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The best single-serve coffee makers of 2024
There is nothing quite like a good cup of coffee in the morning, but brewing a good, single cup of barista-quality hot coffee is not easy. Pod coffeemakers, or single-serve coffee machines, are a great way to get a quality cup of joe without brewing a whole pot or heading to a coffee shop for a hot cup of your favorite brew. These coffeemakers certainly have their advantages; they're convenient, very easy to use and have minimal cleanup. Plus each of our top picks brews coffee quickly, so you have a cup in your hand in no time. They are especially great if you're the only one in your household who enjoys a morning cup.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Espresso Machine by Breville
Most versatile
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi
For fancy drinks in a small space
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Best espresso maker with a small footprint
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
Best classic machine
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
Best affordable single-serve
Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
Best multipurpose machine
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
Affordable multipurpose machine
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Best single-serve multipurpose
Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker
Best single-serve machine
Cuisinart SS-15P1 Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker
Best classic multipurpose maker
We'll explore a wide variety of single-serve coffee maker types. Some pod machines require the use of proprietary single-serve pods, which can feel a bit wasteful and limiting. There are usually a variety of flavors, roasts, and blends — just be sure to see what the maker you choose requires.
Now, which pod coffeemaker should you add to your wish list? We've narrowed our search down to ten categories and picked the winner in each to simplify your shopping. To learn more about pod coffee machines, read to the bottom of the article for more information.
Oh and if you want to keep that cup of joe warm for hours on end, check out our suggestions for the best heated mugs.
Brew capacity: 37 ounces | Pod compatibility: Nespresso pods | Size: 5.5x 16.90 x 12.4 inches
The VertuoPlus is super, well, versatile. Get this: It can brew Nespresso pods AND regular ground coffee. It even comes with an Aeroccino milk frother so you can make lattes and cappuccinos.
"Works great," said a five-star reviewer. "Just keep it clean all the time and it's reliable and fast! More expensive than using a standard drip coffeemaker, but much more delicious and convenient. The little metal pods look nice displayed in the kitchen, too. The milk steamer is a MUST as well. ... Really love the whole setup. The only drawback is that I might be drinking more (and stronger) coffee than I used to — but it's always delicious!"
- Takes up less counter space
- Some users have reported leaks
- Requires Nespresso pods
Brew capacity: 37 ounces| Pod compatibility: Nespresso pods | Size: 16.9 x 5.5 x 12.4 inches
A great option with a smaller footprint, this Vertuo has a one-touch brewing system, a removable water tank and automatic capsule ejection and storage. It, too, comes with an Aeroccino frother for fancier coffee-based bevs.
A shopper says the Vertuo Next is "the best purchase I have ever made! I love Starbucks lattes and specialty coffee, so a Nespresso is ideal for me. I haven't even thought about Starbucks since I got it. ... It's really easy to order pods and recycle bags from the app. The milk frother is what takes your coffee to the next level. I love to put flavored creamer in it; it is heavenly. Easy to operate and not a super bulky machine. If you have been thinking about getting [one], do it. You will not regret it."
- Comes with a milk frother
- Requires Nespresso pods
Brew capacity: 20.29 ounces | Pod compatibility: Nespresso pods | Size: 15.55 x 5.71 x 12.6 inches
This beauty is perfect for a smaller kitchen or a kitchenette. You can adjust the cup size for a shot of espresso (1.35 ounces) or "lungo" (5 ounces), and your brew can be ready in under a minute. Yum!
"The only complaint I have about this is: It's too good," said one of 6,100-plus verified five-star reviewers. "It's too easy to use. It makes having espresso too convenient. I went from maybe having one espresso every few months to multiple ones a day. I hear colors. I find myself falling down weird YouTube rabbit holes at all hours of the night. I've become nocturnal. So, if you like to sleep, this is not for you. If you like random facts about how cold fronts affect catfish, BUY THIS!"
