The best single-serve coffee makers of 2025 come from brands like Nespresso and Keurig — and they brew it all! (Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo)
Sometimes you need your morning buzz without having to do anything other than push a button. That's the beauty of the best single-serve coffee makers — you simply drop in a pod and fresh coffee is yours in just a couple of minutes. No wonder 42% of Americans own a single-cup brewer, according to the National Coffee Association.
Having worked as an editor at lifestyle and food magazines for 20 years, I've seen many single-use appliances that promise to make life easier, when all they do is clutter your counter. Although pod machines like Nespressos and Keurigs don't always produce the kind of brew you'd get from the best espresso machines, a great French press or a solid pour-over coffee system, they make a decent cup of joe — and they make it fast. Over the past year, I've tested more than a dozen of the best single-cup brewers, looking for ease of use, eco-friendliness and more. I brewed cup after cup of hot coffee (and espresso and iced coffee when the machines offered those functions). Yes, I was jittery for days ... and yes, it was worth it.
Update, Aug. 28, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. We also added reviews of the Keurig K-Mini Mate and K-Brew+Chill, which we named "best single-serve coffee maker for iced coffee." Our No. 1 pick for best single-serve coffee maker overall remains unchanged.
Water tank capacity: 40 oz. | Size: 8.7" W x 12.7" D x 12.8" H | Cup sizes: Single and double espresso; 5 and 8 oz. coffee | Color options: Gray, red, black and matte black
How it works: The VertuoPlus makes the coffee-brewing experience as easy as possible. You push just one button to operate it, and there's a mechanism that automatically tosses your used pod into a receptacle inside the machine.
But how do I choose what kind of brew I want? you might be wondering, considering that there's no way to program the machine. Nespresso VertuoLine coffee machines use pods printed with a bar code that indicates the type of drink it makes. There are espresso pods for shots of espresso, coffee pods for an 8-ounce mug of joe and so on. Pop in the pod you want, and the machine automatically adjusts to brew your desired drink. Note that all Nespresso drinks are brewed with a layer of crema on top — I found it added to each cup's richness, but if that's not for you, you may prefer a machine that uses K-Cups.
Why we love it: Nespresso pods produce tasty, high-quality cups of drip coffee and espresso in mere minutes. I adore the sleek look of the VertuoPlus (this model is made by De'Longhi; Breville also makes one with similar specs) and how compact it is for such a powerful machine. The 40-ounce water tank is movable — you can swing it to either side of the machine or keep it tucked behind it. I liked this flexibility, but I also found that it made the reservoir less secure. More than once I accidentally toppled it, getting water all over my counter.
The VertuoPlus requires minimal upkeep: Just empty the used-pod receptacle, which holds about 10 pods, and descale (aka deep clean) every three months or 300 pods. Keep in mind that Nespresso Vertuo pods (of which there are many delicious variations!) cost more than $1 per each, so while using one is cheaper than buying a latte every day, this machine is an investment.
Minor criticisms: One of my issues with single-serve machines is the amount of waste they produce, much more than a drip coffee maker that uses grounds. Many companies have tried to combat this with a reusable single-serve filter that you fill with grounds, but Nespresso only offers single-use aluminum pods. Not ideal — but at least the company offers a recycling program. You can drop off used pods at 250-plus locations or order free recycling bags with prepaid UPS labels. If you live in NYC or Jersey City, N.J., you can toss used pods in your curbside blue recycling bins.
One final note: I found the paper instruction manual that came with most of the Nespresso machines I tested to be confusing. If you need guidance, I recommend checking Nespresso's website, which has how-to videos and manuals that are often different from what's in the box and more user-friendly. The brand's customer service is top-notch.
