The 9 Best Alternatives To Keurig Coffee Makers
These reviews of the 9 Best Alternatives to Keurig Coffee Makers is designed to help you navigate a coffee world where Keurig isn’t the dominant force anymore. You now have choices in the single-serve coffee machine industry. The Earl of Coffee is here to help you make the right one.
Keurig began doing business in the early nineties and is the originator of the single-serve pod brewing process. The coffee machine manufacturing company’s K-Cups offered a very convenient way to brew single cups of coffee. However, just because Keurig is the pioneer with the technology doesn’t mean there aren’t other great alternatives on the market. However, choosing one of the best alternatives to Keurig coffee makers can be very tricky. Read the following reviews and your task will be that much easier.
The 9 Best Alternatives to Keurig Coffee Makers
Since Keurig coffee makers offer coffee pods and single-serve functionality, any alternative you choose should have these features. Typically single-cup brewers fall into three categories:
- Drip machines: Single-serve coffee machines may be smaller and simpler versions of the conventional drip machines. These look and function like your home coffee brewers, but they drip coffee directly into your mugs.
- Compatible with Keurig pods: The Keurig brand remains the largest suppliers of the pod coffee maker and the pre-packaged ground coffee pods. When the pod is placed inside the machine, small pins puncture the package from the top and bottom of the pod. You can then pump water from a tank into a reservoir where it is heated. Once the water reaches the optimal temperature, it is pushed through the pod and into your mug.
- Nespresso: This type of coffee maker makes stronger, thicker espresso-style coffee. These coffee makers are also dominated by Nestle’s Nespresso brand, though there are others as well. These machines spill out espresso shots topped with a thick foamy layer of creamy foam. These shots can also be used to make other espresso-style drinks.
Comparison Chart
Mueller Ultima Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
The coffee maker can accommodate 1.0 and 2.0 K-Cups and comes with a removable, easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold 45 ounces of water at a time. Instead of waiting 10 minutes for your cup of coffee, Ultima offers you a perfectly-brewed cup within a minute at quite a hot temperature.
Aicok Single Serve Programmable Coffee Maker
The Aicok Single-Serve Programmable Coffee Maker comes in at just under 7 pounds and offers compatibility with both filters and K-Cups. This means that you are not limited to select brands of coffee grounds. The coffee maker allows you to choose between five different cup sizes. With a 45 oz water tank, the Aicok coffee maker can make 6 cups of coffee without needing a refill.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine by Breville
The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine by Breville has a beautiful and modern design but is a bit bigger in size than others. Nespresso is the dominant brand in the espresso machine industry, and although their products are not exactly cheap, they are reliable and come with the best quality coffee.
Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel
This Cuisinart model costs more than the average Keurig, but it offers comprehensive programming options and comes equipped with some of the same features that have made Keurig machines so popular. One great option is the rinse options that make cleaning it a breeze.
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker
Black + Decker Single-Serve Coffee Maker is perhaps the most affordable coffee maker in the market. This innovative travel-size coffee maker is about the size of a regular water flask and brew right into a cup. However, it offers only one cup size, but you do have the option of using coffee pods or open fresh coffee in its mesh filters.
Adirchef Grab N’ Go Coffee Maker
Compact and portable, this is a machine that offers convenience, great taste, and eco-friendliness. Although you can easily use it in the kitchen, it was made with travelers in mind.
Hamilton Beach 49976 Flex Brew 2-Way Brewer
The Hamilton Beach 49976 Flex 2-Way Brewer gives you the convenience of your traditional coffee pot and the Keurig single-serve alternative, thanks to its single cup and carafe capabilities.
Ninja Coffee Bar Single-Serve System
The Ninja Coffee Bar Single-Serve System is capsule-free and allows you to make a wide variety of drinks, including hot and cold espresso-style beverages, thanks to its built-in frother.
BUNN MCU Single Cup Multi-Use Home Coffee Brewer
The Bunn MCU Single-Cup coffee maker is great for people who want versatility in their coffee machine. This machine can brew with coffee pods, loose ground coffee, and tea bags, which is why it is such a great alternative to Keurig. It comes with four drawers that are designed to help you make different styles of coffee. You can also vary the size of the cup from a 4 oz to 12 oz.
Detailed Reviews of the 9 Best Alternatives to Keurig Coffee Makers
Mueller Ultima Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
The Austrian-made Mueller Ultima Single-Serve K-Cup coffee maker is a sleek and stylish coffee maker that comes with four different cup sizes for brewing.
The coffee maker can accommodate 1.0 and 2.0 K-Cups and comes with a removable, easy-to-fill reservoir that can hold 45 ounces of water at a time. Instead of waiting 10 minutes for your cup of coffee, Ultima offers you a perfectly-brewed cup within a minute at quite a hot temperature.
It is also absent of BPA. The model has also been tested for safety by UL and ETL certification.
