If you love coffee as much as I do, you'll know there's no better way to start the day or improve the afternoon than to sit down with a gorgeous cup of your favorite. To get that, you don't necessarily need to splash out on one of the best espresso machines on the market, as excellent as they are. Some of my favorite coffee makers are simpler, single-serve coffee makers.
What is a single-serve coffee machine? As the name suggests, it's a coffee maker designed to make just one cup of coffee at a time. That means you don't have a jug of coffee getting bitter on a hot plate or, worse, going cold on you: you get a single cup, freshly made, whenever you want one.
There are several benefits to single-serve coffee makers. Because they're usually simpler, they're typically cheaper to buy. And because they're not expected to make coffee for an army, they're usually much smaller than other coffee machines, too—so they take up much less counter space.
There are some exceptions—you'll find some premium and quite large machines among my picks here—but as a rule, if you're short of cash or space, then single-serve is the way to go.
This isn't our only guide to great coffee machines: you'll find some overlap between the coffee makers I've chosen here and our picks of the best coffee makers. But I'm focused on single-serve machines, whether pod-based or ground coffee, for this guide. If you're looking for the best single-serve coffee maker for your kitchen, you'll find it here.
The quick list
Below, I’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.
The best single serve coffee maker overall
This intuitive and effortless coffee maker delivers one-touch brewing and automatic milk frothing.
The best cheap single serve coffee maker
The AeroPress XL is a premium coffee maker that doubles the capacity of the original while offering different brewing styles and easy cleaning.
The best premium single serve coffee maker
For a premium model that won't disappoint when it comes to flavour, quality and customization, don't overlook the bean-to-cup De'Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Espresso Machine.
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The best single serve coffee maker with grinder
Highly customizable, this coffee machine is perfect for those who want the freedom to adjust their brewers’ settings to their liking. The Tchibo also tells users when it needs to be maintained, so it's easy to use and maintain in the long run.
The best single serve K-Cup coffee maker
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker brews coffee hot and iced with the click of a button. It has five different cup sizes, so you can control the size of your single serve—perfect if you want a choice.
The best compact single serve coffee maker
Being short on counter space doesn’t mean you must give up on barista-style coffee. The Nespresso Essenza Mini doesn’t have fancy or sophisticated features, but it will brew you an espresso or lungo at the touch of a button.
The best smart single serve coffee maker
For just $200, the Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker will help you to get barista-standard coffee every single day. Its smart features also simplify the brewing process.
The best single serve coffee maker for lattes
For a single serve machine that'll help you achieve the perfect latte, the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima fits the bill. The sleek pod machine has great milk-frothing capabilities, and it's easier to use than a bean-to-cup machine.
The best single serve and carafe coffee maker
The Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker is an elegant, compact, and versatile coffee machine with WiFi capabilities and a mobile app.
The best single serve iced coffee maker
The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a sleek and versatile machine with a touchscreen control panel and good coffee quality, but it's pricey with limited pod options.
The best single serve coffee makers I recommend in 2024
Our team has thoroughly reviewed the products featured in our buyer's guides. We strive to provide comprehensive and unbiased rankings based on our hands-on testing and expert research. Our evaluations consider top-rated brands and essential features to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions at the best value.
The best single serve coffee maker overall
✅ You want a sturdy machine: Its stainless steel finish and barista-style steam wand make it look and feel like a professional-grade coffee machine.
✅ You're a beginner: It's perfect for those who want a quick and easy caffeine fix without having time grinding beans or cleaning up messy grounds.
✅ You want a milky drink: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista produces high-quality coffee with a rich and creamy crema.
❌ You're serious about your coffee: If you like to fine-tune your coffee to your exact preferences, this machine may not be the best choice for you.
❌ You're on a budget: At $749, the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is significantly more expensive than other Nespresso machines and capsule-based coffee systems in the market.
❌ You're worried about cost over time: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which are more expensive than other coffee capsules.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista offers intuitive one-touch brewing and automatic milk frothing, but it’s expensive and bulky. ★★★★★
If you're a fan of capsule coffee machines, you can't do much better than the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista.
