Perfect for solitary sippers or varied personal preferences. A single cup coffee maker is the ultimate kitchen hero for anyone who just wants their perfect brew, no pot required. You get exactly what you want, when you want it, with zero waste. It’s a simple luxury that fits right into your morning routine.
But with so many models out there, how do you choose the right one for you? We tested the top contenders to cut through the noise. Let’s find the machine that will make your daily cup not just good, but great—every single time.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 3…
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9.7 |
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Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 3…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, with…
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9.3 |
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Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker,…
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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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8.9 |
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Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6…
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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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Tastyle Mini Hot and Iced Coffee Maker Single Serve,…
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8.2 |
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Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup…
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8.0 |
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Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K…
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7.8 |
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Coffee Maker Hot & Iced With Bold Setting,Single Serve…
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Single Cup Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 3 Brew Sizes, Strong Button Feature, 42oz Removable Reservoir, Warm Stone
The Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for straightforward, no-fuss coffee at home. It’s a compact machine that focuses on the essentials, giving you a fresh cup quickly without complicated settings.
You get three brew size options—8, 10, or 12 ounces—so you can choose a smaller, stronger cup or a larger one to sip on. If you prefer a more robust flavor, the Strong Brew button is there to intensify your coffee.
The machine heats up fast, and you’ll have a full cup in just a couple minutes, which is perfect for busy mornings.
One of the convienient features is the 42-ounce removable water reservoir. It lets you brew up to four 8-ounce cups before you need a refill, which is handy for serving multiple people or for getting through your own morning without interruption. The reservoir is easy to take out and fill at your sink, too.
The drip tray is also removable, making it easy to clean up any spills or drips. Plus, you can take the tray out completely to fit a travel mug underneath, which is great if your always heading out the door.
For energy savings, the K-Express has an auto-off function. It turns the brewer off five minutes after your last cup, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving it on all day.
Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 3 Brew Sizes, Strong Button Feature, 42oz Removable Reservoir, Evergreen
The Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for straightforward, no-fuss coffee at home. It’s a compact machine that focuses on getting you a fresh cup quickly, without complicated settings or a large footprint on your counter. If your morning routine needs to be fast and reliable, this brewer aims to fit right in. You have three brew size options with the push of a button: 8, 10, or 12 ounces.
This flexibility means you can use a smaller cup for a quick shot or a larger mug for a more leisurely drink. A notable feature is the Strong Brew button. When you press it, the machine adjusts it’s brewing process to deliver a more intense and bolder cup from your chosen K-Cup pod, which is great for those who find standard single-serve coffee a bit light. Convenience is a key point here. The 42-ounce removable water reservoir is a practical feature.
It lets you brew up to four 8-ounce cups before needing a refill, which is handy for serving a couple people or for getting through your own morning without an extra step. Filling and cleaning is easier because you can take the reservoir to the 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 insulated cup before heading out.
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 Gold
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker in Brushed Gold is designed for coffee drinkers who want control and convenience in their daily routine. It’s a straightforward machine that aims to fit seamlessly into your morning, whether you prefer a classic hot coffee or a refreshing iced drink.
You have a lot of flexibility with how you brew. The machine offers five cup sizes—4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces—so you can choose the perfect amount for your favorite mug.
If you like a bolder taste, the Strong Brew function intensifies the flavor of your coffee. For iced coffee lovers, the dedicated Iced Setting is a key feature; it brews a concentrated cup over ice so your drink doesn’t get watered down, resulting in a full-flavored beverage everytime. There’s also a separate Hot Water on Demand button, perfect for making instant soups, oatmeal, or tea without using a K-Cup pod.
Practicality is a big focus here.
The 75-ounce water reservoir is large enough to brew several cups before needing a refill, which simplifies busy mornings. The reservoir is removable, making it easy to fill at your sink. The machine uses Quiet Brew Technology to operate with minimal noise, a considerate touch for early mornings.
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 over your counter. If your kitchen, office desk, or dorm room is short on space, this machine’s compact build is the answer. It’s only about four inches wide, so it tucks neatly into the smallest of spots.
