Even espresso snobs can agree that generally you want your morning buzz with out having to do something aside from pushing a button. That is the fantastic thing about the most effective single-serve espresso makers — you merely drop in a pod or Okay-cup and let ‘er rip! No surprise the Nationwide Espresso Affiliation studies that 28% of Americans use this sort of machine.
Desk of contents
Best single-serve coffee maker overall
More top single-serve coffee makers we recommend
What to look for when choosing a single-serve coffee maker
Other single-serve coffee makers we tested
Single-serve coffee maker FAQs
Now, I ought to level out that comfort would not at all times translate to great-tasting espresso. Usually, single-serve machines don’t produce the form of brew you’d get from a great espresso machine. With a Nespresso, Keurig or comparable pod espresso maker, you are paying for effectivity — not that there is something fallacious with that! Having labored as an editor at life-style and meals magazines for 20 years, I’ve seen many single-use kitchen home equipment that promise to make your life simpler, when all they actually do is muddle your counter. The very best single cup espresso makers are higher than that. They do precisely what you want them to: Make an honest cup of joe, and make it quick.
I examined 11 machines over the course of a number of weeks, on the lookout for good design, ease of use, eco-friendliness and extra. I brewed cup after cup of espresso (and espresso and iced espresso when the machines provided these features). Was I jittery for days? Completely. Was it value it? Completely, as a result of now I can confidently share our picks for the most effective single-serve espresso maker available on the market. Your mornings are about to get a bit brighter.
Finest single-serve espresso maker total
Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo
Water tank capability: 40 oz. | Measurement: 8.7″W x 12.7″D x 12.8″ H | Shade choices: Grey, silver, charcoal, crimson, navy, black and matte black | Watts: 1,300W
Nespresso pods are as shut as you are going to come to a very good tasting cup of drip espresso or espresso, and the VertuoPlus makes the expertise as simple as doable. You push only one button to function it, and there is a built-in mechanism that robotically tosses your used pod right into a receptacle constructed into the machine.
However how do I select what sort of brew I need? you is perhaps questioning, contemplating that there is no approach to program the machine. Nespresso Vertuoline espresso machines use pods printed with a barcode that signifies the kind of drink it makes. There are espresso pods for pictures of espresso, double espresso pods for double pictures, espresso pods for an 8-ounce mug of joe and so forth. Pop within the pod you need and the machine robotically adjusts to brew your required drink. Observe that every one Nespresso drinks are brewed with a layer of crema on high — I discovered it added to every cup’s richness, but when that is not for you, it’s possible you’ll want a Okay-cup machine as a substitute. Additionally: Nespresso Vertuo pods usually value greater than $1 per pod, so whereas utilizing one is cheaper than shopping for a latte day-after-day, it is positively an funding.
So far as seems, the VertuoPlus (this mannequin is made by De’Longhi) is smooth and trendy and would not depart an enormous footprint. One other good contact is that the 40-ounce water tank is movable — you possibly can swing it to both facet of the machine or preserve it tucked behind it. I favored this flexibility, however I additionally discovered that it made the reservoir much less safe than different fashions. Greater than as soon as I unintentionally toppled it, getting water throughout my counter.
The VertuoPlus requires minimal maintenance: Simply empty the used-pod receptacle (which holds about 10 pods) and descale each three months or 300 pods.
One among my fundamental points with single-serve machines is the quantity of waste they produce, far more than a drip espresso maker that makes use of grounds. Many firms have tried to fight this by providing the choice of a reusable single-serve filter that you simply fill with grounds, however with Nespresso you are locked into their proprietary, one-time-use-only aluminum pods. Not superb — however not less than the corporate affords a recycling program. You’ll be able to drop off used pods at 250-plus areas or order free recycling bags with pay as you go UPS labels. For those who dwell in NYC or Jersey Metropolis, you are in luck: Simply toss used pods in your curbside blue recycling bins.
One last word: I discovered the paper instruction guide that got here with a lot of the Nespresso machines I examined to be fairly complicated. (They jogged my memory of Ikea directions — I will depart it at that!) For those who want steering, I like to recommend checking Nespresso’s website, which has how-to movies and manuals that, for some purpose, are sometimes totally different from what’s within the field and extra user-friendly.
- One-button operation
- Moveable water tank
- Just about upkeep free
- Brews premium espresso
- Water tank did not clip on securely
- Pods can get costly
- No reusable single-serve filter accessible
Extra high single-serve espresso makers we suggest
Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo
Water tank capability: 60 oz. | Measurement: 11.4″W x 9.1″D x 15.5″H | Shade possibility: Black | Watts: 1,550W
Ninja’s DualBrew Professional is our decide for the most effective espresso maker that is additionally a complete multi-tasker: It could accommodate single-serve Okay-cups, however it additionally produces sizzling water and makes common drip espresso, iced espresso and even lattes (it comes with an connected milk frother). This machine is straightforward to function proper out of the field, due to stickers that let you know how you can use every element.