Although the Ultima meets the criteria for Keurig alternatives, it can be a bit tricky to wash out. Some of the pods coffee ground may leak into the machine, and because of its compact size, it can be difficult o clean.
Value
The Mueller Ultima offers a lot of value because of its premium features that are available at quite an affordable price.
Functionality
The coffee maker is super fast and very easy to operate. Plus it comes with an automatic shut down function that helps to save energy. The machine is made of solid plastic and has also been tested for safety.
The Earls Overall Rating
Most users have given the coffee maker five stars and say the coffee comes out perfectly hot, even if the water is taken from the fridge. Plus it can serve coffee in four different cup-sizes, so you can use it to make short or long coffee-based drinks.
PROs
CONs
Aicok Single Serve Programmable Coffee Maker
The Aicok Single-Serve Programmable Coffee Maker comes in at just under 7 pounds and offers compatibility with both filters and K-Cups. This means that you are not limited to select brands of coffee grounds. The coffee maker allows you to choose between five different cup sizes. With a 45 oz water tank, the Aicok coffee maker can make 6 cups of coffee without needing a refill.
This is one of the fastest coffee brewers in the market with a brewing time under 30 seconds. Like the Mueller Ultima, Aicok uses a sharp needle to break the coffee pods. The machine has an auto-off ability that shuts off the machine when it is not in use.
Unfortunately, the machine can be quite noisy and makes a roaring noise when the water is boiling.
Value
The Aicok comes with five different cup sizes so you can choose how strong you want your coffee to be. Because of its large water reservoir, you can make coffee for the whole family without refilling it.
Functionality
The coffee maker brews the best coffee in 30 seconds, and also saves energy once the work is done. However, it becomes noisy after a few weeks of use.
The Earls Overall Rating
Most reviewers have given the coffee maker 4 or 5 stars and say they love the machine. However, some have complaints of noise, and they wished it has a programmable timer.
PROs
CONs
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine by Breville
The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine by Breville has a beautiful and modern design but is a bit bigger in size than others. Nespresso is the dominant brand in the espresso machine industry, and although their products are not exactly cheap, they are reliable and come with the best quality coffee.
The machine comes with Aeroccino frother that whips up the milk and coffee and blends them into a rich and luxuriant crema. The Nespresso machines come with special dome-shaped pods that are spun up to 7,000 times via the manufacturer’s patented Centrifusion technology. This results in a thicker-than-average froth.
A few drawbacks about the Nespresso machine is that the pods may not be as readily available as K-Cups. They also come in a smaller variety of flavors, and some people complain the coffee is not hot enough.
Value
The Nespresso machine comes with 12 complimentary Grand Cru pods with unique aroma profiles. Not only does it make a great cup of coffee, but its coffee pods are also made of aluminum and reusable, which means a lesser impact on the environment
Functionality
The coffee maker makes the most delicious espresso-style drinks because of the thick and rich crema it produces. It also has barcode recognition, which helps you brew any type of coffee without fuss.
The Earls Overall Rating
Reviewers are particularly impressed with the eco-friendly recyclable pods, but some claim the coffee isn't hot enough. However, the thick and rich espresso and latte more than make up for it.
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CONs
Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker, Stainless Steel
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This Cuisinart model costs more than the average Keurig, but it offers comprehensive programming options and comes equipped with some of the same features that have made Keurig machines so popular. One great option is the rinse options that make cleaning it a breeze.
What we really love is the LCD digital display that shows the on/off buttons, brew temperature, brew size and programmable clock.
The Cuisinart coffee maker comes in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 oz cup sizes and can hold 72 ounces. The automatic shut-down feature also shuts off the machine after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Value
The machine has premium programmable LCD features and is compatible with both K-pods and reusable filters, so you don't have to stick with certain types of coffee grounds.
Functionality
The rinse feature and a charcoal water filter make it easy to clean. Additionally, it has a button for boiling hot water so that you can make a variety of drinks like tea and hot chocolate, as well.
The Earls Overall Rating
Customers say that the machine is super fast and can give you a very hot and delicious cup of coffee in a minute, without any hassle.
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CONs
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker
Black + Decker Single-Serve Coffee Maker is perhaps the most affordable coffee maker in the market. This innovative travel-size coffee maker is about the size of a regular water flask and brew right into a cup. However, it offers only one cup size, but you do have the option of using coffee pods or open fresh coffee in its mesh filters.
Additionally, this little coffee maker comes with all the safety and convenience features of a pricier machine, including fresh-brewed delicious coffee at the push of a button. You can use ground coffee or even coffee pods if you don't mind the added expense.
Value
The best part is that you can easily place it in your backpack while you are traveling. This is a must-have for travelers who love coffee.
Functionality
The coffee maker is very easy to use and pours coffee straight into the cup. However, it may not be as durable as some pricey models, though it can last you long enough
The Earls Overall Rating
Most customers say that the filter comes out easily and is easy to wash, while the plastic cup is solid and doesn't lead. This coffee maker will be the perfect accompaniment to your next outdoor adventure.