You can keep it out all the time without it feeling like an appliance that dominates your surface.
It brews a single cup directly into your mug, with a reservoir that supports a serving size up to 12 ounces. That’s a full, substantial cup to start your morning. The process is straightforward—just pop in a K-Cup pod, choose your size, and brew. There’s no complicated programming or large water tank to manage, which means less maintenance and more simplicity in your daily routine.
The one-cup system ensures every cup is fresh, with no stale coffee sitting in a carafe.
A key feature is it’s travel mug friendly design. The drip tray is removable, allowing you to fit a to-go cup up to 7.25 inches tall underneath. This means you can brew directly into your insulated tumbler and head out the door without any transfer fuss. It’s perfect for busy mornings when your’re trying to get moving quickly.
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 up your whole counter. If your kitchen, office, or dorm room is short on space, this machine’s compact 4-inch width is a game-changer. It tucks neatly onto the smallest of surfaces, leaving room for everything else you need.
It brews a fresh cup directly into your mug, with a capacity for up to a 12 oz serving.
That means you get a full-sized coffee, not a tiny espresso shot. The machine is also travel mug friendly, accomodating cups up to 7.25 inches tall. You can pop your favorite reusable tumbler right under the brewer, hit the button, and be out the door with a hot coffee in hand. It’s perfect for busy mornings when every minute counts.
Beyond just function, the K-Mini Mate brings a fresh and modern look to your space. It has a sleek, minimal design that avoids looking clunky or industrial.
It’s an appliance that actually blends with your decor instead of sticking out. You can choose from a range of elevated colors, from classic blacks and whites to more aesthetic greens and blues, so you can find one that truly matches your personal style.
This brewer is incredibly straightforward to use. There’s no complicated programming or large water reservoir to manage.
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 precious real estate, this machine’s compact profile, at less than five inches wide, makes it a practical choice. It fits neatly in apartments, dorm rooms, offices, or as a secondary brewer in a kitchen nook. Its matte finish offers a sleek, modern look that blends in without fuss, available in several colors to match your style.
Operation is straightforward.
There’s no permanent water reservoir to manage or clean. Instead, you use the one-cup reservoir system: just pour in fresh water for each brew. This means every cup is made with fresh water, and you never have to worry about stale water sitting in a tank. You can brew any size you like between 6 and 12 ounces, giving you control over your cup’s strength.
Whether you prefer a smaller, bolder shot or a larger morning mug, the K-Mini adjusts to your preference using Keurig’s K-Cup pods.
Speed is a key feature. From adding water to having a fresh brewed coffee in your cup takes just minutes. It’s a fast solution for busy mornings when you need a reliable cup before heading out. The machine is also travel mug friendly. The removable drip tray can be taken out to fit mugs up to 7 inches tall, which is perfect for commuters.
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 with both coffee pods and grounds, giving you the ultimate choice between convenience and crafting your perfect cup from fresh coffee.
You’re not locked into one system, which means you can use your favorite K-Cup pods one morning and explore a new bag of ground coffee the next, all from the same compact machine.
This brewer offers serious versatility with four distinct brew styles. You can select Classic for a balanced cup, Rich for a more intense flavor, Over Ice for a smooth cold brew concentrate, or Specialty, which is engineered for creating coffeehouse-style drinks.
The Over Ice and Specialty settings are particularly useful for moving beyond a simple hot coffee. With the Specialty brew, you get a super-rich coffee concentrate that forms the perfect base for homemade lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos right in your own kitchen.
You also have impressive control over your cup size. When using pods, you can brew a 6, 8, 10, or 12-ounce cup. If you use grounds, your options expand to include 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, and even a large 24-ounce serving.
