One Cup Coffee Makers (Tom's Top 7)
BY TOM SAXON
There is no point buying a big old coffee machine when it will only serve one person. You need a one cup coffee maker.
With 15 years in the industry, I get it. Choosing the perfect single serve coffee maker can be a daunting task with all the options available.
Overview
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker - Amazon £35 | Coffee Friend £36
Moccamaster Cup One Filter Machine - Amazon £191
Bialetti Moka Express - Amazon £27.50 | Coffee Friend £24
Bodum 3 Cup French Press Coffee Maker - Amazon £16.99
DeLonghi Dedica Style Coffee Maker - Amazon £185 | Coffee Friend £149
Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker - Amazon £69
Nespresso Vertuo - Amazon £59 | Coffee Friend £115
Sage Bambino Plus - Coffee Friend £279.95
Fellow Stagg XF - Amazon £99
Nobody wants to end up with a poor one cup filter coffee machine that breaks after a few months or, even worse, ruins the divine flavour of your coffee!
So, I have put together a list of recommendations based on functionality, usability and durability.
What Makes A Good One Cup Coffee Maker?
The best one cup coffee makers have a great design that prioritises convenience and efficiency.
A good one cup coffee maker should be durable ensuring a prolonged lifespan, while also delivering an exceptional brewing experience.
Afterall, you don’t want to buy a coffee pod or filter maker that creates bitter coffee!
Shop around and see our list of recommendations for the best one cup coffee machines.
Size and design
Most coffee makers one cup are small and compact so they can easily fit into small kitchen spaces.
However, it is still worth looking at dimensions to ensure your one cup coffee maker fits perfectly into your desired space.
You want something compact that won't take up too much counter space, yet still looks stylish and complements your kitchen aesthetics.
Ease of use
Convenience is key!
A good and single serve coffee maker should be user-friendly, with a straightforward brewing process.
It's all about that hassle-free experience, especially when you're still half asleep in the morning.
Durability
You want to find a coffee maker that will stand the test of time.
So, look for models with sturdy construction and that are built with great materials.
You don't want to end up with a flimsy machine that breaks down after a few months.
Check out our recommendations to see the best one cup coffee maker for durability.
Brew quality
The ultimate goal is to create a rich and flavorful cup of coffee that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Look for a one cup coffee maker that consistently delivers a smooth and well-extracted brew.
Pay attention to features like adjustable brew strength and temperature control for a customised experience.
Why Trust Me?
I’m Tom and I have been working in the coffee industry for over 10 years, starting my journey as a barista in Australia, working on coffee farms in South America and roasting coffee in The UK.
Today I review and write about speciality coffee. I am the founder of Batch Coffee Club, which showcases the very best coffee from around the world.
Checkout our award-winning coffee subscription.
Top 7 One Cup Coffee Makers
Find below our favourite one cup coffee machines. Plus one to avoid! Just so you know. When you buy via the links on our blogs, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn More
1. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Filter/Black Coffee
Dimensions: 4.5x4.5x12cm
Material: Plastic
Features: Super Portable/Robust and Versitile
Look no further than the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso maker.
The AeroPress Coffee Maker is a popular choice among many coffee lovers due to its rapid and wonderful brewing process that creates rich flavoured and smooth coffee.
The rapid brewing of this coffee maker and the AeroPress paper Microfilter eliminates grit and avoids bitterness in your hot drink.
With remarkable low acidity, you can craft a smooth latte, a delicious cappuccino and many other coffee favourites.
Although it’s known as a one cup coffee maker, it can brew up to three cups in around one minute!
Cut down your brewing time and make the perfect coffee at home.
This durable AreoPress also comes with a funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters and a filter holder.
It’s BPA free, portable, lightweight and compact making this maker one of the best one cup coffee machine ideal for travelling and camping. We also found that the Aeropress was the best portable coffee maker on the market.
2. Moccamaster Cup One Filter Machine
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Filter/Black Coffee
Dimensions: 17x26x30cm
Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
Features: Easy and Convenient
Oh have we found a great one cup filter coffee maker for you coffee lovers!
This unique handmade Moccamaster One Cup Filter Machine is built with antibacterial copper boiling elements for perfect brewing at a temperature of 92-96 degrees.
Making hot delicious coffee for your daily brews.
Designed with a solid aluminium body and sustainable materials, the Moccamaster Filter Machine is durable and easy to clean with removable BFA free parts.
This one cup coffee machine is built to last with some of the highest quality materials.
