Time is money and especially on a busy work morning, there’s not much of it to spare. As easy as it is to throw some instant coffee in a mug there is a way you can have fresh coffee, just as fast.
Single-serve coffee makers are really easy to use. Simply add your coffee pod or fresh coffee, fill the water tank and press the brew button. They typically brew your cup of java in less than three minutes and make coffee that’s much fresher and more aromatic than any brand of instant.
If your goal is to find a coffee maker that can serve your coffee in as little time as possible then you’ve come to the right place! Here we have ten of the fastest single-serve coffee makers on the market so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Have a browse through the options and if you like the look of any model in particular then click the ‘Price & Reviews’ button to check current prices on Amazon. After the five top picks, we have a buyers guide and some common FAQs answered for you. Next up we have five more great options to consider.
Let’s get started with the top choice and fastest machine, the Keurig K-Elite.
Top 5 Fastest Single Serve Coffee Makers
- 1. Top Choice – Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer
- 2. Runner Up – Chefman InstaCoffee Max Single Serve Coffee Maker
- 3. Luxury Option – Nespresso Citiz Coffee and Espresso Machine
- 4. Manual Option – AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
- 5. Budget Option – BLACK+DECKER Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug
1. Top Choice – Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer
Brand: Keurig
Heat Up Time: 30s
Brew Speed: 45s
Serving Size: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 Oz
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods
The K-Elite single-serve coffee machine by Keurig is not only one of the fastest single-serve coffee makers available to buy, but it also has loads of other handy features that make it really versatile and functional.
At the simple press of a button, you get a cup of delicious coffee in under a minute. You can choose between 5 different cup sizes to suit any coffee craving and the drip tray is removable to accommodate a travel mug up to 7.2 inches.
It has a roomy, 75-ounce water reservoir so you can brew coffee without refilling it every time. This is also removable so simple to clean or refill. Quiet brew technology means this machine makes minimal noise whilst brewing and the machine will even remind you when it needs maintenance which is very useful.
It has programmable settings such as auto on/auto shut off, temperature control, and high altitude setting. It also features a strong brew button if you prefer a bolder cup of joe and an iced coffee function, perfect for a hot summer’s day. It has a hot water option as well so this adds to the versatility of the machine.
This single cup coffee maker is our top pick today due to the extremely fast brewing time and ease of use. The only regular issue found with this model is some people struggle with the water tank leaking. This happens when it’s not fixed in place securely and can be avoided by not removing the tank when you fill it up.
2. Runner Up – Chefman InstaCoffee Max Single Serve Coffee Maker
Brand: Chefman
Heat Up & Brew Time: 30s Total Time
Serving Size: 14 Oz Max.
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods or Fresh Coffee
If speed and simplicity are your key priorities then the Chefman InstaCoffee Max is perfect. This coffee maker has the option of using coffee pods to brew K-cup coffee or you can fill the reusable filter basket with your favorite type of coffee or even tea leaves!
One-touch brewing works by simply brewing the amount of coffee for the amount of water added when you press the button. This gives you an array of brew sizes up to 14 ounces and the full brewing process only takes 30 seconds.
It can fit tall cups or travel mugs up to 7.6 inches and the full machine is slim profile so will fit nicely, even in a crowded kitchen.
This is a really budget-friendly option and comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
3. Luxury Option – Nespresso Citiz Coffee and Espresso Machine
Brand: Nespresso
Heat Up Time: 25s
Brew Speed: 1m 7s
Serving Size: 1.34 and 5 Oz
Capsules/Coffee: Nespresso Original Capsules
Nespresso machines combine the simplicity of single-serve coffee machines with the high-quality build needed for an espresso maker. The Citiz has a 19-bar pump system, necessary for creating the pressure needed to brew espresso. You can choose between a single (1.34 ounce) shot of espresso or a 5-ounce lungo coffee.
The benefit of this option is the Aeroccino milk frother that comes with it. This allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos really easily. Added extras like the auto shut-off feature and the adjustable drip tray help make this machine really user-friendly.
It’s not as fast as our top choices but you get cafe-quality cups of coffee in less than 1.5 minutes with this machine. It comes with a welcome pack selection of Nespresso capsules to help you find your favorite coffee.
It’s a really sleek and stylish design and won’t take up a lot of counter space. If you enjoy your coffee brewed as if it were handcrafted by a skilled barista then this is the coffee maker for you.
4. Manual Option – AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press
Brand: Aeropress
Heat Up Time: None
Brew Speed: 1m
Serving Size: 6 Oz max.
Capsules/Coffee: Ground Coffee
Alongside the single-serve coffee machines, there are other fast ways to brew hot coffee. The Aeropress is a brilliant example of this. This option is the perfect travel companion for those who enjoy coffee on the go.
