There have been various innovative ways of making the most delicious cups of coffee. People are particularly interested in looking for the best Keurig alternative. This is because single-serve coffee makers are one of the most common ways to brew coffee nowadays. The concept itself is brilliant.
Users can just brew their desired amount in single-serve rather than brewing an entire pot of coffee and letting it go to waste. The most renowned coffee maker in this category is the Keurig. Keurig machines and the K-cups gave way to coffee convenience with just a push of a button.
Best Keurig Alternative
In choosing the best Keurig alternative, there are few points to bear in mind. The obvious exception is the price. We tend to look at the price tag before even considering the purchase. The most important factor should be the type of pods you want to use.
The original pod-based machine originated in the US, which is the Keurig. After the release, many companies began selling K-cups. In choosing a Keurig-like machine, you should choose the one that accepts K-Cups.
There are so many options out there in the market, but you might want to look at my top pick for this category.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mueller Austria Ultima Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker | This great machine brews your coffee in just a minute. You can still get a good cup of coffee when you are running late. Equipped with Rapid Brew Technology, it can brew your favorite coffee in a jiffy. Plus, it only weighs 2.2 pounds, so it does not require a lot of space. | ||
| Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffee Maker | This great machine brews your coffee in just a minute. You can still get a good cup of coffee when you are running late. Equipped with Rapid Brew Technology, it can brew your favorite coffee in a jiffy. Plus, it only weighs 2.2 pounds, so it does not require a lot of space. | ||
| Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville | The latest and greatest innovation from Nespresso is added to the VertuoPlus coffee maker for the ultimate single-serve cup of coffee Compatible with Nespresso capsules only. It automatically makes single serve coffee cup sizes such as Espresso (1.35 oz.), Double Espresso (2.7 oz.), Gran Lungo (5 oz.), coffee (7.7 oz.) depending on your coffee demands (14 oz.). And if you want to produce your favorite iced coffee drinks, pour over ice first and enjoy! | ||
| CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer | CHULUX is basically the cheaper version of Keurig. It is compatible with nearly every brand of single-serve coffee pods. The machine is also made of BPA-free plastic and is very compact. The automatic shut off is not even something you can see in similar coffee machines with the same price as the CHULUX. | ||
| Mixpresso Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker | Mixpresso is considered a smart machine for many reasons. In just 30 seconds, this model can already brew a delicious cup of coffee. This is, overall, a very convenient machine to use. Aside from that, it is also environmentally friendly since it consumes less energy. |
Detailed Reviews of Best Alternative Coffee Maker
Mueller Austria Ultima Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
This great machine brews your coffee in just a minute. You can still get a good cup of coffee when you are running late. Equipped with Rapid Brew Technology, it can brew your favorite coffee in a jiffy. Plus, it only weighs 2.2 pounds, so it does not require a lot of space.
Value
This coffee maker, for the price, cannot be beaten. It has everything one could want in a K-Cup coffee maker, sans some minor bells and whistles that were most likely put in place to justify its ridiculous cost.
Functionality
This is an awesome coffee maker. It is very well made, (all plastic but still solid), and makes a great cup of coffee. There is a fairly large water reservoir for a unit of this size with a handy gauge on the front so you can tell how much water is left.
The Earls Overall Rating
Need I say more? Purchasing this coffee maker is like buying an actual Keurig machine at a discount. It has all the premium features a coffee lover would want in a machine. It meets all the requirements of a good Keurig alternative. There are lots of reasons why I chose this machine for my top pick.
PROs
- 1-minute brew time
- Third-party tested and certified by UL and ETL
- 2-year warranty
CONs
- Can be difficult to clean
- Loose coffee grounds can cause clogging
- Makes loud noises during the brewing
Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffee Maker
What sets this coffee maker apart from the others is the digital display. The screen contains a programmable clock, automatic power off, brew temperature, and brew size. It is effortless to clean. This is a good option for fuss-free coffee making.
Value
As a loyal Keurig consumer, it was stepping far outside the box for me to purchase this coffeemaker, but I am so glad that I did.
Functionality
The brewing is instant with he ss-10 you do not need to wait for the water to warm up, that is awesome. The coffee flavor is good. Having the basket to brew your grinds is great.
