The best single-serve coffee brewer depends largely on preference and your needs.
You may have limited space in your kitchen, it may be that only one person in the family drinks coffee or you travel each morning and would prefer your favorite joe in a travel mug.
There are multiple reasons you would consider purchasing a single-serve coffee brewer which include:
- It is convenient
- There is less waste. No more throwing out a cold pot of coffee.
- You can have a perfect cup of coffee within minutes.
- A variety of beverages are at your fingertips ranging from iced coffee or tea to lattes and cappuccinos.
- Achieving consistent quality coffee to your taste every time.
You should also consider whether you prefer ground coffee to pods and perhaps you prefer to use reusable filters that are kinder to the environment.
Now you have a basic outline of what you are looking for in a single-serve coffee brewer. But there are more important factors to consider before you take the plunge:
If you drink a lot of coffee, you may opt for a bigger water reservoir compared to someone that only drinks a cup every now and then.
You also need to consider the brewing options and what cup sizes you would like it to brew. Are you fine with only having espresso’s or would you prefer having more beverage options?
Brewing speed may be important to you as well as ease of use.
Jotting down all the features you want from a single-serve coffee brewer (including counter space needed) will provide you with the best single-serve coffee brewer just for you.
I have a small house with limited kitchen counter space and so I would like to start by sharing some of the small and compact coffee makers out there:
The 6 Best Small Coffee Makers Of
1. Nespresso Pixie
The Nespresso Pixie fits easily in any kitchen size and crams nice features into this compact design otherwise only found in larger machines.
With 24 coffee varieties, making coffee (especially espresso) is where the Nespresso Pixie excells.
The Pixie is capable of making espresso and lungo cup sizes where the espresso cup size is factory set to 1.35 oz by default and the lungo cup size to 3.75 oz but you can program the cup sizes via the two programmable buttons.
Used capsules get dispensed into a tray that slides out from the front and holds 10 used capsules.
What I like best is the included an Aeroccino milk frother that allows you to create beverages like Cappuccinos, Lattes, and Macchiatos.
The fold-up tray (as can be seen in the image above) allows for bigger cups to be used with the Pixie. The weight of the cup keeps the tray up and it folds down as the cup is removed.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
Nespresso capsules
Dimensions:
9.3” H x 4.4” W x 12.8” D
Features:
- Fast heat-up in 25 seconds
- 2 Programmable cup sizes
- Empty water tank detection
- Makes Espresso and Lungo cup sizes
- Water reservoir holds 24 oz
- Fold-up drip tray to hold bigger cups
- Compact and lightweight
- Includes an Aeroccino milk frother
- Includes complimentary Nespresso pods
- Automatically turns off after 9 minutes
The Nespresso Pixie is a solid coffee maker and there are not many negatives:
If you like a your 6 oz of coffee in the morning, this will not do it for you. There are no parts you can put into the dishwasher and it is not BPA free. (If that is a concern to you)
2. The Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is compatible with all K-Cups that offer hundreds of beverage varieties like coffee, tea, cocoa, and iced beverages.
Not only is the K-Mini Plus compact and portable but it is also very easy to use and makes a decent sized cup of coffee in 2 minutes.
The Keurig K-Mini Plus (other than the Keurig K-Mini) also sports a removable water reservoir, a removable tray that holds 9 K-Cups, and has a Strong Brew feature.
The removable drip-tray allows for a 7 inch tall travel mug to be used with this coffee maker.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
All K-Cups
Dimensions:
12.1” H x 4.5” W x 11.3” D
Features:
- Water reservoir holds 1 Cup or 12 oz
- Takes 2 minutes to brew one cup
- Cup sizes = 6 – 12 oz
- Cord storage
- Removable water reservoir
- Strong brew selection
- Built-in pod tray stores up to 9 pods
- Compact
- Removeable drip tray
With the Keurig K-Mini Plus able to fit any kitchen size, offering a decent sized cup of your favorite beverage and have it ready in 2 minutes: What more could you ask for?
Some of the “issues” that can be pointed out are: Some may feel it is a bit noisy and that the 36-inch power cord is a bit too short.
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is perfect for small spaces, makes good coffee, and will make your morning provided you accept that you have to fill the water reservoir each time.
