Ever have one of those mornings where you just need a perfect cup, but the thought of making a whole pot feels like a chore? That’s where a good single brew coffee maker comes in. It’s a game-changer for anyone who lives alone, has a household with different caffeine schedules, or simply hates wasting coffee. You get a fresh, hot cup in minutes, with minimal cleanup and no fuss—just what you need to start your day right.
But with so many models on the market, from basic pods to fancy grind-and-brew systems, choosing the right one can be surprisingly tricky. We’ve tested the top contenders to cut through the noise and find which machines actually deliver on that promise of convenience and great taste. Let’s find your perfect morning match.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Single Brew Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker – Strong Brew…
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9.5 |
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Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker – Strong Brew…
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9.3 |
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Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with…
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9.1 |
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Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker,…
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9.0 |
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Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker,…
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8.8 |
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Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, MultiStream…
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8.6 |
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Ninja | Coffee Maker | Single Serve |Brew with…
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8.4 |
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Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6…
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8.3 |
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Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K…
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8.1 |
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Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Single Brew Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker – Strong Brew Option, 42oz Reservoir, Sleek Design for Holiday Hosting & Gifting, Black
The Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker is a straightforward machine designed for simplicity and a good, fast cup of coffee. It’s ideal if you want a no-fuss morning routine or an easy way to serve guest during the holidays. Its sleek black design looks good on any counter without taking up to much space. One of it’s key features is the Strong Brew option.
This setting increases the strength and bold taste of your coffee’s flavor, which is perfect for those who find a standard K-Cup brew a bit light. You can choose from three cup sizes: 8, 10, or 12 ounces. Just push the corresponding button. This flexibility means you can have a smaller, more concentrated cup or a larger one to sip on. The 42-ounce removable water reservoir is a practical highlight. It lets you brew up to four cups before needing a refill, based on the 8 oz. cup size.
This is handy when you’re in a hurry or if you’re making coffee for a couple people. The reservoir is easy to take out and fill at your sink. The machine is also travel mug friendly. The removable drip tray accomodates mugs up to 7.4 inches tall, so you can brew directly into your favorite insulated cup for the commute. Speed is a major point. This brewer makes delicious coffee in just minutes, from a cold start to a full cup. When your done, you don’t have to worry about turning it off.
Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker – Strong Brew Option, 42oz Reservoir, Sleek Design for Holiday Hosting & Gifting, Warm Stone
The Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker is designed to simplify your morning routine, especially when the holidays make everything more busy. Its straightforward operation gets you from pod to pour in under a minute, offering a reliable and consistant cup every time. The machine’s Warm Stone color gives it a modern, neutral look that fits easily into any kitchen decor, making it a practical and stylish appliance for your home or as a gift.
A key feature of this model is the Strong Brew option. When you need a more robust coffee to start a packed day, this setting slows the brewing process to extract bolder flavor from your favorite K-Cup pod. It’s a simple way to get a richer, more intense cup without any extra steps. You can pair this with your choice of three cup sizes—8, 10, or 12 ounces. This flexibility lets you customize your drink, whether you want a smaller, concentrated serving or a larger mug to sip on.
Hosting friends and family is easier with the 42-ounce water reservoir. It holds enough water to brew up to four cups before you need to refill it. This means you can serve several guests in quick succession without constant trips to the sink, keeping the coffee flowing during gatherings. The removable drip tray is another thoughtful touch, as it slides out to fit travel mugs up to 7.4 inches tall.
Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with Strength and Temperature Control, Iced Coffee Capability, 8 to 12oz Brew Size, Programmable, Brushed Slate
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker in Brushed Slate is designed for coffee drinkers who want control and convenience in their daily routine. It streamlines the process from bean to cup while offering several features to customize your drink.
You can choose from five brew sizes—4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—to get the perfect amount every time. If you prefer a more robust flavor, the dedicated Strong Brew button intensifies the coffee for a richer taste.
For cold drinks, the Iced Setting is a standout feature; it brews a concentrated hot coffee directly over ice so your iced coffee doesn’t get watered down. The machine also includes a separate Hot Water On Demand button, perfect for making tea, instant soups, or oatmeal without using a K-Cup pod.
