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Best Pod Coffee Makers

Updated February 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
De’Longhi  Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
De’Longhi
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
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Best tasting coffee
Bottom Line

We found the quality of the coffee made from Vertuo capsules in this machine to be noticeably more delicious than any K-cup we tested.

Pros

The Vertuo pods have a barcode on them that tell the machine what to make, including how large of a cup, so you never have to fiddle with settings. It comes with 12 Vertuo capsules. The reservoir holds 40 ounces.

Cons

You have to order pods online since they’re rarely found in stores.

Best Bang for the Buck
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Keurig
K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker
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Quick and affordable
Bottom Line

The K-Mini is the perfect pod coffee maker for people who don’t drink coffee too often, or who want good results at a lower cost.

Pros

It’s among the smallest pod coffee makers, making it a strong choice for those in tight spaces. The cord can be wrapped up and stored in a special section in the back if you prefer to keep it in storage until you want coffee.

Cons

The lack of a reservoir is frustrating, and the pods can be a little uncomfortable to remove.

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
Keurig
K-Classic Coffee Maker
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Best all-around Keurig
Bottom Line

The K-Classic is situated right in the middle, quality- and cost-wise, making it an excellent choice for the average household.

Pros

The 48-ounce reservoir is large enough so you don’t feel like you’re constantly refilling it. It has three cup-size options: 6, 8 and 10 ounces. The drip tray is removable so you can brew into a travel mug.

Cons

The power cord is only 28 inches long, which can make it difficult to position in your kitchen.

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Keurig
K-Elite Coffee Maker
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Expert pick
Bottom Line

The K-Elite is designed for heavy, frequent use like you see in offices and large households.

Pros

It has many points of customization, including being able to set the brewing temperature between 187 and 192 degrees, having five cup size options and the ability to brew stronger cups or cups of iced coffee. Hot water can also be dispensed on command.

Cons

If you remove the reservoir to fill it, the weight and shape of it can become difficult to handle when returning it.

Ninja Pods and Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Ninja
Pods and Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker
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Most versatile
Bottom Line

This coffee maker is packed with features that simply don’t crop up in pod coffee makers.

Pros

It can make K-cup pods in four cup sizes. It can also be used as a standard drip coffee maker by flipping the pod holder up, inserting the reusable filter it comes with and adding grounds. Lastly, it has four brewing styles: classic, rich, over ice and specialty.

Cons

Its design looks a little wonky, making it stand out in a not-so-positive way.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
Consulted
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Buying guide for Which single-serve coffee maker is best?

In the world of single-serve pod coffee, Keurig is king. It’s the one who kicked it all off after all. But do they make the best pod coffee maker? There are other good brands, with Nespresso, especially being a major competitor. 

Determined to answer, the BestReviews Testing Lab gathered multiple single-serve pod coffee makers and dug deep into research on many more. We used markers such as material and build quality, ease of cleaning and brewing time, plus we tested several flavors of pod with each machine to see how well they handled variety.

We’ve also collected everything you need to know about single-serve pod coffee makers below. This includes what features to look for, the differences between types of pods you can find and price ranges so you can make an informed decision based on your budget. 

After testing a range of single-serve coffee makers, our top choice is the De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine, which makes coffee so delicious that you might just forget about your favorite coffee shop.    

Our top picks

De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine

DeLonghi Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine on countertop
The testing team loved the rich flavor and attractive crema of the De’Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine.

Best of the best

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 40 oz | Material: Plastic | Pod Type: Vertuo capsules | Dimensions: 8.7” W x 12.7” D x 12.8” H | Weight: 10.1 lb

Our hands-down winner, the VertuoPlus brewed coffee that was noticeably superior compared to any of the K-cup coffees we tested. It even makes a pleasing faux crema by spinning the pod at 7,000 revolutions per minute while brewing (though this is more of a visual touch than a flavor-rich one).

Not only that, but the VertuoPlus was speedy, too. A 1.35-ounce shot took only 50 seconds, while a 7.77-ounce cup took between 1:35 and 1:50. You don’t have to worry about buttons either, because the pods have a barcode that the VertuoPlus reads to determine cup size and other brewing instructions. The only downside to the VertuoPlus is the pods aren’t easy to come by in stores, and there isn’t the same huge selection online that K-cups enjoy; however, there’s still enough to let you experiment and find favorites.

We’d recommend the VertuoPlus to anyone who drinks coffee because they truly love the taste, not because it’s a convenient way to get a boost of energy.