Design: The Vertuo Creatista boasts a sleek, modern design that exudes elegance. However, it does take up a significant amount of space on your countertops, almost as much as bean-to-cup espresso machines, which speaks volumes about its size. Thanks to the stainless steel finish, it looks premium and professional, and the barista-style steam wand adds to its appeal.
The design is a testament to the attention to detail paid during its creation. You'll notice the generous finger loop that allows the steam wand to be tilted upwards and the indent for your hand at the base of the removable water container. The overall design is smooth, sleek, and well-considered, with no clunky elements.
Performance: Brewing coffee with the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is incredibly simple. The only challenging part is selecting the right capsule. Once you've chosen, slide the lever on top to the right to unlock the brew head and lift it. Insert the capsule in the slot, push the brew head down on top, and slide the lever back into the lock position. Then, all left to do is press the button with a cup symbol, and your coffee will be ready. It takes about a minute to heat up initially, but it's good to go afterward. The machine can make a single espresso in just 55 seconds or a double in 75 seconds.
Value: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is the cheapest Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine at $749, three times more than cheaper Nespresso models. It's available from Nespresso, Amazon, and independent retailers. Nespresso Vertuo capsules cost $0.98 per capsule, with varying prices based on size and type.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Very expensive, premium product | 6/10 |
| Design | Sleek design and good features | 10/10 |
| Performance | Good quality coffee but can't rival an espresso machine | 8/10 |
The best cheap single serve coffee maker
✅ You want something versatile: This coffee maker can make anything from an Americano to a cold brew.
✅ You like a clean taste: The paper filters used in the AeroPress XL help eliminate grit and produce a cleaner taste than a French press.
✅ You're on a tight budget: The AeroPress XL is priced competitively.
❌ You're tight on space: While the AeroPress XL is still easy to use and store, it may not be ideal for those with limited counter space.
❌ You can't get the filters: The AeroPress XL requires proprietary paper filters, which may not be readily available in all areas.
❌ You want something stylish: Its utilitarian design may not appeal to those looking for a more aesthetically pleasing appliance.
🔎 The AeroPress XL is a premium coffee maker that doubles the original brewing capacity while retaining all its features. It offers versatility in brewing styles, is easy to clean, and is durable. However, it's more expensive and less portable and requires patience and precision to master. ★★★★½
The AeroPress XL is a premium coffee maker that offers different brewing styles and doubles the original brewing capacity while retaining all its features.
Design: The AeroPress XL has a higher brew volume than the AeroPress Clear, with a chamber made of semi-transparent black plastic. The plunger, coffee scoop, stirrer, and cap are also black plastic, while the carafe is Tritan shatterproof plastic. The XL can hold up to 20 oz / 590 ml of coffee and measures 18in / 45cm at its tallest. Despite its larger size, it remains easy to use and store. While it may not be the most stylish appliance, it offers simplicity and substance, making it a great addition to any coffee lover's collection.
Performance: The AeroPress XL promises the taste of an espresso machine with the precision of a pour-over and the ease of a French press. The filter sits inside the plastic cap, which is then locked at the bottom of the chamber. The coffee grounds and water are added to the chamber and left to steep for up to three minutes before the plunger is pushed into the top.
The AeroPress consistently produces coffee that is cleaner in taste and appearance than a French press. The paper filters are fantastic at getting rid of grit and helping you control the flow of coffee into the carafe. The AeroPress has a 3-in-1 brewing process – immersion, aeration, and pressure. The Americano is the easiest to master. The cold brew produced in the AeroPress was surprisingly full-bodied. The latte claims are a little misleading. The AeroPress XL is easy to clean, but proprietary XL paper filters are required.
Value: The coffee maker costs $69.99 and makes twice as much as the original AeroPress. It's in the same price range as high-end French press machines but still cheaper than the best espresso machines.
Read more: AeroPress XL review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Large amounts of great coffee made accessible | 8/10 |
| Design | Easy to use, easy to store even despite its larger size | 8/10 |
| Performance | Mixed results – some highly impressive, others a let down | 7/10 |
The best premium single serve coffee maker
✅ You are new to bean-to-cup machines: If you feel ready to delve into the world of coffee machines, this is a great place to start. The Bean Adapt Technology optimizes the brewing parameters based on the beans used.
