8 Best Coffee Maker for One Person: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Best Coffee Maker for One Person

Nothing is better than to begin your day with a delicious coffee. Today’s coffee makers are more than just brewing an espresso.

Certain coffee makers grind beans, while others blend milk to make macchiatos and lattes, and a few can make an iced cup of coffee.

When it comes to deciding the efficient coffee maker for one person, it is no surprise that a single-serve coffee maker is the best option.

I have found that they’re ideal for me when I am making my morning cup of coffee and only require just a cup or two.

Look through my top picks for the most efficient and best coffee maker for one person. 


What are single-serve coffee makers?

Single-serve coffee makers are designed to make only one cup at a single time. They accomplish this using pods or grounds to make a single serving of coffee.

These coffee makers have faster heating times and differ from conventional drip coffee makers.

The single-serve is perfect for those living on their own and require just a morning cup before heading out for the day.

It might be surprising, but single-serve makers can be more flexible than other coffee makers. This flexibility makes single-serve coffee makers worth the time and money, especially for avid coffee drinkers.

Additionally, the ease of making your coffee is among the most significant advantages for one-serve espresso makers.

In general, these coffee machines take a short time to heat up and prepare your coffee. This is an excellent feature for people in a hurry or who cannot go through all the steps required for traditional coffee brewing.

Furthermore, one-serve espresso makers can brew various coffee drinks, including macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos, and even iced coffee. Each machine is distinct and boasts a broad range of functions.

moka pot

Best Coffee Maker For One Person – Our Reviews

Coffee MakerProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall Option
Hamilton Beach Single Cup Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach Single Cup Coffee Maker

  • Custom cup
  • Durable
  • Automatic
  • Shutoff 
CHECK PRICE
Best For Latte
Cuisinart SS-10P1 Single-Serve Coffeemaker 

Cuisinart SS-10P1 Single-Serve Coffeemaker 

  • Hot water button  
  • Fully programmable
  • Adjustable
  • Temperature control
CHECK PRICE
Best Budget Coffee Maker
Primula Brew Buddy Portable

Primula Brew Buddy Portable

  • Easy to use
  • Innovative design
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Portable
CHECK PRICE
Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

  • Energy saving
  • Programmable
  • Espresso maker folding drip tray
CHECK PRICE
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

  • Strong brew button
  • Iced setting
  • Brews multiple cup sizes
CHECK PRICE
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

  • Six brew sizes
  • Stainless
  • Steel finish
  • No pods necessary  
CHECK PRICE
Keurig K Classis Coffee Maker

Keurig K Classis Coffee Maker

  • Large water reservoir
  • Auto on/off feature
  • Brews multiple
  • K cup pods
CHECK PRICE
Keurig K Slim Coffee Maker

Keurig K Slim Coffee Maker

  • Removable water reservoir
  • Energy efficient
  • Travel mug friendly
CHECK PRICE

Hamilton Beach Single Cup Coffee Maker – Best Overall Option

This item is excellent to make single servings of brewed coffees or teas, as well as teas that are loose-leaf such as chai and rooibos.

It’s also simple to clean as it is split broken into three pieces which can be washed in the dishwasher!

With this single-serve coffee machine, you’ll be able to make ideally single cups of tea or coffee every time. The scoop filter utilizes cone-shaped filters that produce rich, smooth coffee that doesn’t have any grounds in your drink.

This machine allows you to make a fresh cup of coffee at home or on the go, using K-Cups of the top brands such as Starbucks, Green Mountain Coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts, and more!

There’s no need to worry about messy grinding or cleaning for this coffee maker because each pod comes with everything you need to create a delicious cup.

The greatest part? There’s no need to wait for the boiling water! Each scoop makes 12 ounces of hot and delicious coffee in just 90 seconds!

Create delicious hot tea, coffee, and cocoa using this single-serve coffeemaker, which allows you to choose the amount of water it consumes per serving.

Pick from three cup sizes (6 8 oz, 8 oz, and 10-ounce.) suitable for cups for travel and regular cups and saucers.

It’s user-friendly and produces delicious coffee in under an hour. It’s also constructed with strong stainless steel that will ensure long-lasting use.

A built-in stand for coffee mugs means that you can take your coffee wherever you go!

It has an automatic shutoff feature that means that when your beverage is ready to drink, it will turn off by itself after two hours of not being active.

This helps save energy while keeping your counter secure from any damage caused by leaving hot liquid for long periods of time.

Pros

  • It’s compact and light
  • It is available in three colors
  • Simple to use and clean afterward
  • Steel construction of high-quality that endures for a long time despite the frequent use.
  • This item is convenient to store and transport, ideal for at-home and in-office usage.
  • The price is highly economical, and you’ll receive value for your money when you purchase this product.