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Black Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker on countertop
The testing team enjoyed the coffee produced by the Keurig K-Mini, a super slim model that comes at an affordable price.

Best bang for your buck

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 12 oz | Material: Plastic | Pod Type: K-cup | Dimensions: 4.5” W x 11.3” D x 12.1” H | Weight: 4.6 lb

Incredibly slim at just 4.5 inches wide, the K-Mini slashes as many features as it can to drop the price, but without adversely affecting your cups of coffee. The largest cut is to the reservoir; the K-Mini can only hold up to 12 ounces, and it only makes one cup at a time. This means you can’t fill it fully and make two 6-ounce cups; a full reservoir will always result in a 12-ounce cup. To avoid coffee or hot chocolate that tastes too watery, a bit of trial and error with each kind of K-cup is required to strike the right balance for your personal preference.  

During our testing, it took about 1:45 to 2:15 to brew each cup, which is a little slow. We also found the pods to be difficult to remove, and overall, the entire machine felt a bit flimsy and unsteady. Still, it bears repeating that the actual coffee is equally good to most other Keurigs of higher costs.

We’d recommend the K-Mini to those who don’t drink coffee that often, are short on counter space or who want to save as much money as possible on their pod coffee maker.

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Classic has a light that turns on when the machine needs to be descaled.

Best Keurig

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 48 oz | Material: Plastic | Pod Type: K-cup | Dimensions: 9.8” W x 13.3” D x 13” H | Weight: 9 lb

The K-Classic is as close to a baseline Keurig model as it comes, with an average but still very much usable performance. We found it can take up to five minutes to warm up in the morning, for example, and it only has three cup sizes of 6, 8 and 10 ounces. Another minor quibble is the cord is short at 28 inches, making it harder to find a good place for it.

It does have some nice features that are missing on lower-costing models, like an auto-off that triggers two hours after the last brew (that can be disabled with a button) and a light that illuminates when it needs descaling.

We’d recommend this Keurig to anyone looking for a solid, dependable option for their home, though we don’t think it’s capable enough to handle offices and the like.

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker on white background
The Keurig K-Elite is equipped with a 75-ounce reservoir.

Best for heavy use

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 75 oz | Material: Plastic | Pod Type: K-cup | Dimensions: 9.9” W x 12.7” D x 13.1” H | Weight: 6.6 lb

The K-Elite is, essentially, a bigger, better version of the K-Compact or the K-Classic that’s designed for heavy use. Helping with that is its huge reservoir size of 75 ounces and the ability to make five cup sizes (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces). It can also dispense hot water at will to steep tea or make ramen noodles, for example. It also has a “strong” button to make a stronger cup of coffee and an “iced” button for iced coffee.

Other high-end features include the ability to adjust the brewing temperature between 187 and 192 degrees to match the needs of certain coffees and being able to remove the drip tray so you can brew directly into a travel mug.

We’d recommend this Keurig mainly for offices and large households so it gets the use it’s designed for, but its cost of $190 is manageable enough for smaller homes that want all the features.

Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker on white background
The Ninja Pods & Grounds can make foamy lattes with its built-in milk frother.

Best for coffee grounds

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 56 oz | Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Pod Type: K-cup | Dimensions: 5.51” W x 13.07” D x 13.31” H | Weight: 8.6 lb

The Ninja Pods & Grounds is an intriguing machine with two features that are rarely, if ever, found in other pod coffee makers. The first is that the pod holder can be opened up to reveal a large section underneath that’s designed to hold standard coffee grounds. It even comes with a reusable coffee filter to facilitate making drinks this way. The second is a milk frother that swings out from the body (and is detachable for easy cleaning), so you can make delicious milk-based coffee drinks, too.

Even in cup-size options the Ninja stands out. It can make four cup sizes out of K-cups (6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces) and seven cup sizes out of grounds (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18 and 24 ounces). The 56-ounce reservoir is also removable for easy cleaning and filling. And it has a very slim design (just one inch wider than the K-Mini), so it easily fits on your counter. 

We’d recommend this pod coffee maker to those who drink variable amounts of coffee on a given day or for large households and offices.

Keurig K-Compact Coffee Maker 

Keurig K-Compact Coffee Maker on countertop
The testing team appreciated the sturdy design of the Keurig K-Compact.