✅ You like to vary your brews: This model can produce 30 standard hot and cold drinks, meaning you don’t have to drink the same brew every morning. The brew is also highly customizable.
✅ You like cold brews: The model also offers the option to make cold brew coffee, which is quite unusual for an automatic machine. On a hot day, this is a nice option.
❌ You are not interested in using smart features: If you prefer to brew coffee more manually, this machine is not for you.
❌ You drink the same coffee every day: If you’re happy to drink the same one or two drinks and don’t care for experimenting with style and flavor, you won’t need all the attachments and features.
❌ You are on a budget: This is one of the most expensive machines in this round-up, so if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to stay far away. The machine’s RRP is $1,799.99.
🔎 The De'Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Espresso Machine is a premium machine that’ll please novices and pros alike, with 13 grind settings, app compatibility, and cold brew extraction technology. ★★★★½
If you’re ready to invest in a premium bean-to-cup coffee machine, the De'Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Espresso Machine should be on your radar. Suited to pros and novices alike, our expert Victoria Woollaston found the touchscreen highly intuitive yet packed with customization options.
This combination is difficult, and the brand’s coffee-brewing expertise shines through.
Design: The De'Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Espresso Machine has key specs, including app compatibility, 13 grind settings, and cold brew extraction technology. As with many coffee machine designs, the six-cup water tank is on the right-hand side rather than awkwardly placed at the rear.
Victoria found the 3.5-inch display subtle but user-friendly. There are also two milk carafes for hot or cold milk foaming, although they're a bit bulky and best stored out of sight in the fridge when unused.
Performance: Victoria swiftly selected a drink and adjusted the size, intensity, temperature, and milk settings.
She liked that the machine automatically updates its settings for the next brew and that it has the option to assign them to a profile. The touchscreen also helpfully guided her through the brewing process, telling her which parts to connect.
The taste was consistently good; the Bean Adapt Technology optimizes the brewing parameters based on the bean type. Victoria found she couldn’t achieve as nuanced a flavor as with a semi-automatic machine, but the milk layer was creamy.
Value: The machine is aimed at coffee drinkers who expect quality, as the RRP is $1,799.99. However, considering its vast brewing capabilities, I reckon the price is justified.
Read more: De'Longhi Eletta Cappuccino Espresso Machine review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Premium price but justified by the clever features | 8/10 |
| Design | Looks and feels high-quality | 9/10 |
| Performance | Delicious customizable coffee with plenty of standard options | 9/10 |
The best single serve coffee maker with grinder
✅ You want to try different coffee bean varieties: Users have endless possibilities when trying different coffees.
✅ You don't want to generate waste: The Tchibo Machine’s bean-to-brew technology eliminates the need for coffee pods.
✅ You're looking for a highly customizable machine: The Tchibo Machine’s settings can be adjusted, e.g., the grinding degree.
❌ You're looking for a brewer that can steam or froth milk: The Tchibo Machine doesn’t incorporate milk frothing or steaming capabilities into its design.
❌ You don't want to deal with coffee grounds: You'll have to empty the used coffee grounds, which can be messy.
❌ You want to use pods too: This machine uses coffee beans only; if you want one that can use coffee beans and pods, consider a different machine.
🔎 The Tchibo Machine made our reviewer extremely happy with its ability to brew fresh, delicious coffee and that she could adjust the grind to make her coffee stronger or more aromatic. Its only drawback is the lack of milk frother. ★★★★★
The Tchibo Machine seriously impressed our reviewer when she tried it. Due to its impressive performance and adjustable elements, she didn't hesitate to give it five stars. She loved it and would eagerly recommend this model to others.
Design: Impressively, The Tchibo Machine fits on most kitchen countertops, occupying minimal space due to its streamlined dimensions of 12.4 x 7 x 15.6in (h x w x l) and a weight of 18.1 lbs.
The design of this coffee maker exudes elegance, featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces in a simple black and silver colorway. Another slick design feature is that the buttons (except for the power button discreetly placed on the side of the brewer) are invisible when the machine is turned off, contributing to its sleek and modern aesthetic - and they illuminate blue when turned on.
Performance: The Tchibo makes three different types of coffee: espresso (2 oz.), regular coffee (6 oz.), and large coffee (8 oz.), allowing for versatility, an asset to any household with members that have different coffee preferences.
