The Time Has Come To Expand Your Single Serve Coffee Maker Options

Single Serve Coffee Makers Comparison

single pod coffee maker-serve coffee machines are ideal for quick cups or cold brew. They may use pre-packaged coffee pods or reusable filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who like customization will want an appliance that can make a full pot of espresso or drip coffee shots. Many of these machines address the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods using reusable or recyclable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite is a stunning machine that has exquisite finishes and programmable functions. It's among the most versatile Keurigs in terms the types of coffee it can brew -it supports K-Cups ground coffee, K-Cups, and hot tea or chocolate. The large, reusable 72-ounce tank can make up to seven medium-sized cups before requiring refills. It's also compatible with reuseable K-Cup pods that can save you money over the long term.

It's easy to navigate even though it has more buttons than other Keurig. The top control panel includes an energy button, a settings button, up and down buttons for the menu, an "strong" button that is hot water and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. A large LCD with a color-coded display allows you to easily see when the machine requires a descale or refill.

The K-Elite, while one of our Keurigs we love however, it has some disadvantages. For example, it can be difficult to clean, because it doesn't have an adjustable drip tray, and the lid isn't secured. The spout could also cause splatters when using shorter travel cups.

In our Coffee Makers Test Program, we also tested the K-Elite and discovered that it performed well in a variety of categories. It scored higher than average for first-cup speed, temperature consistency, and repeat speed.

It was also the quickest to heat the water and brew the cup. And it was the least likely machine to make grounds. The K-Elite was not able to make a hotter cup than our top models. The iced coffee was less flavorful than its strong coffee. However, the K-Elite is a great option for those who want the convenience of one-serve coffee makers. It's available for purchase at numerous retailers, including Keurig's site, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. It's available for around $150. If you're looking to buy a lower-priced model it's the K-Classic is also worth a look. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite but not as much as some of our top picks.

2. BLACK+DECKER single serving coffee maker-Serve Coffee Maker

A single brew coffee-serve coffee maker gives you the convenience of a hot cup of coffee at any time. These machines are smaller, more compact and ideal for small kitchens or dorms. They can also make a variety coffee drinks, including espresso shots and lattes. They are simple to clean and use and make a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 could be one of the cheapest models on the market but it has some important attributes that are worth looking into. It has a permanent filter that works with both ground coffee and soft coffee pods. It also has an automatic shut-off feature that helps save energy and water. It takes just a few just a few minutes to make a single cup of coffee and comes with a thermal travel mug that is compatible with most standard car cup holders (though you can use your own mug if you prefer).

In our tests, we observed that the BLACK+DECKER can make an excellent cup of coffee in less than half the amount of time it took to produce the average model. It also has programmable functions that are usually reserved for higher-end models like auto-start.

Its sleek, retro style is a perfect option for those who like an elegant look that is coordinated with other kitchen appliances, and its lightweight construction and water tank that is removable makes it easy to move. Our testers found it simple to operate, with an intuitive digital control panel and menu that was easy to follow even for those with no previous experience using a single-serve coffee machine. The brew speed in our tests was average and the machine didn't attain 195degF in five or six minutes, which is the industry standard for optimum flavor. The brew temperatures were also higher than other models we tried and could result in overheated coffee or burnt grounds. Despite these issues the CM618 is still a great choice for those on a limited budget who wish to brew K-Cup pods as well as their own ground coffee.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are a bit different from K-Cup or Keurig machines because they use only the brand's own espresso and coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machines into two categories: VertuoLine and Original. VertuoLine machines are designed to create larger milk and coffee recipes, including cappuccinos and lattes. Since they're meant to be used in tandem with Nespresso's reusable and sustainable capsules, Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine models.

The VertuoLine Nespresso XP371 features four different sizes of drink and smart capsule detection and the centrifusion brewing technique. It is modern and sleek design as well as a removable 37-ounce tank of water. It is user-friendly and features an automatic system that ejects pods that are used in a container integrated into the machine. It takes about 15 to 20 seconds to heat up and will shut down after nine minutes.

In our tests, we found that the XP371 was an excellent cup. It made a great cup of coffee that had an excellent crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. However it was slower than other models to make. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee which was the third slowest of our tests. This isn't an issue, but if you are used to making coffee quickly in the morning, this could be a problem.

Overall the NespressoXP371 is an excellent choice for espresso and coffee lovers who wish to cut back on waste. Its design is more elegant than other pod brewers. It's also compatible with Nespresso capsules which are more sustainable. However the VertuoLine XP371's hefty price tag and dependence on proprietary capsules could be a turn off for buyers who are interested in buying.

If you don't have the money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker, but want to experience the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, we suggest you check out our review of disposable cups. You can also use one cup coffee machines of our favorite 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 due to its convenient features, and many other models don't have them. Its price tag is also quite reasonable for a product of its quality and has an elegant design. However, some users have reported this model as a possible fire risk, and this is something you should be aware of when you're considering purchasing it.

This fully automatic coffeemaker is programmable for 24 hours. You can set it up to make four cups or 12 at a time, or one cup or four cups. The carafe features thermal design and permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter as well as charcoal filter eliminate impurities, which enhances the flavor of the brew. The "Brew Pause", which interrupts the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour a cup. The self-cleaning feature helps keep the tank free of impurities.

The controls on this coffee maker are equally spaced and clearly labeled and easy to identify what each button does at a glance. Other features include an automatic shutoff and drip-free spout that has Knuckleguard. This coffee maker is also extremely user-friendly and its stainless steel finish brushed is stunning on the counter.

However, some customers have reported that the permanent gold tone wire mesh filter to be difficult to clean, and this may be an issue for those who prefer paper filters. In addition, some have complained that they are unable to get the reservoir to fill up correctly due to an issue with the design that pushes water through a tiny opening in the back of the machine, and into the filter.

Some users have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills water and coffee grounds everywhere it is running, however it appears to be not a common occurrence. This is a great coffee maker if you want a basic model that has many features that are convenient at an affordable price.