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Best Single Serve Coffee Maker of 2021: Our Top Picks

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You can’t beat the convenience of having access to a single-serve coffee maker. In just a few quick steps, you have a hot (or cold, in some cases), perfectly brewed cup of caffeinated joy. Since the coffee all but brews itself, it is easy to see why single-serve coffee makers are gaining worldwide popularity.

The question is, with all of the options to choose from out there, how do you find the perfect one that will meet all your caffeine needs? We have scoured the internet and chose five of the best single serve coffee makers for you.

Hopefully, this will help you relax and make that decision without stress or anxiety. So let’s take a look at what these single serve coffee makers have on offer for you.

Single Serve Coffee Maker Reviews

Comparison Chart

CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer for Single Cup Capsule with 12 Ounce Reservoir,Black
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, With Iced Coffee Capability, Brushed Gold
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker, 2-Way Single Serve & Full 12c Pot Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Black (49976)
Cuisinart SS-10P1 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker Coffemaker, 72 Oz, Silver
Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker Compatible with K-Cup Pods, Grounds & Loose-Leaf Tea w/Reusable Filter, Compact 14 oz, Black/Stainless Steel, Mug Not Included

1. CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker

Our first entry is a single serve coffee maker that was designed to offer versatility and convenience. Whether you want a single cup or two different types of coffee, this model has what you need.

Review

Trying to make sure that a single serve coffee maker has everything that the coffee enthusiast is looking for can be a little challenging. After all, you are working with limited space, but the team at CHULUX seems to have figured it out. They have crafted a high-quality single serve machine that comes with the following attributes:

  • Designed with one-button operation system
  • Built with an 800W heating element
  • Crafted with auto on/off feature
  • Built-in water tank – 12 oz.
  • Includes a removable drip tray
  • Constructed with food-grade materials

Not all of us need a whole pot of coffee in the morning. Plus, most of us don’t want a complicated appliance to use when we’re still half asleep. With this unit, you don’t have to deal with that at all. The unit is simple to use, so even if you are still slightly asleep, you should be good to go.

It also gives you versatility so that you don’t have to have the same old boring cup of coffee every morning. As for the design itself, it is compact, which makes it a great choice for those who are dealing with limited space. Plus, you can choose a cool color that won’t clash with your kitchen ambiance.

There are a few things that could cause some to pause in consideration of this unit. The first is that it takes around three minutes to brew your cup.

There are faster models available, and if you are in a time crunch, you may want to look at one of those. The other thing is that, unlike many of the models on our list, this unit tends to brew rather loudly.

Even with those two issues, when it all boils down to it, the pros simply outweigh the cons, making this a great choice for darn near anyone.

Pros

  • Very easy to use, even by teenagers
  • Doesn’t take up much space
  • Able to use with most K-cups
  • Wide range of colors available

Cons

  • Has a slow brew time
  • Brews louder than other models

2. Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

This entry has a lot going for it, including the ability to brew iced coffee. You can see why it is one of the best single serve models on the market today and why it finds itself on our list.

Review

Keurig strives to bring its customers high-quality coffee makers that offer superior performance. In order to do that, they focus on the design and the features included in the maker. With the K-Elite, they bring to the table all that dedication by making sure these features were built into this single serve coffee maker.

  • Comes with accessories – K-Cup variety pack, water filter handle, and water filter
  • Large water reservoir – 75 oz.
  • Removable drip tray included in the design
  • Programmed with maintenance alerts
  • Designed with quiet brew technology

There is a lot to love about this coffee maker. It is designed with features that optimize its efficiency and brewing capabilities. It is definitely a great choice for anyone who is on the go and needs a cup of coffee quickly.

With a large reservoir, you will not have to refill the water every time you use it, which buys back a little time each morning. It is simple to use and that is all we really need in the morning.

Now, there are two drawbacks that we would be remiss without mentioning. This unit is only compatible with K-Cups, so if you are a roaster and grinder kind of coffee enthusiast, this is not the coffee maker for you. Other than that, the unit will need to be descaled quite regularly, especially if you are dealing with hard water.

Neither of the two drawbacks affects everyone. Thus, if these two “flaws” don’t matter to you, choosing this Keurig coffee maker could be just the pick-me-up your morning needs.

Pros

  • Reduced need to refill the reservoir
  • Fitted with easy-to-use controls
  • Comes with an integrated clock
  • Great features optimize energy and time efficiency

Cons

  • Needs to be descaled frequently
  • Can only use K-cups

3. Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew

This single serve coffee maker is from one of the big names in coffee makers – Hamilton Beach. Designed to allow for use with both grounds and cups, you get a level of versatility that outshines many of this coffee maker’s competitors.

Review

There are features that every coffee lover now expects when it comes to their coffee maker. This can be challenging when dealing with a small footprint model, but Hamilton Beach has figured it out. They knew they had to ensure the following was built into the design:

  • Designed with two-way brewing
  • Compatible with most K-Cups
  • Built with dual water reservoirs
  • Programmed with several extra features – brew strength, auto-pause, etc.

