Best Single Cup Coffee Makers

Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition Coffee Maker
(Image credit: Keurig)

In my family, no one can ever agree on how a pot of coffee should be brewed. Dad wants a strong, mud-like consistency, while Mom prefers something that tastes more like a mix of water and sugar. All of our problems were solved with a single-cup coffee maker because it brews the perfect java concoction according to our picky preferences. If your household has similar disagreements, or if you only need to brew one cup at a time, consider the excellent single-cup coffee makers below, all from the very best brands in coffee. 

Staff pick

Ninja Single-Serve, Pod-Free Coffee Maker Bar

(Image credit: Ninja)

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

Most versatile coffee experience

This specialty coffee maker from Ninja is the perfect machine for me because it has a nifty fold-away milk frother for creating wonderful foamy cappuccino and latte beverages. It also has the versatility to make anywhere from one to ten cups at a time, so you'll always have the perfect quantity of coffee in a single brew. 

A good, slow brew

Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Travel Mug

(Image credit: Coffee Gator)

Coffee Gator Pour-Over Coffee Travel Mug

For pour-over coffee lovers

For pour-over coffee lovers, a simple kit like this one from Coffee Gator will be just the thing. Use the paperless pour-over filter in combination with the included travel mug for a rich, full-flavored cup of coffee that you can take with you on the go. It may take a little longer than a one-cup machine, but this is one way to get a rich, excellent brew every time.

Espresso only

Nespresso by De'Longhi Espresso Machine

(Image credit: Nespresso)

Nespresso by De'Longhi Espresso Machine

Barista-style espresso maker

Although this is an espresso machine, not technically a coffee maker, lovers of barista-style espresso and espresso drinks will love the result. The machine uses special espresso "capsules" made by Nespresso to create that intense flavor. Used in conjunction with a milk frother, you can also make beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. 

Fresh ground

Jura E8 Espresso Coffee Machine

(Image credit: Jura)

Jura E8 Espresso Coffee Machine

For freshly ground coffee and espressos

Not for the faint of budget, this is a luxury espresso machine that does it all. Using whole coffee beans, the machine grinds the coffee and creates the best espresso flavor with the fresh grounds. It can make two espresso shots at once and also includes a built-in milk frother for other espresso drinks, even macchiatos! 

The original

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

(Image credit: Keurig)

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

The revolutionary single-serve coffee machine

Responsible for the original single-serve coffee machine, Keurig was one of the first to introduce pods to create that perfect cup of coffee. This is a great solution for big households where no one can agree on the flavor or strength of good coffee. With this machine, everyone can make their cup, exactly how they like it.

Best value

BLACK+DECKER Singles Coffeemaker

(Image credit: BLACK+DECKER)

Black+Decker Single-Serve Coffeemaker

Quick, easy, and affordable

For smaller budgets, a simple solution like this one from Black+Decker is both convenient and affordable. It's a classic drip coffee maker but creates just one serving at a time. It comes with a nifty travel mug as well. Bonus!

Frothy fun

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker with Frother

(Image credit: Keurig)

Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition Coffee Maker with Frother

Best for quick cappuccinos and lattes

Like the original Keurig, this machine uses K-Cup pods to brew coffee. However, it can create stronger, espresso-like coffee as well, making for delicious barista-style beverages. Use the included full-size milk frother to make all your favorite foamy espresso drinks. 

Single-serve satisfaction

Don't waste more time arguing about how coffee should be brewed, or throw away extra coffee that no one drinks. You can enjoy the rich taste of perfectly brewed java, one cup at a time, using any of these convenient single-cup coffee makers. My favorite is the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker because it can be used to create just one cup of the foamy beverages that I like, as well as full pots of traditional coffee! You gotta love that kind of versatility. 

If you're serious about freshly ground and brewed espresso, you should consider a full-service coffee grinder, espresso maker, and milk frother like the Jura E8. For small budgets, on the other hand, a simple single-cup coffee maker from Black+Decker is perfectly serviceable and affordable. With all the different options on this list, you'll be sure to find the best solution for your household. Happy brewing!