Single Cup Coffee Makers

A single cup of coffee maker can help you get started on the day with a delicious, hot cup of joe. These stylish machines are also ideal presents for the coffee lover in your life.

There's a single cup maker for everyone, no matter if you prefer to use grounds or pods. Find out which models performed well in our tests of function durability, durability, and ease of use.

Easy to Use

A single cup coffee maker is a great idea if you drink just one cup of coffee per day and prefer the convenience of making it quickly. They are also perfect for offices or dorms since they take up less room than a full size drip machine and there is no need to refill the reservoir.

These coffee makers work with pre-filled single-serve pods of coffee or ground coffee. They also often have a "brew over ice" option, which makes them good for making cold brew. We've also found that some single-cup coffee makers can be made with loose tea, which is handy for those who prefer herbal or rooibos teas.

There are a variety of one cup coffee makers on the market and you'll need to decide which features are important to you. You might want to have a large reservoir to reduce the amount of times you'll need to refill it. Some come with removable water tanks that are easy to transport to the sink. Some don't have a tank, and they require you to fill it by yourself.

Our top choices have a short process that will save you valuable morning minutes. Some have a thermal cup that keeps your coffee hot for a few hours after the brew cycle is completed. This can be an ideal option if need to keep your coffee warm.

You'll need to decide whether you prefer the convenience and ease of K-Cups, or if you prefer to grind coffee beans using filters. If you're in the latter camp then you might want to think about the Ninja CM407 or other options such as the Nespresso Essenza Mini. Alternatively, you might choose an AeroPress If you enjoy the taste of freshly made espresso but don't want the extra work required by traditional drip coffee makers. Whatever one-cup brewer you pick, it's crucial to consider the number of people you'll be serving. A reviews single serve coffee makers-cup coffee maker isn't a good choice for families of three or more that all drink coffee at the same time, as you'll likely end up with leftovers that will be wasted.

Ease of Cleaning

While a single cup coffee maker may seem like an efficient option for those on the go however, it's crucial to keep this workhorse clean. This is because without proper care, gunk can build up in the machine's basket and carafe, causing a bitter taste. And if the machine is left dirty for too long, the reservoir could harbor mold and yeast according to a 2011 study conducted by NSF International. While these contaminants won't significantly impact your health, it could be somewhat unpleasant to awake to a cup of brew that tastes off. However, implementing a regular cleaning ritual will aid in restoring your coffee maker to its out-of-the-box beauty.

A simple wash using the one household item you've got on hand--white vinegar--can do wonders in getting rid of the build-up and hard water deposits that can cause your coffee maker to stop working properly. We recommend de-scaling your machine at least once a month (or every three months) using the same steps you would use to brew your coffee.

Start by emptying the carafe and clean the lid, mug and brewing basket using a soft cloth that has been dipped in warm, soapy water. Then, pour equal amounts of white vinegar and water into the reservoir. Then brew the mixture just as you would do with a normal pot of coffee. Allow the mixture to remain in the reservoir for 45 minutes. This will allow the vinegar to dissolve calcium deposits.

After 45 minutes After 45 minutes, drain the solution and run several brewing cycles using clean water to remove any residue. If you don't have vinegar in your kitchen or a mixture of baking soda and water could be used, but be sure there aren't any seeds pulp, rind, or seeds in the solution.

If your Keurig is showing signs of more severe build-up, you can clean it using the same method described above by disassembling the machine until it reaches a point where you can wash each piece separately in soapy, warm water. Then, wash each component in warm soapy water and dry it with a towel prior to putting the machine back together.

Ease of Maintenance

Our testers enjoy the ease of using a one-cup coffee maker even though a pour-over might be the best choice for the flavor. So, when testing single-serve brewers, we focused on the ease of daily maintenance--including how easy it was to refill the water reservoir, how simple it was to dump spent grounds or pods, and whether the instructions for descaling were clear and easy to follow.

We also took into account how much waste each model produced either in the form of coffee cups or a filter that can be reused, and how often the brewer had to be descaled. We also evaluated the ease of descale the machine at home using a solution that is usually composed of vinegar and warm soapy water.

Although a basic single-serve coffee maker may not be the most durable or visually appealing of our choices but this small beauty from Sboly comes with a wealth of features that are smart for the price. You can choose between pods and grounds, and it can make a cup of 8 or 14 ounces. It is small enough to fit in the cupboard.

Gift Giving Easy Gift Giving

There are many gift ideas for coffee lovers. You can give your loved one a gorgeous coffee cup or even a bag of their most loved beans. But if you're looking to impress, think about giving one of the best single cup coffee makers that are suitable for home use. These devices will help your loved ones make the perfect cup of espresso each time, and they'll save money on coffee shop visits.

Our experts have rounded up the best options that will meet a variety of budgets and lifestyles. They've also put together shopping guides to help you in making the right choice for your loved ones.

We recommend the Ninja CM407 because of its outstanding performance. It produced the hottest cup of joe in our tests, and has different brewing settings that allow you to choose between one serving or a complete carafe. Additionally, it's small and easy to use.

Another option is the Keurig K-Cafe, which also offers a wide range of brewing options. If you're looking to give your friends and family the convenience of K Cups or espresso this is the ideal alternative. And for those who prefer pouring manually we recommend the Chemex with its elegant design and sturdy construction.

Cupping Spoons are a fantastic method to gift your friends the gift of coffee. These tools are used by professional coffee tasters to get the most out of every sip. This will let you and your family enjoy the aroma, flavor and texture of their coffee.

Of course, you shouldn't ignore the final elements that make a great cup of coffee: creamers and milks (both dairy and non) sauces and syrups, and even coffee liquors. Talk with your loved ones about what they like about their java and what makes it better than the other person's. This will guide you to the perfect gift that will put a smile on their face.