The Moccamaster is a silent coffee machine that quietly brews a single cup in less than four minutes.
Built with auto safety shut off features, the machine shuts off after a brew cycle for ease of use and convenience.
This coffee maker features a brew basket and a removable cup holder allowing you to change your cup size whenever it suits you!
With a capacity of 0.3 litres, this one cup filter coffee maker is perfect for you if you’re looking to buy a one copper filter machine.
Set it up on your counter, pop in your coffee grounds, and let the machine work its magic.
3. Bialetti Moka Express
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Espresso Style Coffee
Dimensions: 6.5x13cm
Material: Stainless Steel
Features: Great For Italian Style Coffee
Are you looking for the best single-serve coffee maker without pods?
Well, let me introduce to you the Moka Express,an iconic at-home coffee maker used to craft delicious Italian coffee.
The Bialetti Moka Express aluminium pot features an eight-sided shape design specifically created to produce a rich and delicious espresso.
This Italian-inspired one-cup coffee maker offers the convenience of selecting the type of coffee blend directly in the filter.
Whether you prefer a bold and intense espresso or a milder and smoother cup, the Moka Express allows you to tailor the taste to your preference.
By choosing different coffee blends, you can experiment with flavours and find the perfect balance to satisfy your coffee cravings.
With its classic design and reputation for producing authentic Italian coffee, the Moka Express has become a staple in many households around the world.
It provides a simple and effective way to enjoy a high-quality espresso without the need for expensive coffee machines or complicated brewing techniques.
Whether you're a coffee lover or simply looking to elevate your morning routine, the Moka Express offers a delightful brewing experience and the opportunity to savour the rich flavours of Italian coffee in the comfort of your own home.
4. Bodum Caffettiera 3 Cup French Press Coffee Maker
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Filter/Black Coffee
Dimensions: 7x13cm
Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
Features: Really Easy To Use
The Bodum Caffettiera Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers who appreciate the extraction of essential oils from freshly ground coffee, resulting in a pure and rich hot brew.
This stainless steel coffee maker and filter are not only durable but also well-built to withstand the test of time, ensuring you can enjoy countless cups of delicious coffee.
By using this coffee maker, you eliminate the need for paper filters or coffee capsules, reducing waste and making it a more sustainable choice.
The beaker of the coffee maker is crafted with borosilicate glass, which provides excellent heat resistance.
This means you can brew your coffee at high temperatures without worrying about the glass cracking or shattering.
The filter of the coffee maker features a bayonet closure, ensuring a secure fit and preventing any leakage or spillages during the brewing process.
While it is true that the Bodum Caffettiera Coffee Maker has a larger capacity than a one-cup coffee maker, it is still a versatile and convenient option.
With the ability to make up to three cups (approximately 0.35ml) of coffee, it is perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in multiple servings yourself.
Whether you prefer a strong cup of coffee or a milder brew, this French press-style coffee maker allows you to extract the full flavours from your coffee grounds, providing a satisfying and enjoyable coffee experience.
5. DeLonghi Dedica Style Coffee Maker
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Espresso Coffee
Dimensions: 39x36x20cm
Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
Features: For Espresso Based Coffees
The DeLonghi Dedica Style Coffee Maker is a semi-automatic coffee maker with a generous water tank capacity of 1.1 litres.
This capacity allows you to brew multiple cups of coffee without the need for constant refilling, making it ideal for households with multiple coffee drinkers or for entertaining guests.
One convenient feature of the DeLonghi Dedica Style Coffee Maker is its removable water tank.
This design makes it easy to fill the tank with water and also simplifies the cleaning process.
You can easily detach the tank, rinse it out, and reattach it without any hassle, ensuring a clean and hygienic brewing experience.
The coffee maker also includes a cup warmer, adding an extra touch of luxury to your coffee routine.
By pre-warming your cups, you can help maintain the optimal temperature of your freshly brewed coffee, ensuring that each sip is enjoyed at its best.
Checkout our Best Budget Coffee Machines.
6. Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
Type Of Coffee: Ground/Pod Coffee, Espresso Coffee
Dimensions: 7x15cm
Material: Plastic
Features: Great For Travelling
The Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is a game-changer for coffee enthusiasts on the go.
With its patented pumping system that requires no electricity, this portable espresso maker delivers a powerful extraction and can generate up to 18 bars.
Operating the Nanopresso is a breeze, making it a delightful and convenient option.
It works effortlessly with all types of ground coffee.