Water tank capacity: 42 oz. | Size: 5.1" W x 12.6" H x 12.8" D | Cup sizes: 2, 8, 10 and 12 oz. | Color option: Black
How it works: The K-Café Barista Bar is a reliable Keurig machine that comes with a bonus for anyone who likes lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-style drinks: a standalone milk frother. You press a button for cold or hot froth, then let it do its thing. As for the actual coffee maker, it's straightforward, with just five buttons for selecting the size and type of drink you want, including an option for brewing over ice. Cleanup is minimal — the machine has very few parts, so while they are hand-wash-only, it's a simple job.
Why we love it: I'm not gonna lie, I had a grand time playing around with this machine. Keurig has long been the go-to for single-serve coffee makers because of their simplicity and affordability. The K-Café Barista Bar is a slim model that produces a steaming cup of joe (172 degrees, which is the hottest of almost all the models we tested). At 7.7 pounds, it's was also lighter than most, handy if you're need to move the machine around your kitchen.
And it excels at making milky drinks. The frother can whip up both hot and cold froth that somehow manages to be both dense and fluffy. I liked it so much, I continued using the gadget well beyond my testing. And when I accidentally put it in the dishwasher (it's hand-wash-only), I found Keurig customer service helpful in getting me a replacement.
This machine is the most affordable of our top picks, and Keurig frequently runs sales, not just on its coffee makers but also on Keurig K-Cups.
Minor criticisms: K-Cups are plastic and recycling them can be difficult in some areas and messy (you have to pull the paper filter with grounds from its plastic casing). That said, Keurig has made some strides toward a more sustainable machine, and I appreciated that I could swap out one-time-use-only plastic K-Cups with the brand's dishwasher-safe reusable filter, which you fill with grounds. It's sold separately, but I paid only $8 for mine, a worthy investment.
Water tank capacity: 60 oz. | Size: 11.4" W x 9.1" D x 15.5" H | Cup sizes: (Pods) 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.; (grounds) small, XL cup, travel mug and XL travel mug; (12-cup carafe) ¼, ½, ¾ and full | Color option: Black
How it works: This machine is easy to operate right out of the box, thanks to stickers that tell you how to use each component.
All of the DualBrew Pro's different parts (the milk frother, plus a 12-cup carafe and a ground coffee scoop) fit neatly onto the machine. Similar to the Nespresso VertuoPlus, the removable water reservoir can be adjusted — in this case, it swings from the side to the back of the machine and is secured with a latch. When I plugged in the DualBrew, I was even more impressed by the digital display, which is colorful and high-tech and makes choosing your desired brew easy.
Why we love it: Ninja's DualBrew Pro is our pick for the best coffee maker that's also a total multitasker. It can accommodate single-serve K-Cups, but it also produces hot water and makes regular drip coffee, iced coffee and even lattes (it comes with an attached milk frother). Other perks include a mug stand that flips up to accommodate an extra-large travel mug, an automatic warming plate for the drip coffee carafe and the ability to produce both boiling and hot water. Don't worry about it tasting coffee-esque: The water dispenses from a separate outlet.
I admit it did take me a bit of tinkering to understand how to use the adapter that lets you brew K-Cups. But once I figured it out, it was quick going, and I was able to make cup after cup, even when I was half-awake. You can also brew a single serving of coffee using grounds, but you follow the same steps you would to make a carafe of drip coffee, which means you need a paper or reusable filter. Ninja sends five paper filters to get you started; a permanent filter is sold separately.
Taste is subjective, so I won't spend much space letting you know this machine did not produce my favorite coffee as far as flavor goes. But the lattes and other espresso-style drinks were tasty — and fun to make.
Minor criticisms: I only had a couple of gripes with this machine. First off, it beeps loudly when it's done brewing, which seemed unnecessary, especially early in the morning! The other is that this machine has numerous components, so it can be a pain to take apart and clean. But most of the pieces are dishwasher-safe (unlike with other machines), so it's hardly a dealbreaker.
