Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

single serve coffee reviews-serve coffee makers offer convenience for quick cups of hot or cold coffee. They may use pre-packaged coffee pods, or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who value personalization will likely need a machine that can make an entire pot of espresso-style drip coffee or drip shots. A lot of these machines address the environmental impact of coffee pods by using recyclable or reusable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a gorgeous design that blends high-end finishes with programming capabilities. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew -- it supports K-Cups and ground coffee as well as hot chocolate and tea. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before needing a refill. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods that can save you money over the long term.

Despite having way more buttons on its control panel than other Keurig model, it's simple to use and navigate. The top control panel has a power button and settings button. It also has buttons for up and down to navigate the menu. There are four different sizes of brew buttons and an "iced button", an "iced button", a "strong button" as well as a button for hot water. A large LCD with a color-coded display allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or a refill.

The K-Elite is one of our favorite Keurigs, does have some drawbacks. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, because it does not have a removable drip tray and the lid is not secured. The spout can also result in splatters when you use shorter travel cups.

In our Coffee Makers Test Program we also tried the K-Elite and discovered that it performed well in a variety of categories. It scored higher than average for first-cup speed as well as temperature consistency and repeat speed.

It was also one of the fastest to heat water and make cups, and it was also the least likely to produce grounds in your coffee. However the K-Elite did not make the same hot cup as some of our other top models. The iced coffee was also less flavorful than the strong coffee. Nevertheless the K-Elite is a great choice for anyone who wants the convenience of one-serve coffee makers. It's available for purchase at numerous retailers, including Keurig's website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can find it for about $150. If you're looking for a less expensive model, the K-Classic is a good option. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite but it's not as expensive as some of our other top picks.

2. single cup coffee maker with pods-Serve Espresso Maker, Black+Decker

A single coffee maker-serve machine lets you to prepare a cup of coffee quickly and at any time. These machines are smaller, more compact and perfect for small kitchens or dorms. They also allow you to prepare a variety of different coffee drinks, including espresso-style shots and lattes. They are simple to use and clean and make a great option for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be one of the cheapest models on the market however it comes with a few key features which make it worth looking into. It is equipped with a permanent filter that is able to accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods, and it comes with an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the machine off after brewing to save water and energy. It takes just a few just a few minutes to make one cup of coffee and comes with a travel mug that is thermal that can fit most standard car-cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer).

In our tests the BLACK+DECKER was able to make a delicious pot of coffee with less than half the amount of time it took the typical model we tested in our lab. It also comes with programs that are typically reserved for more expensive models like auto-start.

Its sleek, retro style is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a coordinated look with the other appliances in your kitchen Its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable makes it easy to move. Our testers found it user-friendly, with an intuitive menu and control panel that was easy to follow even for those with no previous experience using a single-serve coffee machine. However, the brew speed was only average in our tests, and it was not capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than other models we tried which could result in burning or overheated coffee. Despite these concerns the CM618 is still an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who want to brew their preferred K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines because they only make use of their own coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories: Original and VertuoLine. VertuoLine machines are designed to make larger coffee and milk recipes, like cappuccinos and lattes. Since they're meant to be used in tandem with Nespresso's reusable and sustainable capsules, Original machines tend to cost more than VertuoLine models.

The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso offers four different drink sizes and smart capsule detection technology and the company's signature centrifusion brewing method. It also has modern, sleek design and a removable water tank that holds 37 ounces of water. The machine is easy-to-use and features an automatic system that ejects pods that are used in a container integrated into the machine. It takes between 15 and 20 seconds for the machine to heat up and then shuts down automatically after 9 minutes.

In our tests, we found that the XP371 made an excellent cup. It had a nice crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without worrying about burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to brew. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7,7 ounces, which was third slowest among the models we examined. This isn't a huge issue however it could be a problem if used to fast morning coffee making.

Overall the Nespresso XP371 is a great choice for espresso and coffee lovers who want to cut down on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules might make some consumers turn away.

If you don't have the funds to buy a reputable pod coffee maker but want to experience the convenience of a single-serve machine then we recommend that you check out our review of reusable cups. You could also try one of our favorite insulated tumblers to keep your coffee or tea warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of users for its convenience features, and many other models do not include these features. The price is quite reasonable for a product that is of high-end quality and features an elegant design. Some owners have complained that this model poses an a fire hazard. This is something to be aware of before purchasing.

The fully automatic coffeemaker features 24-hour programmability, and you can set it to brew just one or four cups at a time or an entire pot that holds 12. The carafe features an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter eliminate impurities, thus enhancing the taste of the brew. The "Brew Pause", which stops the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour a cup. The auto-cleaning feature keeps the tank clean.

The controls on the coffee maker are evenly spaced and are clearly marked making it easy to identify what each button does at glance. Other features include an automatic shutoff and drip-free spout that has Knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also very easy to use and its stainless steel finish brushed looks beautiful on the countertop.

Some buyers have reported that the gold toned mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be an issue for those who prefer to use paper filters. Some users have also complained that the reservoir doesn't fill up properly due to a flaw in the design that forces water into the filter through a small hole at the back of machine.

Some have complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter while it's in operation, but this seems to be an uncommon occurrence. This is a fantastic coffee maker if you want an affordable model that comes with many features that are convenient at an affordable price.