Five Best Single Cup Coffee Maker Projects For Any Budget
The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
If convenience is the primary factor for you, a single cup coffee maker might be the best option. These machines are smaller and simpler to use than drip coffee makers.
You can pick from models that make use of K-Cups or Nespresso pods that are original or reused aftermarket pods. Some models can also make espresso-style shots or iced coffee.
1. Cuisinart Grind & Brew
This well-designed machine from a reputable brand can grind and brew one cup or a whole pot. It's smaller than some other coffee makers that have grinders which means it frees the space on the countertop for other appliances. The Grind & Brew's grinder is designed to crush beans to a precise size. This results in an even ground coffee.
The Grind & Brew has an automatic shut-off, and showerhead that evenly distributes water evenly over the grounds. This ensures consistency between the brews. It can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance of the time to begin the brewing process. It also comes with several control options, such as a customizable clock and coffee strength (mild or medium) and a brew-pause feature, which allows you to pour a cup out without interrupting the brewing process.
One of the most fascinating things about this model is that it can be brewed from both whole beans and K-Cups. The choice between the two is based on your personal preference. The machine can hold up to 12 K-Cups or you can fill the hopper with beans that are whole. The coffee brewing time is a bit slower than our top pick, but it's still fast enough for most people to have their coffee ready when they wake up.
The Grind & Brew did well in our tests in general but was not able to achieve our top overall score. coffee maker single cup was the least stable among the models we tried. The brew temperature fluctuated from the first to the fifth brew, by about 5degrees, and it failed to meet the SCAA's 195 degree goal for great coffee.
It's worth it to have an exclusive grinder/brewer for your mornings. The machine is easy to clean and operate with all of its components slipping into place and opening/closing with a satisfying clunk. It's also lightweight and compact, which is great for those with limited counter space.
2. Smeg Drip Coffee Maker
If you are looking for an elegant and compact single cup coffee maker to put in your kitchen, this one from SMEG is a great option. The Italian-based brand is known for its retro-styled appliances from the 1950s, and this drip filter coffee maker is a perfect example of form and function. It has an elegant style that will look great on your counter. The auto-start feature allows you to start your day with a pot of fresh coffee. It can make 10 cups at a time. You can also customize the strength of your brew by selecting between two aroma settings (Delicate or Intense) and set an alarm at the end of brewing to remind you when it is ready.
This espresso maker that can be programmed has an ample water tank of 1.4 Liters, which means you'll never have to worry about running out of water. The reusable filter minimizes waste and the water level indicator lets you know when to refill. This coffee maker can also be used to make hot chocolate and herbal tea. The brewing cycle is relatively rapid, and there's an insulated plate that keeps warm to ensure that your coffee remains warm until you're ready to drink it.
The simple controls on this SMEG drip filter coffee maker are simple to navigate with four buttons. Additionally, the LED clock display shows the current settings. The permanent filter is dishwasher-safe and can be used over and over again. The spout has been designed to prevent spills. If you reside in an area with hard water, the SMEG drip filter coffee maker will need to be descaled periodically. You can descale the machine by pressing the automatic-start, on/off buttons for five seconds and then pouring the descaler solution or powder into the reservoir for water.
This drip-filter coffee maker is programmable and has the added benefit of being compatible with ESE pods. These are greener alternatives to K-Cups or other single-serve pods. The only drawback to this coffee maker is that it doesn't have an automatic brew timer. Therefore, you'll have to manually adjust the start time every morning.
3. Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe
If you're looking for a coffee maker that has the capacity to make a whole pot or just one cup then the Oxo Brew 12-Cup Thermal Carafe is worth checking out. It is a stainless steel thermal carafe, with a double wall and vacuum insulation that keeps coffee hot for many hours. It also comes with a convenient, easy-to-use interactive display screen and a mixing tube that can be removed. The machine can be programmed for up to 24 hours in advance, and the LCD backlight display shows the remaining time until your coffee is ready.
This coffee maker comes with two differently size brew baskets that can be used for large or small batches, making it ideal for households that use different sizes and quantities of cups. It's certified by the Specialty Coffee Association to brew Gold-standard coffee. The BetterBrew Precision system and Rainmaker shower head evenly distribute the water evenly over your grounds, ensuring fullest flavor extraction.
This machine, unlike most pod-based machines, utilizes regular ground or entire beans (not proprietary ones) instead of pre-packaged capsules for single-serve. Using standard coffee grounds can save money and also reduces waste from used pods. The machine is speedy and can make an entire pot in just six minutes. The only drawback to this machine is that it's more expensive than many other drip coffee makers that we tested however, its sleek design and quality build make it a good choice.
This drip coffee maker is an excellent alternative to multi-functional kitchen gadgets which are designed for tricks. It's quiet, well-built and has an easy interface that makes it easy to determine the exact amount of water you want to prepare. The Brew Barista brain is a very reliable machine that was able to handle our most difficult test coffee (Costco House Blend with medium grind) well.
This model uses a spray of iced brewed water instead of the usual method of immersion. The result is more drinkable than with infusion. It also has a programable setting that starts brewing five minutes in the future. This means you don't have to worry about waiting for your coffee to brew.
4. Bruvi Brewer
This sleek single-cup brewer from Bruvi is the perfect choice for those who are willing to pay just a bit more than a standard K-cup machine. It makes use of "B-Pods" from Bruvi, that contain 40 percent more than a regular K-cup pod. They are composed of treated polypropylene and are designed to degrade over time in composters and landfills without releasing microplastics (although it is not certified for organic waste). The B-Pods are hygienic brewing as each cup is sealed inside the pod. This means that there is no chance of flavor contamination between cups. The Bruvi is also impressive for its sleek and modern design. The touch screen appears when you insert the pod. It then shows the various options available based on what type of beverage it is.
The Bruvi also provides a variety of options for cold coffee and iced brew including hot and iced espresso, as well as americanos. And the machine is designed to use less water than a conventional single-serve brewer, which could help minimize dilution when you add the ice.
Another good thing about the Bruvi is that it's a much smarter single-serve pod brewer--it has an embedded camera that examines the unique code of each B-Pod before optimizing various brewing settings to match the specific kind of coffee. So, you can rest assured that your Bruvi will consistently make an amazing cup of coffee every time.
Lastly, the drip tray on the Bruvi can be adjusted to limit splashing when brewing into a smaller mug or glass, and it can even be removed completely for large travel mugs. The Bruvi comes with few additional features, such as an adjustable reservoir for water and an automatic cleaning cycle to keep it functioning effectively and efficiently.
While the Bruvi is pricier than other pod coffee makers, it's worth it for its great coffee flavor and less environmental impact. It's an excellent choice for those who switch between espresso and coffee frequently due to its clean system. allows for quick and easy conversion to cold brew and iced coffee without the need to purchase a separate coffee machine. It also includes a milk frother, which is a welcome addition at this price point.