Best for tight spaces

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 36 oz | Material: Plastic | Pod Type: K-cup | Dimensions: 8.2” W x 13.2” D x 12.5” H | Weight: 7.85 lb

The K-Compact was one of the better-performing Keurigs in our tests, with a fast brew time of 25 seconds for the 6-ounce cup, 32 seconds for the 8-ounce cup and 42 seconds for the 10-ounce cup. There is a long warm-up period though, which typically wraps up between 2:30 and 2:45.

The coffee was also top-notch with a wonderful aroma and strong flavor, though the 12-ounce cup was noticeably weaker in strength. Its build is also sturdy and doesn’t rock when opening and closing the pod holder, plus its compact design makes it easier to find space for it on the counter.

We’d recommend this Keurig to anyone looking to use as little counter space as possible or for those wanting something a little lower in cost that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Instant Pot Pod, 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker

 Instant Pot Pod, 3-in-1 Espresso, K-Cup Pod and Ground Coffee Maker on white background
The Instant Pot Pod can use both K-cups and Nespresso capsules.

Best for its versatility

Product specifications: Water Reservoir Capacity: 68 oz | Material: Plastic | Pod Type: K-cup + Nespresso capsule | Dimensions: 7.2” W x 16.2” D x 13” H | Weight: NA

The Instant Pot Pod is among the exceptionally rare devices that are compatible with more than one pod type. In this case, that’s K-cups and Nespresso capsules. The K-cup portion is used for standard cups of coffee with sizes of 8, 10 and 12 ounces. The Nespresso capsules are for faux espresso shots with sizes of 2, 4 and 6 ounces.

Additionally, it comes with a reusable K-cup so you can use your own grounds. Other features include a removable drip tray so you can fit a travel mug under the spout and a “bold” button used to make stronger K-cup coffee for pour-over iced coffee.

Because of its raw versatility in taking two kinds of pods, this is a perfect pod coffee maker for offices or for anyone who likes to drink a wide array of coffee.

Key considerations

When hunting for the perfect single-serve coffee maker, you should seek out a machine that can brew enough coffee for everyone in your household — one cup at a time, of course. Pod coffee makers vary in their reservoir size and in what types of pods they accept. When it comes to flavor and quality, the water filter can play a major role.

Reservoir size

The reservoir is the part of the coffee maker that holds water so you can brew your next cup with the push of a button.

Some machines, such as the Keurig K-Mini, may have no reservoir at all, requiring you to add water before each cup. This gives you exact control over how large a cup of coffee you make (inside the machine’s limit), but filling it for every single cup can get old quickly. Others may have massive reservoirs of 80 ounces or more, such as the Keurig K115 OfficePro, which is convenient for large households and offices but a bit much for small homes. Most pod coffee makers with reservoirs are in the 30-to-40-ounce range.

Pod types and compatibility

Because Keurig is the brand that launched the single-serve market, most single-serve coffee machines use K-cup-style pods. That’s why almost every box of pod coffee in the coffee aisles of grocery stores, regardless of brand, has “K-cup” on it. These pods are cylindrical in shape and about an inch long, give or take. They work with all Keurigs and most third-party machines.

Some alternatives come from Nespresso. Its original version, usually known as “Nespresso capsules,” are similar to K-cup pods in size and shape. However, they’re just different enough that they don’t share compatibility with machines that use K-cups. An example of a machine that uses these is the Nespresso Essenza Mini. The other Nespresso pods, usually called “Vertuo capsules,” are only compatible with Nespresso’s line of Vertuo machines. These are wider and look like half circles. Both of these pods are more limited than K-cups. Grocery stores might carry some, but you typically need to order them online.

After these two giants of the single-serve industry comes a collection of niche pods such as Nescafe Dolce Gusto or K-Fee. None of these are compatible outside an exceptionally limited list of machines, so they simply aren’t worth investing in unless your taste is similarly niche.

Lastly are reusable pods. These are shaped to fit your machine, be it Keurig, Nespresso or something else. Some machines, such as the Keurig K-Classic, even come with a reusable pod. They’re best for people who like to grind their own fresh coffee, as using them entails filling them with grounds. Considering K-cup and Nespresso pods can be recycled (trash the used grounds and rinse them first), reusable pods aren’t any better or worse for the environment.

Water filter

Some pod coffee makers, such as the Keurig K-Elite, include a water filter that helps to purify your water before brewing your coffee. If your water is pure at baseline or already filtered before it hits the machine, this isn’t particularly necessary, but it doesn’t hurt either. Non-filtered, impure water does adversely affect your coffee though. Basically, if your water tastes a little funny to you, so will your coffee. Note that these filters don’t limit calcification from hard water. Unless you have a high-end water filter for your home that does limit calcification from hard water, you will eventually have to descale your machine.

