The 5 Best Non-Keurig Single-Serve Coffee Makers
If you're looking for the best non-Keurig single-serve coffee maker, you're in luck! There are tons of models out there from various brands that can make a delicious cup of coffee even though it does not carry the Keurig brand.
In the past, Keurig used to be the go-to brand when it came to single-serve coffee, but over the years, many other competitors have come out various models that can stand toe to toe with Keurig coffee machines! These machines are often cheaper and are compatible with any third-party coffee pods, unlike many Keurig machines that can only be used with K-cups.
So let's dive into which models are the best non-Keurig single-serve coffee makers out there, and what you should expect from them.
What to Look for in a Single Serve Coffee Maker
For many people, coffee is the most important part of their morning. It jumpstarts their system and gets them ready for the day ahead. Thus, having a quality coffee maker is important to ensure a high-quality cup of coffee every morning.
Since getting a coffee maker is such an important decision, here are some of the features that you should look for in choosing a new machine for your home:
- Programmable Timer - do you want to watch up a freshly brewed cup of coffee every morning? Many coffee makers have a programmable time that will allow you to schedule the machine to brew your coffee automatically in the morning. This way, you’ll have a fresh cup of coffee waiting for you when you wake up in the morning!
- Water Reservoir - look for a machine that has a removable water reservoir. This allows you to refill and clean the water reservoir when needed easily.
Adjustable Brew Options - do you want a wide range of choices when it comes to your coffee? Look for machines that allow you to customize the strength and size of your coffee. These machines can make enough coffee to fill a range of cup sizes from standard 8-oz to travel mugs that can hold 20-oz. You can also make coffee in various strengths, from regular, to extra-strong, to coffee won’t be diluted down even if you add ice. - Temperature Control - temperature is one of the most important factors that will affect the quality of your coffee. At the very least, look for a machine that will give you constant and precise temperature through your whole brewing process. Some higher-end models allow you to tweak the temperature of your brew so that you can adjust it to your preferred temperature.
Comparison Chart
BUNN 35400.0009 MCA My Cafe
The BUNN MCA My Café is an affordable and reliable single serve coffee maker that will fit on any countertop or small space in your kitchen. With its easy operation and direct water line, you won’t have to worry about constantly refilling your machine every time you want a cup of coffee.
Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
If you love Nespresso capsules, the Nespresso Vertuo from Breville allows you to brew your favorite Nespresso flavors with the touch of a button.
Hamilton Beach 49969 Single-Serve Coffee Maker
If you’re on a limited budget, the Hamilton Beach 49969 Single Serve delivers a great cup of coffee that’s comparable to coffee made by more expensive machines.
Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker
Do you have limited kitchen space? The ChefMan InstaCoffee will take up virtually no counter space in your kitchen plus you can store it away easily in a cupboard when not in use.
Mr. Coffee BVMC SC100 2 Single Serve Coffee Maker
No muss, no fuss: the Mr. Coffee BMVC makes your cup of coffee easily and quickly. You can use it with your preferred grounds or pods, which means you have a wide range of choices for your coffee.
Detailed Reviews of the 5 Best Non-Keurig Single Serve Coffee Makers
BUNN 35400.0009 MCA My Cafe
The BUNN MCA My Café is an affordable and reliable single serve coffee maker that will fit on any countertop or small space in your kitchen. With its easy operation and direct water line, you won’t have to worry about constantly refilling your machine every time you want a cup of coffee.
Value
The BUNN MCA My Cafe has a great price and makes great coffee to boot.
Functionality
Easy to use, but the water sensor is faulty and can cause the machine to leak.
The Earls Overall Rating
This machine is a great choice if you’re looking for a quality machine for daily use. It makes quality coffee reliably and quickly.
PROs
CONs
Nespresso by Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
If you love Nespresso capsules, the Nespresso Vertuo from Breville allows you to brew your favorite Nespresso flavors with the touch of a button.
Value
Great if you love Nespresso coffee, but if you want other brews, you can’t use this machine to make them.
Functionality
Easy to use, although the plastic parts feel cheap.
The Earls Overall Rating
If you value speed and convenience when brewing your morning cup of coffee, the Nespresso Vertuo will be your favorite kitchen appliance. With the touch of a button, you’ll be enjoying a fresh cup of coffee in less than a minute.
PROs
CONs
Hamilton Beach 49969 Single-Serve Coffee Maker
If you’re on a limited budget, the Hamilton Beach 49969 Single Serve delivers a great cup of coffee that’s comparable to coffee made by more expensive machines.
Value
Priced affordably and still makes a great cup of coffee of demand.
Functionality
Easy to use but the water pump and sensor is not reliable which causes the machine to leak.
The Earls Overall Rating
The Hamilton Beach 49969 is a good choice if you want a single serve coffee maker without breaking the bank. However, keep an eye on the water level since the water sensor inside the machine can be faulty.
PROs
CONs
Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker
Do you have limited kitchen space? The ChefMan InstaCoffee will take up virtually no counter space in your kitchen plus you can store it away easily in a cupboard when not in use.
Value
The coffee is okay, but tastes weak and somewhat under extracted.
Functionality
Easy to use although the water sensor does not completely empty the reservoir when in use.
The Earls Overall Rating
For those who have hectic mornings, the ChefMan InstaCoffee will have your cup ready for you in 30 seconds flat. However, keep an eye on the water reservoir because it can leak.
PROs
CONs
Mr. Coffee BVMC SC100 2 Single Serve Coffee Maker
No muss, no fuss: the Mr. Coffee BMVC makes your cup of coffee easily and quickly. You can use it with your preferred grounds or pods, which means you have a wide range of choices for your coffee.
Value
The plastic parts of the machine feel cheap and there is no warranty from the maker.
Functionality
Easy to use, but the water sensor inside the reservoir is not reliable.
The Earls Overall Rating
The Mr. Coffee BMVC has three things going for it: it’s easy to use, it has a great straightforward design and it has a removable drip tray that allows for easy cleaning. It’s a good choice for an entry-level single serve coffee maker.
PROs
CONs
Parting Shots
There you have it, our choices for the best non-Keurig single-serve coffee maker. These machines prove that you don't need to purchase an expensive machine such as the Keurig to get great-tasting single-serve coffee. Whether you want something affordable such as the Hamilton Beach 49969 or you love the convenience of the Breville Nespresso Vertuo, having a single-serve coffee maker allows you to enjoy the right amount of coffee anytime you want. Find out more about coffee makers.