It is not intended for an office or a household full of coffee drinkers but perfect for dorm rooms, if you are single or the odd coffee drinker in the household and above all: Having limited counter space.
3. Chefman Instacoffee
The Chefman InstaCoffee single-serve coffee maker is an excellent choice for morning commuters and frequent travelers.
Not only does it fit in a small space but it is also compatible with most 14-inch travel mugs and only takes 30 seconds from start to brew.
This makes it perfect for your office desk, hotel room, any size kitchen, or dorm room.
What makes the Chefman InstaCoffee so attractive is its versatility; being able to brew from ground coffee or loose tea leaves, using its included reusable filter, and making use of K-Cups.
Now you can truely have your perfect cup of joe your way and take it with you..
It has a one-touch operation that makes it super easy to use and a self-cleaning feature to help prevent mineral build-up and saves you time from regular de-scaling.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
K-Cup
Can also brew from grounds and loose tea leaves.
Dimensions:
12.5” H x 4.5” W x 6” D
Features:
- Compact
- Great for travel mugs
- Brew from grounds or K-Cup
- Brew up to a 14 oz beverage
- BPA Free
- Easy to use
- Fast brewing
- Reusable filter
The Chefman single-serve coffee maker has all the features that makes it one of the best small coffee makers out there.
With the InstaCoffee hitting all the positive notes, can there be anything negative? Not negative per se but here are some information to consider before purchasing this product:
Like many other small coffee makers, the Chefman InstaCoffee only holds one cup of water in its water reservoir which means re-filling the water tank for each brew.
The Chefman InstaCoffee does not include a travel mug.
4. Black + Decker Single Cup Coffee Maker
Similar to the Chefman InstaCoffee, the Black + Decker single cup coffee maker focuses on a space-saving design with commuters or frequent travelers in mind.
It also sports two ways of brewing coffee from either ground coffee or pre-packaged soft pods.
It is easy to clean and includes a 16 oz travel mug and a reusable filter for coffee grounds.
The Black + Decker Single Cup Coffee Maker auto shuts down after each brew which is a clever feature giving you peace of mind.
The one-touch operation makes it easy to use and the cord storage keeps things nice and tidy when stored away or taking it with you to the office, hotel room, or dorm room if you are a student.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
Soft Pods (Pre-packaged)
Can also brew from grounds and loose tea leaves.
What is a soft pod?
A soft pod has a flat, round shape where the coffee or tea is sealed inside a soft and pliable filter paper.
Dimensions:
12” H x 5.9” W x 7” D
Features:
- Cord storage
- Cup size: 16 oz
- Reusable filter
- Auto-off
- One-touch operation
- Brew from ground coffee or soft pods
What are the drawbacks?
It is not compatible with K-Cups and the included 16 oz travel mug is not microwave safe. (If that matters)
Because (like most small coffee makers) it brews all the water put into the water reservoir, it is easy to overfill it for your cup size. It is best to use the cup or mug you are using to measure the exact amount of water you will need.
The overall quality of the product could be better.
Other than that it makes good, hot coffee and plenty of it.
5. Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach Scoop single-serve coffee maker has a cool metal finish that looks modern, stylish and radiates quality even though the back is mostly plastic.
The built-in stand can be flipped over to accomodate an 8 oz cup or a 14 oz travel mug in its original placing.
It uses a scoop where you put the coffee grounds in and then place it in the top, removable basket that contains yet another filter. Just pour your water in the water reservoir and hit the ‘Bold’ or ‘Regular’ button.
The Bold setting is recommended for premium brands like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts and takes a little longer to brew.
The Hamilton Beach Scoop can accomodate soft pods and paper cups.
The tempreture of the coffee is advertised at 196 degrees Fahrenheit but it is more like 170 degrees in your cup.
It is both easy to use and to clean.
Compattible Coffee Pods:
Soft pots.
Mainly used with ground coffee but can also accommodate paper cups.
Dimensions:
13.5” H x 6.7” W x 8.35” D
Features:
- Built-in stand for coffee mugs
- Single-serve scoop filter
- Easy to clean
- Can be used with paper cups
- BPA free
- 14 oz Water reservoir
The Hamilton Beach Scoop is the perfect way to brew a single cup of coffee from coffee grounds.
