This Most Common Best Single Brew Coffee Maker Debate Isn't As Black Or White As You Might Think
Best Single Brew Coffee Makers
There's nothing better than a cup freshly brewed coffee to start your day. That's why we're fans of single-brew coffee makers.
To find the best one for you, think about the most important aspects to your brewing requirements and what extra features seem like frills. Our criteria include a big reservoir, multiple brew settings and the reuse of coffee pods.
1. Do you prefer capsules or ground coffee?
Based on your preference depending on your preferences, you can pick a model which uses either coffee pods or beans ground. While there are a few models that solely utilize coffee pods however, the majority of the models in our roundup can accommodate both. These models are a great option for those who prefer to have a range of options available.
Our top pick, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, is a great example of this. It's part of the brand's newest Vertuoline and features a single-touch foolproof system that delivers exceptional espresso shots and brewed coffee. It's also the most efficient machine we tested and comes with refillable pods that are more beneficial for the environment than K-Cups.
For those who prefer to stick with ground coffee then the Cuisinart Grind & Brew is a fantastic option. It comes with a built-in conical burr grinder to make freshly-ground coffee and it has three brewing sizes that are preseteight, ten and twelve ounces. It's more expensive than the other single-serve models we have in our collection, but it's among the best-tasting ones we've test.
The Instant Pot Dual Pod Plus, our runner-up, is a great option for those who wish to be able to use both kinds of pods and grounds. It's a versatile machine that can brew with Keurig K-Cups, original Nespresso pods, and also the company's own compostable capsules (though they require an industrial composting facility). It also produces the hottest coffee we've ever tasted and comes with a variety of other functions like hot tea water or a milk frother.
2. Is there a vast reservoir of water?
The top single-brew coffee maker has an enormous reservoir that can comfortably meet your needs. This will stop your machine from running out of water frequently which can affect the quality of the brew. The amount of water in the reservoir is also an important consideration when selecting the best coffee maker, because it will affect the frequency you have to fill and drain the tank.
The BLACK+DECKER Compact Single-Serve Coffee Maker is a great option for anyone looking for a machine that is simple to use that won't break the bank. It can brew a cup of coffee under two minutes and can be programmed to brew for up to 24 hours ahead. This is ideal for people who are always moving. This machine is compact and can be tucked away on a tiny counter. It's also the cheapest among our top selections. It also makes the hottest coffee and comes with an integrated travel cup to make it easy. It didn't perform as well as the other brewers we tested however the water reservoir is rather small.
If you're willing a small amount more, our upgrade option the Keurig K.Supreme Smart Single-Serve Coffee Maker has an excellent design and features that make it stand out from our testing. It offers fast brewing time and high coffee temperatures. It also offers three brew sizes and is very easy to use. The only drawback is that you have to decal it for an hour which could be a hassle for people who drink a lot of coffee.
3. Does it have multiple brewing settings?
The best single brew coffee maker will have various settings for different sizes of cups, types of drinks, and the capability to make cold brew. This allows you to customize your drink exactly how you like it. You can also reduce time by skipping the step of boiling your coffee and steeping it in hot water. This method also uses cooler water, which can help preserve the flavor of your coffee.
Noah Kaufman, the editor of Epi's Reviews, is a big fan of the Bruvi Single-Serve Coffee Maker, due to its numerous options for brewing with a single tap. You can choose between an acid-free beverage or espresso shot over ice. The Bruvi offers brewing options that takes longer than a quick brew but it's worth it if you want smooth and rich coffee.
In our tests the Bruvi consistently produced the most hot and consistent cup of coffee among the single-serve machines we tested. The brewing process is simple to program, and the timer keeps your beverage warm for up to 4 hours. If you're a fan of cold brew the Bruvi also comes with a setting for brewing that adjusts the temperature and brew duration to create a deliciously refreshing beverage.
Another standout was the Breville Precision Brewer, which features six brew options, including Gold Fast, Strong, Fast and Iced. The Gold setting is based on the Specialty Coffee Association's guidelines for making the perfect cup of coffee. The other settings can be customized to meet your needs. The Breville Precision is narrower than many single-serve brewers we tested. This helped it to keep its brew temperature constant and to encourage a deeper saturation and a more consistent extraction of the beans.
4. Does it come with an auto-cleaning feature?
The top single-cup coffee makers come with self-cleaning features that eliminate any grounds that remain or used K-Cup pods out of the machine after each use. Certain models even let you know when it's time to start a cleaning cycle. It is important to read the user manual of the machine or manufacturer website for specific instructions, since different machines have different cleaning techniques.
The single-serve coffee maker from Bruvi is among our top choices, as it has a simple and easy-to-use interface, produces delicious coffee, and requires only minimal regular maintenance. It has a large reservoir of water and can be used to brew hot or iced coffee. It also provides a variety of one-touch brewing options which include low acid, Americano, and cold brew. It takes longer to brew when compared to other models. However, this is only a minor flaw in a product that is otherwise great.
This coffee maker is a good budget choice because it's cheap and makes a great cup of coffee. It comes with a removable 40-ounce water tank and is compatible with K-Cups and ground coffee. Its user manual includes specific instructions for taking the reservoir off before refilling and emptying it, and for regular descaling. Unlike many other single-cup coffeemakers that require an empty filter or reusable pods. It can be used to brew any type of coffee.
This coffee maker is an excellent alternative for those who appreciate the convenience of single-serve coffee but dislikes the taste and waste of K-Cups. It comes with a large water tank and a convenient grinder built-in that makes it easy to make a delicious cup of coffee from ground beans. It has multiple options for brewing, including bold and over ice and can be used with reusable K-Cups or the brand's own recycled pods. It also has a steam button for tea and a foldaway milk frother.
5. Is it programmable?
The best coffee maker that can be programmed allows you to set it the night before to wake up to freshly brewed and hot coffee. This is particularly useful for those in a hurry or who do not need a pour-over pot or Moka pot.
Most programmable machines come with an initial timer of 24 hours. If you're interested in more advanced features, you might want to consider De'Longhi's COM532 which is our top single-cup pod machine. It comes with a digital touch screen with multiple options to alter the coffee you drink including the temperature of brewing and the intensity. This model is the most expensive but it makes the hottest coffee out of all of our tested machines. Its carafe will keep it at the ideal temperature for drinking for more than an hour after brewing.
If you're looking for a economical programmable machine for your coffee look into the Black + Decker Classic Single-Serve Coffeemaker. It's a compact footprint, and is compatible with ESE (Eco-friendly Single-Serve) pods, and comes with simple controls that are easy to use. It also scored well in our tests of taste, brews quickly, and features an easy-to-remove water tank that's dishwasher-safe.
If you're tired of purchasing coffee pods that are already packaged and ready to go and want to save money, you should consider a single-cup or manual drip brewer. single brew coffee machines Coffeee can grind your own beans to get a fresher taste and get more control over the taste of your beverage. It's more work than using a pod-based coffee maker, however, it's worth it if your are a committed coffee lover. To ensure reliable results measure the weight of your coffee grounds and beans on a scale instead measuring by volume.