single serve coffee makers comparison (clearcreek.a2hosted.com)

Single-serve coffee makers provide convenience for a quick cup of hot or cold coffee. They can use pre-packaged coffee pods or filters that are filled with ground beans.

Coffee drinkers who are adamant about individualization will likely require machines that can prepare a full pot of drip coffee or espresso-style shots. These machines are also designed to lessen the environmental impact of disposable coffee pods. They use recyclable or reusable capsules.

1. Keurig K-Elite

The K-Elite has a beautiful design that blends premium finishes with customizable features. It's one of the most versatile Keurig models in terms of what it can brew. it supports K-Cups and ground coffee and hot tea and chocolate. The large and reusable 72-ounce water tank can dispense up to seven medium cups before needing refills. It's also compatible with refillable K-Cup pods that can save you money in the long run.

Despite having way more buttons on its control panel than any other Keurig model, it's simple to use and navigate. The top control panel has the power button, the settings button along with up and down buttons for the menu and an "strong" button that is hot water and four different sizes of brew and an "iced" button. The large LCD display is color-coded to allow you to determine when the machine requires descale or refill.

The K-Elite is, despite being one of our favorite Keurigs however, it has some disadvantages. It can be difficult to clean, for instance, because it does not have a drip tray that is removable, and the lid is not secured. The spout can also cause splatters when using shorter travel cups.

We also compared the performance of the K-Elite in our Coffee Makers test program, and it scored quite well in all categories. It scored above average in first-cup speed as well as temperature consistency and repeat speed.

It was also the fastest to heat the water and brew the cup. And it was the least likely machine to produce grounds. However the K-Elite wasn't able to make as hot of a cup as some of our other top models. The iced coffee was less flavorful than the strong brew. The K-Elite is a great option to anyone who is looking for a single serve coffee reviews-serve machine. It's available for purchase from numerous retailers, including Keurig's website, Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can purchase it for around $150. If you're looking to buy a lower-priced model it's the K-Classic is also worth considering. It's a bit more expensive than the Elite, but not as much as our top picks.

2. BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffee Maker

A single-serve machine enables you to prepare coffee quickly and on demand. These machines are smaller, more compact and are ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorms. They can also be used to prepare a variety of different coffee beverages, such as espresso-style shots and lattes. They are also easy to clean and operate, making them a great choice for busy households.

The BLACK+DECKER CM618 is among the most affordable models available, but it still offers some important features that make it worth a look. It has a permanent filter that can accommodate ground coffee as well as soft coffee pods that are pre-packaged, and it also has an auto-shutoff feature that turns the machine off after brewing to conserve water and energy. It takes just minutes to prepare a single cup of coffee. The machine comes with a thermal travel mug that fits into most cup holders that are found in most cars.

In our tests, we discovered that the BLACK+DECKER can make a delicious cup of coffee in a fraction of the time it takes to make the average model. It also comes with programs that are typically reserved for more expensive models, such as an auto-start feature.

Its sleek, retro style is an ideal fit for anyone who appreciates an elegant look that is coordinated with other appliances in your kitchen and its light weight construction and water tank that is removable make it easy to transport. It was surprisingly easy to use, with a digital control panel that was simple and an interface that anyone could be able to comprehend. However, the brew speed was not the best single brew coffee maker in our tests, and it was not able to reach 195degF for five or six minutes -- the industry standard for the best flavor. The brew temperatures were also higher than the other models we test, which could lead to burning or overheated coffee. Despite these issues the CM618 is still an excellent option for those on a limited budget who want to brew K-Cup pods and their own ground coffee machine single serve.

3. Nespresso Vertuo Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Nespresso machines are different from K-Cup or Keurig machines because they only use the brand's espresso and coffee pods. The brand divides its pod-based machine into two categories that are VertuoLine and Original. Original machines make espresso-based drinks, while VertuoLine models are designed to make larger milk and coffee recipes like lattes and cappuccinos. Original machines are more expensive than VertuoLine because they were specifically designed to work with Nespresso capsules that can be reused and recycled.

The VertuoLine XP371 Nespresso offers four different sizes of drinks with intelligent capsule detection technology, and the company's signature centrifusion brewing process. It also has modern, sleek design and a water tank that is removable that holds 37 ounces of water. The machine is simple to operate and features an automatic system that ejects used pods into the built-in container. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 seconds to heat up, and it shuts down automatically after nine minutes.

In our tests, the XP371 brewed a good cup of coffee. It made a great cup of coffee with a nice crema. It was also hot enough to drink in the morning without burning your tongue. It was slower to make than other models. It took 1 minute and 51 seconds to brew 7.7 ounces of coffee which was the third-lowest speed in our tests. It's not a huge issue however if you're used to brewing coffee quickly in the morning, it may be a problem.

Overall, the NespressoXP371 makes a great choice for coffee and espresso enthusiasts who want to reduce waste. Its design is more luxurious than a typical pod brewer, and it's compatible with Nespresso's reusable capsules, which are more environmentally friendly than the K-Cups and other traditional pods on market. The VertuoLine's cost and dependence on proprietary capsules might cause some buyers to be hesitant.

If you don't have enough money to buy a reputable pod coffee maker, but want to enjoy the convenience of a single-serve machine then we recommend checking out our review of reusable cups. You might also want to consider one of our favorite tumblers that are insulated to keep your tea or coffee warm.

4. Cuisinart DCC-1200

This coffee maker has been praised by a large number of users due to its convenient features, and many other models do not have them. The price is reasonable for a machine of this quality, and it has a sleek look. However, some owners have reported this model as a possible fire danger, and this is something to certainly keep in mind if you are considering buying it.

This fully automated coffeemaker comes with 24-hour programmability and you can set it to brew just one or four cups at a time or a full pot of 12. The carafe features an insulated design, and the permanent gold-tone wire mesh filter and charcoal filter remove impurities, which enhances the flavor of the brew. The "Brew Pause", which interrupts the brewing process for 30 seconds, allows you to pour one cup. The self-cleaning feature keeps the tank free of impurities.

The controls are well-spaced and clearly marked. It is easy to determine the function of each button. Other features include a self-cleaning, alerts to decalcify the tank and carafe and an automatic shutoff and a knuckle guard dripless spout that allows for a ease of pouring. The coffee maker is simple to use and has stunning brushed stainless finishes.

Some buyers have reported that the permanent gold toned wire mesh filter is difficult to clean. This could be a problem for those who prefer paper filters. Some have also complained that they are unable to get the reservoir to fill correctly due to an issue with the design that pushes water through a tiny opening in the back of the machine and into the filter.

Some users have complained that their Cuisinart Coffee Maker spills water and coffee grounds all over the counter while it is operating, but this appears to be an uncommon occurrence. In any case, it is a fantastic coffee maker worth a look if you are looking for a simple model that has plenty of convenient features for a low cost.