The entire DualBrew Professional’s totally different elements (the aforementioned milk frother, plus a 12-cup carafe and a floor espresso scoop) snap neatly onto the machine, which seems like an outdated milk-shake machine if it received a contemporary makeover. Much like the Nespresso VertuoPlus, the water reservoir could be adjusted — on this case, it swings from the facet to the again of the machine and is secured with a latch. Once I plugged within the DualBrew, I used to be much more impressed by the digital show, which is colourful and high-tech and makes selecting your required brew simple.
Different perks of this machine embody a mug stand that flips as much as accommodate an extra-large journey mug, an automated warming plate for the drip espresso carafe and the power to provide each sizzling and boiling water (should you’re frightened in regards to the water tasting coffee-esque, do not: The water dispenses from a separate outlet to remove that risk).
I admit it did take me a little bit of tinkering to know how you can use the adapter that permits you to brew Okay-cups on this machine. However as soon as I figured it out, it was fast going, and I used to be in a position to make cup after cup, even bleary eyed within the morning. You can too brew a single serving of espresso utilizing grounds, however you observe the identical steps you’d to make a carafe of drip espresso, which implies you want a paper or reusable filter. Ninja sends 5 paper filters to get you began; a permanent filter is offered individually.
Style is subjective, so I will not spend a lot house letting you understand this machine didn’t produce my favourite espresso so far as taste goes. However the lattes and different espresso-style drinks had been tasty — and enjoyable to make.
I solely had a few gripes with this machine, and so they’re fairly minor. First off, it emits 5 high-pitched beeps when it is accomplished brewing, which appeared pointless, particularly early within the a.m.! Possibly I ought to have recontextualized them as a further alarm? The opposite is that this machine has quite a few elements, so it may be a ache to take aside and clear. However a lot of the items are dishwashable (not like different machines), so all in all, it isn’t too annoying.
- Makes all kinds of drinks
- Digital show may be very simple to know
- Most components are dishwasher-safe
- Moveable water tank
- Emits loud beeps when accomplished brewing
- Constructed-in milk frother will get a bit messy
- Requires paper or a reusable filter if brewing from grounds
Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo
Water tank capability: 42 oz. (about 4 cups of espresso) | Measurement: 5.1″W x 12.6″H x 12.8″D | Shade possibility: Black | Watts: 1,520W
I am not gonna lie, I had a grand time enjoying round with this machine. Keurig has lengthy been the go-to for single-serve espresso makers due to their simplicity and comparatively affordability. The Okay-Café Barista Bar is all that and extra. This slim, smooth wanting mannequin produces a steaming cup of joe (172 levels, which is the most well liked of virtually all of the fashions we examined), plus it comes with one very fulfilling bonus for anybody who likes lattes, cappuccinos and different espresso-style drinks: a standalone milk frother.
And the Okay-Café Barista Bar actually does excel at making milky drinks. The frother can whip up each cold and warm froth that by some means manages to straddle the road between dense and fluffy. I favored it a lot, I continued utilizing the gadget properly past my testing.
As for the precise espresso maker, it is intuitive and simple with simply 5 buttons for choosing the dimensions and sort of drink you need. Rejoice, all you chilly espresso fiends: It consists of an possibility for brewing over ice. Cleanup is minimal — the machine has only a few components, so whereas they’re handwash solely, it is a easy job. And at round seven kilos, the Okay-Café Barista Bar was additionally lighter than most, useful should you’re tight on counter house and want to maneuver the machine round your kitchen.
Keurig has made some strides in the direction of a extra sustainable machine, and I appreciated that I might swap out one-time-use-only plastic Okay-cups with the model’s dishwasher-safe reusable filter, which you fill with grounds. It is offered individually, however I paid solely $8 for mine, a worthy funding. For those who go for common Okay-cups, know that you would be able to’t recycle them in all places, so you will have to test your native pointers.
This machine is essentially the most inexpensive of our high picks, and Keurig additionally incessantly runs gross sales, not simply on its espresso makers but additionally Okay-cups.
- Small footprint
- Comes with stand alone milk frother
- Can accommodate a reusable filter
- Elements are handwash-only
- Espresso had a some sediment at backside of cup when utilizing the reusable filter and grounds
What to search for when selecting a single-serve espresso maker
After all you need your machine to brew good espresso, quick. However you also needs to contemplate these elements:
Ease of use: Even should you’re not somebody who makes espresso the second you get up, you in all probability do not wish to should mess with quite a lot of settings each time a caffeine craving hits. The very best machines give you choices to customise with out quite a lot of fuss. Are you on the lookout for a programmable single-serve espresso maker? Most Keurig and Nespresso machines haven’t got that operate, however different fashions we examined, together with the Ninja DualBrew Pro, do, and could be shortly programmed with a number of pushes of a button.
