Don’t know about you, but for me, convenience is one of the most important factors when it comes to brewing coffee. Maybe that’s why single-cup coffee machines have become so popular these days. But what’s the best single-serve coffee maker at the moment?
Based on average user rating, affordability and the overall number of reviews, the best single cup coffee maker is the Keurig K-Classic coffee maker (K55) .
This brewer has been the best selling single-cup coffee maker for a while now and it clearly stands out from the competition.
Another thing that I personally find quite appealing is the fact that the Keurig K55 pretty much always in stock on Amazon.
This means that Amazon sells it directly from their site all the time and they also ship it immediately.
Why is the Keurig K55 Unit The Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker?
Because it offers the perfect combination of price, availability, reputation and quality.
Not only that, but you can often find it under the number one spot among all products in the single-serve coffee maker section on Amazon.
Even more astonishing is the fact that the Keurig K55 has occupied the top in this segment for years now.
- Also read: Best coffee makers for home use
The reason for that is that it sells like hot bread and that’s because the K55 is the most optimal choice when it comes to buying a single-cup coffee machine.
Considering all the factors that I took into account when deciding on which single-serve coffee machine is the best, this why the Keurig K55 sits at the top in my opinion:
- It’s the best selling single-serve brewer for a while now
- Has a superb rating considering the gargantuan amount of reviews it has
- It’s one of the more affordable single cup coffee makers among the top 10
- Carries the impeccable reputation of the Keurig brand
Note that the Keurig K55 single-serve unit brews coffee in less than a minute!
The K55 also features a rather user-friendly design that’s simple yet modern and stylish.
It works with the well-known K-Cup coffee pods/capsules, courtesy of Keurig but you can use any K-Cup brand really.
There are even 3 different brew sizes that you can choose between. You can use all of the most widespread K-Cup sizes – 6, 8 and 10 oz.
Obviously, if you’re brewing coffee with the smallest 6 oz. K-Cup pod, you’ll make the strongest brew possible.
You can also fit a 7.1-inch travel mug under the K55 by simply detaching the removable drip tray!
There’s also a clever Auto-Off function that automatically turns off your Keurig if you haven’t used it in 2 hours.
And this will help you save energy, which is great for both the environment and your electricity bill.
Last but not least, this coffee maker has one behemoth of a removable water reservoir with a 48 oz. capacity.
This lets you prepare more than 6 cups of coffee, helping you save some time during those busy mornings.
What Are The Cons Of The Keurig K55 Single-Serve Coffee Machine?
- Lack of variable brew strength functionality
- Works with K-Cups only and these aren’t exactly cheap (and they’re not recyclable)
- 10 oz. is the largest cup size that the K55 can brew at a time
While every single product in existence (not just coffee makers) has certain cons, the cons of this Keurig unit are definitely forgivable.
But with that being said, if you look at the negative reviews of this coffee maker on Amazon, there seems to be a particular problem that stands out.
It seems to be related to the reliability or longevity of this single-serve coffee machine.
Even the customer review that’s listed as the Top Critical Review for the Keurig K55 does mention that a brewing problem occurred after several months of use.
Clearly, the user here reports that the pump most likely started failing.
This eventually resulted in a noisy and insufficient brewing.
Then again, based on my research and observations only a tiny number of all clients are unhappy with their K55 brewers.
In fact, more than half of all user-generated reviews seem to give this machine a top-rating.
So, you be the judge.
But if you ask me, even if it has some cons (which product doesn’t), the Keurig 55 single-serve coffee maker is still the top dog in its category.
Is The Keurig K55 The Best Single Cup K Cup Coffee Maker Then?
Yes, according to my personal opinion and based on the best sellers in the single-serve coffee machine category on Amazon.
Based on that, the Keurig K55 single cup coffee maker is the leader and the highest-ranking product when it comes to single-serve brewers.
However, there’s a newcomer that’s ranked at #2, right behind the K55.
That’s the new Keurig model, the Keurig K575 single serve coffee maker .
If you consider the fact that this newer Keurig unit was first listed on Amazon on October 25th 2018, it becomes evident that this is a great brewer.
But this single serve coffee brewer has a long way to go before it can compete with the legendary K55.
On a side note, the more recent Keurig K575 has a rating that’s only slightly better than
And price-wise, the scales tip towards the older model once again.