For those looking for a coffee maker that can also make use of K-Cups – this is not it. It does create a bit of splatter so you will need to do some wiping afterward.
The Hamilton Beach Scoop is also a bit bulkier than the previous small coffee makers I have listed above.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach Scoop is a great choice for those that want to brew a single cup of coffee from their favorite blend of ground coffee.
6. AdirChef Grab and Go Personal Coffee Maker
The AdirChef Grab and Go Personal Coffee Maker is compact and light and comes in a variety of fun colors. This of course makes it portable and easy to fit in small kitchen spaces.
Greatness is often found in simplicity and this simple design makes the AdirChef Grab and Go easy to operate and fun to use.
An insulated stainless steel, 15 oz travel mug is included with your purchase and keeps your coffee hot for long periods of time.
The removable parts are dishwasher safe and the permanent filter means less waste.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
Not compatible with coffee pods. It only uses coffee grounds.
Dimensions:
10.1” H x 5.1” W x 6.7” D
Features:
- Compact and light
- Easy to use
- BPA Free
- Insulated stainless steel 15 oz travel mug included
- Permanent filter
- Affordable
If you are on a budget, prefer coffee from coffee grounds and commutes daily or frequently travel; then look no further than the AdirChef Grab and Go Personal Coffee Maker.
If you prefer K-Cups or the option to brew with both K-Cups and coffee grounds, then a different single-serve coffee maker may suit your needs better.
6 Alternative Larger Coffee Makers
You normally find more options in a larger coffee maker and if you have the counter space then the following coffee makers can make for good options in your search for the best single-serve coffee maker.
1. Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker comes in silver, slate and brushed gold.
A removable drip tray makes it easy to clean and allows for a 7.2″ tall travel mug to be used with your K-Elite.
Programmable features includes the auto-on, auto-off and temperature control functions.
By default, the auto-off function will turn the coffee maker off two hours after the last brew but this can be programmed in 15-minute intervals.
The auto-on feature allows you to program your Keurig K-Elite to turn on at a certain time and the temperature of your brew can be adjusted from 187 to 192 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Keurig K-Elite supports multiple cup sizes ranging from 4 oz to 12 oz. Brewing a 10 oz cup of coffee from a K-Cup does not taste watered down and takes about 52 seconds to brew.
Brewing a smaller cup will take less time and will taste stronger. A regular 8 oz cup will take roughly 45 seconds to brew. The Keurig K-Elite does have a ‘Strong’ brew button which takes a little longer to brew but gives a bolder flavor.
The ‘Iced’ button will brew 6 oz of tea or coffee over ice.
The large 75 oz water reservoir means that you do not have to re-fill the tank that often. If the need arrives for more water a warning light will come on to remind you.
Adding water to the reservoir will start the water heating process and will take initially 3 minutes to warm up from cold water. After brewing a cup and depending on the water temperature it will heat up much faster.
Pressing the ‘Hot Water’ button will light-up all the cup size options and once you make your selection, it will start dispending the hot water for the selected cup size. This is a great feature for making tea from tea bags or making hot cocoa.
You can also brew coffee from grounds or tea leaves with the Universal My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter which is sold seperately.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
K-Cups
Can also brew from coffee grounds and loose tea leaves using the K-Cup reusable filter.
Dimensions:
13.1” H x 9.9” W x 12.7” D
Features:
- Brews multiple cup sizes (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz)
- Strong brew button
- 75 oz removable Water reservoir
- Removable drip tray
- Quiet brew technology
- Iced setting
- Programmable
- K-Cups and ground coffee compatible
- Temperature control
- Hot water button
- Descaling warning light
Start your morning with the perfect cup of coffee at the perfect temperature just the way you like it and within minutes.
The Keurig K-Elite is easy to use, easy to clean, and has a big water reservoir for your convenience. Enjoy iced coffee or tea, hot cocoa, coffee, or tea from leaves or teabag.
What would make this coffee brewer perfect?
I would like to see a better quality material than the plastic it is made of for such a fancy machine and perhaps have the cup sizes displayed in oz for those that do not know what size the cup image on the button represents.
2. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker is stylish and quality made.
The removable 40 oz water reservoir can be swung to the side for easy re-filling or pushed to the back to save some space.
There are different pods that make different cup sizes with each having a barcode printed on it which the coffee maker reads to determine the exact volume and mix of beverage to dispense.
The different cup sizes are called Alto (14 oz), Mug (8 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), and Espresso (1.35 oz).
Used capsules are automaticaly dispensed to a removeable tray attached at the back of the Nespresso VertuoPlus. There is no need to remove the water reservoir to remove the tray with used capsules.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus uses Centrifusion technology developed by Nespresso that spins up to 7,000 rotations per minute for the perfect water to ground coffee blend.
Each machine is acompanied by a complimentary set of Nespresso Virtuo capsules.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
Nespresso Vertuo capsules
Dimensions:
12.8” H x 16.2” W x 5.6” D
Features:
- Adjustable drip tray
- Auto shutdown
- Removable water reservoir
- One-touch brewing
- 5 Cup sizes (1.35, 2.7, 5, 8, and 14 ounces)
- Capsule barcode reading
- Built-in used pod dispense tray
The Nespresso makes luxurious coffee and some of the best espresso’s I have tasted.
If you love an espresso and want to spoil yourself with good coffee then the Nespresso is a good choice. If; however, you prefer ground coffee then this is not for you.
On the down side: The pods are expensive and a size that can easily clutter your kitchen.
3. Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker has a large 72 oz removable water reservoir so you can enjoy a good amount of coffee before refilling the water tank.
It offers 5 brew sizes of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz and a the removable drip tray makes it posible to fit a travel mug under the dispenser.
It comes with a charcoal water filter that fits in the water tank and the unit is BPA free.
The hot water button lets you enjoy hot cocoa, tea, instant coffee or soup. Something so simple as giving instant hot water is very useful and convenient to have.
The brew temperature can be set to hot or extra hot and it has an auto-on and auto-off feature.
The Cuisinart is not limited to K-Cups but you can also enjoy coffee grounds or loose tea leaves by using the included reusable filter.
An interresting feature added to this model is the Rinse feature that instantly cleans the brew chamber making sure to brew a fresh cup each time without contaminating your beverage with flavors from a previous brew.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
K-Cup
Can also brew from coffee grounds and loose tea leaves.
Dimensions:
12.13” H x 9.33” W x 11” D
Features:
- Removable 72 oz water reservoir
- 5 Beverage sizes ranging from 4 to 12 oz
- Hot water button
- Removable drip tray
- Includes reusable filter cup
- BPA free
- Programmable
- Water tank filter
- Brew from K-Cups and ground coffee
The Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker has a lot to offer and makes good quality coffee. It is perfect for a family of coffee drinkers.
Thousands are happy with this maschine and there are not a lot of negative reviews out there for this model and so I will say this…
Some of the complaints are that the quality is inferior to previous models from the shorter electric cord, being less sturdy and the water reservoir lid being a removable plastic lid where-as it used to be on metal hinges.
4. The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer
The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer is straight forward and easy to use.
You have indicator lights showing you exactly what is happening with the machine at all times: Does it need water? There is an indicator light that comes on for that. Does it need descaling? There is an indicator light for that.
In the same way you will know whether the machine is busy heating up or whether the auto-off feature is turned on or off.
The auto-off feature can be switched on or off by pressing a single button and when the feature is enabled it will automatically turn off after two hours since the last brew.
Some people love loads of options while others just want a good cup of coffee at the press of a button with only a few nonconfusing options.
This is where the Keurig K-Classic finds a solid place in the community of coffee drinkers.
This coffee brewer does not even have the need for you to press a ‘Hot Water’ button. It just dispense hot water if you do not put a K-Cup inside. Simple and easy.
It comes with 2 charcoal filters to fit in the water reservoir for always having clean water.
The 42 oz removeable water reservoir is not the biggest but it holds enough water for several cups.
It is capable of brewing 3 cup sizes starting with 6 oz, then 8 oz and 10 oz.
