Which Single Coffee Maker is Right For You? You can save money by buying one-serve coffee makers in case you are the sole person in your household who enjoys a hot cup. What model is the best for you? The machines are simple to operate, but they require a steady supply of pods, K-Cups or capsules for a cost per cup. Make sure you have a good source before making a purchase. What is a single-serve coffee maker? A single coffee maker is a small appliance that can make one cup of fresh, delicious tea or coffee on demand. They are usually fast, easy to operate, and come with a range of options. They may cost more to purchase in the beginning than a traditional brewer, however, many customers find that they save enough on the cost of purchasing tea and coffee from a coffee shop to recoup their initial investment fast. Most models of single-serve coffee makers come with pre-packaged coffee pods, or "K-Cups" and tea bags to brew either soft or hard (adhesive-free) pods made of filter paper or plastic capsules that are filled with ground or whole bean coffee. Some models come with a drawer to store loose tea, while other models come with a drawer that can hold hot water to make hot chocolates or iced coffees. Some even have the ability to brew espresso, for those who like occasional drinks with caffeine. If you prefer a traditional cup of coffee, several models are available to make drip-style coffee, such as a French press or moka pot. Others have the ability to make espresso-style coffee, cappuccinos and lattes using an extra add-on or milk frother. Some of the most sophisticated Brewers can disperse hot liquid into an insulated travel mug so you can sip coffee or tea while on the move. In our extensive testing of the top single-coffee makers we analyzed characteristics that differentiate them from each other, such as how quickly they make and brew coffee depending on whether the coffee was hot or lukewarm, how they worked with various sizes of tumblers and cups, and their ease of cleaning and maintenance. We also looked at a variety of coffees, teas and cocoas to determine which ones they brewed best, which cup sizes they could accommodate, and how well the machine stood up to regular use over the course of. Contrary to other appliances, that you can often use for a few years before replacing them, most coffee and tea makers last approximately five years. Therefore, you'll have to think about the length of time you'll keep yours, and weigh that against the up-front and on-going expenses of purchasing and replenishing products. It's a good idea estimate your annual consumption of tea or coffee to help you decide on the best model for your budget and needs. How do I pick a single coffee maker? A single-serve coffee maker is the most efficient method of making a cup of coffee at the push of a button. The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has conducted tests on a variety of these gadgets and have found that they're more competent than ever at making an excellent cup of coffee. When selecting a model it's important to consider several aspects. First, you must decide the type of brew you wish to make. Single-serve machines can make one cup of coffee, but others can also make tea, hot chocolate or espresso. Some machines can even make cappuccinos or lattes, when you select the right type of pod or capsules. Another thing to consider is the amount you're willing to spend. A single-serve machine can cost more up front than a standard brewer but will save you money over time by avoiding expensive coffee shop purchases. Make sure to include the cost of the coffees or teas you're planning to make in your calculations. You'll also have to decide if you're ok with producing waste from these devices. The good news is that the majority of models now offer recyclable, reusable or compostable options for their pods and K-Cups, so you can cut down on the amount of plastic that is in your home. It is best to select a single-serve model that is a good fit for your preferences and lifestyle. If you want to keep your machine clean and hygienic pick a model that is easy to clean. If you'd like some control over your coffee, consider opting for a machine that lets you grind your own beans or use loose ground coffee instead of pre-packaged pods. Jamie Kim is a Senior Product Tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She's been employed by the company since the year the year 2018 and has tried many different products, including numerous coffee and espresso makers. She is enthusiastic about food and drinks, and especially loves exploring new tea and coffee flavors. She is a self-confessed "coffee coffee snob" who believes that the best cup of coffee begins with the proper brewing method. What is the best single coffee maker? When you are evaluating the features of a single coffee maker there are a few things to consider. Consider the type of coffee that you enjoy drinking as well as any additional features you may like (such as the capability to make hot chocolate or tea). Consider the price and availability of the coffees or teas that you like. Finally, think about how many cups you're going to brew at a time, since this will help you determine the size or how small of a unit you'll need. If you're looking to buy a basic single-cup coffee maker that's easy on the wallet, look no further than this model from Bodum. This simple French Press can make an 8 or 14 ounce cup in just minutes. It keeps your cup warm for up to four hours. It also doesn't need paper filters or K-Cups and can be used with any kind of ground coffee. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines is the Bruvi, which offers all the convenience of the K-Cup machine, but without the plastic waste. The pod-free brewing device is made of bio-based materials and is fully recyclable, making it a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers. In our tests, we found that the Bruvi brewed eight-ounce cups, on average, in just two minutes. It also had a touchscreen interface that had an intuitive user interface which let us easily establish preferences. The pod coffee makers are now more adept than ever at delivering a smooth cup of coffee. Their speedy brewing is a great alternative to avoiding the traditional drip machine or playing with French presses to begin your morning. In actual fact the team at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested dozens of pod-based machines and found that the Keurig K-Elite and the Nespresso VertuoPlus are among the top. To determine the best single-serve brewing equipment, our staff sets up top-rated models, and brews at least 10 cups in each to test how long it takes them to preheat and brew. We also look at how easy it is to fill the reservoir of water and mug and how adaptable the machine can be used to make other beverages. In the end, we conclude that the best single-serve brewing systems are those that provide the most options for customization yet are still user-friendly and efficient. Which single coffee machine is the best for me? There are several methods to make coffee at home, and each offers its own pros and cons. For those who are looking for convenience without sacrificing flavor, a single serve coffee maker is the way to go. These machines are smaller and produce one cup of coffee at one time. They also tend to have the ability to brew faster which means that you could be sipping your morning java in less than 30 seconds. As we all know, however, not all machines were created to be alike. Before making a purchase it is important to consider the type of coffee that you like and how often you will use your machine. If you are a fan of a silky-smooth latte, then a pod-based machine from brands like Keurig and Nespresso is the right choice for you. However, if you want more control over your morning cup of coffee you should consider a coffee grinder and French press may be a better fit. It is also important to consider the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Some models require descalement at least every six months. This process removes any minerals from the water that could impact brew temperature and quality. Based on the model, the company should provide information on how to do this or post it in the instruction manual. Before you make a final decision, consider the features that are most important to you. You'll need to think about the amount of counter space available, and if the dimension of the machine you select will take up more or less space than the other options. These simple machines are ideal for novices and professionals alike. We've spent weeks evaluating dozens of these brewers to determine their overall functionality and durability, as well as their the ease of setup and breakdown, as well as aesthetics and included warranty before making our recommendations. The Single-Serve Coffee Maker from Black+Decker Maker is our top pick for those who live alone because it's cheap, easy to brew, and easy to use.