That morning scramble for a single, perfect cup of coffee is real, isn’t it? You’re not brewing for a crowd, just yourself, and a full pot feels like such a waste. That’s where the humble 1 cup coffee maker truly shines, offering a streamlined solution that matches your solo rhythm. It promises speed, simplicity, and no leftover coffee going stale on the warmer—sounds like a dream for us one-cup-at-a-time folks.
But with so many models on the market, from basic drip machines to fancy pod systems, how do you choose the right one? We’ve tested the top contenders to see which ones deliver on that promise of a fast, flavorful brew without the fuss. Let’s dive in and find your new kitchen counter hero, because your perfect morning cup shouldn’t be complicated.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best 1 Cup Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 3…
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9.9 |
Read Review |
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Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker,…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker,…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker,…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Horavie Small Single Serve Coffee Maker, Fast Brew One…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet EHC242M Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 1 Cup Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 3 Brew Sizes, Strong Button Feature, 42oz Removable Reservoir, Black
The Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is a straightforward machine designed for simplicity and a reliable daily cup. It gets you from sleep to your first sip with minimal fuss, fitting easily into a busy morning routine. You won’t find a ton of complicated settings here, just the essential functions that most people actually use. Its core feature is the three brew sizes. You can choose an 8, 10, or 12 ounce cup with just the push of a button.
This flexibility means you can have a smaller, more concentrated cup or a larger one to sip on, all using the same K-Cup pod. If you find your coffee could use a bit more kick, that’s where the Strong Brew button comes in. It slows down the brewing cycle slightly to increase the strength and bold taste of the coffee’s flavor, which is perfect for darker roasts or when you need an extra boost. Convenience is a big focus. The 42 ounce removable water reservoir is a key part of that.
It lets you brew up to four cups before needing a refill, which is great for avoiding constant trips to the sink. Filling and cleaning it is simple because you can take it right off the machine. The removable drip tray is another thoughtful touch. It accomodates travel mugs up to 7.4 inches tall, so you can brew directly into your favorite insulated mug before heading out the door. This Keurig is designed to be energy efficient.
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Brews Up to 12 oz Cup, Compact Portable Coffee Machine for Small Spaces, Great for Dorms & Offices, Black
The Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for one simple purpose: to give you a great cup of coffee without taking over your counter. If your kitchen, office desk, or dorm room is short on space, this machine’s compact build is the answer. It’s only about four inches wide, so it tucks neatly into the tightest spots. You can have it right where you need it without the clutter, making your morning routine straightforward and efficient.
Its primary feature is brewing a single, fresh cup directly into your mug. The machine has a one-cup reservoir, so you’re not dealing with a large water tank. You just fill it for the cup you want, up to a full 12 ounces. This means every cup is made with fresh water, and there’s no stale water sitting around. It’s a simple, no-fuss process: add water, pop in your favorite K-Cup pod, and press brew. In minutes, you have a hot coffee ready to go. A major plus is it’s travel mug friendly.
The drip tray is removable, allowing you to fit a to-go cup up to 7.25 inches tall underneath. This is perfect for when your in a rush—you can brew directly into your insulated mug and head out the door without needing to transfer your drink. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in a busy morning. Beyond function, the K-Mini Mate has a fresh and modern look. It sports a sleek, minimal design that blends into your environment rather than shouting for attention.
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Brews Up to 12 oz Cup, Compact Portable Coffee Machine for Small Spaces, Great for Dorms & Offices, Glamping Green
The Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is designed for one simple thing: giving you a great, fresh cup of coffee without taking over your counter. Its entire design philosophy centers on fitting into your life, not the other way around. If you’ve ever felt like your kitchen appliances are crowding you out, this coffee maker offers a breath of fresh air.
Its most standout feature is its size. The K-Mini Mate is just 4 inches wide, a true SMALL SPACE SAVER.
This makes it ideal for tight spots like a small apartment kitchen, a crowded office breakroom, a dorm room desk, or even a camper van counter. It tucks away easily when not in use, freeing up valuable surface real estate for other things. You get a full-featured brewer without the usual bulk.
Don’t let the small size fool you on performance. It BREWS UP TO A 12 OZ CUP, which is a standard large mug size.