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CONs
Adirchef Grab N’ Go Coffee Maker
Compact and portable, this is a machine that offers convenience, great taste, and eco-friendliness. Although you can easily use it in the kitchen, it was made with travelers in mind.
Since it does not have capsule capabilities, the AdirChef coffee makers give you the freedom to select your own coffee beans or grounds. It is equipped with a permanent filter which not just makes cleaning easy but reduces environmental footprint as you don't need to throw it out.
The coffee maker allows you to make coffee up to 14 oz, which you can drink in a stainless steel cup that comes with it.
Value
This little coffee maker offers you eco-friendly capabilities in the form of a permanent filter mesh, which minimizes environmental footprints.
Functionality
It also comes with all the basic things you need to make and consume coffee, including a holding basket and an insulated mug.
The Earls Overall Rating
Some reviewers said that the machine wasn't made of durable material, but most others loved it, chiefly because of the convenience it offers during travel.
PROs
CONs
Hamilton Beach 49976 Flex Brew 2-Way Brewer
The Hamilton Beach 49976 Flex 2-Way Brewer gives you the convenience of your traditional coffee pot and the Keurig single-serve alternative, thanks to its single cup and carafe capabilities.
The single-cup side is K-Cup-compatible, but it takes three minutes to brew a cup. The carafe side allows you to brew 12 cups of coffee, which is perfect if you are hosting a party. If you want a stronger cup of coffee, press the “Brew Strength” button.
The machine also comes with a permanent filter that eliminates the need for paper filters, making it more environmentally-friendly. It also shuts off automatically after 2 hours, making it energy efficient.
The Hamilton coffee maker is also equipped with a programmable digital clock, which allows you to schedule brewing coffee 24 hours in advance if you just fill the reservoir with water.
Value
The Hamilton Beach coffee maker allows you to brew coffee in single-cup sizes as well as a carafe-size. It also minimizes footprint by using a permanent filter as opposed to disposable paper ones.
Functionality
The Hamilton Beach coffee maker allows you to brew coffee in single-cup sizes as well as a carafe-size. It also minimizes footprint by using a permanent filter as opposed to disposable paper ones.
The Earls Overall Rating
Users say that coffee comes out great, but some users don’t like the automatic shut-off feature after two hours. However, the dual serve functionality provides a lot of conveniences.
PROs
CONs
Ninja Coffee Bar Single-Serve System
The Ninja Coffee Bar Single-Serve System is capsule-free and allows you to make a wide variety of drinks, including hot and cold espresso-style beverages, thanks to its built-in frother.
The coffee maker offers you more strength control since it is capsule-less, and you can use any coffee brand, ground, and amount.
If you are looking for a coffee maker that not just makes a normal cup of coffee, but also lattes and mochaccino, the Ninja coffee maker is for you.
Value
The coffee maker offers more flexibility as it does not have a capsule and you can use all sorts of coffee grounds with it. Plus, it comes with a highly efficient frother that creates a thick layer of crema.
Functionality
The Ninja coffee makers come with advanced features that can help make various styles of coffee-based gourmet drinks. However, a few users say it is not very durable or suffers from technical issues. However, some slight hiccups are to be expected in a product that comes with so many features.
The Earls Overall Rating
Most reviewers give the Ninja 5-stars and claim it is easy to clean, and they have not experienced any problems with it. It is also quite durable and reliable and comes with premium features.
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CONs
BUNN MCU Single Cup Multi-Use Home Coffee Brewer
The Bunn MCU Single-Cup coffee maker is great for people who want versatility in their coffee machine. This machine can brew with coffee pods, loose ground coffee, and tea bags, which is why it is such a great alternative to Keurig. It comes with four drawers that are designed to help you make different styles of coffee. You can also vary the size of the cup from a 4 oz to 12 oz.
It is not programmable and there are only two buttons on the machine; however, that’s what makes it so user-friendly. A drawback is that it can only carry 14 oz of water, which means you may need to refill it after every use. In under a minute, you will have a piping hot coffee in your hands.
Value
Although it is quite expensive, it is very user-friendly and designed to enable a customized brewing experience.
Functionality
It comes with four drawers, including the Cup Drawer, Ground Coffee Drawer, Pod Drawer, and Water Drawer, and can brew K-Cups as well as loose coffee grounds and tea.
The Earls Overall Rating
Some people have complained that the BUNN MCU is quite noisy; however, most reviews are positive, and customers particularly like its reliability, fast brewing, and great-tasting coffee.
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Parting Shots
Imagine yourself and your loved ones sitting by a lake and savoring the beauty of nature while enjoying a cup of rich, flavorful coffee. Those little pleasures in life can bring us good and lasting memories. We bring you our list of the best open fire camping coffee pots because you deserve the best outdoor experience. So, grab those backpacks and get that perfect camping coffee pot and go on an adventure!