Buzz
While there’s a certain joy in going through all the steps to brew the perfect cup of coffee, sometimes it's equally satisfying to keep things simple, especially when you're pressed for time in the morning. Single-serve coffee machines provide a quick and effortless way to brew one cup of coffee, making them a long-time favorite. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.
Nespresso
Nespresso’s Vertuo series not only provides the classic espresso features but also offers various cup sizes for a more traditional coffee experience. Personally, with my Nespresso Next ($128.50), I’m enjoying a cup right now, but really, any machine from this line is a fantastic choice. Your decision might just come down to the size of the unit you prefer on your kitchen counter. One of my favorite aspects of Nespresso machines is their speed: Unlike my Keurig, which takes a little longer to heat the water and brew, Nespresso delivers a full cup in just over a minute.
Keurig
While Nespresso leans toward premium features, Keurig provides a broader range of options. My own K-Mini ($89.99) is compact and offers straightforward six- or twelve-ounce servings without any unnecessary extras. For those willing to spend a little more, there are models with added features such as temperature adjustments, strength settings, iced coffee modes, and warming plates, all at prices generally under $199. While it may take a bit longer to heat up compared to Nespresso, it packs in more functionalities overall.
Famiworths
If you're hesitant to make a big investment just yet, you might want to try the Famiworths mini coffee maker ($37.99), which uses K-Cups like a Keurig and offers different cup size options. It's an excellent entry-level single-serve machine, allowing you to get accustomed to pod brewing and quick cups of coffee without breaking the bank.
Moccamaster
If you're looking for a sustainable alternative to disposable coffee pods, the Moccamaster Cup-One ($250) is a great choice. This machine brews just one cup at a time, offering the convenience of not having to keep a whole pot of coffee sitting around, while also reducing plastic waste. As Maciej Kasperowicz, the director of coffee at Trade Coffee and one of only 400 certified Q graders in the world, explains, 'For a 10oz cup, use 18-19g of coffee with a medium grind, and you'll get a brew as flavorful as most single-serve pour-overs.'
Aeropress
For those who enjoy a hands-on brewing process, Maciej Kasperowicz recommends the Aeropress ($39.95). This manual brewer uses a two-tube system to push brewed coffee through a filter. According to Kasperowicz, 'The AeroPress is incredibly flexible; it can create a cup as strong as espresso or as mild as regular drip coffee. Although it may seem intimidating, there are countless online recipes that can help you perfect your Aeropress brew.'
Maximizing the experience with your single-serve coffee maker
To make the most of your single-serve coffee machine, you may need to invest in a few additional accessories or tools.
I've been using reusable K-Cups for years to brew regular coffee grounds. They're readily available – for example, a two-pack on Amazon costs $5.75 – and offer a sustainable alternative to constantly tossing single-use pods. Those pods can take up a lot of space too. If you're using them, consider a storage solution, like this drawer from DecoBrothers for Nespresso Vertuo pods ($28.77) or a spinning rack for K-Cups ($13.89).