Cons

  • It doesn’t hold coffee cups due to the built-in cup holder

Cuisinart SS 10P1 Coffee Maker- Best For Latte

The brand new single-cup brewer allows you to brew 1 cup at a time in less than two minutes.

It’s compatible with every brand of single-serve pods. It includes Keurig K-Cup pods. So, there’s no restriction regarding what you can drink or the price.

The cord’s length is 32 inches, which gives ample space to move about while making your morning coffee without having to worry about dragging the extension cord all over your kitchen.

The Cuisinart model includes 12 reusable K-cups that allow you to make as many cups as you need before you run out (or when they’re all filthy). 

It comes with a 72-ounce removable reservoir of water, which lets you fill it up with tap or bottled water instead of using filter water when you need fresh tea or coffee.

Cleaning the reservoir’s interior is much easier. The charcoal filter removes contaminants from tap water and makes it delicious.

It’s easy to use and make delicious coffee in just a few minutes! You can select from five different cup sizes for each beverage, which means everyone in your family can choose their preferred size at any time.

Simply fill the machine with water and ground beans of coffee (or loose leaf tea) and press the button, and in moments you’ll have hot, freshly brewed coffee or anything else you’d like.

This fully-programmable coffee maker comes with every feature you could want in a coffee maker, such as Auto On/Off and adjustable temperature controls.

Pros

  • Compatible with all brands of single-serve pods, including Keurig K-Cup pods
  • Extra K-cups can be reused to adjust the strength of your coffee
  • A charcoal filter to remove impurities
  • Fully programmable, with Auto On/Off and temperature control

Cons

  • It has only a reusable K-cup, which means you may need to purchase additional cups if you plan to make several cups.
  • Plastic material

Primula Brew Buddy Portable – Best Budget Coffee Maker

The smallest, lightest, delicate, and most straightforward to use on this coffee maker list is the Primula Brew Buddy.

It uses a pour-over technique with a reusable filter.

This Brew Buddy is an eco-friendly single-serve coffee maker designed for the coffee lover.

Primula coffee maker is compact enough to fit inside your pocket, and it will not break. Its universal design ensures it can work with nearly any cup of coffee.

In addition, its simplicity gives you unlimited possibilities in choosing the beans, grind size, and amount of water, letting you make your coffee exactly as you prefer it.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Light, compact, and easily transportable
  • Do not be broken
  • It does not require the purchase of capsules or filters

Cons

  • Only makes drip-style coffee, no espresso

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine

Nespresso Pixie Original Espresso Machine from De’Longhi is an impressive, barista-style espresso machine. It is equipped with a 19 bar high-pressure pump which ensures the highest quality of the brewing. 

It takes just 25 seconds before it reaches the optimal temperature, and it automatically shuts off after nine minutes if it is not being used.

It’s a highly multi-purpose coffee maker since it can make cappuccinos, lattes, and iced drinks in addition to a single-serve cup. 

The drip tray that folds is suitable for large and small-sized cups. The machine also has an internal receptacle to allow used capsules to be neatly ejected.

This is the ideal machine for anyone who likes drinking espresso or other coffee drinks. It’s simple to use, has a stylish design, and produces delicious drinks every time. In addition, you can make your own favorite recipe with a single click of a button!

This product is perfect for those who want the caffeine fix quickly and still enjoy great taste every time.

Pros

  • Features a high-pressure nineteen bar pump
  • It only takes 25 seconds to achieve the optimal temperature
  • It automatically shuts off
  • The drip tray that folds can accommodate both small and large size mugs.
  • The system comes with an internal container for the disposal of capsules

Cons

  • The reservoir can hold up to 24 pounds
  • It generates lots of sounds
  • Sometimes, water accumulates on the floor of the tray.

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker comes with a reservoir of seventy-five ounces that can make up to eight cups of espresso.

It also comes with two outstanding features: a button that allows for a more powerful brew, as well as an iced setting that will enable you to ice your coffee. 

Based on your requirements, the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker can brew different cups ranging from 4oz to 12oz. 

The control panel is straightforward and has simple buttons that let you select between five sizes of drinks (from up to twelve inches) and regular strong or iced coffees. 

Be aware that the sizes of servings in the panel don’t appear indicated by numbers (there are just images of cups of various sizes).

You can also use the iced setting to prepare other beverages such as lemonade or tea. It’s excellent for making one-time cups of tea, coffee, cocoa, and much more!

With the revolutionary hot water-on-demand feature, there’s no reason to need to wait around!

Keurig K Elite Coffee Maker allows you to enjoy a deliciously flavored coffee in your home without waiting without any cleanup.

