Best K Cup Coffee Maker 2024; Reviews & Buying Guide

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Here in this article “Best K Cup Coffee Maker” we’ve rounded up 9 best capsule coffee makers of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as an elaborate buying guide to pick out your favorite.

A single-serve k cup coffee maker gives you the convenience of making one cup of coffee at a time just the way you like it. Pop in your favorite k cup coffee pod, press a button or two, and you’re ready to go. 

If you like the convenience and speed of brewing coffee directly into your cup, you want the option of brewing different types of coffee, or maybe your family or co-workers have particular preferences for coffee, a single-serve coffee maker is for you. There is no wasted coffee since you’re brewing one portion at a time, and you’re always guaranteed a fresh and hot coffee right when you want it.

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K cup Coffee Maker Buying guide

Keep these tips in mind when looking for the right coffee maker for your home. It leaves with you the best chance of making the right choice.

Features To Consider In A Good K Cup Coffee Maker

Operating Cost

A single serve k cup brewer means you need a supply of either pods, capsules or K-Cups at an approximate cost of $.30 to $.70 per cup. You can save by buying bulk but you’re locked into that specific type of capsule in order to make use of your coffee maker.

Though consumption can vary, an estimate of how many cups of coffee/tea you drink can give you an idea of on-going costs for budget purposes.

Capacity & Cup Selections

While some single serve k cup brewers will brew only one size of a cup, some models offer more flexibility with several options and this can be very handy. A 10 to 12 oz. brew size is best for a travel mug (if the machine design allows for tall cups), while those who love espresso may want a 4 to 5 oz. cup size.

Consider how many persons will be using the brewer and whether the cup options are suitable for everyone. Brew strength can be adjusted by selecting a different cup option and this is a nice feature. Water reservoir size may not be a consideration for some, but for two or three adults, a larger tank means less filling.

Brew Adjust

There are those who are religious about how they take their coffee, and others who need to mix it up every once in a while. If you fall into the latter category you may want to choose a single-serve machine that lets you adjust the temperature or has a twin pressure system (to make espresso as well as regular coffee and tea).

best k cup coffee maker

Brew Speed

This boils down to personal choice – you can have it fast or slow, but should still stay within the recommended brew times. Speed is a big factor for some people when buying a coffee maker.

Power & Performance

Power affects performance as well as brewing temperature and speed. So make sure you can safely plug in a 1200 to 1500 watt brewer, where you expect to place it, without overloading your electrical system.

Brewing noise may also be a consideration for some. Look for a quiet feature, though you should expect some brewing operating noise. Programmable clock and brew temperature features can be very convenient.

Ease of Use

Some single serve machines are more user-friendly than others, but generally, capsule, pod or K-cup brewers require little effort if any. The guesswork has been replaced with a single serve pellet and the brewer does the rest with the result being a perfect cup of gourmet coffee or tea.

Functions and Features

Most single-serve machines will brew coffee only, while some can also brew teas and/or iced beverages such as the Keurig. If you’re hooked on lattes and cappuccinos, you may prefer a specialty drinks brewer such as Keurig K-Cafe.

Buying a Single Serve Brewer for the Office

A single serve gourmet coffee brewer is ideal for an office setting—there’s less clean-up and it’s quick to brew. Staff will also love the gourmet blend varieties and not have to run out to the nearest coffee shop for their fix.

A home brewer may be suitable for a couple of people but for larger office staff, a commercial unit is a must if you want it to last. A brewer with several cup size options is more suitable as is one that also brews teas and hot chocolates.

A good on-hand supply and variety of capsules is a must. Other things to consider: water reservoir size and room to accommodate a travel mug.

k cup coffee maker reviews

Best For Home 

Keurig K-Classic

The Keurig K55, also called the K-Classic, is an iconic Keurig single-serving coffee maker. It features a minimalist control panel, large water reservoir, and multiple brew sizes. The brewer comes in any color you want, as long as it’s black (or red). While it is on the larger side of single-serving coffee makers, it is the perfect brewer for any number of venues from an upscale office to a studio apartment.

The K-Classic is compatible with all K-Cup brand coffee pods, allowing you to choose coffee blends from a variety of well-known names in coffee. Pick from Starbucks, Folgers, Gevalia, and even McCafe K-Cup pods. You’ll have endless coffee flavors to explore and can rest assured that your favorite coffee likely comes in a K-Cup.