Notice that the Keurig K55 is much more affordable than the K575 model, which typically costs about twice as much.
Also make sure to check my article related to how K Cups work, in case you’re curious.
What About The Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods?
That clear winner here is the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker , thanks to its reputation, rating, durability, price and overall quality.
Even though there aren’t all that many single-cup coffee machines out there that don’t use pods, this one is the best one that money can buy.
Why?
Well, here’s why I believe the Hamilton Beach 49981A is the most optimal single-serve coffee machine without pods:
- It has the best overall rating
- Both the material quality and durability are highly-rated
- It can brew up to 14 oz. in a single serving (whether it’s into a coffee mug or a travel cup)
- It’s quite compact and doesn’t take much space
- The construction of this coffee machine is made of durable stainless steel
- It’s dirt cheap
Honestly, it’s pretty hard to beat this one.
There’s also a neat adjustable stand that can be used to accommodate different cup or travel mug sizes and shapes.
Speaking of which, although this is an in-home coffee machine, you can still use it to fill your large travel mug with coffee.
That’s possible thanks to the brewing capacity of the Hamilton Beach, no-pod single-cup unit – up to 14 oz.
All of this is simply brilliant, especially when you realize that most of the coffee machines on the market today rely on pods to brew coffee.
So, if you’re not interested in K Cup coffee for some reason and want a single-cup brewer that uses ground coffee only, your best bet would be the Hamilton Beach 49981A unit.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker – The Top 7 Honorable Mentions
Apart from the obvious winner (the Keurig K55), I should point out that there are some pretty decent single-serve coffee machines out there.
Thus, for convenience reasons and to make your life easier, I’ve compiled a neat top 7 list for you.
And I’ve also listed the pros and cons of each coffee machine on the list to help you be as informed as you can be prior to buying one!
1. Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee Maker
Product: Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Single-Serve Coffee Maker
K-Cup compatible? No
Pros:
- Auto-off feature
- Programmable brew strength
- Works with soft pods (disk-shaped pods) and ground coffee
- Two brewing options (1 cup or an entire 12-cup carafe)
- Stainless steel design
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not compatible with K-Cups or capsules
- A travel mug isn’t included
When it comes to the Hamilton Beach 9980A single-serve coffeemaker, its versatility is undoubtedly one of its key strengths.
In fact, most customers who rated this product praise it for its superb versatility.
Why?
Simple, because it offers a two-in-one brewing process.
Or in other words, you can choose between brewing a single cup or an entire 12-cup carafe.
On top of that, there’s also a brew strength feature that lets you choose between Regular and Bold.
By opting for Regular brewing strength, you’ll get a cup of regular coffee, strength-wise.
Also, going for Bold will (logically) give you stronger taste.
If you’re wondering what coffee grounds go with each of these brew strength options, here’s a great suggestion for you:
- Regular brew strength option – Use standard medium-grind coffee
- Bold brew strength option – Use a finer grind coffee or even premium-roast coffee
And while being able to choose the brew strength manually, this Hamilton Beach unit comes with an even cooler function.
It’s the brew-in-advance function that has a programmable clock with a timer.
Essentially, it enables you to program your ideal cup of coffee, up to 24H in advance.
That’s pure gold if you ask me since you’ll have more time to sleep as you won’t have to prepare the coffee yourself.
It’s safe to say that the Hamilton Beach 49980A coffee maker is more of a two-in-one unit because it can either be set to brew a single cup (single-serve) or a full pot (up to 14 oz)!
However, the price, reputation and quality of this single-serve machine aren’t its only perks.
2. Bunn Single Serve Coffee Maker
Product: Bunn MCU Single Cup Multi-Use Home Coffee Brewer
K-Cup compatible? Yes
Pros:
- More than one brew size options
- Works with both K-Cups and ground coffee
- Comes with a pod drawer (for coffee and tea pods)
- Includes a Pulse Brew function that gives you a bolder flavor
Cons:
- Some similar single-cup coffee makers cost less
- Tiny water reservoir (only 14 oz worth of capacity)
- It’s made almost entirely out of plastic
BUNN is undoubtedly one of the more popular coffee maker brands right now and probably one of Keurig’s biggest rivals.
Subsequently, BUNN’s MCU unit is a direct competitor to Keurig’s mighty K55 coffeemaker and they do have plenty of similarities.
