Best Single Brew Coffee Makers There's nothing more satisfying than a cup of freshly brewed coffee to begin the day. That's why we're fans of single-brew coffee makers. Consider what is most important for your brewing requirements and what features would consider frills. Our criteria include a big reservoir, multiple brew setting, and the use of reusable coffee pods. 1. Is it possible to buy capsules or ground coffee from this machine? Based on your preferences You may decide to select a model that makes coffee using ground beans or coffee pods. While we have some models that use only coffee pods in our roundup, most can accommodate both. This versatility makes them an excellent option for those who like having a variety of options available. Nespresso's Vertuo Plus is a perfect example. It's part of the brand's newer Vertuoline and offers a one-touch foolproof system that delivers exceptional espresso shots and brewed coffee. It's also the most efficient machine we've tested and comes with refillable pods that are more beneficial for the environment than K-Cups. For those who prefer to stick with ground coffee and prefer to use the Cuisinart Grind & Brew is a fantastic alternative. It comes with an integrated conical burr grinder to make freshly ground coffee, and it comes with three different sizes of brewing -eight, ten and twelve ounces. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other single-serve coffee makers in our selection however, it was one of the most flavorful models we tested and it removes the need for disposable K-Cups or the waste associated with them. The Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus which is our runner-up, is a great option for those who wish to be able to use both kinds of pods and grounds. It's a versatile machine that can brew with Keurig K-Cups, original Nespresso pods, and also the company's own compostable capsules (though they require an industrial composting facility). It also produces some of the best coffees of all the machines we've tested to date, while providing a range of other functions, including hot water for tea as well as milk frother. 2. Is there a large reservoir of water? The top single brew coffee maker will have a big reservoir of water that can easily meet your needs. This will ensure that your machine doesn't constantly running out of water, which can impact the quality of your coffee. When you are choosing a coffee maker, the amount of water that is in the reservoir is vital. It will determine the frequency you need to refill and drain the tank. The BLACK+DECKER Compact Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a great alternative for those looking for a machine that is simple to use that won't break the bank. It can brew a cup of coffee in less than two minutes and can be programmed for up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for those who prefer to have a cup of coffee at the go. The machine is small and can be placed on a compact counter. It's also the cheapest of our top selections. It also produces the most hot coffee and comes with a built-in travel mug for ease of use. It didn't score as well as the other brewers we tested but its water reservoir was small. If you're willing a little more, our upgrade choice the Keurig K.Supreme Smart Single-Serve Coffee Maker has an excellent design and features that make it stand out from our testing. It provides quick brewing time and high temperatures for coffee, and the possibility of three different sizes of brew. It's also extremely easy to use. It's only downside is that you must descal it for an hour, which can be a hassle for people who drink lots of coffee. 3. Does it have multiple brew settings? The top single-brew coffee maker has multiple settings, including different sizes, styles and quantities of beverages and the capability to make cold brew. This lets you customize your drink to exactly how you like it. You can also save time by avoiding the process of boiling and steeping your coffee grounds in hot water. This method also makes use of cooler water, which helps keep the flavor of your coffee. Epi's reviews editor Noah Kaufman is a big fan of the single-serve Bruvi coffee maker due to its numerous one-touch brewing options that allow you to make the perfect cup coffee, whether you prefer a low acidity drink or espresso-like shot served over ice. The Bruvi has a brewing option which takes longer than a quick brew, but it's worthwhile if you are looking for a rich and smooth cup. In our tests, Bruvi consistently brewed consistently hot cups of coffee in comparison to other single-serve machines that we test. Its brewing cycle and timer are easy to program and keeps your beverage hot for up to four hours. The Bruvi features an option for cold brew that alters the temperature and brew time to create a refreshingly cool beverage. Another standout was the Breville Precision Brewer, which features six brew options, including Gold Fast, Strong, Fast and Iced. The Gold setting is based on the Specialty Coffee Association's guidelines for making the perfect cup of coffee. The other settings can be customized to meet your needs. The Breville Precision is narrower than many single-serve coffee brewers that we test. This helped it to maintain its brew temperature and encourage deeper saturation and an easier extraction of the beans. 4. Does it have a self-cleaning feature? The top single-cup coffee makers have an automatic cleaning feature that cleans any leftover grounds or used K-Cup pods out of the machine after each use. Some models even alert you when it's time for a cleaning cycle. It's important to check the manual for the user or the manufacturer's website for specific instructions, since different machines have a variety of cleaning methods. The single-serve espresso maker Bruvi makes is among the top we've tried. It has an intuitive, simple interface, produces excellent coffee, and requires minimal maintenance. It has a large reservoir of water and can be used to brew hot or iced coffee. It also provides a variety of brewing options that can be done with one touch that include low acid, Americano, and cold brew. It takes longer to brew when compared to other models. However it's a minor fault in a great product. This coffee maker is one of our budget picks because it's inexpensive and does a great job making the perfect cup of coffee. It comes with an ejectable water tank that weighs 40 ounces that can be used for both K-Cups or ground coffee. The user's manual provides detailed instructions for getting rid of the reservoir and refilling it, emptying it, and performing regular descaling. It can brew any type of coffee, unlike many other single-cup machines. This coffee maker is a fantastic option for anyone who likes the convenience of single-serve coffee but isn't a fan of the taste or the waste of K-Cups. It comes with a large water tank as well as a built-in grinder that allows you to make a delicious cup of coffee using ground beans. It comes with a variety of options for brewing, including bold and over ice, and can be made with recyclable K-Cups or the brand's own recyclable pods. It also features a steam button to make tea and a fold-away froth. 5. Does it have a programmable timer? https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines lets you set it up at night prior to so that you can wake up with freshly brewed coffee. This is particularly useful for those who are on the go or who don't prefer a pour-over or Moka pot. Most programmable coffee makers offer a basic 24-hour timer however If you're looking for more advanced features you might want to consider the De'Longhi COM532, our favorite pod-based single-cup machine. It has a digital touchscreen and a variety of settings that allow you to customize your coffee according to the flavor you like, including brewing temperature and strength. This model is the most expensive, but it makes the most hot coffee of all our tested machines. The carafe keeps it at a perfect temperature for about an hour after the brewing. If you're looking for a economical programmable machine for your coffee look into the Black + Decker Classic Single-Serve Coffeemaker. It is easy to use, has a small footprint, and is compatible with ESE pods (Eco-friendly single-serve). It scored highly in our test of taste, brews quickly, and comes with a dishwasher-safe water tank. If you're sick of pre-packaged pods and would prefer to save some money, the single-cup or manual drip brewer is a great alternative. You can grind your own beans to get a fresher taste and more control over the flavor of your beverage. It's more work than using a pod-based machine, but it could be worthwhile if you're an avid coffee drinker. To get reliable results, weigh your coffee beans and ground coffee on a scale instead measuring volume.