The K55 is capable of brewing multiple different cup sizes. You can pick from 6, 8, or even 10 oz. cups of coffee.

It has a 48-ounce large water reservoir. You can make 6-8 cups of coffee in a single go. And you will have 6+ cups before needing to refill. Saves your time. Plus, the water reservoir is removable, so you can refill anytime you want.

The auto off feature in your coffee maker saves energy. If your coffee maker is idle for more than 2 hours, it will turn off automatically.

This Keurig brewer is capable of brewing into larger drinking vessels, like travel mugs. All you have to do is remove the drip tray at the base of the machine and you can brew into travel mugs up to 7.1 inches tall.

The K-Classic offers an exceptionally simple user interface. There are only five buttons. Three are for selecting the size, one is for powering on the device, and the last one is for enabling the “Auto Off” feature. The control panel also has several LED indicators, making it easy to tell when it’s time to add water or descale the brewer.

Pros:
  • Easy to use and convenient
  • Classic look that transcends time
  • Auto off
  • Brews 3 sizes: 6oz, 8oz and 10oz
  • Descaling alert
  • A decent price point
Cons:
  • K-cups only
  • Limited programmability
  • No control over temperature or strength
  • Made primarily with plastic

Best On-The-Go

Chefman Instabrew 

If you are looking for a fast brewing, budget-priced, one-cup coffee maker, then the Chefman Instabrew is an excellent choice. Its instant reboil function means no more waiting between cups.

Its attractive minimalist design also features a small footprint making it ideal if you have a small kitchen or are looking for a compact coffee maker for work or your holiday home.

Narrow profile fits and stores anywhere, while its brushed metal accents bring a sophisticated look to any kitchen.

The Instabrew also comes with both a K-Pod holder and a reusable ground coffee filter, giving you greater choice and making it even more suitable for guests and colleagues whose tastes may differ.

While this is certainly a fast one-cup coffee maker and extremely easy to use, its tall, narrow design can result in coffee splashing around the unit if you’re not using a tall cup.

Best K Cup Coffee Maker

One further point to consider is that the manufacturers recommend turning off this product when not in use, but there is no power button.

So, if you have a kitchen where your sockets are not easily accessible to regularly plug in and unplug this device, then you should take a look at some of our other one-cup coffee maker reviews.

This unit’s proprietary technology ensures coffee brews quickly and at the perfect temperature. No more cold coffee – its instant re-boil function allows you to brew cup after cup with no wait time.

For added convenience, this unit has a permanent filter.

Pros:
  • Fast-brewing
  • Takes both K-Pods and grounds
  • Fits most travel mugs
  • Instant re-boil function
  • Minimalist, compact design
Cons:
  • No power switch
  • Coffee splashes with shorter cups

Best Rated K Cup Coffee Maker

Cuisinart SS-10P1 

The SS-10 follows the Cuisinart tradition of well-designed coffee machines that deliver on ease of use combined with the quality of the brew. The overall look of this model is minimalist without compromising on effectiveness.

The Cuisinart SS-10 comes fitted with a large removable water reservoir that increases the convenience of the user. It is easy to just remove the reservoir and carry it to the tap to refill it as it is fully detachable.

Its hot water function lends the machine multi-functionality such as making soup, tea, etc.

It also has an automatic on and off feature that saves energy by switching the machine off once the coffee is done brewing.

This Cuisinart coffee maker is compatible with both traditional ground coffee as well as with K-cup pods. This gives you greater choice when it comes to choosing which kind of coffee you want to have and the ability to switch it up if you so desire.

Best K Cup Coffee Maker

You get a reusable coffee filter out of the box, for example. That means you can carry on using your existing ground coffee without buying a separate accessory.

It also features basic programming options so you can set your drink up the night before. There are some limited brewing options too, including a temperature tweak.

One of the things we really like about the SS-10 though is the variety of serving sizes it can accommodate.

Although not from Keurig, this is one of the best rated k cup coffee maker available in the market today.

You can brew up a 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz serving. That represents more options than just about any other single serve coffee machine we have tested.

Also unusual is the option to choose between two different brewing temperatures.

It’s not exactly cutting edge stuff, but if you like a hotter drink then it goes some way towards overcoming the temperature issues these machines tend to have.

The SS-10 features a very clear, nicely backlit LCD display. From here you access the brew settings, and it displays a 24 hour clock at other times.