Water tank capacity: 70 oz. | Size: 9.8" W x 15.35" D x 12.16" H | Cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz. | Color option: Black
How it works: This machine brews both hot and cold coffee using K-Cup pods. According to Keurig, when you choose the "cold" option, the machine first brews hot, then that liquid travels through aluminum coils to a water-based thermoelectric chamber that flash chills it before dispensing it to the cup. It sounds complicated, but actually making a coffee with this machine is simple — you just press a button for hot or cold, select your desired amount (6, 8, 10 or 12 oz.) and hit the big "K" button. If you choose "cold," an automatic rinse cycle will start as soon as the machine's done brewing.
Why we love it: Generally, if you want iced coffee from a single-serve coffee maker, the best you're going to get is a "brew over ice" option — basically, hot coffee that's slightly more concentrated to make up for the fact that it becomes diluted as it melts the ice in your cup. Not the case with this hybrid home brewer, which came out in August 2024: In addition to brewing regular hot coffee from K-Cups, it produces legitimately cold coffee. I clocked it at 66.7 degrees, 100 degrees cooler than the hot version, with little to no ice melt. It's pretty amazing!
In both cases, the coffee was smooth and flavorful, on par with you'd expect from the best iced coffee makers. There's also a "strong" button if you like your java on the more potent side.
Minor criticisms: The only thing that's a tad annoying is the setup for this machine, as you have to first fill the cooler chamber with nearly 12 cups of water, and the opening is small. You'll definitely need a pitcher or measuring cup with a spout. But the brand says you'll only need to do this once a year or so to account for some evaporation. The cooling process also makes this machine noisier than most. Expect a constant hum, though you can dampen it by hitting the "quiet" button.
Of course you want your machine to brew good coffee, fast. But you should also consider these factors:
Ease of use: Even if you're not someone who makes coffee the second you wake up, you probably don't want to have to mess with a lot of settings every time a caffeine craving hits. The best machines offer you options to customize without a lot of fuss. Are you looking for a programmable single-serve coffee maker? Most Keurig and Nespresso machines don't have that function, but other models we tested, including the Ninja DualBrew Pro, do and can be quickly programmed with a few buttons.
Size and weight: The top machines on our list don't have huge footprints — and they can tuck away under upper cabinets when not in use. You should also look at a machine's weight before buying if there's a chance you'll have to drag it to a different spot in the kitchen on a regular basis. Many of the machines are a pain to move around, so look for something on the lighter side, like the Keurig K-Café Barista Bar, which clocks in at about 7.7 pounds.
Color and design: Single-serve coffee makers typically look sleek and compact — no bulky coffee pots or built-in grinders. Most come in basic black or stainless steel, but if you're interested in making a design statement, consider the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, which is also sold in red or gray. Nespresso's Vertuo Pop+ (which we'll test soon) also comes in fun colors, as do several of Keurig's more compact models, including anything from the K-Mini line.
Eco-friendliness: Unlike with a regular drip coffee maker, you don't need a grinder or coffee beans to make coffee in single-serve machines because they use disposable pods (also called capsules or K-Cups). This creates a lot of trash, and so many companies try to counteract the idea that single-use machines are wasteful by touting how sustainable their brands are. Nespresso's Vertuo Next (read more about it below) is made from 40% recycled plastic, and both Nespresso and Keurig use recycled material in their boxes and packaging. K-Cups and Nespresso pods are also recyclable — though it does require some effort. If you are concerned about excess waste, your best bet is to find a machine that fits a reusable filter and use that with your favorite grounds.
Variety of cup sizes: Do you want to brew just a shot of espresso and call it a day? Or are you looking for a machine that can make a wide range of drinks, from shots to 8-ounce coffee mugs to 12-cup carafes? Despite their name, many single-serve coffee makers can brew multiple sizes. They usually range from a 2- or 4-ounce shot to 12 ounces (for a travel mug's worth of coffee). But others can brew larger cup sizes and even carafes, handy if you're serving multiple family members.
Variety of drink types: All the machines we tested make espresso-style shots and most make 8-ounce mugs of coffee. But the options abound in some of the best coffee makers. If you're craving a powerful jolt, look for a button that lets you control brew strength — some Keurig machines, for example, feature a "strong" button for a more concentrated drink. Others include a button for making iced coffee or settings for making lattes or cappuccinos.
