Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for quick cups of cold or hot brew. They can make use of pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans. Coffee drinkers who like individualization will require a machine which can produce a full pot of drip coffee or espresso shots. These machines are also designed to minimize the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They use capsules that are recyclable or reusable. 1. Keurig K-Elite The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that is a perfect blend of top-quality finishes and programmable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurigs in terms of what can be brewed -- it supports K-Cups as well as ground coffee, hot chocolate or tea. The large, removable 72-ounce tank is able to make up to seven medium-sized cups prior to needing refills. It's also compatible with refillable K-Cup pods that can save you money in the long run. Despite having more buttons on its control panel than other Keurig model, it's still easy to navigate and operate. The top control panel features a power button, settings button as well as up and down buttons for the menu and a "strong" button that is hot water, four different brew sizes and an "iced" button. A large LCD display with color coded colors allows you to easily see when the machine needs to descale or refill. The K-Elite, while one of our favorite Keurigs however, it has some disadvantages. It isn't easy to clean, for instance, because it doesn't have a removable drip tray, and the lid isn't secure. The spout also can cause some splatter when using smaller travel cups. In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and found that it performed well in a variety of categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed, repeat speed, and temperature consistency. It was also the fastest to warm the water and then brew the cup. And it was the least likely to make grounds. However the K-Elite wasn't able to make as hot of a cup as our other top models. Additionally the iced version was less tasty than the stronger brew. Nevertheless, the K-Elite is an excellent option for anyone looking for the convenience of an espresso maker that is single-serve. It's available for purchase from numerous retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's available for purchase for around $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model then the K-Classic is a good option. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite but isn't as costly as our other top models. 2. Single-Serve Espresso Maker, Black+Decker A single-serve coffee maker gives you the convenience of a quick hot cup of coffee on demand. These machines are smaller and more compact than drip models which makes them a great option for small kitchens or dorm rooms. They can also make a variety coffee drinks, such as espresso shots and lattes. They are easy to use and clean and make a great option for busy households. The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is one of the most affordable models available but it has certain essential features that are worth looking into. It comes with a permanent filter which can be used with both ground coffee and soft coffee pods. It also has an automatic shut-off feature that helps save energy and water. It takes only a few minutes to brew one cup of coffee and comes with a travel mug that is thermal that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can use your own if you prefer). In our tests, we observed that the BLACK+DECKER was able to make a delicious cup of coffee in a fraction of the amount of time it takes to make the average model. It also has programmable features that are generally reserved for brewers with higher prices, such as an automatic start. Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who want to coordinate their kitchen appliances. Its lightweight construction and removable tank makes it easy to transport. It was fairly user-friendly with a touch-screen control panel that was easy to use and an easy menu that anyone can understand. However, the brew time was not as good as we expected in our tests, and it was not able to reach 195degF for five or six minutes--the industry standard for optimal flavor. The brew temperatures also were higher than the other models we tested which could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these concerns the CM618 is still an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who want to brew their favorite K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee. 3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker Nespresso machines are different from K-Cup and Keurig machines in that they are the only ones that use the brand's espresso and coffee pods. The brand categorizes its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. Original machines are designed to make espresso-based drinks, while VertuoLine models are designed to make larger milk and coffee recipes such as lattes and cappuccinos. Because they're intended to be used in conjunction with Nespresso's recyclable and sustainable capsules, Original machines typically cost more than VertuoLine models. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines and the centrifusion brewing method. It also has an elegant, modern design and a removable water tank which holds 37 ounces water. The machine is easy-to-use and comes with an automated system that ejects pods that are used in a container integrated into the machine. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to preheat and then is shut down by itself after nine minutes. In our tests, the XP371 made an excellent cup of coffee. It had an excellent crema and was hot enough to enjoy in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to prepare than other models. It took 1 min and 51 secs to brew 7,7 ounces, which is the third slowest among the models we test. This isn't an issue, but if you are used to making coffee quickly in the morning, this could be an issue. Overall, the NespressoXP371 is a fantastic choice for coffee and espresso lovers looking to reduce waste. Its design is a bit more luxurious than the average pod brewer and it's compatible with Nespresso's capsules that are reusable, which are greener than the K-Cups and other traditional pods on the market. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules may be a nagging issue for buyers who are interested in buying. If you don't have the money to purchase a top-rated single-serve pod coffee maker, but you still enjoy the convenience of using a single-serve machine, we recommend checking out our best reusable cups review. You could also consider one of our favorite tumblers with insulation to keep your tea or coffee warm. 4. Cuisinart DCC-1200 This coffee maker has received thousands of favorable reviews from customers and has numerous features that many other models don't have. Its price is very reasonable for a machine that is of high-end quality and features a stylish design. However, a few owners have cited this model as a fire hazard which is something you should be aware of if you are considering buying it. This fully automatic coffeemaker can be programmed for up to 24 hours. You can program it to brew four cups or 12 at the same time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe has a thermal design and the permanent gold-tone filter with wire mesh and charcoal water filter remove impurities, which enhances the flavor of your coffee. There's a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that stops the brewing process so you can pour a cup of brew, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean. The controls on this coffee maker are evenly spaced and are clearly marked and easy to identify what each button does at a glance. Other features include a self-cleaning, alerts to reduce the calcification of the carafe and tank as well as an automatic shutoff and a drip-free knuckle guard spout that allows for a ease of pouring. This coffee maker is also extremely easy to use and its brushed stainless steel finish looks beautiful on the countertop. However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter difficult to clean, and this may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. A few users have also reported that the reservoir does not fill correctly due to an error in the design that pushes water into the filter through a tiny hole at the back of machine. Some have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter when it is operating, but this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. In all likelihood, this is a great coffee maker that is worth checking out if you are looking for a basic model that has plenty of convenient features for a low cost.