- Compact size
- Low water tank capacity
- Requires Nespresso pods
Brew capacity: 48 ounces | Pod compatibility: Keurig or self-filling pods | Size: 9.8 x 13.3 x 13 inches
Fans of K-Cup pods can't go wrong with Keurig's K-Classic — a great machine at a great price. With a 48-ounce water reservoir, it can handle after-dinner coffee for the whole gang. There's an auto-off feature that shuts down the machine if it's been idle for two hours. Oh, and the java is delish.
This superstar is endorsed by more than 72,000 five-star reviewers! "My first time using this type of coffeemaker, and am I happy!" said one such fan. "It makes delicious coffee, is easy to program and operate, and it is very attractive on the kitchen counter. It comes securely packaged with a user manual that is easy to understand and set up, and very reasonably priced for the excellent quality. ... I highly recommend it!"
- Large water reservoir
- Some say the brewer is noisy
Brew capacity: 12 ounces | Pod compatibility: Keurig or after market | Size: 12.1 x 4.5 x 11.3 inches
The K-Mini is a compact single-serve coffeemaker that won't take up valuable real estate in the kitchen. One thing we love: The drip tray is removable, so you can brew directly into a travel mug up to 7 inches tall. The brew size is incredibly convenient when you're making a to-go cup for your a.m. commute.
"Love it," said a happy shopper. "I ordered this machine to replace the giant one I had before, which finally died. ... I like this one a lot better because the color is prettier and it doesn't take up so much counter space. I like that it only holds one cup of water at a time. My son had a bad habit of letting the water in the big, black Keurig sit around for a couple of days and then using it. Gross. Now I know he can't do that with this machine. It brews a great cup of coffee and seems quieter than my old machine. ... I highly recommend it."
- Small footprint
- Multiple colors
- Small water reservoir
Brew capacity: 60 ounces | Pod compatibility: Keurig or after market | Size: 7.68 x 15.88 x 14.9 inches
For folks who like the choice of K-Cups or regular ground coffee, there's the countertop K-Duo Plus. This coffee machine comes with a 12-cup thermal carafe and a reusable coffee filter (nice for the planet). You can brew either a whole carafe or just a single cup.
"This thing is amazing," said a five-star reviewer. "I love at least four things about it. 1) Easy to use. 2) It replaced a Mister Coffee brewer and a Keurig K-Cup brewer, saving a lot of counter space. 3) The reservoir can be placed right, left or back to suit your counter situation. 4) The Mister Coffee required you to add the right amount of water for the amount of coffee that you wanted. The K-Duo Plus will use the correct amount of water based on the number of cups (carafe) or ounces (K-Cup) that you select."
- Huge water reservoir
- Can use any pod
- Some say coffee isn't hot enough
Brew capacity: 12 cups | Pod compatibility: Hamilton Beach or traditional coffee filter | Size: 11.4x 12.2 x 13.7 inches
The FlexBrew Trio lets you brew either K-Cups or regular ground coffee by the pot. The drip tray on one side can be removed to fit a travel mug. The shape is a perfect fit for many kitchens. Plus, it has over 20,000 five-star reviews!
"This is the best multipurpose appliance!" said a reviewer. "To begin with, it's easy to use — use one side or the other. I normally program my carafe side the night before so my coffee is ready in the morning. ... The single-serve, or K-Cup, side works great."
- Two brewing options
- Can brew pods or regular grounds
- Large footprint
Brew capacity: 14 ounces | Pod compatibility: Hamilton Beach or after market | Size: 7.49 x 11.25 x 15 inches
If you're the only coffee drinker in the household, then consider the FlexBrew Single-Serve. It brews either regular ground coffee or a coffee pod, and its compact profile makes it an easy fit in any kitchen.
The size of the FlexBrew Single-Serve is perfect for many coffee drinkers, including this happy shopper: "I never wanted a K-Cup coffeemaker, [but] when I saw this one I was intrigued. The size is smaller, and it is flexible for making my favorite coffee or using K-Cups. I LOVE it. One feature I like is that you empty the reservoir each time you brew. The coffee grounds insert comes with the appliance, as does the K-Cup insert. Can't say enough good things about this product!"