The one-cup reservoir means you brew directly into your cup with fresh water every single time, so theres no stale water sitting in a tank. This is key for getting the best flavor from your favorite K-Cup pod. Plus, its TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY design can accommodate cups up to 7.25 inches tall. You can pop your reusable to-go mug right under the brewer, get a full 12-ounce brew, and be out the door without any transfer mess.
The look of the machine is a big part of its appeal.
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, Brews Up to 12 oz Cup, Compact Portable Coffee Machine for Small Spaces, Great for Dorms & Offices, Red Rocks
The Keurig K-Mini Mate Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker is a coffee machine designed for life in tight corners. Its entire purpose is to deliver a straightforward, fresh cup of coffee without demanding much room in return. If your kitchen counter is crowded, your dorm room is snug, or your office nook is just a sliver of space, this brewer’s compact 4-inch width is it’s main advantage.
It tucks away neatly, ready to brew whenever you are.
This model brews directly into your favorite mug. It has a one-cup reservoir, meaning you add fresh water for each brew, which helps guarantee your coffee taste clean and fresh every single time. You can make a cup up to 12 ounces, which is a generous size for a morning brew. A key feature is it’s travel mug compatibility. The drip tray is removable, so you can fit a travel cup or tumbler up to 7.25 inches tall underneath.
This makes it incredibly easy to brew your coffee directly into your to-go cup, sealing the lid and heading out the door without any extra steps or dishwashing.
Beyond just function, the K-Mini Mate has a fresh and modern aesthetic. It sports a sleek, minimal design with clean lines that won’t clash with your decor. It’s meant to blend into your background while still looking good.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6 to 12oz Brew size, with Cord Storage, Perfect for Small Spaces, Black
The Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is a machine designed for one thing: making your single cup of coffee as simple and space-efficient as possible. If your kitchen counter is already crowded, or if you live in a dorm, apartment, or office where space is a premium, this brewer’s compact profile is its biggest advantage. It’s less than five inches wide, so it truly can tuck into the smallest of spots without dominating your workspace.
You have full control over your cup’s strength and size. The brewer lets you choose any amount between 6 and 12 ounces, so whether you prefer a strong, small mug or a larger, milder morning brew, you get exactly what you want every time. It uses all Keurig K-Cup pods for consistent quality and variety. For those who prefer their own grounds, it’s also compatible with the My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter, which is sold separately. Operation is straightforward.
There’s no permanent water reservoir to clean or refill. Instead, you just add fresh water directly into the machine for each brew you make. This means your coffee is always made with fresh water, and it contributes to the machine’s slim design. In just minutes, you have a freshly brewed cup ready to go. The machine is travel mug friendly, with a removable drip tray that can accomodate mugs up to 7 inches tall.
Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K Cups and Grounds, Mini Coffee Maker with Portable Handle, 6 to 12 Oz Brew Size, for Travel, Camping, Office, RV and Dorm, 120V, Black and Gold
The Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker is a compact brewer designed for flexibility and portability. It’s built for people who need a personal cup of coffee wherever they are, without the bulk of a full-size machine. Its defining feature is the integrated carry handle, making it simple to move from your kitchen counter to your bag for a trip.
This mini coffee maker gives you two ways to brew.
It comes with both a holder for standard K-Cup pods and a reusable filter basket for your own ground coffee, which can hold up to 20 grams. The filter lid is designed to keep grounds out of your cup, aiming for a smoother finish. Both of these pieces are dishwasher-safe, which is a real convenience for cleanup.
Operation is straightforward. You fill the 12-ounce visible water tank, choosing from the marked levels for 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces to control your coffee’s strength.
Add your coffee pod or grounds, then press the single button. In about three minutes, your coffee is ready. After brewing, the machine turns itself off, which is a helpful energy-saving feature at only 800 watts.
Maintenance is considered in its design. The unit has a self-cleaning function and even provides a descaling reminder to help maintain your coffee’s taste and the machine’s longevity. For safety, it’s ETL certified and made with BPA-free materials.
Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee, Fast Brew One Cup Coffee Machine with Descaling Reminder and Water Window, 6 to 12 oz. Brew Sizes, Black
The Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is designed for simplicity and flexibility in your daily routine. This compact machine brews a single cup of coffee quickly, using either a standard K-Cup pod or your own ground coffee. That choice is yours, allowing you to switch between convenience and your favorite beans without needing two different appliances. You can adjust the brew size from a strong 6-ounce shot to a full 12-ounce mug.
This lets you customize your drink’s strength to match your mood, whether you need a quick morning boost or a larger cup to sip on. The operation is straightforward. There’s one main button; press it, and in about two minutes, you’ll have hot coffee. The built-in water tank has a clear view window, so you can easily check the water level before you start and avoid overfilling it. Built from BPA-free and heat-resistant materials, this machine prioritizes safety and durability.
Its small footprint makes it a great fit for tight spaces like a small apartment kitchen, a crowded office counter, or even an RV. It’s light enough to move around if needed, but sturdy enough for daily use. Maintenance is kept simple to help your coffee maker last. A helpful descaling reminder light will turn red when it’s time to clean the machine. The self-cleaning function is initiated by holding the brew button for two seconds with a descaling solution in the tank.
Horavie Small Single Serve Coffee Maker, Fast Brew One Cup Coffee Machine for K Cup and Grounds, 6 to 12 oz. Brew Sizes, Capsule Coffee Machine with Descaling Reminder and Viewing Tank, Black
The Horavie Small Single Serve Coffee Maker is designed for simplicity and flexibility in your daily routine. It brews a single cup of coffee quickly, supporting both K-Cup pods and your own ground coffee. This means you’re not locked into one type of coffee, giving you the freedom to choose whatever you have on hand or prefer that day. You can select your brew size from 6 to 12 ounces. Whether you need a small strong shot to start your morning or a larger mug to sip on, the machine adapts.
The one-button operation makes it incredibly straightforward. Press it, and in about two minutes, you have a hot cup of coffee ready. It’s built for speed without complication, which is ideal when you’re in a hurry. Its compact size is a major advantage. The machine doesn’t take up much counter space, making it a great fit for small apartments, dorm rooms, or a crowded office kitchen. It’s also light enough to be easily moved or even packed for travel, like in an RV.
The viewing window on the water tank is a simple but helpful feature, letting you check the water level at a glance so you never start a brew without enough water. Safety and durability were considered in its construction. The materials used are BPA-free and heat-resistant, which is important for any appliance that handles hot liquids daily. Maintenance is also kept simple. The machine includes a descaling reminder light that turns red when it’s time to clean.
Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black
The Single Serve Coffeemaker in Black is designed for one simple purpose: to get you a great cup of coffee, fast, with minimal fuss. It’s built for individuals who live in tight spaces or just prefer a no-mess, single-cup routine.
Its core advantage is the compact, space-saving design. This coffeemaker won’t dominate your countertop, making it a perfect fit for small kitchens, studio apartments, dorm rooms, or even your office.
It brews directly into the included travel mug, which means you can grab and go the moment it’s finished. There’s no extra carafe to wash, and you’re not left with a half-pot of stale coffee later. It streamlines your morning from start to finish.
Despite it’s small size, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of your brew. The system heats water to an optimal brewing temperature.
This is key because water that’s too hot or not hot enough can extract the wrong flavors from your coffee grounds, leading to a bitter or weak cup. By ensuring the right temperature, this coffeemaker helps you achieve a consistently balanced and flavorful result every time you use it. You can rely on it for a good cup.
Safety and convenience are built-in with the automatic shutoff feature. Once the brewing cycle is complete, the coffeemaker turns itself off immediately.
Elite Gourmet EHC242M Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes 12oz. Dual Wall, Travel Mug with Stainless Steel Interior, Compatible with Coffee Grounds, Reusable Mesh Filter, Mint
The Elite Gourmet EHC242M Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker is designed for the individual who values simplicity, speed, and sustanability in their daily coffee routine. This isn’t a complicated machine with a dozen settings. It’s a straightforward brewer that gets you from ground coffee to a fresh, hot cup in minutes, all without creating a pile of waste. At its core, this system is about reducing clutter and single-use items. It comes with a 12-oz.
dual-wall travel mug that has a stainless steel interior. This mug isn’t an afterthought; it’s the carafe. It fits right under the brewer’s dispenser, so your coffee goes straight from the machine into your to-go cup. The mug is insulated to keep your drink hot and is sized to fit standard car cup holders. You simply press the one-touch button, it brews directly into the mug, you put the lid on, and your out the door.