With a large 75-ounce water reservoir, you can brew several cups before needing a refill. The reservoir is removable, making it easy to fill at your sink.
The brewer operates with Quiet Brew Technology, which significantly reduces noise during the brewing cycle, a nice touch for early mornings. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the removable drip tray; it can hold a full accidental brew and accomodate travel mugs up to 7.2 inches tall.
Maintenance is simplified with an automatic Brewer Maintenance Reminder.
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Brews Up to 12 oz Cup, Compact Portable Coffee Machine for Small Spaces, Great for Dorms & Offices, Black
The Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for one simple purpose: to give you a great cup of coffee without taking up your whole counter. If your kitchen, office desk, or dorm room is short on space, this machine’s 4-inch wide footprint is a game-changer. It tucks away easily, leaving room for everything else you need.
You get a full, freshly brewed cup everytime, with the option to brew up to a 12 oz size for a more substantial morning brew.
Its design is all about simplicity and fitting into your routine. The sleek, modern look won’t clash with your decor, and it comes in several elevated colors to match your personal style. Functionality is straightforward—just pop in a K-Cup pod, and you’re moments away from coffee.
The one-cup reservoir means you add fresh water each time you brew, which some people prefer as it ensures the water is never stale. This also means there’s no internal water tank to clean, which simplifies maintenance.
A key feature for people on the move is its travel mug compatibility. The drip tray is removable, so you can fit a travel mug or to-go cup up to 7.25 inches tall directly under the brew head.
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Brews Up to 12 oz Cup, Compact Portable Coffee Machine for Small Spaces, Great for Dorms & Offices, Glamping Green
The Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for one simple purpose: to give you a great cup of coffee without taking over your counter. In a world of bulky appliances, this machine champions a minimalist approach. Its entire footprint is just four inches wide, making it a true space-saving hero for cramped apartment kitchens, crowded office break rooms, or a dorm room desk. It tucks away neatly, leaving room for everything else you need in your day.
With the K-Mini Mate, you get a freshly brewed cup everytime, with no carafe or complex settings to manage. It features a one-cup reservoir, so you just fill it with the exact amount of water you need for your drink, up to a full 12 ounces. This means no stale coffee sitting on a hot plate and no wasted water or energy. You pop in your favorite K-Cup pod, and in minutes, you have a steaming cup ready. It’s straightforward, efficient, and eliminates the guesswork.
For life on the move, this brewer is incredibly travel-mug friendly. The removable drip tray accomodates mugs up to 7.25 inches tall, so your favorite insulated tumbler fits perfectly underneath. You can brew directly into it, snap on the lid, and head out the door. This makes it an ideal companion for quick mornings or for taking your coffee habit on the road, whether that’s to your job or even on a glamping trip where a good brew is essential.
Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, MultiStream Technology, 4 Brew Sizes, 66oz Dual-Position Removable Reservoir, Black
The Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for a straightforward, personalized coffee experience right on your counter. Its core feature is the MultiStream Technology, which aims to extract more flavor and aroma from your K-Cup pods compared to a leading classic Keurig model. This means your coffee is intended to have a more full-bodied taste from the very first sip, using a simple pod system. You have significant control over your brew.
You can customize the strength of your coffee with a dedicated button for a more intense cup. It also offers four brew sizes—6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—giving you flexibility whether you want a small strong shot or a large mug. This versatility extends to making iced coffee easily; just select the ‘Over Ice’ brew option for a concentrate that won’t get watered down. Convenience is a major focus.
The 66-ounce water reservoir is removable for easy filling and can be positioned in two ways to best fit your kitchen’s space. The machine heats up quickly, making a fresh cup in minutes, and it supports back-to-back brewing. You don’t have to wait for it to reheat between cups, which is great for serving guests or having a second cup yourself. It’s travel mug friendly too, with a drip tray that adjusts to fit mugs up to 7 inches tall.