It has an auto-rinse feature, which is really helpful when it comes to keeping the machine in good order.

Both the section that holds the pods and the reusable filter are dishwasher safe, which makes life a lot easier.

Pros:
  • Elegant and sturdy
  • 5 beverages sizes (4 to 12oz)
  • K-cup compatible
  • Fully programmable (auto on/off)
  • Temperature control
  • Brews delicious coffee
  • Very solid price-to-value ratio
Cons:
  • Plastic
  • Insufficient transparency on materials and chemicals

Best Portable Option

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

The new updated Mini brings a space-saving design and simplicity of use. Only 4.5 inches wide, the K-Mini Plus is the slimmest Keurig machine on the market. It will fit anywhere in the kitchen or even your desk at work.

Cord storage keeps your coffee corner tidy, and since it’s much lighter than other Keurig models it’s easy to move around.

The brewer weighs in at less than 5 pounds, making it the perfect travel companion. It also measures in at 11.3″ deep by 4.5″ wide by 12.1″ tall, making it no bulkier than a large textbook.

The build quality is exceptional and, if you take care of it properly, this machine should last you quite some time. The brewing capability is more refined than previous generations of Keurig machines and we welcome the improvement in taste.

You can brew any cup size between 6-12 ounces depending on how much water you pour into the tank.

Best Portable K Cup Coffee Maker

A single cup reservoir ensures that the water is always fresh, but it will require some extra time for heating the water for each cup. The reservoir can be removed from the base so it’s easy to rinse and refill.

The space under the handle is nice and tall. It accommodates different cups, including travel mugs.

The machine also comes with removable pod storage that fits nicely under the handle and can hold up to 9 k-cups. This storage is used only for keeping the area nice and organized and storing your k-cups, you will still need to manually get the pod out of the machine, just like with any other Keurig brewer.

The user interface on the K-Mini Plus is one of the most minimalist we’ve seen to date. It features only two buttons: power and strong. The power button turns the machine on and off. The strong button brews a bolder cup of coffee.

The K-Mini Plus is an example of an appliance that does one thing exceptionally well: brewing a single cup of coffee. Everything about this brewer was designed around the one-cup philosophy. If you’re a semi-regular coffee drinker, this is one of the best k cup coffee maker for you.

Pros:
  • Extreme ease and convenience in use
  • Clean and modern exterior appearance
  • Strength control for bolder coffee
  • Auto off
  • Brews any size between 6oz and 12oz
  • Comes with a discreet cord storage
  • A small but removable water reservoir
  • A small size makes it great for smaller spaces
Cons:
  • K-cups only
  • Limited programmability

Best For RV

Mueller Ultimate Brewmaster

Are you craving sometimes for a quick cup of freshly brewed coffee in-between? Using your regular coffee maker for just one cup does not justify putting on your regular coffee machine and leftover cold coffee might also not be your “cup of tea”. The Mueller Single Serve Coffee Maker is the right choice for you.

It’s sleek, stylish, elegant, lightweight and also doesn’t cost too much. This machine also boasts BPA-free materials, a generous warranty, and an energy saver mode. It also has an auto shutoff feature.

The small and handy coffee machine fits all 1.0 & 2.0 single coffee capsules. In just under 3 minutes your freshly brewed coffee is ready.

The coffee maker is easy to use and features a compact design that does not take up much space. This makes the machine ideal for office use as well as for your dorm in your student home. Suitable for cups up to 4.1″ tall.

The water tank can take a volume of 10 oz, preventing water from sitting too long in the tank when the coffee maker is less used.

Pros:
  • It can make multiple brew sizes
  • Good warranty
  • Tank is easy to remove and fill
  • Easy to clean
  • Value for money
  • Ideal for two different pod sizes
  • Auto shutoff
Cons:
  • Doesn’t produce enough coffee to fill a travel mug

Best For Latte & Cappuccino

Keurig K-Cafe 

If you love the taste and convenience of K-Cups, the Keurig K-Cafe is the most advanced machine out there. It ups the variety with 6 different brew settings and an integrated milk frother that allows you to make a reasonable facsimile of cappuccinos and lattes.

It does all this with the trademark Keurig convenience, ease of use, and ease of cleaning (even the milk frother is dishwasher safe).

When it comes to customizability, the Keurig K-Café coffee maker is very different from any other Keurig machines.

