spell problems for later use
• Only makes use of a 3-hole pattern which means it cannot allow more liquids to seep out unlike models with 4-hole cut-outs
• The lid does not stay in position and causes heat to leak out

Read the Full Review

The Low-Down on Single Serve Coffee Makers

There are many coffee brewers and makers in the market but many are pulled in with the single-serve model’s buzz. What is a single-serve coffee maker? A single-serve coffee maker is a type of unit that makes a single cup of coffee individually.

Consumers can make coffee by means of a capsule or pod which are filled with the beverage. This pod/capsule is inserted in the loading chamber of the machine.

Even though it can only produce a single cup, there is a great selection of coffee kinds and flavors that this type of machine offers so people are really into it. It allows them to taste lots of different coffees in the comfort of their own home, without too much fuss.

What It Does

Now how do single serve coffee makers work. First, the user loads water in a tank, which is located at the back of the unit.

The unit comes with a pump situated at the bottom part which draws in the water and pumps this water throughout the machine. The water then warms up to a desirable temperature as it runs past the heating component of the machine.

Following this, the water gets pumped through a fine needle to boost the pressure, and soon enough the high-pressure, hot water gets pumped throughout the coffee grounds in the capsule/pod, eventually releasing flavors.

To stop the coffee grounds from getting on the coffee, there is a segment of filter paper placed at the bottom of the capsule/pod. The coffee then trickles down into the cup and you can finally enjoy your hot beverage.

Maintenance and Care

Single-serve coffee makers, in order to give great service all the time, require proper cleaning and maintenance. Coffee can leave a residue on the device and other kinds of dirt and grime can accumulate on it as well over time.

Dirt can actually alter the taste of your coffee so make sure to practice proper maintenance steps so it will always function well.

Here are some steps on how to clean single serve coffee makers.

• Fill the jug of the device with water and white vinegar in equal parts. Allow the solution to pour into the machine’s reservoir.
• Switch the device on and allow around half of the jug to be filled with the water and white vinegar mixture.
• Switch the device off and leave it be for around 15 minutes. Power the device on again and let the rest of the water and vinegar mixture to flow through the jug.
• Remove the water and vinegar solution from the jug. Wash and rinse the jug with plain water several times.
• Pack the jug with water and allow it to flow through the machine’s reservoir.
• Let the water run throughout an extensive brewing sequence. Make sure to perform up to three cycles using plain water on the machine to effectively rinse out all residue and dirt remaining in the unit.
• With warm, sudsy water, wash the jug and the filter basket. Rinse the soap off and allow it to dry completely with a clean dish rag. However, if the filter basket and the jug are dishwasher-safe items, you can also clean them in the dishwasher.
• With sudsy water and a dishrag, mop down the coffee maker’s external parts. Check the burner and make sure to clean it well since it can gather plenty of dirt build-up.
• To remove all traces of soap, wipe the external parts of the unit with a dry, clean rag once more.

If you know how to use a single-serve coffee maker, you should know how to clean and take care of it too. Observe the steps mentioned above to guarantee a cleaner and longer life for your device.

So, what is a good single-serve coffee maker then? What makes such an excellent product? A great unit comes with features that the user needs, is made with excellent materials, and has a durability that you can always rely on. It will give you a great cup of coffee each time.

Now, for the next part of this guide, we will bring you what you need to remember when shopping for a model.

Buying Guide

There are some important considerations that one needs to follow when looking for a good product. The amount of top-rated single serve coffee makers is growing by the minute so searching among a lot of models can be a tiring and confusing chore.

However, make decision-making easy by keeping crucial features in mind.

Strength of brew

There are single-serve coffee maker brands that have models that will only have one brew strength option. This brew strength can be modified slightly by altering cup size.

Other models give users more control over the strength of their coffee by letting them create darker or lighter beverages.

Timer

If you are the busy type who has to have fast coffee every morning, then a model that comes with a dependable timer is one you should keep. A model that comes with a timer is also a nice single-serve coffee maker for office use.