The coffee spout is also adjustable to accommodate different cup sizes, and you can change the pre-sets for the water quantity to suit. The Tchibo Machine is also easy to clean and alerts you when it needs to be descaled; plus, it has other alerts for things like re-filling the water tank, adding more beans, or emptying the coffee ground container.
Value: The Tchibo is available on the manufacturer's website for $399.00, discounted from its usual price of $531.98. It is also available on Amazon for $399.00. This is a great price for a high-quality coffee maker, especially considering that some espresso machines cost up to $1,499.95.
Read more: The Tchibo Machine review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price is in line with similar brewers on the market and its high quality makes the price worth it too. | 10/10 |
| Design | Fits seamlessly on countertops, occupying minimal space and featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces. | 10/10 |
| Performance | Makes espresso and two different coffee sizes from bean to brew with one click of a button. | 10/10 |
The best single serve K-Cup coffee maker
✅ You like iced coffee: If you like iced coffee, you’ll like this coffee maker because there are different brewing options. From the strength and amount, you have full freedom over how you want your coffee made.
✅ You don’t want to constantly refill your water reservoir: For daily coffee drinkers, you might notice that you constantly need to refill your water reservoir. However, with the Keurig K-Elite, it’ll last you for several days since it’s so large (75 oz.)
✅ You like an intuitive coffee machine: With a limited number of buttons, including those clearly labeled, it’s easy to select the settings you want without hesitation.
❌ You want a more advanced coffee machine: Although it’s sleek and modern-looking, it can only brew hot and iced coffee. Unlike some of the brand’s other machines, it doesn’t offer the option to make lattes or cappuccinos.
❌ You’re looking to use a carafe: For some people, the ease of a coffee pod seals the deal. If you don’t envision yourself using coffee pods, then you won’t want to buy this machine, as it doesn’t have a carafe.
❌ You’re looking for fancy features (milk frothers, etc.): Although this machine does have some programmable settings, it doesn’t offer additional features for the coffee itself (milk frothers, steamers, etc.)
🔎 Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker has a small, sleek design and a large water reservoir. This machine is easy to use and clean, and it quickly brews either hot or iced coffee. While not the most advanced, it makes good coffee quickly and efficiently. ★★★★½
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker is a great choice for those looking for a pretty standard, reliable machine that's easy to use without all the bells and whistles. Here's how it measured up across the following categories, according to our reviewer:
Design: The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker has a 75-oz water reservoir, a drip tray, and a water filter. Its contemporary design makes it suitable for a modern kitchen while remaining functional and not occupying much space. The buttons can be seen from far away despite not being labeled, and they illuminate when selected for easy use. It is available in three colors: brushed silver, gold, and slate.
Performance: This machine offers a 'seamless' experience. Inserting your coffee pod and choosing your drink size—4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—is as simple as pressing a button. It's worth noting that the cup sizes aren't written on the buttons; they're indicated only by pictures, so for your first use, you may need to consult the user manual.
This machine also doesn't make a lot of noise when heating up and brewing, and it's easy to clean, as the only removable element is the water reservoir, which can be put through the dishwasher. It brews a good cup of coffee you can make to your taste by selecting the 'strong' button before brewing.
Value: The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker makes a high-quality, tasty cup of coffee in less than five minutes. Like other Keurig coffee machine models, it is very lightweight and modern. It's more basic but slightly more elevated than the Keurig K-Select.
That said, the K-Select is available at an approximate $30 cheaper price point, $69.99, on Keurig.com. If you're looking for a more elevated version, you'll want to check out the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker, which has five strengths and different temperature options.
Read more: Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Great value on Amazon and Keurig.com | 8/10 |
| Design | Chic modern design, perfect size for most kitchens. | 8/10 |
| Performance | Quick heating time, little noise, makes good coffee. | 8/10 |
The best compact single serve coffee maker
✅ You own a milk frother: The Nespresso Essenza only produces espressos, so you will need your milk frother to get the perfect frothy latte or cappuccino.
✅ You are efficient: There’s nothing difficult about using this Nespresso model, as there are two size options, and you only need to press one button to brew yourself an espresso.
