Food Network Kitchen's Top Picks: The Ultimate Ranking of Single-Serve Coffeemakers

Authored by Sharon Franke for the Food Network Kitchen.

It's no secret that busy families rarely have time to gather around a warm coffee pot, pouring cups of coffee and sipping refills. Chances are everyone in your household works on a different schedule and may grab a cup while making their kid's lunches or on their way to various activities. Luckily, with a single-serve coffee maker and your favorite coffee pods, brewing coffee has never been simpler. By adding a pod to the machine and pressing a button, you can easily brew coffee on your own time schedule; perfect for busy household schedules. Additionally, single-serve coffee makers are an ideal kitchen appliance for college dorms or solo coffee drinkers who wish to avoid brewing excess coffee that will only go to waste.

The coffee's quality is medium-bodied with medium strength. If you prefer fuller flavored coffee, consider purchasing an adjustable strength coffee maker to avoid disappointment. Most of these machines work perfectly with pods or capsules, so it's important to keep a good supply on hand and to determine the best location for storing them. Pods are typically priced higher than grounds, averaging around 60-80 cents each. While models with reusable filters are available, using them eliminates the convenience factor that these machines offer. Coffee makers with special features and larger volume capabilities are available, but as expected, these models tend to be more expensive, take up more counter space, and may be more difficult to operate. Coffee pods are not compostable; most are recyclable, but you will need to separate the lid and rinse the containers before throwing them in the recycling bin.

Our top recommendations for single-serve coffee makers are chosen based upon our extensive years of experience testing these products and drinking coffee in professional environments and homes. Online reviews from professionals and everyday coffee drinkers are also taken into consideration. The quality and temperature of coffee produced is the primary factor that we considered. We also evaluated the machines on their convenience factor and unique features. Our selections are guaranteed to satisfy coffee aficionados of all kinds.

For more information, please see the following links:

A Comprehensive Guide: What's the Difference Between Nespresso Coffee Machines?

Tested by Food Network: The Best Store-bought Coffee Creamers

Traditional Vietnamese Coffee: The Tool that has Been Brewing with Generations