Eco-friendliness: The second you begin purchasing for a single-serve espresso maker you will discover that every model tries to tout how sustainable it’s. It is no shock: All these used pods add up, and so the businesses are attempting to counteract the concept they’re wasteful. Nespresso’s Vertuo Next (learn extra about it beneath) is comprised of 40% recycled plastic, and each Nespresso and Keurig use recycled materials of their packing containers and packaging. Okay-cups and Nespresso pods are additionally recyclable — although it does require some effort. If you’re involved about extra waste, your finest wager is to discover a machine that matches a reusable filter and use that together with your favourite grounds.
Measurement and weight: The highest machines on our record haven’t got enormous footprints — and so they can tuck away beneath higher cupboards when not in use. You also needs to have a look at a machine’s weight earlier than shopping for if there’s an opportunity you will have to tug it to a unique spot within the kitchen regularly. Most of the machines are a ache to maneuver round, so search for one thing on the lighter facet, just like the Keurig K-Cafe Barista Bar, which clocks in at about 7.5 kilos.
Number of cup sizes: Do you wish to brew only a shot of espresso and name it a day? Or are you on the lookout for a machine that may make a variety of drinks from pictures to 8-ounce espresso mugs to 12-cup carafes? Regardless of their title, many single-serve espresso makers can brew a number of sizes. They often vary from a 2- or 4-ounce shot to 12 ounces (for a journey mug’s value of espresso). However others can brew bigger cup sizes and even carafes, useful should you’re serving a number of relations.
Number of drink sorts: All of the machines we examined make espresso-style pictures and most make 8-ounce mugs of espresso. However the choices abound in a number of the finest espresso makers. For those who’re craving a robust jolt, search for a button that permits you to management brew energy — some of Keurig machines, for instance, characteristic a “robust” button for a extra concentrated drink. Others embody a button for making iced espresso or settings for making lattes or capuccinos.
Water tank capability: If the concept of getting to refill your machine’s water tank each time you need one other cup makes you cringe, then search for a reservoir that may maintain not less than 40 ounces, or roughly sufficient for 4 cups of espresso. Total, do not depart water within the tank for prolonged intervals of time; all of the machines had been very particular of their instruction to make use of contemporary water for the most effective style! Keurig machines even include an non-obligatory water filter.
How we examined
I made espresso … and occasional … and extra espresso till it appeared like I ought to open a restaurant out of my residence. In all seriousness, I evaluated each machine from the second I opened the field to its last brew. I used every machine a minimal of 5 occasions, with an 8-ounce serving of espresso as my management. I timed every machine to see how fast it was and I additionally used a meals thermometer to check the temperature of every freshly brewed cup. As soon as I knew how the machines in contrast making common joe, I examined every other brews they may make, together with espresso, lattes and bigger servings utilizing grounds. In the event that they got here with an attachment (like a milk frother), I used that a number of occasions as properly.
I additionally had much less technical concerns. I hunted for smooth design, items that match collectively properly and high-end finishes. In any case, most of us preserve our espresso machine on the counter in broad daylight — I wished to ensure our high picks regarded nearly as good as they functioned.
As a result of style is so subjective, I saved my notes on taste to a minimal and as a substitute targeted on how sizzling the espresso was, its mouthfeel (did it appear watery?) and whether or not there was any grittiness or sediment left within the backside of the mug.
Different single-serve espresso makers we examined
Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker SS-10: There’s a lot to love about this programmable single-serve espresso maker. It has an LCD show that leaves little room for confusion (I laughed once I noticed it stated “not prepared” whereas I used to be filling the water tank), a deal with by the brewing head that makes it simple to open and shut, a reusable, dishwasher-safe filter for utilizing with grounds and a water tank that holds a whopping 72 ounces. My solely gripe was with its chunky dimension and design, which might use an replace.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way: This was among the best programmable single-serve espresso makers I attempted, with a clear-cut digital show and a strong vary of cup sizes from 6 ounces to 14. I additionally favored that it was quiet (no loud whirring or buzzing) and comes with its personal resuable filter basket for floor espresso that tucks contained in the cup relaxation when not in use. It could have made it to the highest of this record if not for a number of causes: At about 12 inches vast and 12 inches deep, this machine takes up a ton of house (it has a carafe for drip espresso that sits subsequent to the single-serve brewer); I additionally discovered sediment on the backside of each cup I brewed. And it will get Okay-cups searing sizzling, so it’s a must to wait fairly some time earlier than you possibly can take away them.
