Best Single Serve Coffee Makers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: June 5th, 2024

Looking to make your mornings a bit easier? Single-serve coffee makers offer a quick and mess-free way to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just need a quick caffeine fix, there's a machine out there for you.

We've dug through lots of reviews and expert opinions to bring you the best single-serve coffee makers for 2024. Our picks cover a range of tastes and budgets, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs.

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Overall Best: AeroPress

AeroPress Original Coffee and Espresso-style Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with Chamber, Plunger, & Filters, Quick Coffee and Espresso Maker, Made in USA

The AeroPress stands out as our top pick for the best overall single-serve coffee maker. This unique device combines immersion brewing with pressure extraction, delivering rich and full-bodied coffee while minimizing bitterness. Loved by baristas and coffee enthusiasts alike, the AeroPress is incredibly easy to use and clean. One of its standout features is its portability; it requires no electricity, making it perfect for home, travel, or even camping trips. The manual plunger mechanism allows you to push hot water through the coffee grounds and a small paper filter, extracting maximum flavor without relying on single-use pods. If you're looking for a sustainable and versatile coffee solution, the AeroPress is hard to beat.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$38.95 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the AeroPress Coffee Maker? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

What's the best grind size to use with the AeroPress?
For the AeroPress, picking the right grind size can make a big difference in how your coffee tastes. From what we've found, a medium-fine grind is typically the sweet spot. It strikes a nice balance, giving you a smooth but robust flavor without too much hassle. Here's the deal with medium-fine: 1. **Extraction Efficiency**: This grind size exposes enough surface of the coffee to the water, so you get a fuller flavor without having to wait forever. 2. **Brew Time**: AeroPress is pretty quick, usually about 1-2 minutes. A medium-fine grind means the coffee extracts just right in that short time without turning bitter. 3. **Ease of Pressing**: If the coffee is too fine, pressing the AeroPress can be a pain and might clog it. Too coarse, and your coffee could end up weak. Medium-fine is that Goldilocks zone where things just work. One cool thing about the AeroPress is how flexible it is. If you like your coffee a bit lighter, you might try a coarser grind. Or if you want something more like espresso, go finer. It’s honestly worth playing around to see what hits the spot for you. Also, keep in mind that other factors like water temperature and your coffee-to-water ratio matter too. From our research, using water at around 175°F-185°F (80°C-85°C) works really well with the AeroPress. As for the coffee-to-water ratio, something like 1:15 to 1:17 is a good starting point. So, while a medium-fine grind is generally a safe bet, don’t hesitate to experiment. Your personal taste and the coffee beans you're using can make a big difference in finding that perfect brew.
How long does it take to brew coffee with the AeroPress?
Brewing coffee with the AeroPress is quite fast and easy. Based on our research, it usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes to make a cup. The exact time might change a bit depending on your recipe and technique. Here's a quick rundown of the steps: 1. **Add Coffee Grounds and Water:** Put a filter in the AeroPress cap and attach it to the chamber. Add your coffee grounds and pour in hot water (around 175°F for the best flavor, as the manufacturer suggests). 2. **Stir and Steep:** Quickly stir the mixture to make sure all the grounds get wet. Let it steep for about 10 to 30 seconds, depending on how strong you like your coffee. 3. **Press:** Insert the plunger and press down slowly but steadily. This should take about 20 to 40 seconds. So, all in all, it takes roughly 1 to 2 minutes from start to finish. A lot of people love the AeroPress because it's versatile and easy to use. Whether you want a strong coffee like an [espresso](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Despresso%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or a lighter brew, you can tweak the amount of coffee, water, and steeping time to get it just the way you like it. Plus, it's made from BPA-free, sturdy plastic, so it’s great for travel and safe to use. In short, if you need a quick and reliable way to make a great cup of coffee, the AeroPress is a solid option. Our data shows it’s speedy, convenient, and consistently delivers high-quality results.

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Runner-up: Keurig K-Elite

Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Programmable Coffeemaker (Brushed Silver)

The Keurig K-Elite earns our runner-up spot for its versatility and consistent high-quality brews. This model offers multiple brew size options, from 4 to 12 ounces, allowing you to customize your coffee strength and quantity. It also features a 'Strong Brew' setting for those who prefer a more robust flavor. The K-Elite is compatible with a wide variety of coffee pods, giving you plenty of choices for your daily cup. Its sleek design fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor, and the large 75-ounce water reservoir means fewer refills are needed. Cleaning is a breeze with its removable drip tray, making the Keurig K-Elite a top choice for convenience and performance.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$170.45 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 12c Pot, Black - Fast Brewing (49902)

For those on a tighter budget, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew offers fantastic value without compromising on quality. This versatile machine can brew single servings using both ground coffee and coffee pods, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred brewing method. Despite its affordable price, it delivers a reliably good cup of coffee. The FlexBrew features an easy-to-fill water reservoir and a straightforward control panel, making it incredibly user-friendly, especially for busy mornings. If you're looking for efficiency and flexibility on a budget, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is a smart pick.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$99.00 at Amazon

Best for Espresso Lovers: Breville Bambino Plus

Breville the Bambino Plus Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother, Espresso Maker with Seconds Heat Up, Cappuccino & Latte Machine for Home, BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Espresso lovers, rejoice! The Breville Bambino Plus is tailor-made for those who crave the rich, creamy espresso shots akin to those you’d get at a café. This machine heats up in just 3 seconds, ensuring you don't have to wait long for your morning espresso. The Bambino Plus offers exceptional control over milk frothing with its advanced steam wand, perfect for creating velvety lattes and cappuccinos. Its compact design doesn't sacrifice functionality, making it ideal for kitchens of any size. If premium quality espresso at home is your goal, look no further than the Breville Bambino Plus.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$494.38 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

Best Compact Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Mini

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 is the ideal choice for those with limited counter space. With a width of just 4.5 inches, it fits comfortably in any kitchen or office setup. Despite its compact size, it can brew up to 12 ounces of coffee, catering to both small and large cup preferences. Use is straightforward: add fresh water for each brew, insert your favorite pod, and in minutes you'll have a hot cup of coffee. The Keurig K-Mini combines convenience and efficiency in a small package, making it perfect for cramped spaces without sacrificing the quality of your coffee.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$59.99 at Amazon
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