Ninja | Coffee Maker | Single Serve |Brew with Coffee Pods & Grounds| Compatible with K-Cup Coffee Pods | 4 Brew Styles, up to 24oz Cup Sizes & 56oz Removable Reservoir | Black | PB051
The Ninja PB051 Single-Serve Coffee Maker is designed for coffee drinkers who want options without compromise. It brews both coffee pods and grounds, giving you the choice between ultimate convenience and the full, fresh flavor of your favorite ground coffee. This flexibility means you’re not locked into one system, adapting to your mood or morning routine effortlessly.
You have four brew styles to pick from: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty.
The Over Ice setting is perfect for a strong, flavorful iced coffee that won’t get watered down, while the Specialty brew creates a concentrated coffee ideal for making lattes or cappuccinos at home. It’s like having a mini coffeehouse on your counter. The machine offers impressive size versatility too. For pods, choose from 6 to 12 ounces.
For grounds, you can brew anything from a small 6-ounce cup all the way up to a large 24-ounce travel mug, accommodating even an 8-inch tall mug for on-the-go mornings.
Despite it’s power, the design is sleek and compact, saving valuable counter space. A handy storage drawer keeps the brew basket or permanent filter tucked away neatly. The 56-ounce water reservoir is removable, making refilling at the sink simple and mess-free. A key feature is the built-in, fold-away frother.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6 to 12oz Brew size, with Cord Storage, Perfect for Small Spaces, Black
The Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is designed for simplicity and space-saving efficiency. If your countertop is valuable real estate, this machine respects that. It’s less than five inches wide, so it tucks neatly into corners, dorm rooms, offices, or apartments where every inch counts.
The matte finish, available in several colors including classic black, offers a sleek and modern look that won’t clash with your kitchen’s style.
This brewer puts you in control of your cup’s strength and size. You can brew any amount between 6 and 12 ounces using your favorite Keurig K-Cup pods. Whether you prefer a strong, small mug or a larger, milder morning coffee, you get to decide. It’s fast too, delivering a fresh brewed cup in just minutes without any complicated setup.
The one-cup reservoir means you add fresh water each time you brew, which some people prefer for taste and ensures you’re not heating more water than you need.
Practical features make daily use and cleanup straightforward. The removable drip tray isn’t just for catching spills; it’s designed to fit travel mugs up to seven inches tall, so you can brew directly into your to-go cup. It also holds a full accidental brew, which is a handy feature if you forget to place your mug.
Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K Cups and Grounds, Mini Coffee Maker with Portable Handle, 6 to 12 Oz Brew Size, for Travel, Camping, Office, RV and Dorm, 120V, Black and Gold
The Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker is a compact brewer designed for flexibility and portability. It’s built for people who need a personal cup of coffee wherever they are, without the bulk of a full-size machine. Its defining feature is the integrated carry handle, making it simple to move from your kitchen counter to your bag for travel, camping, or your office desk.
This mini coffee maker gives you two ways to brew.
It comes with both a reusable K-Pod holder for your favorite pods and a permanent ground coffee filter. You can use up to 20 grams of your own grounds, and the filter’s lid helps keep sediment out of your cup for a cleaner taste. Both of these pieces are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup straightforward after your brew.
Operation is incredibly simple with a one-button process.
You fill the 12-ounce visible water tank, choosing from the marked levels for 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces to control your coffee’s strength. Then you add your pod or grounds, press the button, and in about three minutes your coffee is ready. The machine automatically shuts off afterwards, which is a nice energy-saving feature at only 800 watts.
Maintenance is considered with built-in reminders. The machine has a self-cleaning function and will alert you when it’s time to descale.
Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee, Fast Brew One Cup Coffee Machine with Descaling Reminder and Water Window, 6 to 12 oz. Brew Sizes, Black
The Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is a compact, one-cup machine designed for simplicity and flexibility. It brews directly into your mug, supporting both K-Cup pods and your own ground coffee. This means you’re not locked into one type of coffee, giving you the freedom to choose whatever you prefer on any given morning.
The brew size is adjustable from 6 to 12 ounces, so whether you need a strong, small cup to kickstart your day or a larger mug to sip on, it’s got you covered.