The Earls Overall Rating
The machine itself is a tad bulky and made of plastic. It would have been better if it was made with stainless steel instead of plastic. However, using it is so convenient since the features are all automatic. The digital display is also a gorgeous touch to the coffee maker.
PROs
- 72-ounce water reservoir requires fewer refills
- 5 single-serve cup sizes range from 4 to 12 ounces
- 3-year warranty
CONs
- Made of plastic
- Takes up a lot of counter space
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville
The latest and greatest innovation from Nespresso is added to the VertuoPlus coffee maker for the ultimate single-serve cup of coffee Compatible with Nespresso capsules only. It automatically makes single serve coffee cup sizes such as Espresso (1.35 oz.), Double Espresso (2.7 oz.), Gran Lungo (5 oz.), coffee (7.7 oz.) depending on your coffee demands (14 oz.). And if you want to produce your favorite iced coffee drinks, pour over ice first and enjoy!
Value
The Vertuo Plus features a motorized head and a 60 oz. water tank that can move around. In terms of counter space, the water tank can rotate out or stay behind the machine based on your preferences. It takes only 20-25 seconds to reach full heat, and it shuts off automatically after 9 minutes.
Functionality
It is an excellent espresso machine. Make sure you maintain things clean and you have a solid and speedy system. It offers far more deliciousness and convenience.
The Earls Overall Rating
The machine delivered has a leaking water tank, and there was a large crack at the bottom. The brewer lasted only for 16 months losing the value worth of your money. The leak can’t be fixed, which occurred after cleaning and scouring.
PROs
- Automatic coffee-maker
- A barista grade machine
- Adjustable 60 oz water tank
- With a set of Nespresso capsules
CONs
- Water leakage
- Short life-span usage
CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer
CHULUX is basically the cheaper version of Keurig. It is compatible with nearly every brand of single-serve coffee pods. The machine is also made of BPA-free plastic and is very compact. The automatic shut off is not even something you can see in similar coffee machines with the same price as the CHULUX.
Value
Simply the best. Very compact, easy to use, hot beverage in under 4 min! The lid lifts fully for filling (has a small removable stainless filter basket, so nothing else gets in the water chamber in case you’re sloppy).
Functionality
Simple functionality and reliable. Slow to brew but convenient. Fills with one cup of water at a time, which is not an issue for me.
The Earls Overall Rating
What I like best about this machine is that anyone can use it. You do not need to study the manual to make things work. It is also very affordable for a coffee maker that is very similar to a Keurig. The only major drawback I can see is that it does not have pre-programmed sizes.
PROs
- It’s budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Space-saving design
CONs
- Only 1-year warranty
- Takes 3-5 minutes to brew coffee
- Water tank capacity is only 12 ounces
Mixpresso Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
Mixpresso is considered a smart machine for many reasons. In just 30 seconds, this model can already brew a delicious cup of coffee. This is, overall, a very convenient machine to use. Aside from that, it is also environmentally friendly since it consumes less energy.
Value
The unit is more compact and takes up less space. The water reservoir is smaller, but adequate for a few cups before filling. A larger reservoir would make the unit more cumbersome and larger. The fact that the reservoir is in the back is a slight negative, a little harder to remove and fill, but no big deal. An On/off button, and 3 size buttons. Brilliant. No silly LED screens with multiple menus, etc. just simple and easy.
Functionality
The size is easy to handle and can even fit the water dispenser found in the refrigerator door. Hence, the unnecessary filter for the reservoir. An all-around excellent coffee maker. I have found no negatives. Oh, and the coffee is simply superb. Order one and enjoy it.
The Earls Overall Rating
The edge of this coffee maker among the others is its fast brewing. In just 30 seconds, you can already enjoy a warm and delicious cup of coffee. This is indeed a great Keurig alternative despite its space-consuming exterior.
PROs
- Quick 30 second brew time is convenient
- 45-ounce water tank requires fewer refills
- Automatic shut off feature is energy saving
CONs
- Not space-saving
- Weighs 7 pounds
Parting Shots
Keurig may be the leading brand in coffee makers. However, other viable options might fit your budget, and coffee needs more than an actual Keurig. It is best to note the functions and features you need in crafting that perfect cup of joe.
The best Keurig alternative goes to our top pick, which is the Mueller Austria. Feel free to look for other brands, though. You might be able to find a gem in a world full of single-serve coffee makers and K-cups. Happy shopping! Find out more about keurig.