Removing the drip tray allows for fitting a 7.5″ tall mug.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
K-Cups
Brew ground coffee with the reusable K-Cup filter (sold seperately)
Dimensions:
13.3″ High x 10.1″ Wide x 13.2″ Deep (17.6″ High with Handle Open)
Features:
- 48 oz Removable water reservoir
- Easy to use
- Auto-off feature
- Brews 3 cup sizes 6, 8, and 10 oz
- Removable drip tray
- Programmable
- Add water warning light
- Descale warning light
- Auto-off indicator light
- Included water reservoir filters
The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer is a no-frills, no-fuss coffee brewer that makes a good cup of coffee.
For ground coffee you need to purchase the My K-Cup reusable filter seperatly and the cup sizes are limited. It is pretty clear thatthere are better options for having a travel mug full of coffee.
5. Keurig K-Cafe Brewer
The Keurig K-Cafe Brewer is designed to make coffee, lattes and cappuccinos and it does it well without you having to do any work.
It does have a ‘Strong’ brew button for a bolder brew of coffee and a ‘Latte & Capp’ button for brewing an espresso shot of coffee from a K-Cup to make a latte or cappuccino.
Press the ‘Coffee’ button for brewing regular coffee. You can use ground coffee instead of a K-Cup by using the universal K-Cup reusable filter.
The included milk frother has two lines: One for making cappuccinos and one for making lattes. You can have hot or cold milk froth and use either skim, soy, fresh milk or almond milk.
It has a removeable drip tray and once removed a 7.2″ tall mug can be fitted underneath the coffee dispenser.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
K-Cups
Brew ground coffee with the reusable K-Cup filter (sold seperately)
Dimensions:
12.5” H x 15.3” W x 11.7” D
Features:
- Makes coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos
- Easy to use
- Brews 4 cup sizes of coffee (6, 8, 10, and 12 oz)
- Milk frother included
- Strong brew feature
- Removable 60 oz water reservoir
- Removable drip tray
- Descaling light indicator
- Add water light indicator
The Keurig K-Cafe Brewer makes good coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos and is a good choice if that is your beverage of choice.
The downside is that it does not make a true espresso shot – there is no pressure and it is brewing the same way as a regular cup of coffee but only 2 oz in size.
This is still perfectly acceptable for a machine that does it for you and the cappuccinos and lattes tastes great.
6. Hamilton Beach Flexbrew 2 Way Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach Flexbrew 2 Way Coffee Maker is versatile and comes in at a good price but does take up a bit of counter space.
There are two sides to the coffee brewer: One to brew up to 12 cups of 5.5 oz a cup in a Carafe from ground coffee and the single-serve side for brewing up to 10 oz of coffee from a K-Cup or 14 oz of coffee from coffee grounds.
There are two water reservoirs, one for each side, with each having their own water level window.
The drip tray is removable and has a compartment to store a K-Cup or a brew basket of which there are two: One for brewing K-Cups and one for brewing coffee grounds on the single-serve side.
You can fit an 8″ tall travel mug on the single-serve side when removing the drip tray or a 5″ tall cup with the drip tray attached.
The Hamilton Beach Flexbrew 2 Way Coffee Maker will brew all the water that you pour in either water reservoir.
You have the option to switch your brew strength between regular and bold where bold will take a bit longer to brew.
The carafe side can be programmed to brew your coffee at a later time and it will keep your coffee warm for up to 2 hours before automatically switching off.
There is an auto-pause feature on the carafe side which allows you to remove the carafe during the brewing process to pour yourself a cup and in doing so, the brewing process will stop for 20 seconds.
Compatible Coffee Pods:
K-Cup
Can use ground coffee on the carafe side as well as the single-serve side.
Dimensions:
13.9” H x 10.24” W x 10.63” D
Features:
- Brew Carafe, K-Cups, or a single cup using coffee grounds
- Easy to use
- BPA Free
- Carafe included
- Programmable
- Auto pause feature on the Carafe side.
The Hamilton Beach Flexbrew 2 Way Coffee Maker is a sturdy and versatile coffee brewer that will suit your pocket and is perfect for those avid coffee drinkers.
The downside is that you can only make use of one side of the coffee maker at any given time. You cannot have the coffee maker warm up your coffee in the carafe while making a single cup of coffee.