Pros

  • It makes gourmet espresso in seconds
  • It is possible to make a quick cup of coffee with no hassle or having to wait
  • Made of top-quality materials and constructed to last for many years
  • Innovative hot water on demand function that provides hot water
  • Iced Setting
  • It includes three pods

Cons

  • This machine is not cost-effective
  • The lid of the reservoir does not have hinges
  • The reservoir’s light is prone to burn out

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

The Ninja CM407 coffee Maker can make a variety of coffee, such as macchiato, latte, cappuccino, and other drinks with a coffeehouse-style.

To meet your requirements, it has six brewing sizes, ranging from single-serve up to a full carafe.

One of the best features included in the coffee maker folds away frother, which assists in creating soft and smooth froth when needed.

The coffee maker doesn’t need pods; instead, it uses grounds of coffee to make an even coffee. It comes with helpful instructions to help you make the perfect cup of co. It can be used to make various styles of cafe espresso

Pros

  • There are six different sizes of brewing
  • It also has a fold-away frother
  • Do not need pods
  • Includes instructions

Cons

  • Its dimensions are comparatively big
  • Espresso beans must be thoroughly ground before using.
  • The carafe is small and requires a tiny brush to clean it

Keurig K- Classic Single Serve Coffee Maker

The K-Classic Coffee Maker is the perfect device for anyone looking to drink excellent tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. It makes your favorite beverages in minutes.

You can select from various k-cup pods and create any flavor you desire using this machine.

It also has three different sizes of cups, meaning you will have what you require every time!

It’s among the most sought-after appliances in the coffee industry because it makes the perfect freshly brewed cup in one minute or less and without any mess! 

Add ground coffee, press the button to brew, and voila, your cup is ready. A more extensive reservoir of 48oz makes it unnecessary to refill, thereby saving time and effort every time. 

With three different brew sizes ( 8 ounces, 6 ounces, and 10 ounces), preparing a single cup of coffee or a carafe is simple.

Descaling ensures maximum performance by eliminating calcium deposits accumulated in the reservoir of water and other parts of your brewer, guaranteeing the highest performance each time you utilize it. 

This traditional brewer doesn’t require any special equipment or filters. Add water and your preferred K-Cup pod, and you can start making a brew in just a few minutes.

Pros

  • Large 48 oz water reservoir
  • Different sizes of k-cup pods are readily available
  • Simple controls and easy settings
  • Auto-off feature for safety and reduce the chance of damaging the countertop and the machine.
  • Descaling stops scale build-up and lowers the risk of damage due to chemical build-up.

Cons

  • Keurig K Classic is a bit heavy and bulky to move from one spot to another.

Keurig K Slim Coffee Machine

The Coffee Maker is a slim and sleek machine that perfectly fits any kitchen. It can be positioned on the counter or within a cabinet as it takes only very little space.

Using the K-Cup Carousel, the user can quickly get to any K-Cup pod without moving the entire unit. In addition, it makes it energy-efficient due to no brew interruption and instant hot tea.

The reservoir for water on the Coffee Maker is smaller than those on other models, yet it can hold up to four 8oz cups simultaneously.

The water warms quickly, and the K-Cup carousel makes sure that there’s no delay in disengaging pods out of the machine. It also comes in three cup sizes 6oz, 8oz, and 10oz. 

K-Slim Coffee Maker uses the trademarked K-Cup pods made of recyclable materials.

The pod’s design guarantees that every cup of coffee is as delicious as the previous one, and there are no dirty grounds to clean up.

The ease of use that comes with the K-Cup coffee maker is unparalleled. You can have your cup of coffee any time, anywhere using the K-Cup pods

Pros

  • Three different sizes of brews.
  • Coffee pods can be recycled
  • The drip tray can be easily removed to facilitate cleaning
  • The handle on the side allows for easy pouring.

Cons

  • The K-Cup pod’s technology is helpful; however, it’s not as affordable as making your coffee.
  • There’s no way to use ground coffee which is why you have to buy a coffee grinder separately

Things To Look For When Purchasing The Best Coffee Maker For A One Person

The ideal coffee maker for one individual can differ from person to person, based on the amount of coffee they consume. There are a lot of one-serve espresso makers. 

It is challenging to select the most suitable coffee maker for just one individual, especially if you purchase it for the first time.

You need to be concerned about some items when getting the right coffee maker for a perfect cup of freshly made coffee.

Coffee Pods

If you’re not looking to purchase coffee beans and prepare your espresso, search for a machine with an Auto-Espresso pod function.

These machines are highly efficient because they can make the right amount of water required for one cup of coffee in only one minute.

Keurig Coffee Lovers Collection Variety Pack, Single-Serve Coffee K-Cup Pods Sampler, 60 Count

Brewing Options

Although some single-serve coffee makers can only offer one cup of coffee, specific models offer additional brewing options.

Starting with single espresso shots that can reach 16oz (perfect for the ideal travel mug). There are coffee options that range from the basic to more extravagant choices.

For example, many models make cold drinks or cappuccinos and lattes on models that come with milk attachments for frothing.

Brewing Speed

Also, consider the speed of the machine for brewing coffee.

The ideal single-serve coffee maker can brew your coffee quickly enough so you can get started on your day without waiting too long.

If you have more than one person in your home, it is advisable to pick a machine with variable temperature controls for the hot water. This will ensure that everyone’s cup of coffee is as good as it should be.

Size

If you are on your own and take a cup or two of coffee every day, a small coffee maker may be ideal for you. However, families might need a coffee maker with more water storage capacity.

Furthermore, a slightly larger coffee maker you purchase will have additional attachments, such as a frother and a mug; you’ll need to make space for the attachments on your counter space.

Keep in mind your preferences before buying a single-serve coffee machine.

Type of Brews

There are many different single-serve coffee makers. When it comes to deciding the most fitting espresso maker for one person, consider what type of brewing you’d like to have. Do you want lattes? Macchiatos? Iced coffee?

Another factor to consider is whether you enjoy strong coffee or prefer lighter or milky beverages. 

Certain coffee makers come with attachments such as a milk frother, and others don’t. You’ll also notice that some single-serve coffee makers have been designed to make a strong cup of coffee.

Coffee Capsules

There are many capsules for coffee, each with different strengths and flavors. 

When selecting a single-serve espresso maker, it is important to consider the range of capsules that can be used inside the machine.

If you are new to this, it is advised to browse the various capsule collections available prior to purchasing a coffee machine

Peet's Coffee Espresso Capsules Variety Pack, 40 Count Single Cup Coffee Pods

How To Pick the Best Single Serve Coffee Maker

Electric Vs. Gravity powered

Single-serve coffee makers can be classified into two types: electric coffee makers and gravity-powered models

They allow air pressure to circulate the grounds and facilitate extraction, whereas the former is powered by electricity.

Before you decide on either option, consider the following factors:

  • For the most efficient coffee makers to use even in that morning fog, consider electric
  • For camping or travel excursions and without the risk of failure, choose gravity-powered
  • Suppose you want a device that can make the water warmer; opt for an electric one.It may sound simple, but if you’re opting for a gravity machine – or pressure-powered models, you’ll require a way to warm the water.

The Coffee Pods Vs. Coffee Capsules

While many reviewers and brands refer to the terms capsules and pods interchangeably, they are actually two different coffee grinders.

 Capsules are tiny plastic cups that are popular with Nespresso and other brands. When placed in a machine, it will pierce them and run hot, pressurized hot water through the capsule.

Capsules are handy and sealed, which means their contents remain fresh for a more extended period of time. If you don’t drink coffee regularly, you should choose capsules.

The latter are round bags of ground coffee, which looks very much like teabags. They are generally biodegradable and are available in standard sizes that can be used with different coffee makers. 

But, since these pods are made up of ground coffee exposed to air and other contaminants and toxins, they are less flavorful than capsules.

K-cups

K-Cup and its subsequent variations changed the single-serve coffee industry both positively and negatively.

The main benefit of using this coffee capsule is that they ensure a regular brewing process (no mistakes) with a wide range of tastes.

The significant disadvantage of using them is the poor quality of the coffee, and they have a considerable negative impact on the environment.

Keurig Coffee Lovers Collection Variety Pack, Single-Serve Coffee K-Cup Pods Sampler

Apart from that, and more interestingly enough, they’re more expensive!

The price of these capsules is usually considerably more than the same high-quality coffee that is made from whole beans or ground coffee.


FAQs

What is the ideal way to clean a single-serve coffee maker?

Clean a single-serve coffee maker by following the instructions from the instruction manual. You can apply vinegar and water to wash the machine. The water reservoir is filled using 1-1 water and vinegar solutions. Make a brew without using capsules or pods; after that, follow up with a few more with just water to eliminate any vinegar leftovers.

What is the best way to make coffee for one person?

Single-serve coffee makers are the ideal choice for making coffee for one person. The typical ratio to brew coffee is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground beans per 6 ounces; one tablespoon is recommended for light coffee and two tablespoons for a strong coffee. 

Are Single Serve Coffee Makers worth considering?

Single-serve coffee makers are worthwhile, depending on your tastes. The single-serve coffee maker is perfect if you enjoy the convenience and frequently work in a rush. It is quick to brew, produces good coffee to meet your everyday needs, and does not leave any mess.


VerdictWhich is the best coffee maker for a single person?

The individual’s preferences will determine the ideal coffee maker for one. However, we hope that this list will give you a few alternatives to think about

We recommend Hamilton as the top coffee maker for one person. It’s user-friendly, inexpensive. It is also robust, saves energy, and comes with multiple features!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top