It works a bit like a big syringe. You add fresh coffee and hot water to the middle portion of the device and then manually press the mixture through a coffee filter. This creates some pressure as the coffee brews to help extract a whole range of coffee flavors. The resulting coffee is bold and sweet, almost espresso-like.
This device comes with a mug to brew your coffee as well as a lid and the whole brewer can be stored nice and compact in the mug. This makes it really easy to travel with. It comes with 350 paper filters ready for use so you can get straight to making coffee.
It can brew 1-3 cups of coffee (up to 6-ounces) and along takes a minute to make your perfect cup. The real limiting factor here is how long the water takes to boil in the kettle!
5. Budget Option – BLACK+DECKER Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug
Brand: Black+Decker
Heat Up Time: 28s
Brew Speed: 2m 11s
Serving Size: 15 Oz
Capsules/Coffee: Ground Coffee
Our budget option for a speedy cup of joe has to be Black+Decker with this Brew ‘n Go one cup machine. It comes with a reusable filter basket so you can use your favorite regular coffee and the basket is easy enough to rinse clean.
Simply add to the water tank the volume of water you wish to brew into delicious coffee. Press the button and wait. The machine turns off automatically as soon as it’s finished brewing so won’t burn out.
You can brew a cup of coffee up to 15 ounces and this coffee maker even comes with a travel mug that’s dishwasher safe.
It’s a really cost-effective way to brew coffee and the compact design helps this little device squeeze in anywhere it’s needed. It’s not as fast as the top picks but will still brew your coffee in around 2 minutes so you won’t be waiting around for ages before you can enjoy your fresh java.
Single Serve Coffee Maker Buyers Guide
Brew Method
When making a single cup of coffee there are several different ways you can do this all with varying degrees of input from you. A k-cup pod machine makes black coffee with just the single press of a button. You can adjust the cup size and different pods give various flavor profiles.
Nespresso capsule machines brew espresso coffee using high pressure or centrifugation technology. It’s a bolder, more intense brew and teamed with steamed milk, makes delicious lattes or cappuccino. The downside with this option is the cost of the machine as well as the capsules.
Some single-serve machines take fresh coffee so this helps reduce waste as no pods are used. The downside is it does take longer to fill up the filter baskets so isn’t as quick to brew coffee.
It’s important to consider the various brew methods available and what your needs are. Each brew method has its pros and cons so you can decide what you value most and go from there.
Brew Time
The time taken to brew coffee doesn’t just start from when you press the brew button. The heat-up time for the water tank can really slow down the whole process. Alongside this, take into account the time to set the machine up as well, especially if fresh coffee is used. All these factors contribute to the whole brew process so the fastest brew time doesn’t necessarily mean the fastest cup of joe.
User Interface
Push buttons can be the simplest and easiest way to program your coffee maker as long as they are set out in a clear manner. Some coffee makers have LCD and even touchscreen displays so this makes them really nice to use. Look for a machine that has well-labeled buttons arranged in a manner that makes sense to you as the user.
Water Tank Capacity and Serving Size
The different serving sizes offered by each coffee maker should be considered in relation to the water tank size. Some single-serve machines brew all the water from the tank every time so you need to top it up with every cup of coffee you make. If you’re not a fan of refilling the water tank frequently then check that the tank can hold plenty of water, enough to make several of your favorite size of coffee.
Maintenance
Every coffee machine requires some level of upkeep but some are more involved than others. Cleaning and descaling programs are sometimes built into the machine and it reminds you when these need carried out. Some machines will self-clean as well which is really helpful. Check the user manual to learn what kind of maintenance is required with your particular model of coffee maker.
Warranty
A warranty can be a real lifesaver if you end up experiencing unexpected issues with your coffee machine. Check the returns policy and manufacturer’s warranty before you hit buy to make sure you have some coverage in case your model is defective. It’s a good idea to check the whole manual as often it will highlight things that invalidate the warranty (such as using an incorrect descaling solution for the machine you have).
F.A.Q.s
Which Is The Best Single-Serve CoffeeMaker?
The top pick on our list has to be the Keurig K-Elite single-serve coffee maker. It’s really fast to brew coffee, easy to use, and has loads of built-in features that make it stand out above the crowd.
How Do You Make A Good Single Cup Of Coffee?
Make sure your machine has been cleaned and flushed through before you start the brew cycle. Using filtered water always helps improve the taste of your coffee. If using fresh coffee, buy whole beans and use a grinder to grind them at home to ensure you get the freshest tasting cup.
What Should I Add To Coffee To Make It Taste Better?
Milk, cream, creamer, sugar, or artificial sweeteners are commonly added to coffee to balance out the flavor. Syrups, honey, vanilla essence, and even spices like cinnamon can also be added to your cup of joe.
Which Is The Best Tasting Coffee?