Keurig K-Elite: This machine made a number of the strongest espresso of any Keurig machine I attempted. Sadly it additionally regarded fairly clunky, like one thing you’d see in a ’90s workplace kitchen. I additionally discovered the buttons on this one complicated as a result of they’re simply icons and do not point out what dimension drink you make. That stated, it does provide numerous drink sizes and kinds as soon as you possibly can determine them out, and this machine will get raves on Amazon, with more than 50,000 five-star reviews.
Keurig K-Mini Go: At lower than 5 inches vast, this pipsqueak is right for tight areas, plus it is available in colours aside from black, like navy, lavender and charcoal (as a design lover, I actually appreciated this!). I favored its easy design and the way simple it was to wash the few components that want it. It lacks the bells and whistles of different fashions, however at $100, it does sufficient, with three cup sizes and a “robust” possibility for a extra concentrated brew.
Keurig K-Supreme: A 66-ounce water reservoir means you possibly can shortly make cup after cup with this mannequin, which seems just like the Keurig K-Mini Go. It is simply as simple to make use of however barely bigger and encompasses a moveable water tank that may go from the again to the facet of the machine. In principle it is a nifty characteristic; in actuality it solely prompted me issues. I bumped into the identical points I did with my beloved Nespresso VertuoPlus — the tank didn’t clip firmly onto the machine and so it proved very simple to knock over resulting in main spillage.
Nespresso Essenza Mini: There is a purpose this single-serve espresso machine resides in resort rooms everywhere in the world — it measures simply 3 inches vast and eight inches tall and makes first rate single and double pictures of espresso. I discovered it a bit loud and drippy, however should you’re on the lookout for one thing failproof and you’re keen on espresso, this itty bitty brewer will do the trick.
Nespresso Vertuo Latissima: I like a very good latte and so I liked this machine, which operates — and appears — virtually precisely just like the Vertuo Subsequent (see beneath) however with one main improve: a built-in milk frother that permits you to make a latte or cappuccino with the push of a single button. My one grievance is that this mannequin prices $500, greater than twice the worth of the Vertuo Subsequent, even should you purchase the Next with a standalone frother! Sorry, however no milk is value that quantity of dough.
Nespresso Vertuo Next: If Nespresso by no means made the VertuoPlus, this machine, by De’Longhi, would bounce to the highest of my record. Although it is narrower than the VertuoPlus, it makes 5 cup sizes to the VertuoPlus’s 4 and affords wi-fi connectivity to an app so you possibly can personalize your expertise and preserve observe of your pod stash. Alas, this machine is noisier than the opposite fashions I attempted, and it’s a must to bodily lock the machine after inserting a pod by pushing a lever (it isn’t automated like with the VertuoPlus). It takes some muscle, and I might see it changing into troublesome for somebody who would not have a ton of hand energy.
Single-serve espresso maker FAQs
What does single serve imply in a espresso maker?
A single-serve espresso maker brews sufficient espresso in a single go for only a single cup. However the dimension of cup varies — most machines could make every little thing from 4 ounces of espresso to 12 ounces, so that you’re coated whether or not you need one thing akin to a shot of espresso or wish to fill a big journey mug. To make issues extra difficult, some machines do greater than single servings and may also brew full carafes of drip espresso.
How do you clear a single serve espresso maker?
It is dependent upon the machine, however usually you need to rinse the water tank usually and handwash any detachable elements (some machines just like the Ninja DualBrew Pro, Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way, Nespresso Vertuo Latissima and Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker SS-10 have dishwasher-safe components, however many do not). As with every espresso maker you will additionally have to descale — test your mannequin’s guide for the way usually this could occur.
Do single cup espresso makers make good espresso?
You will not get the form of brew you’d anticipate from an espresso machine, however you possibly can come shut with a Nespresso. For one thing nearer to what you’d get from a drip espresso maker, a Keurig or different machine that makes use of Okay-cups is the way in which to go. Each Nespresso pods and Okay-cups are available a ton of sorts, with espresso sources from everywhere in the world. They’ve restricted version flavors, pods particularly meant for iced espresso and even celeb-crafted bean blends. Lately, Inexperienced Mountain espresso (which is owned by the identical firm as Keurig) partnered with Kevin Costner on two new Okay-cups.
For those who go for a reusable filter with grounds, you have got much more choices as a result of you possibly can select any bagged espresso you want.
Is Keurig or Nespresso higher?
It is all a matter of private style. Each firms make an enormous vary of machines with numerous ranges of bells and whistles. Usually Keurig machines are extra inexpensive (they begin at $90 to Nespresso’s $130), whereas Nespresso machines are identified for his or her high quality of espresso.
The evaluations quoted above mirror the latest variations on the time of publication.