The first and most obvious one is the milk frother: it works with different types of fresh milk (including dairy-free alternatives), it can froth both hot or cold milk.

The other unique feature is the Shot button, which complements the frother.

K-Cafe is undoubtedly one of the best k cup coffee makers with milk frother.

It gives you a stronger, espresso-style shot of 2 ounces that you can use as a base to create frothy drinks. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not actual espresso, as that can only be achieved by pushing hot water under sufficient pressure through fine grounds.

best home k cup coffee maker

While it’s popular for frothy drinks, the K-Café will obviously give you regular drip coffee in different cup sizes (4, 6, 8 or 10 ounces) and you’ll also be able to get a stronger brew if you wish.

Another strong point for this machine is the 60 oz reservoir, which will allow you to brew adequate times without even worrying about running out of fuel.

Obviously, the fact that this machine is compatible with the K-Cup coffee pods is one of the main features and it will allow you to make coffee fast and easy, without worrying much about cleaning.

The frother is dishwasher safe and is easy to clean by hand too.The pod container – which will obviously get slightly dirty, the materials are easy to clean and coffee tends to be easier to wipe. It will not stink like milk if you forget to clean for a few hours.

The handy descaling reminder will also alert you when it’s time to run white vinegar or Keurig’s descaling solution through your coffee maker.

Pros:
  • Easy to use and setup
  • Multi brewing options 
  • Shot and Strong Brew options
  • Brewing times are fast
  • Easy cleaning
  • Frother that works like a charm
  • Good looking design
  • K-Cup compatible
  • Compatible with Reusable k cups
Cons:
  • Relatively mediocre taste 
  • Milk drinks leave a bit to be desired

Best Under $50

CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker 

What makes this single-serve coffee maker worth all your love is its capability of making outstanding coffee! Its ability to accommodate cups of all shapes and sizes further adds to its performance.

This coffee maker is extremely easy to operate and clean. It comes with a single one-touch operation and is also equipped with a removable drip tray which makes cleaning and maintaining the machine a pleasant experience.

This device is one of the best on the market if you are looking for a single cup coffee machine for a dorm room, small apartment, small office space, or even a camper trailer.

Although compact and portable in size, the coffee maker flaunts a robust build that is durable and long-lasting. What’s more, the product is made of BPA-free material which is safe to use.

Using the coffee machine is extremely easy. All you need to do is rotate the unit to the left to unlock its brew head. Next, place a K-cup capsule in it. Fill the reservoir, and turn the unit to the right to lock the brew head.

The Chulux coffee maker fits most K-cup coffee capsules. Imagine never having to worry about making sure you buy K-Cups 1.0 or 2.0 again. You could now have an easier time drinking whatever coffee brand you want. This device also gives the option to use a reusable filter and fill it with your own ground coffee of your choice.

Not only is the machine strategically designed, but it also comes in an assortment of beautiful colors for you to choose from. The product is equipped with a water reservoir with a capacity of 12 oz. which eliminates the need for refilling the tank from time to time.

Pros:
  • Compact and portable
  • Easy to use
  • Robust construction and built
  • Lightweight
  • Made of BPA-free material
  • Accommodates a range of cup sizes
  • Brews coffee within 3 minutes
Cons:
  • Can only serve one cup at a time
  • Should have had a larger water input

Best For Office

Keurig K155 Office Pro

When you have a small office, and you want a coffee maker that would take care of the individual caffeine requirements of your employees at an affordable investment, you should consider buying the Keurig K155 Office Pro K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker.

It is important for a coffee machine to be built well especially when you spend a lot of money on it. Very few coffee makers are as reliable as the Keurig K155. This machine is one of the most durable ones on the market and has an extremely strong build which ensures that the machines last you for a long time.

The machine comes with programmable options on it so that you can exactly tailor the kind of coffee you like, along with the size of the brew and the desired time as well, and thereafter with the touch of just a button you will get the exact same coffee every single time.

The Keurig K155 comes with a 90-ounce water tank that is very easy to use and clean. While the water tank itself is not that unique or different from other models, what makes this coffee maker a delight is that you don’t have to remove it while pouring water into it.

The full-color LCD touch screen is very clear and comes with a lot of buttons that can be easily understood. On this screen, you can choose your coffee size and brew preferences, and you can also set the coffee maker to switch on/off automatically after a certain amount of time.