The best-tasting coffee really comes down to personal preference. If you love the lighter notes found in coffee like fruity, floral, and citrus flavors then a light roast bean is for you. If you prefer single-note, bolder, darker flavors like chocolate or burnt caramel then a darker roast bean may suit you better.
What Takes The Bitterness Out Of Coffee?
Adding milk or creamer can help balance out some of the bitterness found in certain types of coffee. Sometimes, a pinch of salt can bring out the sweeter flavors in coffee and can improve the taste significantly.
6. Cuisinart SS-10P1 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker Coffee Maker
Brand: Cuisinart
Heat Up Time: None
Brew Speed: 39s
Serving Size: 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 Oz
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods or Ground Coffee
This Cuisinart coffee maker is another really great option for impatient coffee drinkers. It has a quick brew time of around 39s and no heat-up time beforehand. You can choose between five different brew size options and the 72-ounce water tank is removable for easy filling. It has a built-in charcoal water filter which helps improve the coffee taste.
Choose between K-cup pods or ground coffee and there’s even a hot water option so you can brew with tea bags or make hot chocolate or any other drink you fancy. Auto on/off are just some of the programmable features this machine has to offer alongside adjustable temperature control. It has a cleanup rinse feature that cleans out the brew chamber for you.
Five different brew sizes and the option to choose pods or fresh coffee gives you the ability to individualize your cup of coffee so you get it just the way you like it best. This machine comes in 4 different color options as well to suit any kitchen.
7. Mr. Coffee Single Serve 24 oz. Coffee Brewer
Brand: Mr. Coffee
Heat Up Time: 2m 52s
Brew Speed: 32s
Serving Size: 6, 8, or 10 Oz
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods
Mr. Coffee is really great at designing coffee makers to look good as well as keeping them simple and user-friendly. Keurig brewing technology makes this machine compatible with k-cup pods. There are hundreds of varieties to choose between so you’ll never run out of new options to explore.
It can be a bit slow to heat up but the brew speed is fast at around 30 seconds. You can brew 6-10 ounce cup sizes and the 24-ounce water tank is removable for easy cleaning and refilling.
It brews without too much noise and is compact and lightweight in design so will fit well into any kitchen. It even comes with a k-cup pod starter pack to get you going!
8. Hamilton Beach 49979 FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Brand: Hamilton Beach
Heat Up + Brew Time: 2m 30s
Serving Size: 10 Oz (with pod) or 14 Oz (with coffee grounds)
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods or Ground Coffee
Another great little coffee maker for a speedy brew. This Hamilton Beach FlexBrew can take K-cup pods or freshly ground coffee as you prefer. It only heats up the amount of water you need to brew your cup of coffee so doesn’t waste time here.
The adjustable drip tray allows this machine to easily adapt to your mug size without coffee splashing everywhere. The machine will turn itself off after it’s finished brewing coffee which is a nice safety feature.
It’s easy to use and easy to clean and even has a brew strength button if you prefer a bolder cup of joe. One-touch brewing makes it simple to use but it can be a bit noisier compared to similar models.
9. BUNN MCU My Cafe Single Cup Multi-Use Coffee Brewer
Brand: Bunn
Heat Up Time + Brew Speed: <1 minute
Serving Size: 4-14 Ounces
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods or Ground Coffee
Bunn knows a thing or two when it comes to high-quality drip coffee makers and this single-serve brewer is no exemption to this rule. The stainless steel hot water tank keeps the water at the perfect temperature for brewing coffee so the whole brewing process takes under a minute.
You can brew 4-14 ounces of hot coffee to suit whichever mug size you prefer. This machine has a pulse button that works to prolong the brew time and give you a bolder cup of coffee.
It has a unique, spray feature in the brew head that ensures even saturation of coffee so you get the fullest flavor with every cup of coffee. This is a commercial-grade coffee maker but without the expensive price tag to match. Give this one a go and you won’t regret it!
10. Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer
Brand: Keurig
Heat Up Time: 2m 8s
Brew Speed: 54s
Serving Size: 6, 8, or 10 Oz
Capsules/Coffee: K-Cup Pods
Keurig is famous for their single-serve coffee makers and this is due to the balance between a good price and a quality machine. The Classic model brews coffee in three of the most popular brew sizes 6, 8, or 10 ounces. The brew time is less than a minute but you do need to give the machine some time to warm up.
The removable drip tray allows you to fit taller mugs under the brew head and the auto-off feature helps save energy. It has warning lights for descaling, add water, heating, power, and auto-off so you can easily see what the machine is doing or what it needs just by looking at it.
Simply add a K-cup pod and press the brew size button you would like and that’s it. Simple to use and an attractive design makes this machine at home in any kitchen.
Final Thoughts
So that’s it for speedy coffee makers. I hope this has helped highlight some of the many options available and helped narrow down the choices to find the best fit for you. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best coffee maker for your needs and I hope you’re a step closer to finding the perfect choice for you. Happy Brewing!
