1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: The Tchibo Machine
3. Best for coffee bean users: Breville Barista Express Impress
4. Best intuitive coffee maker: Breville Barista Touch Impress
5. Best for customization: Keurig K-Supreme
6. Best for families: Keurig K-Duo
7. Best for range of serving sizes: Keurig K-Elite
8. Best for easy use: Keurig K-Cafe
9. Best retro coffee maker: Smeg Espresso Machine
10. Best for design: Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+
11. Best for small spaces: Keurig K-Mini
12. How to choose
13. How we test
14. FAQs
If, like us, you love coffee, you'll know that there's no better way to start the day or improve the afternoon than to sit down with a gorgeous cup of your favorite. To get that, you don't necessarily need to splash out on one of the best espresso machines on the market, as excellent as they are. Some of our favorite coffee makers are simpler, single-serve coffee makers.
What is a single-serve coffee machine? As the name suggests, it's a coffee maker designed to make just one cup of coffee at a time. That means you don't have a jug of coffee getting bitter on a hot plate or, worse, going cold on you: you get a single cup, freshly made, whenever you want one.
There are several benefits to single serve coffee makers. Because they're usually simpler, they're typically cheaper to buy. And because they're not expected to make coffee for an army, they're usually much smaller than other coffee machines too – so they take up much less counter space. There are some exceptions – you'll find some premium and quite large machines among our picks here – but as a rule, if you're short of cash or space, then single serve is the way to go.
This isn't our only guide to great coffee machines: you'll find some overlap between the coffee makers we've chosen here and our picks of the best coffee makers of every kind. But for this guide, we're focused specifically on single-serve machines, whether they're pod-based or use ground coffee. If you're looking for the best single-serve coffee maker for your kitchen, you'll find it right here.
The quick list
Below, you'll find a quick overview section of all the different single-serve coffee makers on our list, showing you exactly what you need to know - all at a glance. This allows you to jump to the more detailed reviews further down the page for the product you're most interested in.
The best single serve coffee maker overall
Highly customizable, this coffee machine is perfect for those who want the freedom to adjust their brewers’ settings to their liking. The Tchibo also tells users when it needs to be maintained, so it's easy to use and maintain in the long run.
The best for coffee bean users
Brilliant for making smooth and tasty espresso, the Breville Barista Express is perfect for those who want to grind their beans. This machine creates a decent crema on top, and because it is semi-automatic, this model is easier to use than a manual espresso machine.
The best intuitive coffee maker
If you want a clever coffee machine, this top-performing espresso machine will predict the best settings and remember them for next time while guiding you step by step through the coffee-making process so you can chill out.
The best for customization
The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is a versatile pod-based machine that allows you to customize your drink’s strength, temperature, and size and even brew certain drinks directly over ice. It is a high-tech single-serve coffee maker.
The best for families
The Keurig K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker can use both ground coffee and K-cups and offers two brewing options. It's a flexible machine that offers a choice of single-serve coffee or a small carafe for sharing/multiple cups.
The best for a range of serving sizes
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker brews coffee hot and iced with the click of a button. It has five different cup sizes, so you can control the size of your single serve—perfect if you want a choice.
The best for easy use
We have chosen this as our best pick for easy use because it's an 'all-rounder.' "A modern, easy-to-use machine for those coffee connoisseurs" who want a really good, fresh cup of joe without the coffee house price.
The best retro single serve coffee maker
Thanks to its iconic design, the Smeg Espresso Manual Coffee Machine is an instantly recognizable brand. It is colorful, retro, and really good at making a mean cup of coffee. It has a short wait time and a consistency you can rely on.
The best for design
This incredibly stylish barista-grade machine produces Italian-style coffee. Its clever programmable settings and awesome design features, like a hot water and steam wand, give you ultimate control.
The best for small spaces
This quirky and colorful Keurig coffee maker is perfect for smaller spaces, such as dorm rooms or apartments. It's the smallest variant of Keurig available, and due to its size, it's a simple and straightforward machine to operate.
The best single serve coffee makers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best single serve coffee maker overall
✅ You want to try different coffee bean varieties: Since The Tchibo Machine grinds and brews coffee beans in one go, users have endless possibilities when trying different coffee beans.
✅ You don't want to generate waste: The Tchibo Machine’s bean-to-brew technology eliminates the need for coffee pods, making it a more sustainable option.
✅ You're looking for an easy-to-use, highly customizable machine: The Tchibo Machine’s settings can be adjusted, e.g., the grinding degree, so that users figure out the best setting for their perfect cup of coffee.
❌ You're looking for a brewer that can steam or froth milk: The Tchibo Machine doesn’t incorporate milk frothing or steaming capabilities into its design.
❌ You don't want to deal with coffee grounds: As the Tchibo Machine uses fresh coffee beans with its built-in grinder, you'll have to empty the used coffee grounds, which can be messy.
❌ You want to use pods too: This machine uses coffee beans only; if you want one that can use coffee beans and pods, consider a different machine.
🔎 The Tchibo Machine made our reviewer extremely happy with its ability to brew fresh, delicious coffee and that she could adjust the grind to make her coffee stronger or more aromatic. Its only drawback is the lack of milk frother. ★★★★★
The Tchibo Machine seriously impressed our reviewer when she tried it. Due to its impressive performance and adjustable elements, she didn't hesitate to give it five stars. She loved it and would eagerly recommend this model to others.
Design: Impressively, The Tchibo Machine fits on most kitchen countertops, occupying minimal space due to its streamlined dimensions of 12.4 x 7 x 15.6in (h x w x l) and a weight of 18.1 lbs.
The design of this coffee maker exudes elegance, featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces in a simple black and silver colorway. Another slick design feature is that the buttons (except for the power button discreetly placed on the side of the brewer) are invisible when the machine is turned off, contributing to its sleek and modern aesthetic - and they illuminate blue when turned on.
Performance: The Tchibo makes three different types of coffee: espresso (2 oz.), regular coffee (6 oz.), and large coffee (8 oz.), allowing for versatility, an asset to any household with members that have different coffee preferences.
The coffee spout is also adjustable to accommodate different cup sizes, and you can change the pre-sets for the water quantity to suit. The Tchibo Machine is also easy to clean and alerts you when it needs to be descaled; plus, it has other alerts for things like re-filling the water tank, adding more beans, or emptying the coffee ground container.
Price and availability: The Tchibo is available on the manufacturer's website for $399.00, which is discounted from its usual price of $531.98. It is also available on Amazon for $399.00. This is a great price for a high-quality coffee maker, especially considering that some espresso machines can cost up to $1,499.95.
Read more: The Tchibo Machine review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price is in line with similar brewers on the market and its high quality makes the price worth it too. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Fits seamlessly on countertops, occupying minimal space and featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Makes espresso and two different coffee sizes from bean to brew with one click of a button. | ★★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for coffee bean users
✅ You love to craft coffee from bean to cup: The Express Impress produces excellent coffee fast, and you get to enjoy all the banging, tamping, steaming, and frothing fun of a pro barista.
✅ You love a latte: The steam wand is wasted on black coffee drinkers, but this machine will deliver if you love a thick head of frothy coffee. (It isn't quiet, though.)
✅ You are a perfectionist: Those with exacting tastes will appreciate the option to manually control the grind dose and extraction time/quantities.
❌ You are impatient: Yes, the Express Impress Auto modes make life easy, but this is not a simple press-and-go machine.
❌ You've no time for care and maintenance: The conical burrs (in the grinder), tamp system, steam wand, and drip tray all need regular TLC to keep that fresh coffee coming.
❌ You don't use/buy lots of beans: This machine burns through beans and does use a lot, so that will become an ongoing purchase for this machine.
🔎 Breville Barista Express Impress is a genius espresso machine with a helpful degree of automation but plenty of ways to customize it. Both coffee lovers and novices will have no problem mastering the process. It is pleasing to the eye and produces truly outstanding coffee. It's expensive but worth every dime. ★★★★★
Most of the time, to get a really good shot of espresso, only a commercial machine, like the type found in decent coffee shops, will do. Enter the Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine, which brings pro-barista-grade espresso to your home.
Design: A good-looking machine thanks to its brushed stainless steel construction. This machine is large but doesn't take up too much space on the countertop, and it should just about tuck under wall cabinets. And while it may be heavy, it does slide forward easily to help you get to the water reservoir at the back.
As well as looking good, the design is thoughtfully done so that the coffee-making process is intuitive and moves from left to right across the machine, from grinding and tamping to brewing and, finally, milk frothing. The water tank is easy to undock from the back to fill it. The LEDs are bright so that they can be seen.
Performance: The Express Impress is a semi-automatic machine designed for easy use. It may take time to work out what grind size to use, depending on the beans you use and how strong you like your coffee.
Once you've established your perfect ground size, the auto dose system will ensure subsequent grinds produce the same amount, and it should take just one or two tamps to fill the portafilter basket to the correct level.
Taste test: Our reviewer found that the Breville Barista Express Impress produced the best coffee and hot chocolate she had ever made at home.
Comparisons: If you want to save a few dollars and a little space on your countertops, you might prefer the Breville Infuser BES840XL. It has a similar look and the same built-in pressure gauge and milk frother, but it does not have a built-in grinder.
Read more: Breville Barista Express Impress review
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive, but fairly priced for what you get. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Just beautiful – in shape, style and finish. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Once configured, it delivers consistently great coffee. | ★★★★★ |
The best intuitive single serve coffee maker
✅ You use non-dairy milk: The Breville Barista Touch Impress adds froth even when you're using non-dairy milk such as oat or soy milk, meaning that vegans and people with allergies can enjoy creamy, frothy coffees, too.
✅ You want a machine that will help you: The machine’s guided touch-screen menu will steer you through the coffee-making process by suggesting a grind size for your beans and giving options for froth level, temperature, and other details.
✅ You want a clever machine: This machine can remember your previous settings, making it easy to get a great-tasting cup of coffee every time and saving you precious time.
❌ You’re on a budget: This machine is sold for $1,499.95 by retailers like Amazon, which may be slightly too expensive for those on a budget.
❌ You hate fingerprint marks: As the Breville Barista Touch Impress is made from stainless steel, it is prone to fingerprint marks and other stains. If this is a pet peeve, you’ll need to get used to wiping down the machine every use.
❌ You only drink plain espressos: If you're a faithful espresso drinker, you may quickly find that the variety of settings offered by this machine is overkill and not worth your money.
🔎 The Breville Barista Touch Impress makes a mean cup of coffee every single time. It is smart enough to also remember your previous settings, predict the best grind size, and optimize froth settings for various dairy or non-dairy milk. ★★★★★
The Breville Barista Touch Impress is a seriously impressive machine that'll last a long time and upgrade your daily routine with quick, rich coffee. Better yet, for vegans or those with allergies, it can handle non-dairy milk types upon demand by re-calibrating its pressure, temperature, and timings.
Design: Made from stainless steel, this espresso machine is sturdy and attractive, although you may need to remember to wipe away fingerprint marks. Cleaning tools such as a brush, descaling powder, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning easy.
The 67-oz water tank capacity should impress, too, especially considering the machine's compact size. This machine packs lots of features, from an easy-to-use touch screen that helpfully guides you through drink options and settings to barista-grade advice for grind size, milk, temperature, and froth level.
The machine can cleverly decide the best grind size based on your beans, although you can also customize some settings yourself, leaving you free to experiment. One of the most helpful features is that it can remember your settings for next time, speeding up your coffee-making routine.
For non-dairy folks, the auto MilQ has special froth settings for dairy, almond, soy, and oat milk.
Performance: After the machine has ground the beans, you must press coffee into the puck using a tamp lever. This is easy to use. Plus, the machine only takes 3 seconds to heat up before extraction.
During our testing, the machine always produced creamy, strong, and (most importantly) consistent coffee. It even produced frothy oat milk coffee, a tricky feat.
Price and availability: This coffee machine, available for $1,499.95 from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, will set you back a bit. However, it rings true that you get what you pay for. There aren’t many compact coffee machines that can deliver barista-style coffee consistently and quickly or efficiently handle non-dairy milk.
Read more: Breville Barista Touch Impress review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact stainless steel machine with excellent settings. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Reliably produces great-tasting coffee within a few seconds. | ★★★★★ |
| Price and availability | An expensive option but worth the cost for coffee lovers. | ★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for customization
✅ You’re short on space: The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker takes up little space with its water tank that can be placed on the back or the side.
✅ You’re particular about temperature or taste: This coffee maker has five strengths and six temperature settings, making it easy to get your brew exactly how you like it.
✅You want your machine to deal with the guesswork: The BrewID feature automatically recognizes K-cups and adjusts the settings to ensure you get the optimal brew.
❌ You don’t want to connect it to the Wi-Fi: The app won’t work if you don’t hook the coffee machine to your home’s Wi-Fi connection.
❌ You need more than a single serve: This Keurig model can only hold one hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at a time, so if you plan to make two or more at once, it won’t be a match.
❌ You want it to look premium: This coffee maker has a plastic exterior and comes in black, white, and gray.
🔎 The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is quick to brew a drink and makes it easy to adjust the temperature and strength of your coffee, but it must be connected to Wi-Fi for the smart features to work. ★★★★
Check out the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker for a highly customizable brew. You can change the settings for brew strength and water temperature and even connect to your Wi-Fi network to adjust your coffee settings from the sofa.
Price: At $180, this Keurig model is one of the most expensive single-serve machines made by the brand. However, it offers far more than those that came before it, and it performs very well, even if the app leaves a little to be desired.
Design: This coffee maker is a single-serve design with a dual-position water tank and raised screen, which makes it quite compact and suited even for a cramped kitchen. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to transport around.
We also found it easy to use, as there's a handle attached to the 66-ounce plastic water tank and a detailed digital control panel and menu. This menu will let you select from five strength and six temperature settings, making it highly customizable. For those who take their coffee over ice, there’s an option for that, too.
Our reviewer found that the app is a little limited. It would be just as quick to insert a pod yourself and press start rather than pre-loading the pod. The coffee maker must also be connected to Wi-Fi.
Performance: During our tests, the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker quickly selected the best settings using its BrewID feature and delivered hot, flavorful coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and chai lattes. It's hard to fault its performance, although the app was lackluster.
Read our full Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive for a Keurig model but good compared to others. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | A great bunch of features and adjustable settings. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Performs well but the app is just as quick as pressing start. | ★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for families
✅ You like to have options: If you’re indecisive, then you’ll like this coffee maker because you can choose the type of brew, the strength, single serve, or carafe - you have full freedom over how you want your coffee made.
✅ You like a strong aromatic coffee: Coffee connoisseurs will enjoy a cup of coffee from the K-Duo, especially if it’s made using the ‘strong’ setting. Even if you don’t, the regular option is just as tasty and satisfying.
✅ You don’t like to refill the reservoir: The large reservoir makes refills less necessary as it holds more water so that you can go for longer between refills.
❌ You’re looking for a statement coffee machine. Although it’s sleek and modern-looking, it’s only available in one color (black), so there’s no room to make a statement in the kitchen.
❌ You’re not a fan of using a carafe: For some people, the ease of a coffee pod is what seals the deal. If you don’t envision yourself using a carafe, then there’s no need to spend additional money on it.
❌ You’d prefer a milk frother: Although this machine does have some programmable settings, it doesn’t offer additional features for the coffee itself (milk frothers, steamers, etc.)
🔎 Keurig K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker has two brewing options, a large reservoir, and programmable features. This coffee machine is the perfect blend of design and function. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for families and everyone. ★★★★½
Don't worry, we aren't cheating - although this machine has a carafe, it still has the single-serve option through coffee pods, but who doesn't love a coffee machine that can give you the best of both worlds? Our reviewer investigated the Keurig K-Duo and how it performed for two weeks, considering value for money, design, performance, etc. Overall, she found that the price for this machine is well justified by all its useful features.
Design: This machine is lightweight, sleek, and polished. It’s not super fancy, but it is more elevated than the K-Select. It is a bit larger than a standard Keurig because of the additional carafe, but it’s still small enough to keep on a kitchen counter. A standout feature is the LCD screen and buttons, which are easy to read and intuitive. They light up for easy indication to let you know when it's time to brew, how many ounces, and the type of brew selected. Unfortunately, it is only available in one color, but black is always a solid choice for a kitchen appliance.
Performance: The K-Duo is easy to use; you can choose between making a larger amount of freshly brewed coffee in the carafe or making a single-serve portion with the pods. You do have to use some force to push the handle to get the K-Cup into place, as it has to puncture the cup first for the water to go through it. There are also many useful features, such as choosing the ‘strong’ button for a stronger, darker cup. The 'pause and pour' setting dispenses hot water mid-brew without waiting. Equally useful is the Auto-Off button, so you don't have to remember to switch the machine off yourself or worry about overheating.
If using ground coffee beans and a filter for the carafe, this method takes less than five minutes to make a nice, hot, fresh cup of joe. Handily, the heating plate stays on for two hours after brewing so that the second cup won't be cold. The water reservoir is large enough to go for a few days before refilling it.
Lastly, this machine was found to be easy to clean, and most importantly - it makes a good cup of coffee.
Read the Keurig K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Great value; only available on Amazon and Keurig.com | ★★★★ |
| Design | Chic modern design and small enough for anywhere | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Quick heating time, rich, flavorful coffee, mess-free | ★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for range of serving sizes
✅ You like iced coffee: If you like iced coffee, you’ll like this coffee maker because there are different brewing options. From the strength and amount, you have full freedom over how you want your coffee made.
✅ You don’t want to constantly refill your water reservoir: For daily coffee drinkers, you might notice that you constantly need to refill your water reservoir. However, with the Keurig K-Elite, it’ll last you for several days since it’s so large (75 oz.)
✅ You like an intuitive coffee machine: With a limited number of buttons, including those clearly labeled, it’s easy to select the settings you want without hesitation.
❌ You want a more advanced coffee machine: Although it’s sleek and modern-looking, it can only brew hot and iced coffee. Unlike some of the brand’s other machines, it doesn’t offer the option to make lattes or cappuccinos.
❌ You’re looking to use a carafe: For some people, the ease of a coffee pod seals the deal. If you don’t envision yourself using coffee pods, then you won’t want to buy this machine, as it doesn’t have a carafe.
❌ You’re looking for fancy features (milk frothers, etc.): Although this machine does have some programmable settings, it doesn’t offer additional features for the coffee itself (milk frothers, steamers, etc.)
🔎 Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker has a small, sleek design and a large water reservoir. This machine is easy to use and clean, and it quickly brews either hot or iced coffee. While not the most advanced, it makes good coffee quickly and efficiently. ★★★★½
The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker is a great choice for those looking for a pretty standard, reliable machine that's easy to use without all the bells and whistles. Here's how it measured up across the following categories, according to our reviewer:
Design: The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker has a 75-oz water reservoir, a drip tray, and a water filter. Its contemporary design makes it suitable for a modern kitchen while remaining functional and not taking up a lot of space. The buttons can be seen from far away despite not being labeled, and they illuminate when selected for easy use. It is available in three colors: brushed silver, brushed gold, and brushed slate.
Performance: This machine offers a 'seamless' experience. Inserting your coffee pod and choosing your drink size—4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—is as simple as pressing a button. It's worth noting, though, that the cup sizes aren't written on the buttons; they're indicated only by pictures, so for your first use, you may need to consult the user manual.
This machine also doesn't make a lot of noise when heating up and brewing, and it's easy to clean, as the only removable element is the water reservoir, which can be put through the dishwasher. It brews a good cup of coffee you can make to your taste by selecting the 'strong' button before brewing.
Comparisons: The Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker makes a high-quality, tasty cup of coffee in less than five minutes. Like other Keurig coffee machine models, it is very lightweight and modern. It's more basic but slightly more elevated than the Keurig K-Select.
That said, the K-Select is available at an approximate $30 cheaper price point, $69.99, on Keurig.com. If you're looking for a more elevated version, you'll want to check out the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker, which has five strengths and different temperature options.
Read more: Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Great value on Amazon and Keurig.com | ★★★★ |
| Design | Chic modern design, perfect size for most kitchens. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Quick heating time, little noise, makes good coffee. | ★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for easy use
✅ You like milky drinks: This machine has a milk frother, giving you the option to create lattes, cappuccinos, and more. You can even control the temperature of the foam.
✅ You like an easy-to-use machine: It is easy to use with its light-up buttons and simple mechanisms, and you can always turn to the user manual for step-by-step directions if you need help.
✅ You like your coffee strong: This machine has a button for a 'strong' brewing option to control the strength of each cup of coffee.
❌ You have limited counter space: It’s larger compared to some other Keurigs. Make sure you have at least a foot of room for this machine.
❌ You want to use a carafe: Some people like making more coffee at a time with a carafe. If that sounds like you, you’ll want to opt for something like the K-Duo, which has a place for pods and a carafe.
❌ You want a simple machine: This has additional features to make specialized drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, etc. If that’s unimportant to you, don't spend the extra money; get something simpler.
🔎 Keurig K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker is more expensive but bigger and more advanced than other Keurigs, with the added bonus of a milk frother to make proper barista-style coffee easily. ★★★★½
The K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker saves you time and money by bringing professional-standard coffee into your home. This machine brews a coffee-shop-quality cup in minutes, and you can choose how strong you want your coffee brewed.
Plus, adding a milk frother makes it easy to make lattes and cappuccinos with the click of a button. You are fully in control and can choose the size and strength of your cup and even whether your coffee comes out hot or iced so that you can enjoy your favorite beverage all year round.
Design: While it's not the most visually striking coffee machine, it is larger than most Keurigs and offers great functionality for the price. The easy-to-read light-up display lays out these functions. This machine is only available in one color - silver - potentially a drawback for modern design lovers who want something more striking or colorful.
Performance: Our reviewer got the hang of it quickly and liked that this machine is quick to heat up and not too noisy.
Taste test: Having tested other Keurigs before, like the K-Duo, our reviewer was happy with how this machine performed, especially the fact that the strength of the coffee could be controlled at the brewing stage simply by pressing a button. Overall, the coffee produced was tasty and of high quality.
Comparisons: Regarding competition, the Keurig K-Duo is pretty good because it's cheaper and offers the option of using coffee pods and a carafe, giving you more flexibility in how much coffee you can prepare at once. However, without a milk frother, the K-Duo is less advanced than the K-Café Special Edition.
Read more: Keurig K-Café Special Edition Single Serve Coffee Latte & Cappuccino Maker review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | High quality, good value, decent availability online. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Intuitive design, slightly bulky, loose reservoir lid. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Quick heating time, rich, flavorful coffees with variety | ★★★★★ |
The best retro single serve coffee maker
✅ You love a splash of color: Just like many Smeg appliances, this espresso machine comes in various bright colors, including pastel blue, red, and green, adding some pizazz to your kitchen.
✅ Taste and consistency are important: Style without substance isn't desirable, but this machine consistently produced rich, aromatic espresso and frothy lattes during our testing.
✅ You’re often busy: If you want a quick coffee, the Smeg Espresso Manual Coffee Machine is quick to warm up, grind, and pour your coffee, ensuring you don’t get delayed in the kitchen.
❌ You’re short on space: This espresso machine is bulky and heavy, so you won’t want to store it in a cupboard after every use.
❌ You’re easily confused: The manual controls can be tricky to get used to, so this coffee machine will require you to figure it out before you get into the flow.
❌ You want the ultimate customization: If you’re into experimenting with your coffee, you may find this machine lacks customizable settings.
🔎 The Smeg Espresso Manual Coffee Machine may be complicated to use at first, with all of its manual settings, but it produces great-tasting coffee every time, all while adding a retro vibe to your kitchen. ★★★★
The Smeg Espresso Manual Coffee Machine is a model every average coffee lover needs. It’s easy to use, produces a rich and creamy coffee without fail, and has enough customizable options to experiment without getting muddled. While coffee purists may find the machine too basic, it is excellent for novices and everyday coffee drinkers.
Design: For some, the Smeg's bulky, retro design and round edges might seem too cheap or colorful. For those who don’t mind a splash of color, however, it comes in various colors, including pastel blue, green, cream, white, and black. At 27 lbs, it’s too heavy to constantly shift around, so finding a suitable corner for your new kitchen staple is key. A sizeable 2.4-litre tank is provided, which is helpful if you brew coffee for the household.
The built-in grinder is handy, providing 15-stage grind size settings similar to those offered by a separate grinder. The Smeg Espresso Manual Coffee Machine is quiet to operate, although the many manual controls are initially confusing and overwhelming.
Performance: You can also make a standard single or double espresso. When it comes to taste, the high water pressure and adjustable grind settings work together to create a rich, creamy coffee. The steam wand, equipped with two froth levels, also works well even on the lowest froth setting.
Price and availability: Smeg appliances have a reputation for their retro look and great quality, so it’s no wonder that the espresso machine is more expensive than some, at $899. It's also more expensive than the Smeg ECF01 coffee machine, but it builds upon the previous model's features by adding a milk frothing wand and multiple espresso size options.
Read more: Smeg Espresso Manual Coffee Machine review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Cool retro design but the manual controls can be overwhelming. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Produces great coffee quickly and has customizable options. | ★★★★ |
| Price and availability | At $899, it's an investment but a smart one. | ★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for design
✅ You want a professional-looking machine: Made from stainless steel, with many different buttons and a lever, this professional-looking espresso machine will elevate any kitchen.
✅ You’re a coffee lover: If you’re intent on getting barista-style coffee and experimenting with different styles and tastes, this well-equipped machine has plenty of potential.
✅ You’re happy to pay for the best features: With so many premium features and programmable options, this machine doesn’t come cheap; it requires an investment of $1899.
❌ You're short on space: This coffee machine is particularly large, measuring 17.75 inches in diameter and 14.5 inches in height, so it probably won't fit into small kitchens and apartments.
❌ You want to move your machine regularly: Weighing 45lbs, this machine would be a pain to move if you like to re-organize or re-decorate your kitchen regularly.
❌ You don’t care for experimentation: If you’re a one-trick pony in coffee, you can save a lot of money by opting for an espresso machine with fewer programmable settings and fewer moving parts, such as a pod machine.
🔎 The Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine takes at-home espressos to the next level with PID settings, hot water and steam wands for control, and a professional-looking design that will brew your espresso in 20 to 30 seconds. ★★★★
What doesn’t the Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine do? Equipped with a huge water tank, hot water and steam wands, and PID settings for extra control, the machine can make a top-notch espresso in around 15 minutes. It's almost like having a personal barista at home.
Design: Sleek and black/silver, this coffee machine looks the part. A digital display lets you select the temperature and pre-infusion for your drink. Use it to enable the steam or hot water wand to make lattes, americanos, and other milk-based coffees. The large three-liter tank means that it’s possible to brew for a group of people without refilling. You’ll need a lot of space for the 11 x 17.75 x 14.5-inch machine. It comes with a four-foot-long power cord, making it easier to find room. However, as it weighs 45 lbs, you won’t want to shift the machine around more often than necessary, so it's best to stick to it once you've found a spot.
Performance: If you want coffee fast, this is not your machine. This machine calls upon 120 years of Italian coffee-making tradition, letting you experiment with many different and often customizable settings to create your perfect espresso. The actual brew time is 20 to 30 seconds, but it may take closer to 15 minutes to go through the whole coffee-making process and clean the machine afterward. As long as you don't make an error, you can depend on this machine to pull through and create a gorgeous espresso every single time.
Price and availability: $1899 is the price you will need to pay for the pleasure of placing the Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine on your kitchen counter. This is a high asking price, but it's not surprising considering the sheer number of features and customization you get. This machine should last a long time and make an impression on your guests, producing a formidable cup of coffee while looking incredible.
Read more: Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ Espresso Machine review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Tricky to use for novices but an excellent, professional build. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | The only reason for poor quality would be human error. | ★★★★★ |
| Price and availability | A big investment for a quality, long-lasting machine. | ★★★★ |
The best single serve coffee maker for small spaces
✅ You’re on a budget: Costing just $109.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers in our round-up and provides even more savings when it's on sale.
✅ You want a true single serve: This coffee maker's water tank is only big enough to fill one cup of coffee at a time; it's a true single serve machine.
✅ You live in an apartment or dorm room: This compact coffee maker, available in several bright colors, fits well into an apartment or dorm room.
❌ You’re often in a rush: It takes several minutes for the water to warm up and the Keurig K-Mini Plus to pour your cup of coffee, so you must be willing to pause and wait.
❌ You don't want water on the counter: Unless you use a tall mug or travel mug, the machine has a bad habit of splattering water over your kitchen counter.
❌ You're a large family: If you have a large group of users, expect a queue to use the coffee machine because this product can only produce one hot brew at a time.
🔎 Keurig K-Mini Plus is a colorful, quirky, and budget-friendly coffee maker that is perfect for individual coffee lovers who want to make one cup at a time. Perfect for small spaces, apartments, dorm rooms, and younger buyers who aren't too fussy about their coffee. ★★★
Are you short on space? Then, we think the Keurig K-Mini Plus will be a great match. Made for a single serving of coffee at a time, this coffee maker is a handy addition to any apartment or dorm room. It only has two brew settings and takes a while, but it gets the job done with just a few minor quirks.
Price: This model is very budget-friendly, available at just $109.99 direct via Keurig. It's often put on sale through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, adding more savings. That being said, it is a very basic model, so better options are available for a little more money unless you’re very budget-focused.
Features: At just 4.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall, the Keurig K-Mini Plus coffee maker is very compact and lightweight and will fit snugly into any small apartment kitchen space or similar. The storage container can hold up to nine K-cups, so you'll need more storage space for extra pods.
Bright and fun, it's available in misty green and cardinal red colors. The plastic exterior and colorful design may not fit well into a more ‘sophisticated’ kitchen, but it would be a great fit for a dorm room or apartment.
However, it can only handle one cup of coffee at a time, as the tiny water tank requires a refill before you move on to the next. There’s a handy 10-ounce line in the tank to measure enough water for a large cup accurately. You can also press ‘strong’ for a stronger cup of coffee.
Performance: The Keurig K-Mini Plus takes around two minutes to heat the water and pour your coffee, so it's not great if you’re in a rush. It’s also best to use a tall mug, as it’s prone to splattering water on the counters. A travel mug would be ideal, as the removable drip tray makes this possible. These details are just quirks; most importantly, the coffee is hot and tastes good.
Read our full Keurig K-Mini Plus review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Very affordable even if it only makes one serve. | ★★★★ |
| Design | Basic design which splatters water at times. | ★★★ |
| Performance | Slow to brew a cup of coffee but coffee tastes good. | ★★★ |
How to choose the best single serve coffee maker for you
If you're here reading this, you're likely on the hunt for a brand-new coffee maker, and you want quality and value for money. To help you decide if a single serve coffee machine is the right choice for you, it's worth considering these things first:
What type of coffee do you like to use?
If you prefer drip filter coffee, which you can make lots of, keep warm, and go back to for more whenever you want, then a single-serve machine isn't the right choice for you. If you prefer to use pods for quick espresso-style coffee, the single-serve machine is perfect.
If you're buying a coffee maker for the first time and have no preference over a carafe or pods, I would recommend the Keurig K-Duo, as this machine gives you the choice of using a carafe AND pods - the best of both worlds. Whatever you prefer, it's worth noting that multi-feature models with a carafe and take pods will be more expensive than most single serve machines, but you are paying for that freedom of choice.
Do you prefer to grind your beans?
While coffee pods are great, a built-in grinder for fresh coffee beans is a great idea if you prefer to buy whole beans and grind them for that real barista experience. Do remember, though, how messy grinding at home can be and how to properly dispose of those coffee grounds afterward. There are lots of ways to reuse coffee grounds; they also make amazing compost and even insect repellent.
What size coffee maker is right for you?
If you want coffee fast, a smaller single serve machine that heats up faster and gets you a single cup quickest will be perfect for you—also, the smaller the machine, the fewer parts to clean.
Consider if you want other 'fancier' features
Some people want a straightforward coffee maker that'll pour out a nice hot espresso - simple as that. However, it's good to think about if you'd prefer more advanced features, such as a timer, to start brewing your early morning coffee ready for when you wake up. Or 'Auto-Pause' controls - so you don't have to wait for the machine to finish brewing to grab a coffee mid-brew. Do you want accessories like a steam wand or milk frother to create lattes and cappuccinos?
All these things are worth considering, as they can often affect the price.
How we tested the best single serve coffee makers
Even though testing coffee makers is fun, we take it seriously so that we can provide reliable feedback and information to help you make the best purchasing decisions possible.
To do this, our experts take a couple of weeks to test each coffee maker thoroughly we review. This gives them enough time to set up the machine, clean it before use, and select coffees to see how it performs. Our reviewing criteria focus on ease of set-up, the settings and functions, cleaning/maintenance, and (most importantly) how the coffee tastes.
If the reviewer uses the coffee maker for more than a few weeks, we test for longevity, like how it descales and maintains itself. It is important to know how to look after your machine in the long run.
Find out more about how we test coffee makers, plus other appliances and yard tools.
Best single serve coffee makers FAQs
How much do single serve coffee makers cost?
Depending on the brand, make, and model, single-serve coffee makers can easily range in price from as low as $50 to more than $200; it all depends on the level of functionality you want from your coffee machine. Even the more affordable single-serve machines still produce excellent coffee and offer enough features to make them a great addition to your kitchen, not to mention save you money on buying takeout coffee.
It's worth considering costs when choosing between a pod machine and one that uses ground coffee. Pods can be quite pricey over time, especially if you sign up for a monthly subscription, so that's worth considering.
How do single serve coffee makers work?
In filter-based drip coffee machines, pre-ground coffee is added into a compartment; sometimes, the machine comes with a built-in grinder for the beans. After water is added to the reservoir, the coffee machine heats it before slowly feeding it through the ground coffee. Some machines let you vary this drip rate, going slower to create a stronger blend. The coffee drips out into the jug/carafe, which usually sits on a hot plate, to ensure that liquid gold stays hot or directly into your mug, as with drip-style single-serve machines.
Most single serve coffee makers are pod-only machines, but a few use either or both methods. With disposable pods, it's a similar process as above, only at high pressure and producing a smaller amount of espresso-style coffee. Always remember to recycle used pods.
How to clean a single serve coffee maker
The main areas that need cleaning are the same across most coffee machines: the coffee compartment, the water reservoir, and the jug. Those last two can usually be removed and either hand-washed in soapy water or run through the dishwasher, but the coffee area can sometimes require a little more work.
With some machines, you can remove the coffee feed area and knock the grounds out into the compost before rinsing and placing them back into the machine. Some machines are less simple and use disposable filters that need to be removed, often meaning the machine may need a clean-out, too—always make sure you remember to do this to avoid any moldy nastiness.
The best coffee makers often feature easy-clean options worth looking out for. These can make your life much easier and can also ensure you have the freshest coffee and best-tasting results from your machine.
We absolutely love coffee here at Top Ten Reviews, and we've reviewed plenty in our time, so we've gathered lots of helpful information on how to best care for coffee machines. Keeping your single-serve coffee machine clean is the best way to guarantee its longevity. Check out our handy guides, some with brand-specific info, like how to descale a Keurig with vinegar, how to clean a Keurig, and how to clean a Nespresso machine.