Simply add boiling water to the tank, and with manual pumping using your hands, you can effortlessly prepare your favourite coffee wherever you are.
One of the standout features of the Nanopresso is its compact and lightweight design.
With its ergonomic shape and shorter length, it easily becomes your trusted travel companion.
In terms of water capacity, the Nanopresso impresses with its 80 ml tank.
The tank is lined and protected by the detachable cup, ensuring both functionality and an enjoyable brewing experience.
The Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is a remarkable innovation for coffee lovers on the move.
Its patented pumping system, compact size, and lightweight design make it a go-to choice for travellers or anyone in need of a portable espresso solution.
7. Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee Machine
Type Of Coffee: Pod Coffee
Dimensions: 42x13x25cm
Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
Features: Compact Pod Machine
The Vertuo Pop Coffee Maker is a standout option for coffee enthusiasts seeking a superior taste experience.
Designed exclusively for use with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, this coffee maker offers a remarkable range of over 30 capsules, including options for iced and flavoured coffees.
One notable feature of the Vertuo Pop Coffee Maker is its compact design.
It has a smaller footprint compared to many other coffee makers on the market, making it an excellent choice for those with limited counter space.
The coffee maker offers versatility in terms of brewing different coffee sizes.
One-touch brewing is a key highlight of the Vertuo Pop Coffee Maker.
It has a fast heat-up time of just 30 seconds, allowing you to enjoy your coffee quickly.
The coffee pod ejection is also automatic, making the brewing process even more seamless and hassle-free.
With the Vertuo Pop Coffee Maker, you can take advantage of smart connectivity features, enabling you to connect it to your smartphone via WiFi and Bluetooth.
This connectivity allows for real-time updates, keeping you informed about the brewing process. Overall, the Vertuo Pop Coffee Maker is a standout option for those who prioritise taste and convenience.
8. Sage Bambino Plus
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Espresso Coffee
Dimensions: 19.5x32x31cm
Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
Features: Digital Temperature Control (PID), Automatic Milk Texturing
The Sage Bambino Plus offers cafe-quality espresso in a compact footprint. With its innovative ThermoJet heating system, it reaches optimal extraction temperature in just 3 seconds.
The automatic steam wand allows you to achieve perfectly textured milk with adjustable temperature and texture settings. Its 54mm portafilter and precise extraction pressure deliver consistent, balanced espresso shots.
The machine includes both single and double wall filter baskets, making it suitable for beginners and experienced baristas alike. The generous 1.9L water tank and auto-purge function ensure minimal maintenance between brews.
9. Fellow Stagg XF Single Serve Coffee Maker
Type Of Coffee: Ground Coffee, Filter/Black Coffee
Dimensions: 15.2x27.9x35.6cm
Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
Features: Precise Temperature Control, Vacuum-Insulated
The Fellow Stagg XF brings precision brewing to single-serve coffee. Its unique vacuum-insulated carafe maintains optimal temperature throughout brewing and serving.
The precision-engineered shower head ensures even water distribution over coffee grounds, while the built-in ratio aid helps achieve the perfect coffee-to-water ratio. Temperature control between 195-205°F delivers optimal extraction.
The thoughtfully designed filter dripper has a stop-drip seal to prevent mess when removing the carafe. Its minimalist aesthetic and matte black finish make it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
AVOID - Ex-Pro Single Serve Coffee 1 Cup Maker Machine
This single serve stainless steel coffee maker has a reusable filter and is designed with an automatic drip feature to prevent dripping and ensure a clean and mess-free brewing process.
One significant issue that has been consistently highlighted by customers is the poor extraction capabilities of this coffee machine.
The extraction process is poor, resulting in only a quarter cup of coffee being filled. This limitation can be frustrating.
The lack of sufficient space under the machine for placing a cup makes it challenging to remove a cup full of coffee without causing spills or mess.
View our other recommendations to find a coffee machine that consistently delivers a satisfying extraction and provides a hassle-free brewing experience.
What is 1 cup on a coffee maker?
A 1 cup measurement on a coffee maker refers to the amount of brewed coffee that the machine produces in one cycle.
Depending on the specific coffee maker, this can vary slightly.
But when you see that magical "1 cup" marking, you know it's ready to serve up a single delightful cup of java goodness!
Can I make just one cup of coffee?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to just make one cup of coffee then invest in a one cup coffee maker.
Whether you're a lone caffeine enthusiast or simply need a quick pick-me-up, many coffee makers offer options to brew a single cup.