✅ You don’t want to spend much: The machine only costs $179 from Amazon and other retailers, making it one of Nespresso’s most affordable pod machines. That means more money for groceries and other luxuries.
❌ You want to impress guests: While the machine is reliable, the design isn't very impressive. It's so compact that it might go unnoticed in your kitchen.
❌ You drink out of a tall glass or mug: There isn’t much space between the drip tray and dispenser, so if you drink out of tall glasses or mugs, you may have to fork out on a new set.
❌ You want more customisable settings: This coffee machine is as simple as it gets, with just two size settings. If you want to experiment with the size and strength of your coffee, look at a different model.
🔎 The Nespresso Essenza Mini is simple, affordable, and good at producing great-tasting coffee at the touch of a button. It’ll slot into a small space very easily, but you’ll need to invest in a separate milk frother if you drink lattes or other milky coffees ★★★★
The Nespresso Essenza Mini may be one of Nespresso’s simplest models, but it gets the job done. It is inexpensive and reliable, churning out great-tasting coffee at quite an impressive speed.
Design: The Essenza Mini is part of the Original range and is a compact machine, measuring only 4.3 inches wide and 12.8 inches deep. While it may not come in the most exciting colors, black, red, and green are available for those who prefer a machine that blends well with their kitchen decor.
With just the press of a button, you can brew an Espresso or Lungo (larger cup) using this machine. However, the 20.3 oz water tank is limited, so if you opt for Lungo, you'll need to refill it regularly. The bin can hold around five or six pods before it needs emptying. Unfortunately, milk coffee drinkers will need to froth or steam their milk separately, as no milk frother is included.
One thing to remember about the design is that very tall mugs or glasses may not fit due to the limited space between the drip tray and the dispenser. However, the drip tray and bin easily slide out of the machine, making maintenance straightforward.
Performance: The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a convenient coffee machine that is easy to use and clean and brews coffee quickly. It is perfect if you're looking for a simple and straightforward coffee experience. However, it has limited customization options, as it only offers two cup sizes: espresso and double espresso. If you want to make a larger cup of coffee, you'll need to add hot water or milk yourself. The drip tray is also small, which could be a problem if you're using a larger cup.
Value: The machine costs around $179 at Nespresso, Amazon, Wayfair, etc. Other brands have similar basic pod machines, which cost less than the Essenza Mini. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and VertuoPlus machines are also cheaper.
Read more: Nespresso Essenza Mini review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact design with just two size options. | 8/10 |
| Performance | A capable machine for espressos but the water tank needs refilling regularly. | 8/10 |
| Value | Inexpensive and good value for a simpler design. | 10/10 |
The best smart single serve coffee maker
✅ You want to make lattes: This pod machine will get the job done whether you like the occasional latte or drink milk coffee daily. The milk frother achieves a good level of foam, giving you something to look forward to daily.
✅ You don’t like to overcomplicate things: This simple pod machine is button-operated and incredibly easy to use. You don’t even need to grind coffee beans.
✅ You like a strong coffee: The ‘strong’ button will help you to achieve an earthier coffee, which is always handy if you occasionally crave a strong drink on a busy afternoon.
❌ You want to grind your beans: There is no way to grind your coffee beans using this machine, as it only takes K-Cups.
❌ You don’t drink milk coffee: Plenty of similar pod machines come without an integrated milk frother (and cost less). If you don’t like drinking milk coffee, you will save money by opting for a simpler design.
❌ You don’t have much counter space: The Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker is on the larger side, so if you live in a small apartment or already have over-crowded countertops, you may struggle to fit it into your space.
🔎 The Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a clever little thing. For just $200, it has smart features, an integrated milk frother, and the ability to make barista-like coffee in a few minutes. ★★★★½
The Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker may not be the sleekest or most premium machine. However, for just $200, it has plenty of smart features. Our expert, Casey Clark, found that it makes barista-like coffee in a few minutes flat.
Design: The Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker is larger than the standard Keurig machines but still fits nicely into Casey’s apartment. The machine only comes in a silver colorway, which can look a little outdated. However, it redeems itself with a generous 60-oz water reservoir, a drip tray to prevent stains, and an integrated milk frother.