Reservoir

If you want convenience, it is suggested that you go for a model that comes with a removable water reservoir. But if you want a more affordable model, you can do without this particular removable feature.

This type of machine lets users add water before the cup; however, this is only convenient if you are the only person in the house who drinks coffee.

Filtration

If you want better coffee flavors, you should go for filtered water. Although more expensive, coffee makers with integrated filters will allow you to guarantee the best flavor.

But if you want to save when it comes to such features, you can opt for water that is filtered through other means.

Temperature

Another crucial factor of a great cup of coffee is temperature. If you are fussy with your java, opt for a model that lets you modify the brew temperature.

Capsule/pod accessibility

You can only make use of a single-serve coffee maker if you have ready access to capsules or pods. Make sure that your nearby grocery or supermarket has a good number of options.

Capsule/pod selection

A great selection of different flavors will also allow you to have a different cup every day to break the monotony. However, you have to remember though that certain coffee companies only provide capsule versions of their products for a particular brand

Size

Single-serve coffee makers vary when it comes to size. If you live in an apartment with a smaller kitchen, go for models that are smaller than the standard coffee maker.

If the size of the kitchen is not that much of a problem, you can choose to splurge on bigger ones.

Noise

Because this is a type of machine, this device can get loud. There are models that offer minimal noise during operations so if you want something that will not bother you or other sleeping friends and family early in the morning, then consider investing in a model that works quietly

Price

Single-serve coffee maker comparison also entails a comparison of prices for both the device and the capsule or pods. Models often begin at $50 while the more expensive ones can go as high as $500.

The costs of products will also depend on their features, quality, and brand. While it does not always mean the more expensive the better a product, there are lots of quality models in the market which come with affordable prices.

You will spend more on the capsule or pods themselves when using a single-serve coffee maker. You have to pay more for a single cup compared to coffee brewed in the traditional manner.

But a variety of stores have capsules at different prices so do your research and acquire an idea of the expenses involved. It is also recommended that you buy capsules in bulk so you can save more.

Appearance

If you want your kitchen to have a more consistent look, apply it to your kitchen appliances too. The majority of single-serve coffee makers come with modern designs so they will fit kitchens that have the same style.

You can buy the best single serve coffee makers in the home section of department stores. You can also check out if your favorite established coffee shops have them.

There are lots of e-commerce stores online that carry a wide range of such products, like Amazon for example. Just keep in mind the features, prices, and quality of the product so you can choose one that will accommodate your needs.

Other Tips

If you want to save money, you can go to the refillable K-cups. Choose a model that accommodates refillable K-cups. You will not only cut costs, but you will also reduce waste by opting for those models.

If you do not want to invest in a single-serve coffer makes that uses regular coffee and want something that can help produce specialty beverages like espresso, you will have to do more in-depth research. It is important to find a machine that is perfectly capable of creating espressos and can froth milk very well.

A great espresso comes with an excellent layer of crema on top of the coffee. The crema is the golden-brown layer of froth topping the espresso.

If the machine cannot do a good espresso or cannot froth milk well, then look for other models. For visual demos of such products, you can go to coffee review pages, sites, or YouTube.

When choosing among models, go for a few models and compare them side by side. You will have a better feel of the products’ features and the options on hand.

Also, you can read reviews of different products. Go for reviews that concentrate and talk about the features so you can learn as much as you can about the machine.

In addition, take note of manufacturing defects; however, do not be deterred from a few negative reviews. Make sure to read both good and bad reviews of products on your list.

Conclusion

Coffee is a requirement for many consumers these days. It serves as a beverage that gives people a shot of energy in the morning and serves as a nice pick-me-up drink throughout the day.

However, making the beverage should be a quicker and more convenient process hence the single-serve coffee maker was designed and created.

What has made these devices really popular right now is that they are versatile machines. There is a good selection of quality coffee pods and capsules being sold right now and consumers are given the opportunity to play with a lot of varieties with a single click of the device.

The majority of single-serve coffee makers include both cold and hot beverages and you can choose from a nice lot—black coffee, teas, chai, lattes, cocoa; anything that your coffee-loving heart desires.