Built with saftey and durability in mind, the machine uses BPA-free and heat-resistant materials. A clear water window on the side lets you easily check the water level before you start, so you won’t ever run dry mid-brew. Operation is straightforward: with one button, you can have hot coffee in about two minutes.
It’s a fast, no-fuss process that fits perfectly into a busy routine, whether you’re rushing out the door or need a quick pick-me-up at your office desk.
Its small footprint is a major advantage. The Horavie Mini takes up minimal counter space, making it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or an office breakroom. It’s also light enough to be easily moved or even packed for travel, like in an RV or a vacation rental.
Single Brew Coffee Maker Buying Guide
For a fast, fresh cup with minimal cleanup, a single brew coffee maker is a great solution. It brews directly into your mug using pods, capsules, or ground coffee. The key is finding one that matches your morning routine and taste.
Brewing Method & Pod Compatibility
This is the big decision. Do you want the convenience of pre-filled pods, like Keurig’s K-Cups? Or do you prefer using your own ground coffee for more choice and less waste? Many machines offer both with a reusable filter basket. Just check which pod system a machine uses, as thay’re often not cross-compatible.
Brew Size and Strength Options
Not everyone drinks the same size cup. Look for a maker that offers multiple brew sizes, from a small 6-ounce cup to a large travel mug. Some models also have a ‘strong brew’ or bold setting, which lets more water flow through the grounds for a more intense flavor. It’s a simple feature that makes a real difference.
Speed and Temperature
How long are you willing to wait? Most single-serve brewers are pretty quick, but times can vary from under a minute to closer to two. More importantly, check that the machine heats water to the optimal temperature for extraction—around 195°F to 205°F. A coffee that brews too cool can taste weak and flat.
Footprint and Water Reservoir
Counter space is precious. Measure your available area before you shop. A smaller reservoir means refilling it more often, but it also keeps the machine more compact. A larger tank is convenient if you’re making several cups back-to-back. Think about how you’ll use it most days.
Ease of Cleaning
Limescale and old coffee oils effect flavor. A removable drip tray and water reservoir make washing much simpler. Some machines have a alert light to remind you to run a descaling cycle. It’s a mundane task, but a machine that makes it easy will last longer and brew better coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single Brew Coffee Maker
What is a single brew coffee maker?
It’s a machine that brews one cup of coffee at a time. You use a pod, capsule, or sometimes loose grounds. It’s perfect if you’re teh only coffee drinker at home or if everyone wants a different flavor.
What are the main types?
The two big types are pod machines (like Keurig) and capsule systems (like Nespresso). Pods are usually plastic cups with a paper filter. Capsules are small sealed containers, often made of aluminum. Some machines also let you use your own ground coffee with a reusable filter.
Is it cheaper than a regular coffee pot?
The machine itself can be affordable. But the ongoing cost for pods or capsules adds up. Using a reusable filter with your own grounds is the most cost-effective way to go in the long run.
How do I choose the right one?
Think about your routine. Consider the brand’s pod variety, the machine’s size, and brew strength options. Also check how fast it heats up and how easy it is to clean. Reading reviews really helps to.
Can I make other drinks with it?
Yes, many can! Lots of systems offer pods for tea, hot chocolate, or even iced coffee. Some higher-end models have a milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos built right in.
Are they easy to clean?
Most are quite simple. You need to regularly empty the used pod container and drip tray. Descaling (removing mineral buildup) is the most important task. Follow the manual’s instructions, usually every 3-6 months, to keep it working well.
What about coffee taste and quality?
This is a big one. Convenience is the main benefit. The taste from pods is consistent and good for many people. For the freshest, richest flavor, a traditional drip or pour-over method with freshly ground beans is often better. But for a quick, easy cup, single brew makers are great.
In Summary
So, that’s a good look at what to consider. It really comes down to your own morning routine and what you need from your machine. Think about how much counter space you have and how quickly you need your coffee. Your budget matters, too, of course.
In teh end, the right single brew coffee maker for you is the one that fits your life. It should make the process simple and give you a cup you enjoy. Take your time comparing your options. Once you find your match, you’ll be looking forward to that first sip every single day.