Right under the touchscreen panel is the brew button. The touchscreen will show some brief tips, guidance and even the status of the coffee. While the brew is in progress the screen displays a coffee related animation.

The maximum level of temperature it can reach in a short time is important when brewing your coffee. With this heating system, it should be able to achieve an optimal level of temperature and brewed coffee in less than a minute.

This machine model utilizes K-cup brewing system which offers its customers an array of options. It also accommodates the My K-cup type that utilizes regular coffee ground. This option will allow you to choose the right blend that you want.

One feature that stands out for us is the fact that you are given the option to directly install a water connection line into this coffee maker. This makes refilling the reservoir a whole lot easier.

Pros:
  • Extremely durable machine and constructed quite well
  • Created keeping in mind for heavy usage, especially in high traffic environments
  • Quite a wide range of the temperature control
  • Quite a wide range of the temperature control
  • The machine works with most brands and K-Cups
  • Multiple languages support
  • Works with a direct water line connection too
  • Has a very large water reservoir
  • Capable of brewing your coffee in under a minute
Cons:
  • Brew size settings are a little quirky

Best Combo Pick

Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker 

The Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker is a K-Cup and ground coffee thermal drip instant coffee machine.

Despite its small size, it comes with a 14-ounce reservoir which is large enough to allow brewing without the constant need to refill.

The reservoir is divided into segments of 6,10,12 and 14 ounces allowing you to decide on the amount of coffee you need.

This also allows the system to automatically shut down when the reservoir is emptied hence avoiding potential accidents.

Since the Sboly coffee maker is compatible with all k-cup pods, you can enjoy a variety of drinks by a press of a button. You can also opt for the old fashioned ground coffee beans using the provided stainless steel ground basket.

The key feature of this machine is the dual filter baskets. The first is the coffee pod holder for the quick and convenient K-Cup pods. The second basket is a filter-basket with a lid. This little wonder is not only larger than the typical K-Cup ground coffee basket but much easier to clean.

The large ground coffee basket made for a lovely brew. It allows for the grounds to bloom longer than just forcing the water through a K-Cup sized basket.

The Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker brews 180-degree coffee in 3 minutes. The two buttons allow for the brewing of capsule or ground coffee and serve as the cleaning mode by holding both down at the same time.

The Sboly Coffee Maker is small enough to be one of the best k cup coffee maker for travelling or camping.

Clean up has never been easier with the Sboly single serve coffee maker. Simply press the two buttons on the side to initiate internal self-cleaning.

Pros:
  • Small foot space, perfect for small spaces.
  • Brew strength control
  • K-Cup pod compatible and also comes with a separate filter basket
  • Easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Rapid brewing
Cons:
  • Few settings or features

Conclusion

Our top pick for the best k cup coffee maker is the Keurig K-Classic coffee maker. The Classic Keurig K-Cup Single Serve Coffee Maker, and a perennial best-seller, the Keurig K-Classic brews a rich, smooth, and delicious cup every time with the quality you expect from Keurig. Simple touch buttons make your brewing experience stress free, and multiple K-Cup pod brew sizes help to ensure you get your perfect cup.

Our next pick for the Best Rated K Cup Coffee Maker is the Cuisinart SS-10. The Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Brewer offers freedom of choice! Choose 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12-ounce serving sizes, choose the ideal temperature, and enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, soup, or cocoa. This brewer is K-Cup compatible and also includes a HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup for your favorite brew.

Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker is our pick for the best portable k cup coffee maker. The Keurig K-Mini Plus single serve coffee maker features a new sleek design, and at less than 5” wide is the perfect size for any space or occasion. The K-Mini Plus brewer is effortlessly simple to use – just add fresh water to the removable reservoir, pop in your favorite K-Cup pod, press the brew button and enjoy fresh brewed, delicious coffee in minutes.

Written by:
Emily Deneuve
Emily Deneuve

Emily discovered that a perfect cup of coffee is a culmination of wonderfully grown coffee beans and a high-quality coffee maker. She focuses on exploring coffee brewing tips and coffee makers.

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ABOUT US

We are a team of coffee affcianados with experience and expertise in making world renowned coffee. In fact, preparing the best coffee ever with a fluffy top reminds us of magic, with secrets of how to achieve each particular effect. Making coffee is not our only hobby, we always keep our ears open as to what’s happening around and what scientists and manufacturers produce for consumers. It’s not an easy task to do – it’s rather time consuming. Hence, Caféish website was launched.

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