Best Rated Single Serve Coffee Makers: Ultimate Buyer Guide
(List Began 2016 – Updated 2/13/19)
Hey all! You’re looking for the best single cup coffeemaker….some of them have lots more bells and whistles than others and you may have a friend who owns X model and says it’s the best.
But for you…it may be a different story. Is it really the best?
When I first started tracking my pod brewer findings in 2015, I made sure to pay attention to trends, ratings and findings. The parameters I used to go undercover included: Reliability, performance and satisfaction rate when compared to length of time in the marketplace.
A few top contenders have been on the Bestseller’s List in 2016 so far. They do include some of the models that were popular a year before. The top contenders have been pulling in at least a 4.0 average rating (sounds like a GPA for some big coffee brewer university, LOL)
If you’re just curious, or in a hurry, these are the top 3 single cup coffeemaker picks the preceding year.
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Keurig K55 K-Classic Brewing System
The Keurig K55 K-Classic Brewing System is definitely maintaining steady satisfaction ratings well into this year. It is one of the close successors of the Keurig K45 Elite which was also very popular and earned many good ratings too.
It is a great choice for someone looking to move away from the DRM problem as it will accept all of your K-cups irrespective of brand. It is also a brewer with a great performance standard.
It comes with a water filter assembly to get the best tasting water quality as well. The water filter segues easily into the 48-ounce reservoir and the cartridges are easy to remember when to change with the filter’s “calendar” setting.
Pros
- Expedient operation
- Accepts all types of K-Cup brands
- Includes a water filter assembly
Cons
- Might have some limitations with brew sizes
You can read my detailed review of the Keuirg K55 here
Bunn My Cafe MCU Multi-Use Brewer
Our reasons for voting in the Bunn were plentiful but the main reason is that it is a great choice for changing beverage preferences on a whim. As is human nature there will always be a time when you want to experiment with different beverage types and not have to look for this machine or that brewer to only do one of them.
Not only do the 4 interchangeable drawers allow this versatility but there is also a “pulse” brew feature to get a little more bold goodness out of your brews, or to steep tea (yes you can make tea too! ) for best results.
Not only can you have a heck of a good time making anything you want (dispensing hot water too) and not having to worry about any of your coffee delivery products being possibly rejected, it’s got an attractive price tag too and comes with a 2-Year warranty.
Pros
- Unlimited beverage options
- Pulse brew function for stronger flavor
- Can use any K-Cup brand as well as grounds, coffee sachets or even tea bags
Cons
- Not exactly glamorous looking (a subjective opinion)
Read my detailed review of the Bunn My Cafe MCU here
Aicok Compact K-Cup Brewer
This little guy hasn’t been around that long (I’ve only seen it out since the start of the year) but it’s leaving a good trail behind of happy users so far. lts most unique features are a locking dial on top, small size, and use with all the standard 1.0 K-cups regardless of brand.) It would be ideal for small spaces, such as dorm rooms, kitchenettes, RVs, and offices.
What I like best about this unit(s) is despite its small size (just shy of 10″) the clearance is not that low and it’s been confirmed that a mug up to 6.25″ will fit (there is a removable drip tray.) Much of your guesswork will lie in determining how much water to use per cup, as there is no brew size selector option. There was a little confusion from people regarding the hospitality use only due to the little pictogram instructions on one side, although it is definitely intended for home and industry use.
Pros
- Nice compact size
- Accepts all brands of K-Cups
Cons
- No brew size selector option
We haven’t done the full review of the Aicok yet but you can read more and check the price on it here.
Keurig K10 and K15 Mini
This compact brewer is perfect for small spaces and little kitchens, kitchenettes and college dorms as well as office areas and RVs. It does not have a reservoir like some of its other larger cousins so it’s a better choice for single-drinker households.
After a year of ownership it’s tops for what it does at just under a foot tall. Another cool thing is the range of colors it comes in in addition to some unique “designer” colors like mauve and emerald green.
The K10 includes 3 brew sizes: 6, 8, and 10 oz and one other caveat is that it does not support tumblers due to its size and clearance; otherwise it’s a great little workhorse overall.
Pros
- Compact size and design
- 3 brew sizes
- Lots of attractive colors to choose from
Cons
- Does not have a reservoir
- Not as suited to back-to-back brewing cycles
- Does not accommodate travel mugs
I’ve had a K10 Mini for the past three years and I can tell you I’m still happy with it! I don’t do back-to-back brewing, so it suits my needs just fine. Read my detailed review of the Keurig K10 Mini here
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Single Serve/Full Pot Combo
This brewer is a great way to get the best of both worlds – the convenience of single-cup brewing and the opportunity to switch over to a traditional “drip” brew cycle. Because the reservoirs for each delivery are separated you don’t have to be concerned with runoff as there is a switch that can be set depending on your preference at the moment.
