10 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers for Every Type of Coffee Drinker (2021)
Maryna Gray
• July 30, 2021
Coffee Fact: Keurig was founded in 1992 and released its first single-serve coffee maker in 1998.
If you prefer to make one cup of coffee at a time, a single-serve coffee maker is an ideal brew method. And while we'll always recommend a pour over coffee maker for single-serve coffee, we also appreciate the convenience of single-serve coffee machines.
Whether you're seeking something that uses pods such as K-Cups, a single-cup coffee maker to take back to the office, or you just want something new for everyday use at home, we're here to help you choose the best single-serve coffee maker for your lifestyle.
Read on to see our picks for the best single-serve coffee makers.
The Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers
- Best Overall Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Elite
- Best Budget Single-Serve Coffee Maker: BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker With Pods: Keurig K-Classic
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for the Office: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for a Dorm: Keurig Mini
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for Travel: AeroPress
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Grinder: Mr. Coffee Single Cup
- Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville
- Best Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee Maker: HARIO V60
Best Overall Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
The crème de la crème of Keurig, the Keurig K-Elite isn't just super sleek; it also makes a tasty cup of coffee. This single-serve coffee maker brews coffee in your choice of five cup sizes—4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces—in less than a minute, and can also make a refreshing glass of iced coffee.
Best Budget Single-Serve Coffee Maker: BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker
The BLACK + DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker allows you to use freshly ground coffee or single-use pods, comes with a convenient travel mug, and rings up for just $23, making it our favorite budget single-serve coffee maker.
Best Single Serve Coffee Maker with Pods: Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Classic remains a tried-and-true single-serve coffee maker for those who prefer the convenience and variety that comes with single-use coffee pods.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
If you're looking for a single-serve coffee maker that doesn't require coffee pods, check out the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. This versatile coffee machine allows you to make hot coffee, iced coffee, or a specialty coffee drink in a single serving size, with five additional brew sizes. It also has a built-in milk frother.
Best Single Serve Coffee Maker for the Office: Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
Available in six delightful colors, this miniature coffee machine makes the perfect addition to any desk. The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker is just 5 inches wide and has a cord storage compartment, ensuring it won't get tangled up with your computer cords. Also, it automatically turns off 90 seconds after your coffee is brewed, so you don't have to wonder and worry whether or not you turned it off during your morning meetings.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for a Dorm: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
If you're a college student or know a college student who needs a compact coffee maker for their dorm or apartment, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker. Brew a standard 8-ounce cup to enjoy in your room, or a 14-ounce travel mug to take to class. Other features that make this single-serve coffee maker great for college students: it has an automatic shut-off feature, it's easy to clean, and it can be brewed with any ground coffee.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for Travel: AeroPress
When it comes to making coffee while traveling—particularly camping—nothing beats the AeroPress. This lightweight, yet durable coffee maker brews a single, delicious cup of coffee in a few simple steps, no electricity required.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Grinder: Mr. Coffee Single Cup
There are very few single-serve coffee makers with grinders, but the Mr. Coffee Single Cup Coffee Maker ticks both boxes. Grind up fresh beans with the built-in blade grinder, or use already ground coffee. Bonus: This single-serve coffee maker comes with a travel mug.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker and Espresso Maker: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville can make coffee and espresso, which means you can also use it to make a latte or Americano at home. The only downside is that it requires Nespresso Capsules and can't be used with any other type of coffee.
Best Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee Maker: HARIO V60 01
The HARIO V60 01 is designed to brew a single cup (two at most), making it our pick for the best single-serve pour over coffee maker. (The HARIO V60 02 and 03 can make more than one cup at a time.) This coffee dripper makes a balanced cup and, while it requires more patience and attention than the other options on our list, is one of the best single-cup coffee makers money can buy.
We want to help you make better coffee at home. Our recommendations are our own, and never sponsored. If you see something you love and buy it through our links, we may receive an affiliate commission (thanks for that!).