Water tank capacity: If you hate the idea of having to refill your machine's water tank every time you want another cup, then look for a reservoir that can hold at least 40 ounces. Don't leave water in the tank for extended periods of time; all the machines were very specific in their instruction to use fresh water for the best taste! Keurig machines even come with an optional water filter.
I made so much coffee it seemed like I should open a café out of my home. In all seriousness, I evaluated every machine from the moment I opened the box to its final brew. I used each machine at least five times, with an 8-ounce cup of coffee as my control, and kept in mind the following:
Ease of use: Did setup take forever? Was the control panel intuitive? I wanted to make sure each machine was foolproof, even if you're operating on a couple of hours of sleep.
Speed: I timed each machine to see how quick it was. All the machines took less than two minutes to brew an 8-ounce cup, and most took less than 90 seconds.
Coffee quality: Though taste is subjective, I did note the coffee's flavor and smoothness, and whether there was any grit at the bottom of the cup. I also used a food thermometer to test the temperature of each freshly brewed cup.
Bonus features: Once I knew how the machines compared making regular joe, I tested any other brews they could make, including espresso, lattes and larger servings using grounds. If they came with an attachment (like a milk frother), I used that multiple times as well.
I also had less technical considerations. I hunted for sleek design, pieces that fit together well and high-end finishes. After all, most of us keep our coffee machine on the counter in broad daylight — I wanted to make sure our top picks looked as good as they functioned.
Because taste is so subjective, I kept my notes on flavor to a minimum and instead focused on how hot the coffee was, its mouthfeel (did it seem watery?) and whether there was any grittiness or sediment left in the bottom of the mug.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way: This was one of the best programmable single-serve coffee makers I tried, with a clear-cut digital display and a solid range of cup sizes, from 6 ounces to 14. I also liked that it was quiet (no loud whirring or humming) and comes with its own reusable filter basket for ground coffee that tucks inside the cup rest when not in use. It would have made it to the top of this list if not for a few reasons: At about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep, this machine takes up a ton of space (it has a carafe for drip coffee that sits next to the single-serve brewer); I also found sediment at the bottom of every cup I brewed. And it gets K-Cups searing-hot, so you have to wait quite a while before you can remove them.
Nespresso Essenza Mini: There's a reason this single-serve coffee machine resides in hotel rooms all over the world — it measures just 3 inches wide and 8 inches tall and makes decent single and double shots of espresso. I found it a bit loud and drippy, but if you're looking for something failproof and you love espresso, this itty-bitty brewer will do the trick.
Nespresso Vertuo Next: If Nespresso never made the VertuoPlus, this machine would jump to the top of my list. Though it's narrower than the VertuoPlus, it makes five cup sizes to the VertuoPlus's four and offers Wi-Fi connectivity to an app so you can personalize your experience and keep track of your pod stash. Alas, this machine is noisier than the other models I tried, and you have to physically lock the machine after inserting a pod (it's not automatic like with the VertuoPlus). It takes some muscle, and I could see it becoming difficult for someone who doesn't have a ton of hand strength.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima: I love a good latte and so I loved this machine, which operates — and looks — almost exactly like the Vertuo Next but with one major upgrade: a built-in milk frother that lets you make a latte or cappuccino with the push of a single button. I've been using it for close to a year and it's reliably great. My one complaint is that it retails for $500, more than twice the price of the Vertuo Next, even if you buy the Next with a standalone frother!
Keurig K-Elite: This machine made some of the strongest coffee of any Keurig machine I tried. Unfortunately it also looked pretty clunky, like something you'd see in a '90s office kitchen. I also found the buttons on this one confusing because they're just icons and don't indicate what size drink you're making. That said, it does offer lots of drink sizes and styles, and it gets raves on Amazon, with more than 52,000 five-star reviews.