It doesn’t have an LCD screen, so it’s not quite as elevated as premium machines, but Casey appreciated that the buttons lit up when selected. It can also make four different cup sizes (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz). Particular handy features include the ‘strong’ coffee button to get an earthier brew and the Auto-Off feature, which shuts the machine down when it’s not in use.
Performance: Casey found the model harder to use than most Keurig machines, mainly because there’s the additional step of using the milk frother. However, this helped to produce delicious lattes.
The water tank lid is also a bit unstable, although it’s generously sized and allows her to get 2-3 days’ worth of coffee per fill. The machine was noiseless when heating up and easy to maintain using a damp cloth and hand-washing.
Value: The Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker is available for $200 on the brand’s website and Amazon. This is a steal, as Casey reckons the dark, earthy coffee is nearly on par with shop-brought brews.
Read more: Keurig K-Café SMART Single-Serve Coffee Maker review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | An affordable price for a simple but reliable design | 10/10 |
| Design | A bit bulky but intuitive to use | 8/10 |
| Performance | Delicious coffee in less than three minutes | 10/10 |
The best single serve coffee maker for lattes
✅ You aren’t looking to grind your beans: Nespresso machines are known for their easy pod mechanisms. Very little effort is required to make a coffee, and you don’t need to spend any time grinding beans.
✅ You like creamy milk coffees: The Vertuo Lattissima has a milk frother, so you’re all set to create proper lattes and cappuccinos from home.
✅ You don’t want to think too much: The machine has auto pod recognition technology, so once you’ve selected your pod, it will adjust the brew settings accordingly. All you need to do is use the correct cup size and add milk if needed.
❌ You want control over the brew temperature: Many machines offer you the chance to adjust temperature settings. However, the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima does not have this feature.
❌ You want to store it under cabinets: To insert a pod, you must take the lid off the latch. As it opens upwards, you may find that you don’t have enough space if your cabinets are low-hanging.
❌ You hate cleaning fiddly parts: The milk carafe has six separate pieces, so taking them apart and putting them back together can be annoying.
🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is available for a respectable $499. Professional-looking, it delivers delicious lattes every time, with the help of auto pod recognition technology and a well-designed milk frother. ★★★★½
Looking for that one easy-to-use pod machine that’ll help you get the perfect latte? The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, tested by our resident expert Olivia Bevan, produced delicious lattes and cappuccinos time and time again.
Design: The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima is equipped with auto pod recognition technology. This technology reads a unique barcode on the Vertuo pods before automatically configuring the brewing settings based on the pod type. This is invaluable when introduced to a busy morning routine where every second counts.
Having used Nespresso machines, Olivia found the design large and heavy. The machine has a detachable milk frothing carafe, which fits on at the front, and a spacious water tank, which goes at the back. As the lid lifts to reveal the pod receptacle, you can’t place it under low-hanging cabinets.
Performance: Olivia found the machine incredibly easy to use. After a few weeks of testing, her coffee routine required little thought. The machine only takes 2-3 minutes to pour the coffee, so the main thing to remember is to use the correct cup size for your pod.
There are three buttons for selecting the milk settings: latte, cappuccino, or hot foam. However, the coffee temperature cannot be controlled.
The machine doesn’t require much cleaning except for the occasional emptying and wiping down of the drip tray and pod compartment. The milk carafe has six separate pieces, so taking them apart and putting them back together can be a little annoying.
Value: The model costs $499 directly from Nespresso. It’s also available from Best Buy, Amazon, and De’Longhi, where it is often discounted. For what you get, the price seems just right.
Read more: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | A little expensive for a pod machine | 8/10 |
| Design | Looks great and includes an excellent milk frother | 8/10 |
| Performance | Delicious espressos and milk coffees with little effort required | 10/10 |
The best single serve and carafe coffee maker
✅ You like the elegant design: The coffee maker has an elegant and functional design with a removable water tank that's easy to fill and empty.
✅ You're looking for versatility: The coffee maker's controls are simple yet versatile, allowing users to adjust temperature, strength, and grind size.
✅ You value solid performance: It has a display panel that provides real-time status updates during the brewing cycle.
❌ You hate mess: The brew basket sometimes leaks when opened immediately after the brew cycle.
❌ You're on a budget: The Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker is more expensive than other coffee makers with similar features.