Features

Some single-serve machines may have extra features worth considering.

Brewing options

  • Cup size: Single-serve coffee makers with reservoirs large enough to hold several cups of water have buttons that let you choose how many ounces of coffee you make. The majority of these machines offer 6-, 8- and 10-ounce cups. Some offer more, such as the K-Elite, which also includes 4- and 12-ounce buttons.

  • Brew strength: Normally, because the amount of coffee in your pod is always the same, smaller sizes are stronger, while larger ones are weaker. Some machines, such as the K-Elite once again, have a “strong” button (or something similar). This typically increases the brewing time to deliver a stronger-tasting cup of coffee and is great for those who enjoy pour-over iced coffee.

Automatic features

Pod coffee makers often include automatic features so you can have your coffee ready as soon as you get up.

  • Auto off: Most single-serve coffee makers automatically turn off to help you save some energy, usually after a short period such as 10 minutes or so. Some, such as the K-Classic, offer a button that lets you switch this function off.

  • Automatic brewing: This allows you to instruct your coffee maker to brew a cup at a specific time, usually when you plan on waking up. This is rare to find on single-serve machines but it does exist, such as on the K-Supreme Plus Smart. 

Interface

Most single-serve coffee machines use buttons to keep costs down, with the occasional screen to display the time or possibly help you adjust your settings. Rarely, you might find a machine with a touchscreen instead. These can cost several hundred dollars more, however, and are usually marketed toward offices. Rarer still, some can connect to your phone to be controlled anywhere, such as the K-Supreme Plus Smart.

Pod coffee maker prices

Inexpensive: Pod coffee makers for $100 or less (they can get as low as $20) are usually compact machines designed to make a quick cup now and then. Their price and size make them ideal for those who live alone or have limited space.

Mid-range: Pod coffee makers for $100 to $200 vary in their size and brewing modes. Most models in this range have more features, such as a water reservoir and extra brewing options.

Expensive: Pod coffee makers for $200-plus are usually deluxe models with additional features like milk frothers or stainless steel parts. Some can cost as much as $500, though anything more than that is usually a machine that makes pod coffee as a bonus, not as a main feature. The extra money can be difficult to justify, but these coffee machines are likely to last for years and have the most features.

How to maintain your pod coffee maker

Like any machine, some maintenance is required of pod coffee makers:

  • Mineral debris from hard water can build up inside your coffee maker over time. To fix this, many models have a descaling mode designed to remove this buildup. In most cases, you will need to purchase a descaling solution from the manufacturer and follow their instructions carefully.

  • Clean the reservoir regularly with soap and water. Even though it’s only designed to hold water, it can still become dirty.

  • The pod holder should also be cleaned once a month at a minimum with soap and water.

  • Lastly, wipe down the outside of your coffee maker from time to time.

FAQ

Q. Can you brew a pot of coffee with a pod coffee maker?

A. You can, but it would take you multiple pods to do so. You are better off making cups one at a time to take advantage of the freshness of pod coffee makers.

Q. Can you leave a pod coffee maker on all the time?

A. Yes, it’s perfectly safe to do so — though it’s a waste of energy. 

Q. Is pod coffee healthy?

A. So far, no study has proven pod coffee in particular to be harmful to your health. In fact, there is growing research to suggest that three to five cups of coffee a day can have long-lasting health benefits and may even reduce your risk of developing some chronic diseases.  

How we analyzed

To put this buying guide together, we tested nearly a dozen pod coffee makers and closely examined the listings and reviews of a dozen-plus more. Our primary concern was the coffee itself. Was it delicious? Maybe too bitter or sour? Our next concern was simplicity. Is the machine itself easy to use? What about the pods? Are they easy to use and easy to find? Lastly came smaller concerns, such as how many and what kind of features a machine may have to enhance the overall experience.

Our expertise

A longtime writer for BestReviews, Jordan C. Woika has been an almost daily coffee drinker for more than a decade. He has tasted brews from all around the world in his travels, including coffee processed using the fabled (and expensive) kopi luwak method while traveling in Indonesia. He has also worked with coffee professionally during his year of work in a local coffee shop. Despite this, he still cannot make good latte foam art even if his life depended on it.