Tastyle Mini Hot and Iced Coffee Maker Single Serve, for K Cup and Ground, 6 to 14 Oz Brew Sizes, with Recipe Book, for Home, Travel, RV, Office and Dorm, Classic Black (2.0 Version)
The Tastyle Mini Hot and Iced Coffee Maker Single Serve (2.0 Version) is a compact machine designed for how you actually live. It brews both hot coffee and properly chilled iced coffee, making it a versatile choice for any season or time of day. Its main advantage is it’s space-saving and lightweight design. The mini, slim profile fits easily on a crowded kitchen counter, a small office desk, or in an RV or dorm room.
It’s simple to pack for travel, ensuring you can have your preferred coffee wherever you go. The machine offers two dedicated modes: HOT BREW and OVER ICE. The OVER ICE function is smart—it starts with a hotter brew temperature to fully extract flavor from your coffee grounds or K-Cup, then cools the stream so it doesn’t melt all your ice. This results in a coffee that’s refreshingly cold and flavorful, not watered down.
For hot coffee, it heats water to an optimal 175°F, which helps unlock the richness of your beans for a satisfying sip. You have flexibility in how you brew. It’s a 2-in-1 system that works with both standard K-Cup pods and your own ground coffee. A built-in deep extraction technology means you can use a bit less ground coffee than you might expect, but still get a full-strength cup. You can also customize the brew size from 6 to 14 ounces by simply filling the water tank to the marked level.
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 gives you the freedom to choose your favorite brand or a special blend without needing two different appliances. You can select a brew size from 6 to 12 ounces, wether you want a strong, small espresso-style drink or a larger morning cup.
Constructed from BPA-free and heat-resistant materials, the machine prioritizes your safety and its own durability. A clear water window on the side lets you easily check the water level before you start, so you never begin a brew without enough water. The operation is straightforward: add water, insert your coffee pod or grounds, place your cup, and press the single button. In about two minutes, you have a fresh, hot coffee with minimal cleanup required afterwards.
Its small footprint makes the Horavie ideal for tight spaces. It fits perfectly on a kitchen counter, in a office breakroom, or even in an RV. The lightweight design also means you can easily move it if needed. For maintence, the machine includes a helpful descaling reminder light. When this light turns red, it’s a signal to run the self-cleaning cycle. You just add a descaling solution and hold the button for two seconds; the machine handles the rest.
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 designed for anyone who needs a personal, no-fuss coffee solution outside of a traditional kitchen. Its core idea is simplicity and portability, letting you have your prefered cup wherever you have access to power.
This mini coffee maker is built around travel and small spaces. It has a integrated carry handle, making it easy to pack for a camping trip, move around your RV, or tuck into a dorm room corner.
Its compact footprint means it won’t dominate a small office desk or hotel counter. The entire unit operates on 120V and 800 watts, which is relatively energy-efficient for a brewer. Just remember, if your planning to use it while camping with a power bank, you’ll need one that can output at least 100V and 500W, though brewing time will be a bit longer at that voltage.
Flexibility in how you brew is a key feature.
The machine comes with two accessories: a holder for standard K-Cup style pods and a reusable mesh filter for your own ground coffee, which can hold up to 20 grams. Both pieces are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. You choose your method, add water to the visible 12-ounce tank, select your cup size, and press one button. In about three minutes, your coffee is ready.
Coffee Maker Hot & Iced With Bold Setting,Single Serve Coffee Maker For K Cup And Grounds,52 Oz Removable Water Tank,6-14 Oz Brew Sizes,One Cup Kcup Coffee Machine With Reusable Filter,(Black)
The Coffee Maker Hot & Iced With Bold Setting is designed for coffee drinkers who want flexibility and speed in their daily routine. It’s a single-serve machine that puts choice in your hands, letting you craft both hot and iced beverages to match your mood without needing two separate appliances.
One of it’s key features is the Bold Setting. This gives you control over the strength of your coffee. You can select a standard brew or a stronger, more intense cup.
This works for both hot coffee and iced coffee, which is great because iced drinks can sometimes taste watered down. The machine brews directly over ice, locking in flavor for a refreshing result. And speed is a major plus here; it averages about one minute from start to finish, so you’re not waiting long for your fresh-brewed drink.