❌ You're worried about noise: The coffee maker is quite noisy while grinding the beans, which could disturb some users, especially if you plan to use it early in the morning or late at night.
🔎 The Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker boasts a beautiful design, a built-in coffee grinder, and the ability to brew single-serve or carafe coffee. It's SCA Gold Cup certified and allows for adjustments. However, it's not for those who want something simple or don't want to take extra steps. ★★★★½
Looking for a coffee maker with an elegant design, a built-in grinder, and versatile controls? Check out the Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker.
Design: Our reviewer used the Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker for four months. The coffee maker arrived securely packed in a large cardboard box, with all the components well-protected from damage. Its design is elegant and functional, with a removable water tank that's easy to fill and empty. The coffee maker includes a charcoal water filter and a descaling function.
Its controls are simple yet versatile, allowing users to adjust temperature, strength, and grind size. The coffee maker is compact and available in three finishes with copper accents. It also has WiFi capabilities and a mobile app for customization and scheduling.
Performance: After unpacking the coffee maker, our tester washed all the parts and inserted the charcoal water filter into the reservoir. The coffee maker has a display panel that provides real-time status updates during the brewing cycle. They tested the coffee maker with ground coffee beans and pre-ground coffee, which worked perfectly fine. One feature they liked was the GRIND OFF button on the display, which allowed them to bypass the grinder function and use pre-ground coffee in the brew basket.
However, the brew basket sometimes leaks when opened immediately after the brew cycle, so they left it closed for several hours until the filter was slightly damp and didn't leak. If they forget any steps, the coffee maker also displays helpful messages on the control panel, such as Add Water, Empty Brew Basket, and Add Beans.
Value: The Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker is sold for $329 at Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and other retailers. Occasionally, it goes on sale for $299.
Read more: Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker review
The best single serve iced coffee maker
✅ You like to have choices: This coffee maker offers a range of brew options, making it an excellent choice for those who want to customize their coffee according to their preference.
✅ You want something easy to use: The touchscreen control panel and fast brew time make the Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer very user-friendly.
✅ You want a sleek-looking appliance: The machine is well-built and looks great on any kitchen counter.
❌ You're unsure about B-Pods: The proprietary B-Pods are expensive, and the variety of options is not as extensive as other coffee makers.
❌ You want a milk frother: The lack of a built-in milk frother or steamer makes it challenging to create specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
🔎 The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a sleek and easy-to-use pod machine that produces tasty coffee and espresso in under two minutes. It has a touch screen for customization, but the app isn't very useful. On the downside, there's a limited selection of pods available, and it can only brew up to 12oz ★★★★½
The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a fantastic single-serve iced coffee maker with versatility and user-friendliness. With its sleek design and intuitive touchscreen control panel, this coffee machine offers a range of brew options, making it an excellent choice for espresso fans who like to customize their coffee.
Design: The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a sturdy and stylish machine with a user-friendly touchscreen control panel. It offers various brew options, although some may be restricted depending on your pod type. The machine is a tad bulky compared to standard drip coffee makers, but it remains easy to handle. It employs B-Pods, similar in size to K-Cups but with fewer options and a higher price tag. Unfortunately, the machine does not include a milk frother or steamer, making it less appealing to those who enjoy specialty drinks. However, you can always purchase a milk frother separately.
Performance: Our reviewer likes the coffee from this machine. There are many options for brew sizes and styles, and using it is a breeze—all you have to do is insert a coffee B-Pod and let the machine do the rest. The brewing process is fast and surprisingly quiet, and it can even make espresso shots. While our tester didn't find the app particularly useful, it's neat to be able to keep track of your brews.
Value: The Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer is a great coffee maker, but it's expensive and has limited B-Pod options. The Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker is a solid pick for a cheaper alternative. If you want to brew more than just single cups, the Ninja Dual Brew Pro is a great choice. But, if you want to make coffee house drinks, the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is the way to go, although it's more expensive than the Bruvi.
Read more: Bruvi BV-03 Black Coffee Brewer review
How to choose the best single serve coffee maker for you
If you're here reading this, you're likely searching for a brand-new coffee maker, and you want quality and value for money. To help you decide if a single-serve coffee machine is the right choice for you, it's worth considering these things first:
What type of coffee do you like to use?