Just adjust the water and coffee grounds to the appropriate measurements, hit that brew button, and voila!
Your delightful cup of coffee will be ready to brighten your day.
Are coffee pods only good for one cup?
Indeed, coffee pods are designed for the glorious experience of a single cup of coffee.
These little pods contain pre-measured coffee grounds, perfectly portioned to brew a single serving.
Simply pop one into your compatible coffee maker, add water, and let the brewing magic happen.
The beauty of coffee pods lies in their convenience and ability to provide a consistent cup of delicious coffee every time.
So, if you're a fan of quick and hassle-free brewing, coffee pods are a splendid choice!
How long does a single cup coffee maker last?
The lifespan of a single serve coffee maker can vary depending on various factors, such as the brand, usage, and maintenance.
On average, a well-cared-for single cup coffee maker can last many years.
Of course, proper cleaning and regular maintenance, like descaling and changing filters as needed, can help prolong its life.
So, treat your little coffee companion with love and care, and it will keep serving up delicious cups of joy for years to come!
How often should I descale my single-serve coffee maker?
Regular descaling every 3-6 months is recommended, depending on water hardness and frequency of use. Some machines have indicators that alert you when descaling is needed. Regular descaling prevents mineral buildup and ensures optimal performance.
What's the difference between bar pressure in single-serve coffee makers?
Bar pressure affects espresso extraction quality. Most home machines offer 9-15 bars, with 9 bars being the standard for proper espresso extraction. Higher pressure doesn't necessarily mean better coffee - it's about consistent pressure throughout extraction. Pod machines may use different pressure levels depending on the beverage type.
What are the benefits of a single serve coffee maker?
The benefits of a single serve coffee maker are all about convenience, variety, portability, freshness, easy cleanup, and the freedom to customise.
Single cup coffee machines offer a quick and hassle free brewing process, allowing you to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in a matter of minutes.
These machines are often compact and portable, making them perfect for those on the go.
Whether you’re travelling, camping or simply want to enjoy a cup of coffee at your desk, then a single serve coffee machine is perfect for you.
Can I use my own coffee grounds in a single serve coffee maker?
Some single serve coffee makers offer the option to use your own coffee grounds by using a reusable pod or filter.
However, it's important to check the specific model and instructions to ensure compatibility.
Afterall, you don’t want to break your newly bought coffee machine.
Can I adjust the strength of my coffee with a single serve coffee maker?
Yes, some coffee makers one cup offer options to adjust the strength of your coffee.
This can be done by choosing different pod varieties, selecting specific brew settings, or adjusting the water-to-coffee ratio if the machine allows customisation.
But it does depend on the brand and type of coffee machine you choose.
If you prefer to have a choice in coffee strength, then make sure you buy a coffee maker that accommodates this.
How long does it take to brew a cup of coffee with a single serve coffee maker?
The brewing time can vary depending on the specific model and the cup size selected.
On average, single serve coffee makers can brew a cup of coffee in under a minute, offering a quick and convenient brewing experience.
Make sure you check out the reviews of a coffee machine before buying if the brewing time will affect your buying decision.
Can I use my single serve coffee maker without coffee pods?
Yes, if your single serve coffee maker allows it, you can use it without coffee pods by using a reusable filter or pod that allows you to add your own coffee grounds.
This option provides flexibility and the ability to customise your coffee.
Are single serve coffee makers energy-efficient?
Single serve coffee makers are generally designed to be energy-efficient, with quick heating times and automatic shut-off features.
However, specific energy consumption may vary by model, so it's advisable to check the product specifications or energy efficiency ratings.
Are there options for tea or other hot beverages with single serve coffee makers?
While single serve coffee makers are primarily designed for coffee, there are models available that offer options for brewing tea, hot chocolate, or other hot beverages.
These machines usually come with specific tea or hot beverage pods or capsules.
Make sure you check the product descriptions to see if other hot beverages are compatible.
Can I use my single serve coffee maker with my favourite mug or travel cup?
Yes, most coffee pod makers are designed to accommodate various cup sizes, including standard mugs and travel cups.
Check the machine's specifications or adjustable cup tray to ensure your preferred cup will fit.
How do I clean a single serve coffee maker?
Cleaning procedures may vary by model, so it's essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
However, general cleaning steps typically involve regular descaling to remove mineral deposits, wiping the exterior with a damp cloth, and periodically cleaning the drip tray and removable parts with warm, soapy water.
