7 Best Single Serve Coffee Makers [Tested and Reviewed]

The Ninja DualBrew System is a versatile coffee maker equipped with a frother and the option of using either coffee grounds or pods. You can adjust the brew size from six to twelve ounces, allowing for a personalized coffee experience.

With an average brew time of just 84.5 seconds, you can prepare an eight-ounce coffee in a flash. The noise level is incredibly low at 45 decibels, with only the faint sound of the water heating. It's so subtle that it blends into the background hum of daily life, so you won't have to worry about any disruptive noise.

When brewing coffee pods with a bitter profile, the aroma is reminiscent of the sweetness of dark chocolate and the spiciness of nutmeg. The taste is slightly rich, with a balanced body that's neither too heavy nor too light. The harmony between bitterness and sweetness makes it easy to enjoy. Moreover, brewing light roast coffee pods brings out subtle fragrances like honey and lemon, along with a light yet smooth texture.

As for its usability, refilling the DualBrew System is a breeze thanks to the wide, stable water reservoir mouth on the right-hand side. The ability to check the remaining brewing time on its panel is another convenient feature. Plus, you can adjust the strength, cup size, and water volume, making it a great choice for those who like to customize their coffee.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. All parts except the main body, including the brewing spout, pod holder, brew basket, and water reservoir, can be disassembled and cleaned. However, the number of removable parts does mean that cleaning can be a bit time-consuming, which resulted in a slightly lower rating. Another minor drawback is the lack of indentations in the pod holder, making it tricky to remove the pod after use.

The Ninja DualBrew System is an ideal choice for those seeking a quick and tasty coffee, even on busy mornings. Additionally, its compatibility with K-cup pods, available in over 200 flavors, adds to its appeal. If you're looking for a coffee maker that provides both convenience and variety, the DualBrew System might be the perfect fit for you.

The Cuisinart Grind & Brew stands out with its adjustable brew size, offering options from eight to twelve ounces. Its unique selling point is the built-in grinder. You can use the freshly ground coffee in the provided cup as a pod, adding a touch of freshness to your brew.

The brew time is impressively quick, averaging 111 seconds, so you can have an eight-ounce coffee ready in less than two minutes. Plus, it runs quietly at just 59 decibels, a noise level that won't disturb your household during early mornings or late nights.

When it comes to flavor, brewing dark roast coffee pods results in a coffee with a gentle, honey-like sweetness in its aroma. The taste is somewhat rich, with a perfect balance of bitterness and acidity, making it very easy to drink. However, coffee brewed from light roast pods had a noticeable tartness and bitterness. This makes the Grind & Brew a great fit for those who have a preference for strong, dark roast coffee.

Maintenance is a breeze with the Grind & Brew. The water reservoir is removable, allowing for thorough cleaning. The pod holder design, with four indentations, makes it easy to remove and dispose of the hot pod after use. The spout also doesn't drip after the brew is complete, so you won't need to wipe it down after each use or spend time cleaning it every day.

In terms of usability, the Grind & Brew shines with its simplicity. Brewing starts with just the press of the power and brew size buttons, each of which is labeled for intuitive operation. Plus, you can adjust the strength and water volume, making it a great choice for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors daily.

The Cuisinart Grind & Brew is a top recommendation for those seeking an easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain coffee maker for daily use. It's particularly worth considering if you love dark roast coffee.

The Keurig K-Latte comes with an attached frother for steaming milk. In addition to being able to adjust the brew size to six, eight, or ten ounces, it also features the option to create a rich shot for lattes.

The brew time for an eight-ounce coffee is incredibly quick at an average of 58 seconds. Thanks to its ability to heat and maintain water temperature even when not in use, you can brew coffee in a very short time after startup.

When brewing dark roast pods, the aroma was marked by sweet, roasted notes like dark chocolate and toasty, nutty flavors. The flavor was well-balanced between bitterness and acidity, and its richness made it enjoyable even when combined with milk. However, coffee brewed from pods of a light roast had a somewhat light and thin flavor, making this product more suitable for those who usually prefer dark roast coffee.

Maintenance is convenient, with the wide-mouthed water reservoir being fully washable. The pod holder has two indentations, allowing for smooth disposal of the hot pod after use. Hardly any water drips from the spout after brewing, eliminating the need for constant cleaning around the machine.

The brew size selection and start buttons are integrated, and their functions are clearly labeled, so operating the machine is intuitive. However, the water reservoir is located at the back and must be removed for refilling, which can be a hassle. Also, water tends to splatter during brewing, so caution is needed to avoid burns from splashed water.

Although the sound of the motor produces a noticeable 71 decibels, the Keurig K-Latte is an excellent choice for those who want to quickly brew delicious dark roast coffee.