Versatility is a strong point with this model.
It offers 3-in-1 compatibility, meaning you can use your favorite K-Cup pods, loose ground coffee, or even loose-leaf tea. It comes with a reusable filter basket for grounds, which helps reduce waste if you prefer not to use pods. You have five brew size options to choose from—6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 ounces. This lets you fill a small cup or a large travel mug perfectly.
Single Cup Coffee Maker Buying Guide
A single cup coffee maker is ideal for personal use and minimizing waste. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you focus on the key features that matter for your morning routine.
Brew Speed and Convenience
How long are you willing to wait for your coffee? Some machines brew a cup in under a minute, perfect for rushed mornings. Others take a bit longer but might offer more control. Consider if you want programmable features, like setting it up the night before, or if a simple one-touch button is all you need.
Pod System vs. Ground Coffee
This is a major choice. Pod machines (like Keurig) are incredibly convenient and mess-free, but you’re locked into buying specific brand pods, which can be expensive and create plastic waste. Machines that use ground coffee give you total freedom to choose any bean you love and are often more cost-effective over time. Some models even offer both options!
Size and Footprint
Where will it live? If your kitchen counter is already crowded, a compact, low-profile design is crucial. Measure your space! Also, check the water reservoir size. A larger tank means fewer refills, but it also makes the machine bigger. A small reservoir is fine if you only make one cup a day.
Cup Size and Compatibility
Not all mugs are created equal. Make sure the machine’s drip tray can accommodate your favorite tall travel mug. Some have adjustable trays or even allow you to remove the tray entirely for a larger vessel. There’s nothing worse than brewing directly onto your counter because your mug doesn’t fit.
Ease of Cleaning
A neglected machine leads to bad-tasting coffee. Look for models with removable parts, like the drip tray and water reservoir, that are dishwasher safe. If it uses a pod system, does it have a descaling alert or an easy process to run cleaning cycles? Simple maintenance keeps your coffee tasting great.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single Cup Coffee Maker
What is a single cup coffee maker?
It’s a small machine that brews one fresh cup of coffee at a time. You just add your coffee grounds or a pod, add water, and press a button. It’s perfect for avoiding waste when you’re teh only one drinking coffee.
Does it use pods or ground coffee?
It depends on the model! Some machines are designed for specific pods, like K-Cups. Others have a reusable filter basket for your own ground coffee. A few models can do both, which gives you more flexibility.
How fast does it brew?
Most are very quick. A single cup coffee maker can usually brew your coffee in under two minutes. Some are even faster, taking just about a minute from start to finish.
Is it easy to clean?
Generally, yes. The main parts like the drip tray and water reservoir are removable for rinsing. For pod machines, you just toss the used pod. Machines that use grounds require you to empty the filter after each use. A quick wipe down is usually all it needs.
Can I make tea or hot cocoa with it?
Often, yes. If the machine just heats water and brews, you can use it to get hot water for tea, cocoa, or oatmeal. Just run a cycle without any coffee in the filter. Check your model’s instructions to be sure.
What’s the difference between a pod machine and a drip one?
A pod machine uses pre-packaged coffee pods for extreme convenience and consistency. A drip-style machine uses your own ground coffee, which is often more cost-effective and offers more variety. The choice really depends on your priority: speed or customization.
How much counter space does it take?
These are among the most compact brewers. They’re designed to fit in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. Most are slim enough to tuck into a corner easily when your not using it.
Do they come with a travel mug?
Some models include a reusable mug that fits under the spout, but not all do. It’s a common feature, so check the product description. Any standard mug up to about 7 inches tall should work fine too.
Our Final Recommendation
Minimize waste and maximize freshness with your personal brewer. It’s a simple way to make your morning routine better. You get a great cup of coffee made just for you. No more stale pots or wasted coffee. It’s about convenience and quality, every single day.
Think about your daily habit. A single cup coffee maker fits right in. It saves time and gives you control. You can try different beans without commiting to a whole pot. It’s a small machine that makes a big difference. Start your day your way.