If you prefer drip filter coffee, which you can make lots of, keep warm, and go back to for more whenever you want, then a single-serve machine isn't the right choice for you. However, it is perfect if you prefer to use pods for quick espresso-style coffee.
If you're buying a coffee maker for the first time and have no preference over a carafe or pods, I would recommend the Keurig K-Duo, as this machine gives you the choice of using a carafe AND pods - the best of both worlds. Whatever you prefer, it's worth noting that multi-feature models with a carafe and take pods will be more expensive than most single-serve machines, but you are paying for that freedom of choice.
Do you prefer to grind your beans?
While coffee pods are great, a built-in grinder for fresh coffee beans is a great idea if you prefer to buy whole beans and grind them for that real barista experience. Remember how messy grinding at home can be and how to dispose of those coffee grounds afterward properly. There are many ways to reuse coffee grounds; they also make amazing compost and insect repellent.
What size coffee maker is right for you?
If you want coffee quickly, a smaller single-serve machine that heats up faster and makes a single cup the quickest will be perfect. Also, the smaller the machine, the fewer parts it has to clean.
Consider if you want other 'fancier' features
Some people want a straightforward coffee maker that'll pour out a nice hot espresso—simple as that. However, it's good to think about whether you'd prefer more advanced features, such as a timer to start brewing your early morning coffee ready for when you wake up. Or 'Auto-Pause' controls so you don't have to wait for the machine to finish brewing to grab a coffee mid-brew. Do you want accessories like a steam wand or milk frother to create lattes and cappuccinos?
All these things are worth considering, as they can often affect the price.
Best single serve coffee makers FAQs
How do single serve coffee makers work?
In filter-based drip coffee machines, pre-ground coffee is added into a compartment; sometimes, the machine comes with a built-in grinder for the beans. After water is added to the reservoir, the coffee machine heats it before slowly feeding it through the ground coffee. Some machines let you vary this drip rate, going slower to create a stronger blend. The coffee drips out into the jug/carafe, which usually sits on a hot plate, to ensure that liquid gold stays hot or directly into your mug, as with drip-style single-serve machines.
Most single serve coffee makers are pod-only machines, but a few use either or both methods. With disposable pods, it's a similar process as above, only at high pressure and producing a smaller amount of espresso-style coffee. Always remember to recycle used pods.
How much do single serve coffee makers cost?
Depending on the brand, make, and model, single-serve coffee makers can easily range in price from as low as $50 to more than $200; it all depends on the level of functionality you want from your coffee machine. Even the more affordable single-serve machines still produce excellent coffee and offer enough features to make them a great addition to your kitchen, not to mention save you money on buying takeout coffee.
It's worth considering costs when choosing between a pod machine and one that uses ground coffee. Pods can be quite pricey over time, especially if you sign up for a monthly subscription, so that's worth considering.
When is the best time to buy a single-serve coffee maker?
Shopping holidays and events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are great times to buy single-serve coffee makers. Retailers often offer substantial discounts during these events, which means you can also get great deals on coffee machines during the holidays.
Watch out for seasonal sales throughout the year. Back-to-school sales in late summer and spring cleaning in March and April often include discounts on kitchen appliances, like coffee makers. During these times, retailers want to attract shoppers so they can offer great deals.
If you're open to buying a previous model, waiting for these launches can lead to excellent savings on reliable machines. When new models come out, older models typically see price reductions. Brands also often offer special offers, including discounts or bundles that include coffee pods with the purchase of a single-serve coffee maker.
How we test the best single serve coffee makers for this guide
Even though testing coffee makers is fun, we take it seriously so that we can provide reliable feedback and information to help you make the best purchasing decisions possible.
To do this, our experts take a couple of weeks to test each coffee maker thoroughly we review. This gives them enough time to set up the machine, clean it before use, and select coffees to see how it performs. Our reviewing criteria focus on ease of set-up, the settings and functions, cleaning/maintenance, and (most importantly) how the coffee tastes.
If the reviewer uses the coffee maker for more than a few weeks, we test for longevity, like how it descales and maintains itself. It is important to know how to look after your machine in the long run.
Find out more about how we test coffee makers, plus other appliances and yard tools.