Although the Keurig machine is a best seller and it’s also slightly cheaper, the MCU coffee maker still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
BUNN’s machine is not only compatible with K-Cup packs, but you can also use:
- Ground coffee
- Soft pods (coffee)
- Tea pods (or even bags)
- Loose tea
Basically, you can brew coffee (or tea) through various means with the help of all the pod drawers that come with this unit.
First, you have a cup drawer that you can use for K-Cups, plus hot cocoa, tea and coffee.
Then there’s a ground coffee drawer (for coffee grounds), a pod drawer (for all kinds of coffee/tea pods) and last but not least a water drawer for (dispensing hot water).
Honestly, you can make anything from instant coffee to warming baby bottles with the hot water that pours from the water drawer.
The bunn mcu single-serve coffee maker can also brew either coffee or tea in less than a minute!
Apart from that, this BUNN single-cup coffeemaker has a neat feature called Pulse Brew.
In a nutshell, Pulse-Brew is an option that gives your cup of coffee a stronger flavor. And you also have several brew size options to choose from:
- 4 oz
- 6 oz
- 8 oz
- 10 oz
- 12 oz
- 14 oz
This coffee machine also comes with a removable drip tray, which means that you should be able to fit a travel mug without much hassle.
3. Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker
Name: Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single Serve Coffee Maker
K-Cup compatible? Yes
Pros:
- Works with both K-Cups and ground coffee
- Charcoal water filter
- Enormous water reservoir (72 oz.)
- Plenty of size cup options to choose from
- Brews coffee fast
Cons:
- The maximum brewing temperature could’ve been higher
- Not the cheapest single-cup coffeemaker
- Made of plastic (although it’s BPA free)
Cuisinart has been making some of the most convenient and practical coffee makers for a while now.
And their SS-10 premium single-serve unit is no exception.
It comes in a stylish silver color that can add a touch of luxury to your kitchen counter or coffee station.
Now, you get all the modern and efficient features that Cuisinart coffee machines are known for, such as the self-clean function.
Here it’s called the ‘Rinse’ feature and by pressing this button, the machine cleans the inside of its brew chamber.
This is done between brews so that it doesn’t interfere with your coffee making endeavors!
Then there’s the brilliant HomeBarista pod, which essentially is a reusable filter cup.
Basically, you put your favorite coffee grounds into this cup in a similar fashion to regular K-Cup capsules.
However, since the HomeBarista cup of the Cuisinart SS-100 is reusable, you don’t have to throw out after each use.
Instead, you just fill it with ground coffee and start brewing!
another great thing about The Cuisinart SS-10 is that it’s also 100% compatible with K-Cup pods!
This is also one of the fastest brewing units on the market (it brews coffee in under a minute), without any heat up time.
On top of that, you also have a humongous 72-oz. removable water tank at your disposal for fewer refills.
But what I really like about the SS-10 unit (apart from the charcoal water filter) are the various brew sizes (5 in total):
- 4 oz
- 6 oz
- 8 oz
- 10 oz
- 12 oz
Apart from brew sizes, the brew temperature and auto on/off functions are also programmable.
The auto-off function puts the machine into sleep mode if it’s been sitting idle for over 30 minutes to preserve energy (thus lowering your electricity bills).
However, the X Hot setting (for supposedly really hot coffee) can use some more oomph, since it brews your coffee at around 180 F degrees according to the manual.
And last but not least, you can use the Cuisinart SS-10 for making yourself tea, hot chocolate, instant coffee or even soup, thanks to the Hot Water button.
No products found.
4. Black and Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker
Name: No products found.
K-Cup compatible? No
Pros:
- Comes with a permanent coffee ground filter
- Features an auto-off function to preserve energy
- Includes a 15-oz travel mug
- Very compact
- Dirt cheap
Cons:
- Doesn’t support K-Cup packs
- Only one brew size (~5 oz)
- Water reservoir could’ve been bigger (it has a 15 oz capacity)
Even though the Black & Decker DCM18S unit has been around since 2003, it’s still pretty good for what it offers considering its price tag.
This model is dead cheap and for its price, you’re getting a coffee maker that simply does what it’s supposed to do – brew quality java.
Sure, there are no fancy bells and whistles or modern features, but if you simply want a good, super cheap single-serve unit than this is probably your best bet.
This model can brew coffee by either using ground coffee or soft pods, meaning that you won’t be able to use any of the popular K-Cups.
Regardless, there’s a neat auto-off function that makes sure that this Black & Decker machine turns off directly after brewing stops.
This is great for saving energy and cash since it won’t inflate your electricity bills.
The black and decker dcm18s coffemaker comes with a permanent grounds filter, meaning that you won’t have to deal with replacing paper filters every now and then!
Another cool thing about this coffee machine is that a 15-oz travel mug comes as standard.
Your kitchen counter will also benefit from some space-saving since this machine is quite small.
But that comes with a trade-off, a not-so-large water reservoir (only 15 oz).
You also won’t be able to choose between various brew size options, since there’s only one – approx. 5 oz.
Nonetheless, you’re getting a great single-cup machine that’s super affordable, so you can’t ask for much more.
Besides, this Black and Decker machine also has a brilliant rating-to-price ratio.
5. CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker
Name: CHULUX Single Cup Pod Coffee Brewer
K-Cup compatible? Yes
Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- BPA-free water reservoir
- Compatible with most capsules/pods (including K-Cups)
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Doesn’t brew very fast (~3 mins)
- Small water reservoir (12 oz)
- Not compatible with ground coffee
This CHULUX single-cup coffee maker is most definitely one of the most straightforward and user-friendly units out there.
It’s simple, efficient and super easy to use, hence its brilliant ‘Easy to Use’ rating.
And it’s also one of the most affordable single-serve machines out there.
However, its most significant advantage is probably its super-compact dimensions.
This CHULUX unit is ideal for small kitchen counters or if you simply want a single-serve coffeemaker that doesn’t take tons of space.
The dimensions of the CHULUX single-serve coffee machine are: 4.3” wide, 7.5” deep and 9.8” high
And on top of that, it weighs exactly 2.2 lbs, which is incredibly light.
But the compact dimensions mean that you’ll have to refill more often since the water tank has a capacity of just 12 oz.
Still, the water reservoir is removable and you also get a removable drip tray, so that you may fit a travel mug of a 5.5” max height.
6. Keurig K-Compact Single Serve Coffee Maker
Name: Keurig K-Compact Single Serve Coffee Maker
K-Cup compatible? Yes
Pros:
- Brews pretty fast (<1 minute)
- Massive 36 oz water reservoir
- 3 different cup sizes to choose from
- Keurig’s slimmest brewer (8 inches wide)
- Works with My K-Cup pods
Cons:
- Plastic design
- Not cheap at all
- It’s only compatible with K-Cups
Apparently, Keurig designed this K-Compact model with one thing in mind and that’s space-saving.
Keurig claims that this single-serve coffee machine is their slimmest brewer with a removable water tank.
Honestly, though, it’s easy to see why its the most compact one in their range.
This K-Compact unit is quite slim and slender indeed with its 12.5-inch H, 8.2-inch W and 13.2-inch D dimensions.
Check Price on AmazonIt seems that practicality was the primary concern for Keurig when they created this coffee machine.
Besides, the K-Compact boasts incredible ‘Easy to Clean’ and ‘Easy to Use’ ratings on Amazon.
One of the reasons for that is most likely the enormous 36 oz. water reservoir, which means that you won’t have to refill very often.
Keep in mind that this K-Compact Coffeemaker is compatible with ‘the My k-Cup’ reusable coffee filter pods!
Then there are the cup size options and you can choose between 3 different ones – 6, 8 or 10 oz.
But if you’re a fan of having coffee on the go, you can also use a travel mug instead of a regular coffee mug.
The drip tray of this coffeemaker is removable, meaning that you can fit a travel mug as big as 7 inches tall.
One thing that’s worth pointing out though is the fact that this Keurig unit doesn’t support a water filter.
That can probably be considered as an advantage because that’s one thing less to think about.
Eventually, they’ve put a fine filter screen right at the bottom of the water tank, so your coffee should taste good even if you’re brewing with tap water.
BELLA 14392 Single Serve Coffee Maker”]
7. Bella Single Serve Coffee Maker
Name: BELLA 14392 Single Serve Coffee Maker
K-Cup compatible? Yes
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Works with K-Cups (including 2.0 K-Cups)
- Comes with a ground coffee adapter (if using ground coffee)
- Elegant and compact design
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with recyclable K-Cups
- Only one brew size is available (1 cup)
- Made of plastic
This a dual brew single-serve coffee machine that’s supposed to declutter your kitchen counter by not taking a lot of space.