Versatility! That is what you get when you choose this model. From the coffee source to the strength of the brew, it is all available for personal customization. This model is able to use both K-Cups and grounds. Plus, it is fitted with a strength feature that allows you to opt for a stronger cup when you need it.

On top of all of that, it is easy to program and use. Then, when you are done, wipe it up and go, because even clean up is simple. With a system that minimizes sediment, the need for descaling is decreased. Plus, don’t worry about the carafe dripping. It was designed with a special spout to prevent that from happening.

Even with all those amazing qualities, there are still a few issues that many people express concern over. The first thing is the lack of any way other than checking the unit to know if the brew cycle is done.

The unit is not designed with any form of indicator to let you know, and this can be frustrating if you are on a tight schedule. The unit also makes quite a bit of noise in comparison to other models during the brew cycle.

Yes, these two issues are not insignificant for some. However, if you can overlook them, you will be the proud owner of one amazing single serve coffee maker.

Pros

  • Versatility of brewing capabilities for personal preferences
  • Easy to use and program
  • Reduced levels of sediment for a smooth drink
  • Carafe is drip-free for a clean experience

Cons

  • Not fitted with an indicator for brew completion
  • Issues with the noise level

4. Cuisinart SS-10P1 Coffee Maker

The next single serve coffee maker we have on our list is a sleek option that is pretty to look at. It also gives you superior performance when brewing that morning cup of joe.

Review

This single serve coffee maker has a lot going for it. It all begins with the design and the features it is built with. These include the following:

  • Compatible with K-Cups
  • Designed for 5 separate beverage sizes
  • Fitted with a large removable water reservoir – 72 oz.
  • Built-in charcoal filter
  • Wide spectrum of programmable features – adjustable temps, etc.

With this coffee maker, you will not have any difficulty in learning how to operate it. This is due to the simple interface. Time is important when getting ready for a long day of work, and this coffee maker offers great time management.

From its rapid brew technology to the cleanup, you will be happy with how little time you spend on maintenance and brewing. Now, all you have to do is enjoy that finely crafted cup of joe. You don’t have to worry about the size of the mug, either. This coffee maker works for multiple sizes.

Alas, nothing is perfect. This coffee maker has a few minor issues that you should be aware of. This starts with the puncturing mechanism for the pods. The design of it often produces some mess, so be warned!

Keep it far away from that white dress shirt. The other issues have to do with aesthetics. The outside of this unit may look nice, but it is prone to become easily scratched.

These two issues are easily fixed with a little care and patience. With that being said, there is no reason to remove this coffee maker from your list of potential options.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface that is quick
  • Able to produce multiple serving sizes
  • Simple to clean and maintain
  • Brews coffee very quickly and effectively

Cons

  • Puncturing mechanism is messy
  • Can be easily scratched

5. Chefman InstaCoffee Coffee Maker

Whether you want to use a deliciously flavored K-Cup or your fresh, roasted, ground coffee, this single serve coffee maker has you covered.

Review

This compact coffee maker may not be fitted with as many features as the others on our list, but simplicity isn’t always bad. This Chefman single serve coffee maker is designed to deliver a great cup of coffee, and it does this with these attributes.

  • Designed with a one-touch operation
  • Compatible with multiple coffee sources
  • Able to be used while traveling

This product is possibly the best for the coffee drinker who doesn’t have time to enjoy that cup in the comfort of their own home. It is built to be able to be used with almost any travel mug and takes very little time for the brewing process.

You have a choice of coffee, as well. Use K-Cups or measure out roasted grounds, and you still will be able to enjoy that cup in the blink of an eye. Plus, if you are dealing with limited space, the sleek and compact design will be perfect for you.

The ability to use any travel mug is a plus, but be warned if you are using a smaller cup. There’s some issue with splashing, which will elevate the messy factor. It is also not fitted with a power button, which decreases the energy efficiency of this coffee maker.

Even with these two things, it is an excellent option. With its space-saving capabilities, high quality, and quick brewing cycle, we had to include this option on our list.

Pros

  • Compatible with most travel mugs
  • Does not take up much space on your counter
  • Don’t have to wait long for brewing
  • Can use K-Cups or grounds – whichever you prefer

Cons

  • Some splash when using a smaller cup
  • Not fitted with a power switch

Final Thoughts

That sweet aroma can wake anyone and put them in a good mood. When looking for the perfect coffee maker for you and your caffeine needs, it is important to look at the features and design. Depending on your space, you may need a compact design that will take up next to no room.

However, maybe you need a coffee maker that offers ease of use and saves you time. With this, you may want to look for a single serve coffee maker that has a large reservoir and rapid brewing.

No matter what your needs are, our list of the best single serve coffee makers has something for you. Now, all that is left to do is grab your favorite brew and drink up and enjoy!

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