It’s at a great price and the only issue we have seen is that it works with loose coffee grounds and individual coffee pods in “sachet” form, but not K-Cups. Other than that it is highly recommended.
Pros
- Can choose between brewing a full pot OR a single cup
- Pause and Serve function for the pot side
- Auto-shutoff
Cons
- Can only use sachet-style soft pods for the single-serve side, not K-Cup accessible
Read the detailed review of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way here
Keurig K-Elite C Single Serve Coffee Maker with Water Filter, and My K-Cup
Keurig K-Elite: Best Value For the Money
One of the newest kids on the block. this is one of the newer Keurigs with some nice new features. It can accommodate a tumbler, has 5 brew size settings, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, a Strong setting, Hot Water on demand, and Iced. It has a classy stainless steel look in Slate or Silver. I think it is well done.
All of the button controls are on the top as opposed to the side so that the one tricky issue is that being able to punch them while your machine is under a cabinet might be tricky. The reservoir is a generous size of 75 oz In my review I gave this bad boy a 4.5.
Wouldn’t think twice about getting this for someone as a gift! You can program the time, high alt setting, auto-on or off, and the temp within a 5 degree threshold: 187 – 192 degrees. Last but not least the reservoir is illuminated – l love that feature!
Pros
- Five brew size settings
- Illuminated water reservoir
- Temperature adjustment permitted
- Strong brew setting
Cons
- Only major con is the location of the buttons on top may take some getting used to
Not convinced? You can read my indepth review of the K-Elite here.
Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker Single Serve Silver
Hamilton Beach Scoop: Best One Cup Brewer That Doesn’t Need Pods
If you are looking for a one cup coffee maker that isn’t reliant on K-cups for operation then you should take a look at this one. It is a beauty….and last time I checked it is at a great price. The elegant silver finish will blend in seamlessly with your decor.
You get a platform with the brewer that can be flipped upside down to accommodate different cup sizes and minimize splash. It includes a permanent filter in which you can put your grounds…paper filters are not necessary.
So if you’re looking for simple and sweet, this one can’t be beat..It’s one of the best single serve coffee makers that doesn’t need pods to deliver on the awesome sauce!
Nespresso Pixie C60
Those of you who are enamored with hot espresso drinks should get acquainted with the beauty that is Nespresso. The Pixie may be everything you dream of and more….from its compact size that doesn’t skimp on quality – it produces lattes, cappuccinos and much more with a 19 bar pressure pump.
Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Aeroccino, Aluminum
Just insert one of the Grand Cruz capsules into the top loading chamber and get ready to experience coffee heaven at the touch of a button. To get the most out of your machine the addition of the Aerrocino milk frother, which is sometimes included as part of a bundle – is encouraged. You will also receive a nice welcome gift addition in the form of a coffee capsule sampler and welcome guide.
Check out my Nespresso C60 review here…It comes with the milk frother which is sina qua non for making gourmet coffee great!
Keurig K575 Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker Platinum
Keurig K575
On the one side, it’s got a snazzy nightlight feature that can change the color…..on the other it’s got the 2.0 technology. The touchscreen menu gives you ultimate control over beverage size, type, and strength. You also have the option of being able to do something you can’t do with single serve models and that is brew a full carafe pot as there are specialty pods made for this purpose.
Pros
- Multiple programming functions
- Nightlight can change color
- You can modify the different brew settings to your liking
- Carafe function
- Can change wallpaper, temp, and time
Cons
- You will have to be sure to use the Keurig approved pods (or learn some new hacks!)
- Only comes in this color
Read my full review of the Keurig K575 right here
Ninja Coffee Bar Cf112
For those of you looking for more than “just coffee” in your one cup routine, look no further than the Ninja Single Serve. You practically will have a barista’s license with this baby as you will have options for hot coffee, strong coffee, iced coffee drinks, and more as the bonus gift of a recipe book is included which will get you on the road to coffee culinary experimentation.
The Ninja is solid when I went to look at it over at Kroger. There is a frothing whisk attachment that hides away in a compartment when not in use to give your gourmet drinks the creamy topping they deserve. What’s more, this is also a one cup machine that does grounds exclusively. With the included filter basket you can put in as many grounds as you need per serving.
Pros
- Use your favorite coffee brand
- Can make many multiple coffee beverage types
- Includes a milk frother attachment
- Excellent construction
- Includes various bonus items (e.g. recipe book)
Cons
- May need to experiment to get the hang of some of the controls with amount of water, coffee, etc.
Read my review of the Ninja Coffee bar right here
So…I hope you enjoyed this list of the best single serve coffeemakers of the year!
