The average American drinks up to three cups of coffee a day, but that doesn't mean you want all of your servings up front. When all you need is a single cup of joe, you'll want one of these single serve coffee makers to do the job.
Here are our picks for the best single serve coffee makers in 2022.
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Features:30 included capsules Eco-mode setting Brews up to 14oz at a time
Nespresso pulls out all of the stops with its popular Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine. Its silver design incorporates buttons for control, offering simple one-touch brewing with three different settings for your choice of espresso, alto, or coffee. You can even save your favorite settings, and warm-up time is just 25 seconds before you can begin brewing.
Nespresso's Centrifusion technology delivers authentic-tasting espresso and coffee, automatically adjusting itself to brew the best drink possible based on your beverage of choice. There are dark and medium roast options that are available in three intensities: 6, 7, and 8.
The machine uses its exclusive Vertuo capsule technology that works much like K-Cups, brewing up to 14oz at a time. Thirty capsules are included, and then you will need to purchase more to continue enjoying your machine. A descaling reminder lets you know when it is time to rid your machine of calcium and mineral build-ups. For those looking to go green, this machine is environmentally-friendly, too, thanks to an eco-mode setting that automatically turns the machine off after nine minutes.
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Features:Brew up to 24oz 2-minute brewing process Included tote bag
The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Makeraccommodates both American- and espresso-style coffees -- without any of the bitterness or acidity that can come with other machines. The microfilters are efficient in removing grit from your brew, and its signature rapid, total immersion brewing process takes just two minutes. When you don't have a ton of time to spare, this machine is a perfect solution.
Each press makes up to three cups, so it's a great fit for both single and two-person households. Made of phthalate-free and BPA-free materials, this coffee maker is designed for home use with clean-up that is fast and efficient, lasting just a few seconds. And everything you need comes in a convenient tote bag.
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Features:Brews up to 14oz Auto shutoff Spill-resistant drip tray
The Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Makercan brew 14 fluid-oz in less than 2.5 minutes. When you brew an 8oz cup, the brew time is cut down to just 90 seconds.
Included is a single-serve scoop designed using a mesh filter, allowing for greater versatility when brewing different coffee varieties. There is also a regular automatic drip option, or you can upgrade to a bold brew. The automatic shutoff is a convenient addition to keep the home safe, while the sleek stainless steel design is easy to clean and offers great durability. Plus, there's a spill-resistant drip tray to cut down on clean-up time and a built-in adjustable stand, which accommodates different cup sizes.
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Features:5 different cup sizes Brew up to 12 oz 3 color options
Keurig is a well-known name among coffee makers, offering several models that incorporate its exclusive K-Cup design. The K-Elite model's plastic construction is accented with brushed silver and features an oversized 75oz. water reservoir. There are five different cup sizes available, including 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12oz. sizes, plus convenient buttons that give you full control of the brew type, strength, and size. The brew button allows you to choose a bolder brew, while the iced setting is excellent for warmer days.
If you are in the mood for something different, like soup or oatmeal, the K-Elite has a hot water function that skips the brewing process altogether. The K-Elite is restricted to K-Cups and hot water, but if you purchase the additional Universal My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter, your machine can then accommodate coffee grounds, too.
The removable drip tray is a welcome convenience, holding an entire cup in case of over-brewing. However, your cup size is limited to 7.2 inches tall. Keurig also incorporates an exclusive maintenance notification that will remind you when it is time to descale and clean your K-Elite machine.
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The best single serve coffee maker is the Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machinesince it makes authentic-tasting espresso and coffee. It also automatically adjusts itself to brew the best drink possible based on your beverage of choice.
Single Serve Coffee Maker | Price | Brewing Capacity |
Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine | $194 | 14 oz |
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker | $45 | 24 oz |
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker | $53 | 14 oz |
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker | $130 | 12 oz |
Before purchasing a single serve coffee maker, it's important to consider a few factors, such as how many people will be using it daily, what type of coffee you prefer, and what price you're willing to spend. Any of the options on this list are great picks -- it just depends on what you are looking for and what kind of coffee drinker you are.
Choose this single serve coffee maker... | If you want... |
Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Machine | The best overall option |
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker | A single serve French press |
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker | A simple, single serve coffee maker with an automatic shutoff feature |
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker | To make single serve iced coffee |
While narrowing down our choices for the best single serve coffee makers, we considered these factors:
A single serve coffee maker is designed to brew coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate in smaller servings than the traditional coffee maker. The smaller brew size allows for ultra-quick brewing, plus many machines give you the option to customize and even save your preferred settings.
Single serve coffee makers are traditionally known for weaker blends, but today's best machines incorporate options that allow you to choose from stronger blends.
The cost of single serve coffee makers can vary significantly based on its size and features. Our picks for the best single serve coffee makers range in price from$32 to$200, so there's something available for every budget.
It's also important to consider any additional purchases that may be required to use your machine, such as Keurig's K-Cups and Nespresso's capsules.
A Keurig coffee maker is worth it if you need coffee fast and aren't too picky with how your coffee tastes and how it is brewed. However, a Keurig probably isn't for you if you prefer a specific kind of ground coffee or like your coffee brewed a certain way.
Keurig's also aren't too great for the environment because of their K-cups, but you can buy reusable K-cups that are more eco-friendly and let you put any coffee you want in.
In our search for the best single serve coffee makers, we came across some great options. These machines almost made our list: