What's The Fuss About Best Single Cup Coffee Maker?
The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
If convenience is the most important factor to you, a single cup coffee maker could be the right option. They are smaller and simpler to use than drip coffee makers.
You can choose between models that use K-Cups or original Nespresso pods, or reusable aftermarket pods. Some can also make iced coffee, or espresso-style shots.
1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew
This sleekly designed machine from a trusted brand can grind and brew a single cup or a whole pot. It is smaller than other coffee makers with grinders. This allows you to use the counter space for other appliances. The Grind & Brew's burr grinder is designed to crush beans to a precise size. This makes for a more consistent grind of coffee.
The Grind & Brew has an automatic shut-off, and showerhead that evenly distributes water over the grounds. This ensures consistency between the brews. It can be programmed to begin brewing up to 24 hrs ahead of time, and it offers multiple control options like a custom clock display and coffee strength (mild, moderate, or strong), and a pause brewing feature that lets you pour a cup out without interrupting the cycle.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this model is that it is able to brew from both whole beans and K-Cups. The choice between them is based on your preference. The machine can hold 12 K-Cups, or you can fill it up with whole beans ground. The brew time is a little slower than our top pick, but it's still fast enough for most people to have their coffee brewed when they wake up.
The Grind & Brew did well in our tests as a whole but did not achieve our top overall score. The temperature of the brew was the least stable of any model we test. The temperature of the brew varied from the first to the fifth brew by almost 5°, and it failed to reach the SCAA's target for great coffee.
It's worthwhile to have a dedicated grinder/brewer for your mornings. The machine is simple to use and easy to clean. All of its components fit into place and open/close with a satisfying "clunk". It's also light and compact which is ideal for those with limited counter space.
2. Smeg Drip Coffee Maker
This SMEG single cup coffeemaker is a fantastic option if you're in the market for a compact and sleek machine to bring to your home. The Italian-based brand is known for its retro-style '50s appliances, and this drip filter coffee machine combines form and function in an elegant style that will look great on your counter. It can brew up 10 cups of coffee at once, and the auto start function allows you to get up to a fresh pot of joe. You can also pick between two different aromas, Intense or Delicate, to customize the strength of your coffee. Set an alarm for when the coffee is ready.
This programmable espresso maker comes with an enormous water tank of 1.4 Liters, which means you won't be able to run out of water. The reusable filter helps reduce waste, and there's a clear indicator of the water level to inform you when it's time to refill. You can make use of this coffee maker to brew hot chocolate or herbal tea. The brewing cycle is relatively fast, and it comes with a keep-warm plate to help ensure that your coffee remains warm until you're ready to drink it.
This SMEG drip-filter coffee maker has four push buttons that are easy to use. The LED clock shows the current settings. The permanent filter is dishwasher-safe and can be used again and again. The spout is designed to avoid spills. If you live in an area with hard water the SMEG drip filter coffee maker needs to be periodically descaled. There is a descale symbol on the front of the machine and you can easily descale it by pouring descaler powder or a solution into the reservoir for water and pressing the on/off or automatic-start buttons for five seconds.
Another bonus of this drip filter coffee maker that can be programmed is that it's compatible with ESE pods, which are an eco-friendly alternative to K-Cups and other single-serve pods. Coffeee comes with only one downside: it does not have a brew-timer. You'll need to establish the start time each morning.
3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe
The Oxo Brew 12-Cup thermal carafe is a great alternative for those who want an espresso maker that has the ability to make one cup or a whole pot. It comes with a stainless steel thermal carafe, with a double wall and vacuum insulation that keeps the coffee hot for a few hours. It also comes with a convenient interactive display screen that's user-friendly and comes with a removable mixer tube. The machine can be programmed to run up to 24 hours in advance of time and the LCD display backlit will show the remaining time until the coffee is ready.
The coffee maker comes with two differently sized brew baskets for large or small batches which makes it perfect for households that use various sizes and amounts of cups. It is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for brewing Gold-standard coffee. The BetterBrew Precision System and Rainmaker Shower Head evenly distribute water to your grounds to ensure maximum flavor extraction.
This machine, unlike most pod-based machines, makes use of normal ground beans or whole beans (not proprietary ones), instead of pre-packaged capsules that are single-serve. The use of regular coffee grounds minimizes waste and helps save money. The machine is fast and can make an entire pot in just six minutes. The machine is more expensive than other drip coffee makers that we tested. However its sleek design and top-quality build make it a top option.
This drip coffee maker is a great alternative to kitchen appliances that are multi-functional which are designed for gimmicks. It's well-built and quiet. The simple interface allows you to set the exact amount of water required to brew. We found the Brew Barista Brain to be a very reliable machine, and it was able to handle our most challenging test coffee (Costco House Blend, medium grind) very well.
This model makes use of a spray of brewed ice instead of the traditional immersion method. The result is more drinkable than infusion. It also has a programmable setting that starts the brew exactly five minutes in the future and avoids the hassle of waiting for your coffee to finish brewing.
4. Bruvi Brewer
This sleek single-cup brewer from Bruvi is the ideal choice for those who are willing to invest less than a traditional K-cup machine. It uses what Bruvi calls "B-Pods," which contain 40 percent more coffee than a regular K-cup pod and are made using treated polypropylene, which is intended to break down in composters and landfills over time, without leaving microplastics in the process (though it's not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods allow for hygienic brewing as each cup is sealed inside the pod. This helps prevent the possibility of contaminating flavors between cups. The sleek, modern design is also impressive--the touch screen is activated only when you insert a pod and then automatically displays the options available for that specific type of beverage.
The Bruvi also provides a variety of options for cold coffee and iced brew including hot and iced espresso, as well as americanos. The Bruvi is made to use less than one-serve brewer. This will help reduce the dilution when adding ice.
The Bruvi also comes with a camera embedded that scans each B-Pod's individual code and optimizes the brewing setting to match the type of coffee. So, you can trust that your Bruvi will turn out an amazing cup of coffee every time.
Finally, the Bruvi's drip tray can be adjusted to limit splashing when brewing into a smaller glass or mug or even be removed completely for tall travel mugs. The Bruvi also comes with a couple of additional features, including an adjustable reservoir for water and an automatic cleaning cycle to keep it functioning efficiently and effectively.
While the Bruvi costs more than other pod coffee makers, it's worth it for its exceptional coffee flavor and less environmental impact. It's a great choice if you're someone who regularly switches between coffee and espresso, since its hygienic coffee maker allows rapid and simple change to cold brew or iced coffee--no need for a separate machine. It includes an milk frother that is a nice feature for this price.