The Keurig K-Elite stands out with its ability to customize your coffee size, offering options from four to twelve ounces. An added feature is its hot water dispensing capability, perfect for making soups or oatmeal.

With an impressive average brew time of just under 50 seconds, the K-Elite is the fastest among the products we tested. Its relatively quiet operation makes it a perfect fit for those seeking a quick cup of coffee at any time of the day.

Light roast coffee pods produced a coffee with a fruity aroma, evoking notes of pomegranate and orange. The balance between acidity and sweetness is excellent, and the smooth mouthfeel makes for an enjoyable drinking experience. However, when brewing dark roast pods, the coffee had a surprisingly light finish. It also had a slightly rough and bitter sensation that lingered after drinking, leading to a slightly lower rating.

As for usability, the K-Elite shines with its easily accessible water reservoir, simplifying the refilling process. The strength can be adjusted through six levels using the brew buttons, adding a layer of customization for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors. However, setting the pod requires a bit of effort as the top needs to be lifted, and there's a slight resistance when opening and closing. The machine features twelve buttons due to its multiple functions, which can be a bit overwhelming as they aren't text-labeled, and somewhat challenging to understand the brewing steps.

Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to the two indentations in the pod holder that allow for easy disposal of the hot pod after brewing. There were barely any coffee drips when removing the pod, keeping the surrounding area clean. However, a considerable amount of water continues to drip even after the brew is complete. It may be best to remove the cup a few seconds after the beep that indicates the brew is done.

The K-Elite's standout feature is its incredibly fast brew time. It's an excellent choice for those who, especially during busy times, want to quickly enjoy a delicious cup of coffee brewed from light roast pods.

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a product that prides itself on its compact width of just four and a half inches. It features an automatic power-off function that activates 90 seconds after the brew is complete.

The charm of this product lies in its simplicity and ease of operation. With just two buttons for power and brew start, you can prepare a coffee by simply setting the pod and pressing the central button. The amount of coffee brewed corresponds to the amount of water filled, so you can adjust the fill level to achieve your preferred strength.

With two indentations in the pod holder to easily dispose of the pod after brewing, maintenance is very simple. The pod holder is simple to keep clean as it's integrated with the brew spout and can be removed and washed all in one. The water reservoir is also shallow, so wiping and drying it is much easier.

The average brew time is 140 seconds, which is relatively quick. Also, with an operating noise level of 58 decibels, you can brew coffee without the stress of waiting or making a noise, even during busy morning hours.

On the downside, coffee brewed from dark roast pods had a spicy aroma reminiscent of chili or black pepper. While the balance of bitterness and acidity in the flavor wasn't bad, the roughness and bitterness on the tongue prevented a higher rating. Even when brewing pods for light roast coffee, it had a watered-down flavor. It gave the impression that it wasn't able to fully extract the flavor of the coffee grounds in the pod.

If you're not particular about the flavor of your coffee and are looking for a product that simplifies operation and maintenance, the Keurig K-Mini Plus might be worth considering.

The flavor of coffee brewed from dark roast pods is well-balanced between bitterness and acidity. While the flavor's body is somewhat strong, the smoothness makes it very easy to drink. However, when brewing light roast coffee pods, the aroma was weak, and there was a roughness left on the tongue. It might be worth considering for those who enjoy a strong dark roast coffee.

The Instant Solo is tailored for brewing coffee in eight, ten, and twelve-ounce servings. It utilizes a unique Pre-Infusion Process, where the coffee beans are soaked before the actual brewing begins.

One of its standout features is a fast brew time, averaging 91.5 seconds. This quick brew time eliminates the stress of waiting for your eight-ounce coffee. Plus, the noise level during operation is just 51.7 decibels, barely above the gentle hum of boiling water, making it a versatile choice for any time of the day.

The pod holder is thoughtfully designed with indentations at both ends, allowing for smooth removal of the pod post-brew. The convenience extends to cleaning as well. The water tank, pod holder, and brewing spout are all detachable and washable, simplifying daily upkeep.

The Instant Solo shines in usability with its touch-panel buttons that signal the start and end of the brewing process. You can adjust the strength of your coffee using the cup size and the bold button, offering a personalized brewing experience. However, it's worth noting that the lid requires a firm push to secure, and the water tends to splatter from the brewing spout. Caution is advised to prevent burns.

When it comes to taste, dark roast coffee pods result in a robust, bitter finish. The lack of sweetness and acidity seemed to throw off the flavor balance. As the coffee cooled, there was a noticeable roughness on the tongue, leading to a lower rating. Light roast coffee pods resulted in a strong, acidic taste with a hint of bitterness. Therefore, the Instant Solo might not be the ideal choice for those seeking a machine that can brew a delicious cup from any type of pod.