Single-Serve Coffee Makers There are single-serve coffee makers for all, whether you're in a home by yourself or just need a cup of coffee for yourself. The best ones are quick to brew and taste fantastic, and don't require any daily maintenance. These models are also more ecologically green than pod-based models which use pre-portioned cups of coffee or K-Cups. Types Single-cup coffeemakers use pre-packaged tea capsules and coffee pods to brew hot beverages. These single-use cups come in soft and hard pods made from filter paper, or in hard plastic K Cups and Nespresso capsules. Some single-cup brewers use tea bags to store loose leaf tea. Brewers that use recycled materials for their reusable filters as well as other components. You'll require a regular brewer if you are looking to make more coffee or use different types. A variety of single-cup coffee makers are offered, and each type is different in terms of the kinds of drinks it makes and the price range. Some single-cup coffee makers are made exclusively for pods, while others can make a full pot of ground coffee. Some have removable drawers that allow you to select whether you want to brew using a pod or ground coffee. Many can make hot and cold-brewed coffee. Take into consideration other features like the kind of beverage you'd like to make. For example, if you have several people who will be using the machine, consider buying one that has an insulated carafe or various sizes of mugs. Consider a model which brews espresso pods and coffee to create an Americano or Cappuccino. Derek Rose is The Spruce Eats Coffee and Tea Expert. He evaluates a range of coffee makers, reading reviews and articles from third parties and conducting his own tests to identify the best products for both office and home use. He holds a BA in Communication and an MFA Creative Writing. He is a professional writer who is primarily interested in food, travel and lifestyle topics. Benefits Coffee lovers love the hot, fresh brew to start the day or get an afternoon energy boost. Traditionally, brewing large batches of coffee in drip machines can be time-consuming and dangerous particularly when it comes to making sure every person has the perfect cup for them. Single-serve brewers can be quick and easy to use, ensuring an excellent cup of coffee every time. Single-serve coffee machines also reduce waste by removing the need to dispose of leftovers. Although most coffee makers produce some small amounts of extra mugs to take up space, this single will only make one at a given time, so there's no chance of being left with a full pot of coffee you won't drink later in the day. Furthermore, many of these brewers can be used to make more than coffee. These single-serve brewers can also be used to brew hot tea or chocolate. Single-serve coffee makers are also more clean than traditional coffee makers. Since there isn't a pot to wash and pods are sealed, they are easy to clean. This is a major benefit for anyone who suffers from food allergies or intolerances since these coffee makers make it impossible for cross-contamination to occur. A single-serve brewer could be quite costly, especially when you need to purchase your own pods, K-Cups, or capsules to use the machine. If you have the money to purchase this type of brewer, it's worthwhile because you will get your time back and enjoy your favorite beverage without having to leave your home. Most single-serve brewers have plastic, which is not sustainable for the environment. Although some companies are trying to reduce the amount of plastic they use, it is still a problem for environmentalists. If you purchase a high-quality product, it is likely to be recyclable. If you have a recycling program in place in your area it will help protect the environment as these products will not end up in landfills. Convenience A single-serve coffee maker could be a great choice for those who don't need the flexibility of brewing multiple cups at once. These brewers are typically designed to fit right into your mug or cup which reduces pod waste and makes it easier to adjust the strength of your coffee. Some also come with drip tray that raises your coffee mug, which can help prevent spills. The BLACK+DECKER single-serve coffee maker is a good choice if you want a simple, easy coffee maker. This compact brewer has one button to start and will shut down automatically at the end of the brewing process. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer to simplify things. The smaller than average water tank means that it requires refills more frequently and some owners have complained about its performance. For those looking for an brewer that is more flexible that can be used for multiple purposes, the Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Latte Cappuccino, Cappuccino, and Iced Coffee Maker with Milk Frother is a good choice. This machine is able to select from seven different brewing options, from 5 ounces to a 10-cup carafe. It's compatible with K-Cups, Nespresso pods, and loose coffee grounds and it offers hot and iced brewing options along with pre-set settings for frothing. A single-cup pour-over maker is a convenient alternative. This includes the well-known Chemex Wave Series or the Kalita Single-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker. These brewers can be used for making a full pot of coffee or just a single cup. You can play around with different brewing methods. They can be used to create other beverages, like tea or hot chocolate. If convenience is your top priority, you'll need to consider how much time and effort you're willing invest in cleaning your single-serve coffee maker. Certain models require regular maintenance, including wiping and washing the reservoir and receptacle. Certain models only require periodic cleaning and descale. Also, think about whether or not your coffee maker has a removable reservoir that can help you save from having to empty and rinse a separate container after each use. Price A single-serve commercial machine is a great option when a carafe is too much for one person to make. These small brewers can be linked to an water supply, removing the requirement to refill them constantly. There are models that can serve hot tea, cocoa or even iced beverages. The Black+DECKER we tested has an 16-ounce travel mug, and is small enough to fit on most counters. It was one of the most affordable options we tried and produced the coffee that was hot to the touch. Look for a model that is able to use reused K-Cups, Nespresso Vertuo pods or grounds. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines will save money by reducing the amount of disposable coffee maker waste.