Keurig K-Mini Go: At less than 5 inches wide, this pipsqueak is ideal for tight spaces, plus it comes in colors other than black, like navy, lavender and charcoal (as a design lover, I really appreciated this!). I liked its straightforward design and how easy it was to clean the few parts that needed it. It lacks the bells and whistles of other models, but at $100, it does enough, with three cup sizes and a "strong" option for a more concentrated brew.
Keurig K-Mini Mate: Want something even tinier? At less than 4 inches wide and 2.1 pounds, this is Keurig's smallest brewer ever. You fill up the tank with the exact amount of water you need for your cup (anywhere from 6 to 12 ounces), then press a single button. The result is a strong cup of coffee, but that's it — don't expect any bells or whistles. It doesn't get more basic than this machine, and for that reason I'd consider it best for a dorm room or Airbnb.
Keurig K-Supreme: A 66-ounce water reservoir means you can quickly make cup after cup with this model, which looks similar to the Keurig K-Mini Go. It's just as easy to use but slightly larger and features a movable water tank that can go from the back to the side of the machine. In theory it's a nifty feature; in reality it only caused me problems. I ran into the same issues I did with my beloved Nespresso VertuoPlus — the tank did not clip firmly onto the machine and so it proved very easy to knock over, leading to major spillage.
Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker SS-10: There is a lot to like about this programmable single-serve coffee maker — plus Cuisinart makes one of our top drip coffee makers. It has an LCD screen that leaves little room for confusion (I laughed when I saw it said "not ready" while I was filling the water tank), a handle by the brewing head that makes it easy to open and close, a reusable, dishwasher-safe filter and a water tank that holds a whopping 72 ounces. My only gripe was with its chunky size and design, which could use an update.
A single-serve coffee maker brews enough coffee in one go for just a single cup. But the size of cup varies — most machines can make everything from 4 ounces of coffee to 12 ounces, so you're covered whether you want something akin to a shot of espresso or want to fill a large travel mug. To make matters more complicated, some machines do more than single servings and can also brew full carafes of drip coffee.
It depends on the machine, but generally you should rinse the water tank regularly and hand-wash any removable components (some machines, like the Ninja DualBrew Pro, Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way, Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima and Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker SS-10, have dishwasher-safe parts). As with any coffee maker, you'll also need to descale (a.k.a. deep-clean) your machine — check the manual for how often this should happen. For more details, check out our full-on tutorial guided by experts on how to clean your coffee maker.
You won't get the kind of brew you'd expect from an espresso machine, but you can come close with a Nespresso. For something closer to what you'd get from a drip coffee maker, a Keurig or other machine that uses K-Cups is the way to go. Both Nespresso pods and K-Cups come in a ton of varieties, with coffee sources from all over the world. They have limited-edition flavors, pods specifically meant for iced coffee and even celeb-crafted bean blends.
If you opt for a reusable filter with grounds, you have even more options because you can choose any bagged coffee you like.
In general, yes. Nespresso offers free recycling bags for sending back its aluminum pods, and in some areas, you can drop them directly into recycling bins. Plastic Keurig K-Cups can be recycled in many areas, but double-check your local guidelines. To do so, you have to pull the paper filter and grounds from the plastic cup.
It's all a matter of personal taste. Both companies make a huge range of machines with various levels of bells and whistles. Generally, Keurig machines are more affordable (they start at $90 in comparison to Nespresso's $130 entry point), whereas Nespresso machines are known for their quality of coffee.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker | Keurig K-Café Barista Bar | Ninja DualBrew Pro 12-Cup Coffee Maker | Keurig K-Brew+Chill Coffee Maker | |
Water tank capacity | 40 oz. | 42 oz. | 60 oz. | 70 oz. |
Size | 8.7" W x 12.7" D x 12.8" H | 5.1" W x 12.6" H x 12.8" D | 11.4" W x 9.1" D x 15.5" H | 9.8" W x 15.35" D x 12.16" H |
Color options | Gray, red, black and matte black | Black | Black | Black |
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.