The Best Single-Cup Coffee Makers

A single cup of coffee is often all we need as we’re rushing out the door in the morning or fighting that midafternoon crash at work. After two weeks of testing our initial group and a follow-up test of updated models, we determined that the new Keurig – K-Elite is the best single-cup coffee maker. It makes pod coffee quickly and conveniently, with all the options you need.

Table of contents

• The 7 single-cup coffee makers we tested
• Best overall: Keurig K-Elite
• Budget pick: Black+Decker – Brew ‘n Go
• Luxury pick: Nespresso – Citiz
• Other products we tested
• How we selected
• How we tested
• Important features to consider
• The bottom line

The 7 single-cup coffee makers we tested

Best overall: Keurig – K-Elite

The Keurig – K-Elite is a leader in the single-cup market for a reason. It’s versatile, easy to use, and allows some adjustment — plus it makes decent coffee. If you want the best pod-based single-cup coffee maker on the market, you should invest in the Elite.

When you brew with the K-Elite, you have the ability to choose the size of the drink, from a strong, concentrated four-ounce up to a 12-ounce travel mug. If you want to fill a 16 oz. travel mug, you’re probably best off running two pods unless you prefer coffee on the watery side. The increments allow for more control over the size and strength of your morning cup of joe than any other single-cup machine we tested.

This machine does take up a fair amount of counter space at 13.1″ H x 9.9″ W x 12.7″ D. It also has the shortest power cord, at about a foot long. However, it has a sleek look that’s appealing on a counter.

While you can manipulate the strength of your coffee by adjusting the ounces of water to some extent, the Elite also has a “strong” setting. This adds about 20 seconds to the regular brew cycle, increasing the extraction time. The result is coffee that is noticeably richer. Taste varies, so we’re glad to see this option.

Our testers also liked that this Keurig has a water filter. If you prefer making coffee with filtered water, this is an obvious choice for you. However, even if you don’t mind the tap, the water filter is supposed to extend the life of the machine overall, as fewer impurities should build up within it. Installing the filter in the reservoir was not hard, but it did require reading the manual.

Other upgrades over the original Keurig machines include “auto-on” and hot water functions. The “auto-on” feature will heat the water at your pre-set time, leaving you just 45 seconds away from your coffee when you press the brew button on your way out the door.

The hot water function does not use a separate spout, so you’ll probably want to run a rinse cycle between making coffee and tea.

On its default setting, this machine served coffee at about 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This was on the low side of our finalists — but normal for a Keurig. Our testers did not make any remarks about the coffee temperature being too cold.

Also, the K-Elite was the only Keurig we tested that can be programmed to brew at different temperatures, from 187 to 192 degrees. You can change the brew temperature in the settings menu, which is a big plus if you’re at higher elevations or using specialty pods.

Our testers thought that this Keurig was the most complicated to use because of its many features. When setting up the machine, we were immediately asked to program the time, altitude mode and automatic turn-on time. While all of these features are useful, we had to consult the manual to figure out how to program them.

Overall, the K-Elite takes our top spot. When you wake up in the morning you want coffee fast — this machine delivers on that. The K-Elite is tops for convenience, which is why consumers are attracted to single-cup machines in the first place.

Top Pick: Keurig - K-Elite

This sleek single-cup coffee maker is easy to use and consistently makes good coffee.

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This Keurig runs at about $160, which is a relatively mid-range price for a Keurig machine. If you are buying a Keurig to make your life more convenient, we believe the K-Elite is worth the extra coin.
In our testing, the Keurig 2.0 outperformed the competition in terms of speed, heat, and usability. The one-minute, 47-second heat cycle was the fastest of the K-Cup-based systems we tested, and the 41-second brew time was just two seconds slower than the fastest K-Cup machine, the Cuisinart SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System.

Key takeaways:

• The K-Elite was our fastest-brewing Keurig machine.
• This machine’s 75-ounce water reservoir means you won’t be constantly refilling this machine.
• The included water filter is a plus for those who prefer filtered water; the machine may also have a longer life for this reason.
• This machine’s short power cord and large size limit its movability in the kitchen.
• Some coffee drinkers dislike the watered-down nature of Keurig’s standard recipe, but this model gives you options.

Budget pick: Black+Decker – Brew ‘n Go

The Black+Decker – Brew ‘n Go may lack the bells and whistles of some of the other machines, but that’s part of its appeal. The Brew n’ Go is essentially a mini version of a traditional drip coffee maker that dispenses coffee into a 15-ounce stainless steel travel mug, which is included in the box.

It has one button and one setting: Brew. The Brew n’ Go will use all the water poured into the machine, so it’s recommended to use the included mug, or the same mug you plan to use for coffee, to fill the tank.

Unlike the other single-cup coffee makers, it does not shut off after a specific number of ounces, and it will overflow your mug if you pour in too much water.

This can be a positive or a negative depending on your personal coffee brewing preferences.

The permanent mesh filter system eliminates the need for paper filters, and it cleans easily with just a rinse. You can either use coffee ground for drip machine use or grind the beans yourself at home. You have total control over strength and taste because you select the amount of coffee, the type of coffee, and the amount of water.

Budget Pick: Black+Decker - Brew 'n Go

A simple and inexpensive way to quickly brew a hot cup of coffee.

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We found that the Brew n’ Go made coffee significantly hotter than the other single-cup coffee makers we tested. At 182 degrees, coffee made with the Brew n’ Go is five degrees hotter than the newer Keurig model and more than 10 degrees hotter than every other machine we tested.

The coffee that comes from a Brew n’ Go will stay warmer longer, so you can slowly enjoy it longer than coffee from the other machines we tested.

The compact design allows the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go to fit on any small counter, in a cabinet, or even on your desk at work. It’s about a quarter of the size of the Keurig machines we tested.

Finally, at about $18, it is substantially more affordable than the other top seven single-cup coffee makers. And, that price includes the stainless steel mug that fits the machine perfectly. If what you want is a single cup of no-nonsense, reliably hot drip coffee, the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go is an excellent choice.

Key takeaways:

• A permanent mesh filter and included stainless steel travel mug make the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go a truly complete system. Just add coffee.
• One setting means the control is in your hands, not the machine. Choose your favorite blend, grind the beans your way, and add just the right amount of coffee and water for you.
• It serves hotter coffee at a more affordable price than any other machine we tested.
• The Brew n’ Go has a sharp, compact design that will fit just about anywhere.

Luxe pick: Nespresso – Citiz

The Nespresso – Citiz Espresso Maker is a beautiful machine that makes espresso-style coffee in servings of 1.35 or 3.7 ounces. These highly concentrated coffees can be enjoyed on their own or can be used to make lattes, Americanos, cappuccinos, or iced drinks.

Like the K-Cup brewers, the machine is very easy to operate. Pop in a pod, press the size option you want, and the coffee pours directly into your mug. The Citiz is even designed with a small tray that folds out so a smaller espresso cup, or demitasse, can sit just below the spout.

The end product is not just strong; it’s finished with a light tan, frothy top layer called crema. This delicate foam has a lot going on. As we sifted through information on chemistry, fats, oils, proteins, roasting temperatures, and optimal extraction pressures that influence the appearance of crema, our heads spun a bit.

In our testing, however, we found that the mouth-feel of the espresso is satisfying and the taste is what you’d expect from a $5 espresso at a coffee shop.

The Nespresso company markets about 30 pod varieties with exotic names based in Italian and Turkish. Independent companies market additional options as well as reusable pods that can be filled with your own ground coffee at home.

The pods, or capsules, as Nespresso calls them, are primarily made of aluminum which can be recycled. Because the used grounds must be separated from the aluminum, it’s pretty difficult to do at home. However, Nespresso will send you a free recycle bag that you can fill with up to 200 capsules and then drop off at any UPS location to shipped backed to Nespresso free of charge.

For Espresso Lovers: Nespresso - Citiz

Ideal for those who would rather have espresso instead of coffee in the morning.

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In our testing, the Nespresso machine was the fastest to produce a finished product from turning the machine on to taking the first sip of coffee. While the espresso was just outside the top three in terms of temperature, at 171 degrees, it didn’t seem to be a deal-breaker because the small shots are meant to be enjoyed quickly or mixed with another hot beverage like steamed milk.

The machine itself is expensive, priced at just under $200 when we published this article, and the pods are more expensive per cup than using a traditional brewing method. That being said, it is a high-class machine that looks and feels top-of-the-line while consistently producing a product that would otherwise be very difficult to accomplish at home without a full-blown espresso machine.

Key takeaways:

• The Nespresso Citiz makes espresso complete with a light, foamy layer of crema on top.
• Coffee varieties from Nespresso and other producers, along with the ability to use your own espresso blend, have greatly increased options since the machine was first introduced.
• It is a high-end product with a high price tag that we feel is justified and well worth it for serious coffee connoisseurs.

Other products we tested

Mr. Coffee, arguably the biggest name in the American home coffee maker market, offers a great machine that will get you into the K-Cup system at a very reasonable price, around $60. The Mr. Coffee – K-Cup Brewing System brews both K-Cups and your own ground coffee with the included K-Cup filter.

Instead of a lever that opens to reveal the K-Cup compartment, the Mr. Coffee pod compartment slides out completely and you pop the pod into the chamber before sliding it back in. A bit of care needs to be taken because this exposes the small sharp needles that pierce the pods during brewing.

The Mr. Coffee has one setting for brewing, and it lacks any different size settings. While the Mr. Coffee machine doesn’t have extra features, the straight-forward operation and entry-level pricing make it worthy of consideration.

The Hamilton Beach – Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker functions in much the same way as the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go but with a higher quality design and the addition of a strong setting. Made of stainless steel, the Hamilton Beach looks sharp and durable. The mesh scoop filter, also made of steel, can be used to spoon coffee out of the bag and then directly into the machine for brewing.

As mentioned with the K-Elite’s strong setting, a single cup of coffee can be made stronger by slowing down the extraction process. Much like allowing a tea bag to steep a bit longer, more flavor is released from coffee that is exposed to hot water for a longer period of time. The Hamilton Beach has a “bold” setting that functions in this manner and produces a cup that does indeed taste stronger.

In terms of speed, the Hamilton Beach excels. It brews a full cup of coffee quicker than any other machine when combined with the heating cycle, and it’s just one second slower than the Nespresso, which brews a cup half the size. However, at 167 degrees, the end product is substantially cooler than the coffee from other single-cup coffee makers we tested.

The Cuisinart – SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System was made by the popular kitchen appliance company to rival the newer Keurig machines. In our testing, it closely mirrored the Keurig – K-Elite in performance. The Cuisinart was one second slower in the heating cycle, but two seconds quicker to brew. It was also just one degree cooler than the K-Elite. Since our testing, this model has been replaced by the SS-10 model, and we’ve updated links throughout our review to the new one.

The Cuisinart includes many of the same features we fell in love with the big Keurig machine: a water filtration system, push-button for hot water, and the “auto-on” capability. The Cuisinart will brew licensed K-Cups as well as alternative pods, and it is compatible with the My K-Cup system that lets you use your own ground coffee.

The Cuisinart advertises five temperature settings, but when we used our known-accurate digital thermometer to check the coffee set at 168 and 172, (the lowest and highest setting, respectively) we found just half a degree of difference.

We were also less impressed with the LED screen, blue-backed instead of full color, and the maximum brew size of just 10 ounces. The old Keurig 2.0 system had half a dozen settings between 4 and 30 ounces. These shortcomings, combined with the lofty price tag of $220 held the Cuisinart back in the larger competition.

Another machine that failed to impress is the Keurig – K-Classic Coffee Maker. One of the longest-lived Keurig models, the Classic does a fine job of brewing K-Cup coffee into one of three different sizes. But that’s all it does.

Knowing that so much more is now possible with the Keurig brand in terms of size options, functions, and design, it’s hard to justify investing in the older model when the newer models are available for about $50 more.

How we selected

We wanted to put together a comprehensive sample of the best coffee makers out there, representative of these three categories. Before we started our research online, we got input from our resident coffee aficionados. Obviously, the two big names, Keurig and Nespresso had to be included.

We spent a dozen hours combing through Amazon reviews, coffee blogs, and ranking sites like Cnet and Consumer Reports. We also watched product demonstration videos and searched through a few subreddits in the pursuit of actionable information and advice. Using this new knowledge, we chose seven products for testing.

2019 Update

In our initial round-up, we featured the flagship of the Keurig “2.0 system” fleet, the K575. This more expensive Keurig featured a variety of brew settings and the option to fill a carafe using special jumbo-size pods. The 2.0 system was notable for using a proprietary label and electronic reader to only allow Keurig’s own coffee pods; it was an easy system to bypass with an old label but many users objected to the intended restriction.

One Keurig 2.0 model is still for sale direct from the manufacturer, but Keurig has switched focus away from proprietary pods. The advantages of the second-generation system, like custom temperature settings or iced coffee brew modes, have now been incorporated into a new K-Elite model that we picked as best overall in a roundup of the best Keurig brewers in 2019.

How we tested

Capacity

Our first task was to noted the different volumes that each machine pours in order to determine the size of cup that it can accommodate. Many travel mugs, like the 12-ounce version of the top-ranked model in our travel mug review, will fit under the standard 7″ spout, but in most cases we had to remove a drip tray to get extra clearance.

Speed

One of the main attractions of the single-cup coffee maker is the speed. Most people hope for a quick process with a minimal wait time as they’re trying to get out the door in the morning. We ran the clock on both the time it took for each machine to heat the water and how long it took to brew an eight-ounce drink (a 3.7-ounce pour with the Nespresso).

When considering time, it’s useful to know that two of the machines we tested offer an auto-on timer option — the Cuisinart SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System and the Keurig – K-Elite. The water heater will click on at the specific time you set, which means all you have to do is press the brew button and you’ll be drinking coffee in less than a minute.

Heat

One common complaint of people using Keurig machines is that the coffee isn’t quite as hot at they would like it to be. Most coffee is recommended to be brewed between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit and served between 155 and 175 degrees, but personal preference for coffee temperature varies widely. If you really want to maintain an exact temperature for your coffee, check out the heated coffee mug by Ember.

We used the thermometer that won our pick for best digital thermometer, the Lavatools Javelin Pro, to determine the temperature of an eight-ounce cup of coffee immediately after the brewing process concluded. For the Nespresso – Citiz, we used the larger 3.7-ounce setting since it lacks an eight-ounce option. If you know you tend to enjoy your coffee at a certain temperature, the data we found during this test will be particularly helpful.

Note that high-end Keurig machines feature a temperature adjustment setting, but this only brings the brew temperature down from 192 degrees to allow for brewing at high altitudes where water will boil at low temperatures. We tested at the default (highest) setting of 192 which resulted in water hitting the cup at just under 170.

Accessories

The machines we tested come with a variety of different accessories to suit any taste. Some come with charcoal filters, which attach to a wand sitting in the water tank to purify the water before brewing. Some Keurig systems come with a K-Cup reusable coffee filter that allows you to use your own ground coffee, while you might need to buy this piece separately with other machines.

Many of the models we tested came with sample packs of pods to try, and one machine, the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go, even came with a travel mug that fits perfectly under the spout.

User Experience

After coming down from the buzz of testing the best French presses earlier in the year, our coffee-testing team was excited to get familiar with the user experience of the single-cup machines. We lived with the coffee makers for two weeks and used them often, toggling through features, observing sounds, deciphering cleaning directions, and of course, drinking copious amounts of coffee.

We recorded our thoughts, feelings, and emotions throughout the whole process and reflected back on them, in conjunction with all of our data, to determine our favorite single-cup coffee makers.

What is a single-cup coffee maker?

Single-cup coffee makers fall into one of three categories.

Drip machines: First, single-cup coffee makers can be simpler, smaller versions of traditional drip machines. These look and function like most home brewers you’re probably familiar with, but they drip coffee directly into your waiting mug.

Keurig pod compatible: The Keurig brand dominates pod coffee makers, and they’re the largest supplier of both machines and patented cups of prepackaged ground coffee vacuum-sealed in nitrogen to prevent oxidation. With the pod in place and the mechanism shut, small pins pierce both the top and bottom of the pod.

At the push of a button, water is pumped from a tank on the side of the machine into a reservoir containing the heating coils. Once the water is heated to the optimal temperature, it is pushed through the pod and directly into your mug.

Nespresso: A third type of machine creates a stronger, more concentrated espresso-style brew. Also dominated by a single brand, Nespresso, these machines pump out shots of espresso topped with that desirable frothy layer of crema. The shots can be enjoyed on their own or used to make lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso drinks. Nespresso capsules, however, are pricey, so we tested Nespresso compatible capsules that brew delicious espresso and are more affordable.

Who needs a single-cup coffee maker

Single-cup coffee makers have grown in popularity because of their reliability; single-cup machines that use pods make a consistent product every time. They’re efficient, convenient, and offer a huge selection of beverages — over 200 coffees, teas, and hot chocolates, including styles from Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Snapple, Tazo, and Illycafe.

By eliminating bean scooping and paper filters, these machines also take away the chore of making coffee and cleaning out the machine. No need to guess on the water-to-coffee ratio and no need to measure either. Just pop in the pod, hit the button, drink your coffee, and toss the pod.

With the exception of the Nespresso – Citiz (pronounced “cities”), all the coffee makers we tested also allow you to use your own ground coffee if you prefer. A common complaint in the 1990s, when the Keurig system was introduced, was the reliance on pods exclusively. Today, Keurig offers the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter, which lets you use your favorite freshly ground blend from your local roaster.

Brewing one cup at a time also ensures the mug you’re drinking is fresh. It cuts down on time and waste too. If the first person to get into the office at 8 a.m. makes a full pot of coffee, but the boss doesn’t roll in until after nine, his coffee will be stale, taste burned, and probably end up going in the microwave.

Controversy around single-cup coffee makers

First, K-Cup coffee is more expensive than buying beans and using a traditional brewing machine, French press, or percolator. Depending on the particular K-Cup and brand of coffee in comparison, coffee made with the Keurig system is somewhere between three and five times more expensive.

According to an article published in the March 2015 issue of the Atlantic, the 11 grams of coffee per pod works out to about $40 per pound. A pound of whole bean dark roast at Starbucks goes for about $12 a pound and the same is about $9 at Dunkin Donuts.

Even our favorite local premium roaster in San Diego, Dark Horse Coffee, sells its Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for $18 a pound, which is still less than half the price of a pound of K-Cup coffee.

When the Keurig was introduced in 1990, the company held the exclusive patent on the cups that fit into the machine. In September of 2012, that patent expired and the market was flooded with private-label pods from a variety of independent and corporate entities. The competition brought down prices — but only temporarily.

Keurig responded by introducing a sensor embedded in their 2.0 models that prohibits the use of unlicensed pods. The machine reads a piece of digital information on each pod label and will only brew if the pod is, in fact, a licensed variety. The competition, in turn, filed lawsuits and the Internet community posted hacks and workarounds that allowed third-party pods to be used.

Proprietary pod detectors have all but disappeared from Keurig’s line, but consumer freedom advocates have long memories.

Another aspect of the Keurig system that has drawn criticism is the environmental impact of the one-use-only pods, which are neither easily recyclable nor biodegradable. According to recycleacup.com, K-Cups can only be recycled if the separate components are taken apart prior to recycling.

Pods are made of a combination of plastic, aluminum, and paper. The coffee inside must be emptied before you put it in the recycle bin, and each different material within the K-Cup should be separated. Most people don’t do this. Therefore, most coffee brewed with a Keurig machine results in another plastic pod being added to the trash.

A traditional drip coffee maker or pour-over method utilizes a paper filter that is biodegradable and compostable, and French presses and percolators create no waste. That cannot be said for Keurig systems. Not only are the disposable K-Cups an environmental issue, but also the manufacturing of them involves many more steps than any other kind of coffee.

Many coffee drinkers find convenience in pod-style coffee machines. They pour a consistent cup of coffee every time, they’re cost-effective compared to buying a cup of coffee at Starbucks, and you can choose from a variety of flavors and beverages. If you consider that worth the expense, read on.

Important features to consider

Features

The features that are important to you will primarily be determined by the type of coffee you intend to make on a daily basis. If espresso-based coffee drinks get you going in the morning, you should look no further than the Nespresso – Citiz Espresso Maker.

If you’re looking to continue to make drip coffee from freshly ground beans, and you want to manipulate the strength and water-to-coffee ratios yourself, you probably don’t need a Keurig. But, if you’re attracted to the convenience and variety of the K-Cup system, then choosing which one is right for you will require looking at some additional factors.

Size

These machines vary significantly in terms of size. The Keurig appliances are large and can take up quite a bit of counter space. Their height, in particular, makes them hard to store out of the way and off of the counter, in a cabinet, or on a shelf. The size of your kitchen and your needs for clear counter space will lead to considering some options over others.

Aesthetics

In addition to varying dimensions, the machines all have distinct design qualities that make them more or less visually appealing. Some models are sleek, sharp, and impressive. Others look bulky, antiquated, or cheap.

Objectivity is difficult to achieve when evaluating what looks good aesthetically, but for something that will end up most likely living in view on your kitchen counter, it would be nice to like the way your coffee maker looks.

Price

Your Best Digs is primarily motivated by the quest to find and recommend the very best products. While value is important to us, we do all of our testing and evaluation without weighing price too heavily. We aim to give our readers a complete understanding of what it’s like to own and use these products. Armed with that information, it is then ultimately for you to decide on the cost-benefit analysis that fits your needs and your budget.

It’s important to remember, however, that it’s not just the cost of these machines that varies so greatly; so does the cost of operating them<. As discussed above, the price per cup of using the Keurig or Nespresso pod system is much higher than using a traditional grind and drip. The convenience vs. affordability evaluation will differ depending on what you value.

The bottom line

The single-cup coffee maker is a great machine for quickly and conveniently making one cup of coffee, right when you want it. A lot has been written about the environmental impact of single-use pods that have been popularized by the Keurig system. It is also clear that K-Cup coffee is significantly more expensive than traditionally brewed drip coffee.

We understand both of these concerns, but for the purposes of this review, we sought to declare the best single-use coffee maker on the market today. After two weeks, many cups of coffee, and more than a few jitters, we can declare that the Keurig K-Elite Series Coffee Maker is the best single-cup coffee maker.

The Keurig K-Elite accommodates more brewing sizes and completes the brewing process quicker than all the other machines we tested. The next generation features like its charcoal-based water filtration, “auto-on” programmability, and on-demand hot water make the machine incredibly versatile and easy to use.

If you’re looking to stay away from pod-based systems, we recommend the Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go. The Brew n’ Go is essentially a smaller version of a traditional drip coffee maker with a reusable mesh filter and a travel mug that fits the machine perfectly. It has one button, it does one thing, and it does it very well. Coffee made with the Black+Decker was consistently hotter than any other machine we tested.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Nespresso – Citiz, our favorite high-end machine. The Nespresso Citiz makes espresso that is reliably strong and delicious. It looks sleek and modern, and we felt a little spoiled to have it simply sitting on the counter. The Nespresso pods are even recyclable, and while that does require a bit of an effort, we are grateful for it.

If it’s obvious at this point that the Keurig is for you, we might also suggest checking out our review of the best Keurigs to see how their other offerings (including all-in-one latte machines) fare against the Elite.

Best Overall: Keurig - K-Elite Series

If you want the best in the single-cup market, the Keurig K-Elite Series stands out among all the most important metrics.

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Daniel Jackson, Writer

Daniel is a Canadian farm boy who grew up to be a nerd with a literature degree and too many hobbies to count. He emigrated from Canada to California in 2013, and now writes for Your Best Digs full-time. Daniel remains unapologetic about Canadian spelling, serial commas, and the destruction of expensive travel mugs.