In essence, the Bella 14392 unit is considered ‘dual brew’ because it works with both K-Cups and coffee grounds.
Check Price on AmazonIt’s compatible with regular K-Cup and K-Cup 2.0 capsules, while the use of ground coffee is possible thanks to the ground coffee adapter.
Note that this coffee maker works only with regular, non-recyclable k-Cups and not ‘My k-Cup’ reusable coffee filters!
Now, this Brew Cup adaptor is included when buying this Bella coffee machine and even better, it’s reusable.
This means that you’ll be able to fill it with your favorite ground coffee, tea or even cocoa.
It’s basically a small filter cup (somewhat similar to K-Cups) without a top that you fill with whatever (coffee presumably) you want to be extracted into your mug.
And even though there aren’t any brew sizes to choose from, the Bella 14392 unit comes with an adjustable drip tray.
That’s not only great if you want to fit standard mugs and cups, but it’s also brilliant if you’re using a travel mug.
You should be able to fit a 10-oz travel mug under this coffee machine without any trouble whatsoever.
Conclusion
So, there you have it folks – the Keurig K55 unit is the best single-serve coffee maker on the maker right now.
This brewer has been the best seller in its class for a while and it also has a magnificent user rating, a decent price tag and lots of great functions.
However, there are other viable options (I’ve already listed 7 of the best ones) out there when it comes to single-cup coffee machines that you should consider as well.
What’s your personal favorite single-serve coffee maker though?
Don’t hesitate to let me know by leaving your answer in the comment section below!
FAQs
What is a Single-Serve Coffee Maker?
A single-serve coffee maker, also known as a pod coffee maker or a single-cup coffee maker, is a compact and convenient appliance that brews a single cup of coffee at a time.
Instead of using traditional ground coffee, these machines utilize coffee pods or capsules that come pre-measured with the right amount of coffee for one cup.
This allows users to easily and quickly make a fresh cup of coffee without the hassle of measuring or cleaning up coffee grounds.
How do I choose the best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for my needs?
When choosing the best single-serve coffee maker, there are several factors to consider:
- Brewing Options: Look for a machine that offers different brew sizes and strength settings to suit your preferences.
- Compatibility: Check if the coffee maker is compatible with a variety of coffee pods or capsules from different brands.
- Water Reservoir Size: Consider the water tank capacity, as larger reservoirs mean fewer refills between brews.
- Brewing Time: Some machines brew faster than others, so choose one that fits your time constraints.
- Additional Features: Look for features like programmability, auto-shutoff, and adjustable temperature control.
Are Single-Serve Coffee Makers environmentally friendly?
Single-serve coffee makers have been criticized for their impact on the environment due to the use of coffee pods, which are often made from plastic or aluminum.
However, some manufacturers have started producing recyclable and biodegradable pods, which are more eco-friendly options.
To further reduce environmental impact, consider using reusable coffee pods that allow you to fill them with your favorite ground coffee.
This way, you can enjoy the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker without generating excessive waste.
How do I clean and maintain my Single-Serve Coffee Maker?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your single-serve coffee maker functioning optimally and producing great-tasting coffee.
Here are some tips:
- Descale Regularly: Use a descaling solution or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove mineral deposits from the machine’s internal components.
- Clean Removable Parts: Wash the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder in warm, soapy water regularly.
- Run Water Cycle: Occasionally, run a water-only brewing cycle to flush out any leftover coffee residue.
- Check Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the specific cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by the coffee maker’s manufacturer.
Can I use my Single-Serve Coffee Maker for beverages other than coffee?
Yes, many single-serve coffee makers are versatile and can be used for brewing other hot beverages besides coffee.
Some machines offer settings for brewing tea, hot chocolate, or even iced beverages.
Ensure that you check the product specifications and instructions to see what other drinks can be prepared using your specific coffee maker.
Additionally, remember to clean the machine thoroughly between different beverage types to avoid any flavor contamination.
Simon is a coffee enthusiast who has spent years exploring the world of coffee. He has a deep passion for the art of brewing and enjoys experimenting with different brewing methods to create the perfect cup of coffee. His love for coffee has led him to become an expert in the field, and he is known for his meticulous attention to detail when it comes to selecting and brewing the perfect cup. Simon is also an avid traveler who loves incorporating new flavors and techniques into his brewing.
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