- Reusable pods
- Noisy when brewing
Brew capacity: 40 ounces | Pod compatibility: Cuisinart | Size: 9.33 x 11.03 x 12.13 inches
The stainless steel Cuisinart SS-10P1 lets you make one cup of joe at a time with any brand of single-cup pods. Bonus: This machine comes with a HomeBarista reusable filter cup, which can be used for coffee or tea.
"I love this coffeemaker!" says one of 10,000-plus five-star fans. "I've had two now, one of the previous models for nearly six years and then this newer version. ... I REALLY like this unit's features. For one reason, we drink different brands of coffee, which is what makes single-serve coffeemakers so convenient. For another, I love the added convenience of this particular single-serve for the fact that I don't have to wait for the water to heat up as I do with other brands. You just turn it on, pop in the pod, press the brew button and it INSTANTLY starts brewing without the wait for the water to heat. HELLO, who wouldn’t love that feature?!"
- Large water reservoir
- Some say the water isn't very hot
Brew capacity: 12 cups | Pod compatibility: Cuisinart or traditional coffee filter | Size: 10.13 x 10.38 x 14.25 inches
Cuisinart's SS-15P1 allows you the flexibility of brewing either a pod or your own ground coffee. The carafe brewer serves up to 12 cups of coffee, while the single-serve brewer makes 6, 8 or 10 ounces.
"I've had many coffeemakers over the years, and this is by far the best," said a five-star reviewer. "I love this machine and have not found any issues in the few weeks I've had it. I generally make a pot of coffee in the morning and use the single-serve in the afternoon or evening. I have used several types of coffee, and each one tastes great. It is easy to use and clean. Very happy with this."
- Has traditional and single-serve brewing options
- Takes up a lot of space
Factors to consider when choosing a single-serve coffee maker
If you want a pod coffeemaker for speed and convenience, look for high-quality machines that offer fast brew speeds and are easy to operate and clean. Nespresso machines tend to have better-tasting coffee (some say the resulting coffee is a decent espresso replacement), while Keurig tends to have a much greater variety of blends and coffee brands.
That said, while these machines are high-end, don't expect the best coffee you've ever had. These pod machines tend to sacrifice coffee taste in favor of ease of use. A coffee lover with higher standards should look for a great drip-coffee machine instead with more versatility and brew settings for a freshly ground cup.
Single-serve coffee maker FAQs
What are single-serve coffeemakers?
A pod coffeemaker is essentially a machine that makes coffee after you simply pop in a prepurchased "pod" of ground coffee. Add fresh water to the reservoir never exceeding tank capacity, add the pod in the appropriate place and press start.
What size drinks can pod coffeemakers make?
They can make them in 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces.
Why do people like single-serve coffeemakers?
As you might imagine, a pod coffeemaker tends to brew coffee a lot faster than a traditional drip brewer. What might take five minutes can often require just one or two minutes of brew time with the best pod coffee machine. When you're in a rush, those few minutes are very valuable! Plus, cleanup tends to be easier too. Instead of having to deal with messy coffee grounds, coffee grinders or french presses, you can just toss the used capsules like you would a paper filter. Keep in mind, these single-serve pod makers specialize in hot coffee, so iced coffee and cold brew lovers will have to get their fix elsewhere or with a specialty pod coffee maker.
Do coffee pods expire?
If you tend to buy your single-use pods in bulk, don't worry, as coffee pods will remain safe to drink long after their expiration dates. They're hermetically sealed, after all, which helps reduce the chance of bacteria growth and mold. Their overall taste and flavor might diminish over time, but they won't make you sick.
Can coffee pods be recycled?
It depends. All Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules are recyclable, as they're made out of plastic or aluminum. However, recycling them might take a bit more effort than one might think. Recycling a K-Cup pod, for example, requires peeling off the foil top, emptying the grounds (those are always compostable!) and rinsing the pod before tossing it in the recycling bin. While Nespresso capsules are also recyclable, not all towns recycle that specific type of aluminum. That's why Nespresso has its own recycling program; you can return a spent coffee capsule to the company via prepaid UPS shipping labels or to any Nespresso Boutique.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
