Best Overall
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.
Last Updated:
Having a morning cup of coffee is essential for a lot of people to have a good start to their day. When you have a smaller household, it can be inconvenient to brew a whole pot of coffee, especially if you're taking it to-go. A single serve coffee pot allows you to brew a single serving of coffee in a faster and more efficient way. After comparing and reviewing products, our team determined that the Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker was the best choice. It offers three cup sizes and has an auto-shutoff feature as a safety measure.
Single Serve Coffee Makers: A Buying Guide
Coffee lovers know that there's no alternative to a perfect cup of coffee. But what if you are always in a hurry and don't have enough time to prepare it? Well, this is where a single-serve coffee maker comes in handy. It is designed to brew your coffee faster and allows you to make only enough for a single serving at a time. In this buying guide, we'll share the most important factors to consider when looking to buy a single serve coffee maker to ensure you make the best purchasing decision possible.
How to Choose the Right Single Serve Coffee Maker
Material
The top-quality coffee machines are mostly designed using plastic or stainless steel for their unique benefits. Plastic makes a machine lightweight, portable, and easy to maintain. However, stainless steel is generally used because of its corrosion-resistance and durability. As a result, stainless steel machines are a bit more expensive than plastic ones. So, consider your budget before you make the final choice.
Weight, Size, and Capacity
The machine's weight, capacity, and size contribute to its portability and efficiency. Therefore, you need to thoroughly consider these factors. If your purpose is to buy a travel-friendly, lightweight machine, you should choose a lighter option. A coffee maker's liquid capacity is also of utmost importance because if you have a big family, you'll need a machine that can produce enough coffee for the entire family. Different machines have different capacities ranging from 0.75 pounds to 6.25 pounds of liquid. So, choose according to your needs.
Brew Time
The brew time of coffee machines also differs from one model to another. Generally, they take one to three minutes to brew your coffee or teacup. So, make sure to invest in a product that has fast brewing time.
Compatibility
Most modern coffee machines are compatible with K-cup pods or other commercial coffee pods, but some are not. So, you'll need to focus on this aspect as well. K-cup pods are readily available on the market and are comparatively cheaper than other reusable and biodegradable alternatives. Alternatively, you can purchase a reusable coffee filter to save you money in the long-run on coffee filters.
Design
Some coffee-making machines have a 2-in-1 design, featuring a single-serve coffee maker and a full-size coffee maker. In these models, you can make a single mug of coffee when you are in a hurry or prepare a full pot. Thus, they are ideal for families as well as parties. Coffee makers also come in an array of colors and styles, so choose one that matches your preferences.
Ease of Cleaning
Most single serve coffee makers are made with detachable parts that you can remove, wash, and reattach after removing dirt and deposits. Some models are even designed with one-button cleaning technology that requires you to press just one button for complete cleaning. You can also perform descaling to remove calcium, chlorine, and other harmful deposits from the machine.
Additional Features
Additional features that add more value include an auto-off feature that automatically switches off the machine to preserve energy and extend its efficiency. Some coffee machines are also designed with an auto-on feature, which allows you to set a time when you want them to turn on and make your cup of coffee automatically. These features can make a coffee machine more versatile.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
- Runner-Up: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker
- Travel Size: Chulux Single-Serve Coffee Machine
- Biggest Size: Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffeemaker
- Most Versatile: Ninja Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Reviews
Runner-Up
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Travel Size
Chulux Single-Serve Coffee Machine
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Biggest Size
Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffeemaker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Most Versatile
Ninja Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
FAQs
What is a K-cup used in a single-serve coffee machine?
A K-Cup is a sealed cartridge containing coffee or tea that is used in a coffee machine for brewing. It takes the place of filling regular paper coffee filters with ground coffee manually.
Can I use any coffee pod in any coffee machine?
Every coffee machine has its own product specifications that list which coffee pods they are compatible with. Be sure to check the product information to determine your machine's compatibility with certain coffee pods.
Can I use my coffee maker to boil water?
Yes, you can use your coffee maker to boil water for tea or other uses in the kitchen.
How do I clean my single serve coffee machine?
To clean your coffee machine, remove all inner parts (filters, the water reservoir, and cartridges) and hand wash them with warm water and mild soap. To clean the outer part of the machine, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth if needed. If your machine has a self-cleaning feature, follow the instructions in the product manual to use it.
How do I brew coffee with my machine?
Most coffee makers require users to insert a coffee pod or a reusable cartridge filled with coffee grounds in the machine, fill the water reservoir with water, and press a "Start" or "Brew" button. Check your product's manual for brewing instructions specific to your model.