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Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to brew a whole pot of coffee. In those moments, single-serve coffee makers are the perfect solution. While pricey (and somewhat wasteful) pod coffee machines might first come to mind, they’re not the only appliance that fits the bill. From cheap, pour-over coffee makers to multifunction machines that can grind and brew coffee, there’s an option for almost every coffee drinker.
Just like any coffee brewing device, the best single-serve coffee makers are a pleasure to use and reliably brew a good cup of coffee. Their main draw is their convenience, with many models capable of making hot coffee and sometimes lattes, cappuccinos, and other drinks with the touch of a button. A few options take a bit more effort, but they’re ideal for those who enjoy the coffee-making process and want more control of their brew.
Read on for the best single-serve coffee makers to craft the perfect cup of Joe.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe
Photo: amazon.comThe Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe is a popular pick for anyone who wants consistently good coffee with almost no effort. Its one-touch brewing system automatically adjusts size, temperature, and pressure based on the capsule, producing reliable coffee or espresso every time. An automatic opening and capsule-eject feature adds convenience, and the adjustable 60-ounce water reservoir helps it fit easily on most countertops.
Get the Nespresso single-serve coffee maker at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Nespresso.
Ninja Single Serve Coffee Maker
Photo: AmazonThe Ninja PB051 makes it easy to brew a single cup exactly the way you like it. It uses either K-Cup pods or your favorite coffee grounds and you can choose from four brew styles (Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty) and sizes up to a 24-oz travel mug. It also features a built-in frother for quick lattes and coffeehouse-style drinks at home.
Black+Decker Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comSingle-serve coffee machines have a reputation for being pricey, but that’s not always the case, especially with a simple, no-frills model like this coffee maker from Black+Decker. It works like a mini drip machine, using a removable brew basket with a reusable mesh filter to minimize waste, though it’s also compatible with soft coffee pods. A 16-ounce travel mug is included for on-the-go use, and the dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easy—making this pick ideal for anyone wanting convenience at a low price.
Get the Black+Decker single-serve coffee maker at Amazon or Wayfair.
Mueller French Press Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comAnother old-fashioned alternative, this Mueller French press coffee maker is a manual option that’s great for brewing single cups. Dishwasher safe and shatterproof, it’s made entirely of double-layered stainless steel that’s designed to keep coffee hot 60 minutes longer than thin steel or glass models—yet it features a cool-touch handle to keep you safe. The 34-ounce capacity and four-layer filtration system let you brew one or several grounds-free cups, and it’s also handy for tea, hot chocolate, cold brew coffee, or frothing milk. It even comes with a travel canister that holds up to two mugs’ worth of coffee grounds.
Get the Mueller single-serve coffee maker at Amazon, Walmart, or Mueller.
Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comLooking for a drip coffee maker on a smaller scale? This Hamilton Beach model is a useful and attractive option, made of metal for a more durable, upscale look. It takes coffee grounds and uses a reusable mesh brew basket with a handle that doubles as a scoop—no paper filters or pods required. You can choose regular or bold brew strength, and the 40-ounce removable reservoir means you don’t need to refill for every cup. A flip-up cupholder also accommodates travel mugs up to 7 inches tall.
Get the Hamilton Beach single-serve coffee maker at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Hamilton Beach.
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comAs a pour-over coffee maker, this product from Bodum brings it back to basics—but in an elevated way. It uses a permanent plastic and stainless steel mesh filter that’s dishwasher safe and eliminates paper waste while allowing more of the coffee’s flavorful oils to come through. It also features durable construction with a non-absorbent borosilicate glass carafe that fits the coffee filter perfectly and a heat-resistant cork handle that makes pouring safe and comfortable.
Get the Bodum single-serve coffee maker at Amazon or Bodum.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comWhile standard dual coffee makers can brew both single cups and full pots, the Ninja Specialty coffee maker offers an impressive six brew size options. It includes a removable water reservoir to support larger batches and takes grounds instead of pods to reduce waste. You can choose between four coffee styles—classic, rich, specialty, and iced coffee—to make a wide range of drinks. And best of all, it comes with a built-in foldaway frother that lets you froth hot or cold milk without adding another appliance.
Get the Ninja single-serve coffee maker at Amazon or Walmart.
Instant Dual Pod Plus Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comThe Instant Dual Pod Plus coffee maker is ideal for homes with a range of coffee preferences. It works with Keurig K-Cup pods, Nespresso capsules, and even comes with a reusable pod for ground coffee. Adjustable brew strength and cup size let you tailor every drink, from quick single-serves to café-style beverages. In terms of convenience, this coffee maker is also travel-mug-friendly, and the removable 68-ounce water reservoir makes refilling a less frequent chore.
Get the Instant single-serve coffee maker at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Keurig K-Compact Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comIn small apartments and cramped kitchens, a compact single-serve machine is a perfect use of space—and this Keurig is an easy pick for its quick, under-a-minute brew time. Measuring 12.5 inches tall by 8.2 inches wide by 13.2 inches deep, it delivers hot and tasty coffee without taking over the counter, yet the removable drip tray still fits travel mugs 7 inches tall or less. This model takes K-Cup pods (and compatible options), offers 6-, 8-, and 10-ounce cup sizes, and has a 36-ounce water reservoir that allows for several brews before refilling.
Read our full review: Keurig K-Compact Coffee Maker
Get the Keurig single-serve coffee maker at Amazon or Walmart.
Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.comIn homes or offices that go through a lot of coffee, it makes sense to choose a large-capacity machine. Even if it’s pouring single servings, that means less time spent refilling the water reservoir. As the biggest model on this list, the Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker has a removable 72-ounce water reservoir—though that’s not all we like about it. It’s also user-friendly, compatible with Keurig K-Cup pods, and includes a reusable brewing basket. You can choose from five cup sizes, adjust the brewing temperature, or use the hot-water button for a quick tea or hot chocolate.
Get the Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Cuisinart.