No paper filters to buy and no disposable cups to throw away, thanks to the included reusable mesh filter. The operation couldn’t be more simple. The 700-watt brewer uses a one-touch system. You add your desired amount of fresh ground coffee—or even loose-leaf tea—into the reusable filter, place your travel mug on the base, and press the button. In just a couple of minutes, you have up to 12 ounces of coffee at the perfect drinking temperature.
1 Cup Coffee Maker Buying Guide
For a single serving of coffee without the fuss, a dedicated 1 cup coffee maker are a real space-saver. It brews directly into your mug, meaning no messy carafe to clean. The key is finding one that matches your morning routine, wether you need speed, specific features, or just dead simplicity.
Brew Speed and Temperature
How long are you willing to wait? Some models can brew a cup in under a minute, which is perfect for rushed mornings. Others take a bit longer. More important than raw speed, though, is water temperature. A good machine will get the water hot enough to properly extract flavor from the grounds. Lukewarm coffee is a common letdown with cheap models.
Pod Compatibility vs. Ground Coffee
This is a big decision. Pod machines (like K-Cup) are incredibly convenient and mess-free, but the pods create ongoing cost and waste. If you prefer using your own ground coffee, look for a model with a permanent filter basket. It gives you more control over the brew and saves you from buying paper filters all the time. Some machines even offer both options.
Size and Footprint
These are compact by design, but dimensions still vary. Measure the spot on your counter where it will live. Consider the height too—you need enough clearance to fit your favorite mug underneath the spout. A smaller footprint is great, but not if it means you can only use a tiny espresso cup.
Ease of Cleaning
Simplicity extends to cleanup. Removable drip trays and water reservoirs make wiping up spills and descaling much easier. For pod machines, check how easy it is to eject the used pod. If a machine has lots of nooks and crannies, it can quickly become a chore to maintain, which sort of defeats the purpose of a quick single serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Cup Coffee Maker
What is a 1 cup coffee maker?
It’s a small appliance designed to brew just a single serving of coffee. It’s perfect for one person, small kitchens, or offices. You don’t have to make a whole pot, so there’s less waste.
How does it work?
Most models are very simple. You add water to a reservoir and put coffee grounds in a filter. Some use pods or capsules. You press a button, and it heats the water to drip through the coffee into your mug. It’s quick and straightforward.
Can I use my own ground coffee?
Yes, absolutely. Many 1 cup makers have a basket for loose grounds. This gives you more choice in coffee type and strength. Just check the product description to be sure the model includes this feature.
Is it fast?
They are generally very fast. Since it’s only heating water for one cup, the brew time is usually just a couple minutes. You’ll have your coffee ready much quicker than with a standard drip machine.
What about cleaning?
Cleaning is usually easy. You remove and rinse the filter basket and the carafe or mug stand. Some have removable water reservoirs too. A quick wipe down is often all it needs, which is a big plus for daily use.
Are they expensive to run?
Not really. They use less electricity becuase they heat less water. If you use your own grounds, it can be very cost-effective. Pod systems cost more per cup, but the machines themselves are often affordable.
Can it make tea or hot water?
Many models can! Most machines have a setting to dispense just hot water. This is handy for instant soups, oatmeal, or making a single cup of tea. It’s a versatile little appliance to have on your counter.
Do they take up much space?
No, that’s one of their best features. They have a very small footprint. This makes them great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or at your desk. It fits where a large coffee pot simply wouldn’t.
Final Take
So, there you have it. Choosing the right single-serve brewer is really about matching it to your daily routine. Think about how you start your morning and what you need to keep that routine smooth. It’s a simple way to make sure you get a good cup that fits your life.
In the end, a good 1 cup coffee maker is just a reliable tool for a familiar moment. It’s there to make your morning a little easier, one fresh cup at a time. You can find a model that works for you without overcomplicating things. After all, a great day often starts with a simple, good cup of coffee.