Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison Single-serve coffee machines are ideal for quick cups or cold brew. They can make use of pre-packaged bags of coffee or reusable filters stuffed with ground beans. Coffee drinkers who appreciate individualization will require a machine which can produce a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. Many of these machines also address the environmental impact of coffee pods by using capsules that are recyclable or reused. 1. Keurig K-Elite The K-Elite is a beautiful machine that has exquisite finishes and programmable functions. It's among the most versatile Keurig models in terms of the types of drinks it can brew. it supports K-Cups and ground coffee, as well as hot chocolate and tea. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can serve up to seven medium cups before requiring refills. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods, which could save you money over the long term. It's easy to navigate even having more buttons than other Keurig. The top control panel includes an energy button and a settings button. It also has up and down buttons to navigate the menu. There are four different brew size buttons, an "iced button" as well as the "strong button", and one for hot water. A large LCD display with color coded colors makes it easy to determine when the machine requires a descale or refill. The K-Elite is, despite being one of our top Keurigs has its drawbacks. It can be difficult to clean, for instance, because it doesn't have a drip tray that is removable, and the lid is not secured. Also, the spout tends to leave a few splatters especially when you use smaller travel mugs. In our Coffee Makers Test Program we also tested the K-Elite and found that it performed well in all categories. It scored higher than average for first-cup speed as well as temperature consistency and repeat speed. It was also one of the fastest ways to make hot water and brew the cup, and was also the most likely to not produce grounds in your coffee. The K-Elite was not able to create a more hot cup than our top models. In addition the iced option was not as flavorful as the strong cup. The K-Elite is a fantastic choice to anyone who is looking for a single-serve machine. It is available from numerous retailers, including Keurig, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's priced around $150. If you're looking for a cheaper model it's the K-Classic is also worth a look. It costs a little more than the Elite, but not so much as our top picks. 2. Black+Decker Single-Serve Espresso Maker A single-serve machine gives you the convenience of a cup of hot coffee at any time. These machines are smaller and compact than drip models which makes them a great choice for small kitchens and dorm rooms. They can also prepare a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are also simple to clean and operate, making them a great option for busy households. The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is one of the most affordable models on the market, but it still offers some essential features that are worth looking into. It uses a permanent filter that is able to accommodate both ground coffee and pre-packaged soft coffee pods and it has an auto-shutoff function that shuts the machine off after the brewing process has finished to save water and energy. It takes just minutes to make one cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel cup that can be inserted into cup holders that are found in most cars. In our tests, we found that the BLACK+DECKER can make an excellent cup of coffee in a fraction of the amount of time it took to produce the typical model. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/single-serve-coffee-machines has programmable functions that are usually reserved for higher-end models like auto-start feature. Its retro-styled style is perfect for those who prefer to coordinate their kitchen appliances. Its light design and removable tank make it easy to transport. Our testers found it simple to operate, with an intuitive menu and control panel that was easy to follow even for those without prior experience using a single-serve espresso machine. However, the brew speed was not the best in our tests, and it wasn't capable of reaching 195°F for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperatures were higher than the other models we tried, which could lead to overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these issues, the CM618 is a great option for people on a budget but still want the flexibility to brew their preferred K-Cup pods or their own ground coffee. 3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker Nespresso machines differ from K-Cup and Keurig machines since they make use of their own coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories that are VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to create larger milk and coffee recipes, like cappuccinos and lattes. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were made to be used with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled. The VertuoLine NespressoXP371 comes with four different drink sizes with smart capsule detection technology and the company's signature centrifusion brewing method. It has a modern and sleek design, and comes with an adjustable 37-ounce water tank. It is user-friendly and has an automatic system that ejects pods that are used in a container built into the machine. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 seconds to warm up and shuts down automatically after 9 minutes. In our tests, the XP371 produced an excellent cup of coffee. It had an excellent crema and was hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However, it was slower than other models to brew. 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, it could be an issue. Overall, the Nespresso XP371 is a fantastic option for coffee and espresso lovers who are looking to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than other pod brewers. It is also compatible with Nespresso capsules that are more eco-friendly. However the VertuoLine XP371's pricey cost and dependence on proprietary capsules can be a nagging issue for potential buyers. If you aren't able to invest in a top-rated single-serve pod coffee maker but are still in love with the convenience of using one-serve machines we suggest you check out our top reusable coffee cups review. You can also make use of one of our top cup insulated ones to keep your coffee or tea warm. 4. Cuisinart DCC-1200 This coffee maker has been praised by a lot of users for its convenience features and other models do not have these features. The price is reasonable for a top-quality machine and it has a sleek appearance. However, some owners have reported this model as a possible fire danger, and this is something that you should certainly keep in mind when you're considering purchasing it. This fully automated coffeemaker comes with the ability to be programmed for 24 hours, and you can set it to brew one or four cups at once or an entire pot that holds 12 cups. The carafe has an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, which enhances the flavor of the brew. There is a 30 second "Brew Pause" feature that will stop the brewing process so you can pour a cup, and the self-cleaning function helps keep the tank clean. The controls are evenly spaced and clearly marked. It is easy to determine what each button does. Other features include a self-cleaning cycle and alerts to reduce the calcification of the carafe and tank and an automatic shutoff and a knuckle guard dripless spout for ease of pouring. This coffee maker is easy to use and comes with a beautiful brushed stainless finish. Some customers have complained that the gold toned mesh filter is difficult to clean. This may be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. Some users have also reported that the reservoir doesn't fill up properly due to a flaw in the design that forces water into the filter through a small hole at the back of machine. A few people have also complained that their Cuisinart coffee maker spills coffee grounds and water all over the counter when it is in operation however this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. In any case, this is a great coffee maker that is worth a look if are seeking a basic model that has plenty of convenient features for a low cost.