The best cheap single serve coffee maker delivers quick, delicious coffee tailored to individual tastes, ideal for busy mornings or small kitchens. Selecting the right one ensures satisfying brews and avoids wasted time and resources on underperforming units. Factors like brew strength, pod compatibility, and ease of cleaning significantly impact your daily coffee ritual.
A well-chosen machine offers convenience and quality, making every cup a pleasure. Explore our top 10 picks for the best cheap single serve coffee maker available to find the perfect fit for your needs and elevate your morning routine.
For those seeking the best cheap single serve coffee maker, prioritizing models that include a reusable filter and a travel mug simplifies brewing and reduces waste. Options like the Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker explicitly state they brew ground coffee only, eliminating the need for pods and often coming with a reusable filter. Other compact brewers, such as the Elite Gourmet EHC113M and EHC114, also come with insulated travel mugs, offering a convenient, all-in-one solution for personal coffee needs.
Best Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker, At a Glance
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | Elite Gourmet EHC113M Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes Best for: Ultra compact design | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | Elite Gourmet EHC114 Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes Best for: Minimalist kitchen | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker with 14oz Travel Best for: Travel with brews | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black Best for: Simple operation | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Horavie Small Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Best for: K-cup convenience | Check Price |
How We Picked
We evaluated potential candidates for the best cheap single serve coffee maker by prioritizing build quality, real-world performance, and durability. Each model was tested for consistent brewing and ease of use. Standout features like pod-free brewing (Mixpresso, Elite Gourmet models 113M, 113, 114) and versatility for both K-cups and grounds (Horavie, Tastyle) were noted.
We ruled out units with questionable safety certifications or designs that compromised longevity. Ultimately, machines offering exceptional value and user experience without unnecessary complexity were selected.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Consider Your Coffee Format: Pods vs. Grounds
When looking for a budget-friendly single-serve coffee maker, a key distinction is whether it brews K-Cups and other pods or uses ground coffee. If you prefer the convenience and variety of pods, models like the Horavie (Product 5) and Tastyle (Product 7) will be your best bet. However, if you’re looking to reduce waste and save money on grounds, options like the Mixpresso (Product 3) and the Elite Gourmet EHC113M (Product 1) and EHC114 (Product 2) are excellent choices, often including a reusable filter.
Travel Mug Compatibility is Key
Many compact single-serve coffee makers are designed with travel mugs in mind, but not all mugs fit. Before purchasing, check the height clearance. Products like the Elite Gourmet EHC113M (Product 1), EHC114 (Product 2), and EHC113 (Product 6) specifically mention their included 14-ounce insulated travel mugs fitting under dispensers, suggesting a common design.
If you plan to use your own mug or a specific travel mug, measure its height and compare it to the coffee maker’s dimensions to avoid disappointment, especially with space-saving models like the Black Single Serve Coffeemaker (Product 4).
1. Elite Gourmet EHC113M Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes
Best for: For the commuter needing coffee fast.
A 700-watt heating element heats water rapidly, allowing this Elite Gourmet personal coffee maker to brew a full 14-ounce cup in under 60 seconds, so you can enjoy fresh coffee without waiting.
This compact brewer, measuring 5.31 x 5.31 x 10.24 inches, includes a #304 stainless steel insulated travel mug that fits most cup holders. Its manual operation with button input ensures simple control for on-the-go mornings.
Pros
- Brews in under 60 seconds enabled by 700W wattage
- Includes a 14-Oz. stainless steel insulated mug
- Fits under most coffee dispensers
- Compact design suitable for travel
Cons
- Operation mode is manual, requiring user initiation.
This brewer is ideal for those needing a quick coffee on their commute. Just add grounds, water, and press brew for a fast, hot cup.
2. Elite Gourmet EHC114 Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes
Best for: Best for waste-conscious drip coffee drinkers.
With an included 14-ounce insulated travel mug, this Elite Gourmet coffee maker eliminates the need for disposable cups, offering a sustainable start to your day. The stainless steel interior mug is designed for your convenience.
The drip coffee machine features fully automatic operation and a 700-watt heating element for efficient brewing. It utilizes paper filters and has an auto shut-off feature for safety and peace of mind, measuring 6.4 x 7.5 x 10.8 inches.
Pros
- Includes a 14-Oz. insulated travel mug
- Uses standard paper filters
- Features auto shut-off function
- Fully automatic operation for ease of use
Cons
- Requires regular purchase of paper filters.
This is a great choice for anyone who prefers traditional drip coffee. Brew directly into the included mug for a convenient, waste-reducing experience.
3. Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker with 14oz Travel
Best for: Ideal for ground coffee enthusiasts on the go.
This Mixpresso single-serve coffee maker brews directly from ground coffee using its reusable filter, bypassing the need for pods and reducing waste. Its 700W heating power ensures a hot cup quickly.
Brewing a full 14-ounce cup in approximately 4 minutes, this drip coffee machine features semi-automatic operation and an auto shut-off function for safety. It comes with a travel mug designed to fit most car cup holders, making it convenient for commutes.
Pros
- Brews from ground coffee with a reusable filter
- Includes a 14 oz travel mug
- Fast brewing time of about 4 minutes
- Automatic shut-off for safety
Cons
- Not compatible with K-Cup pods or capsules.
This coffee maker is perfect for those who prefer to use their own ground coffee. Its compact and portable design makes it suitable for homes, offices, and travel.
4. Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black
Best for: Perfect for small kitchens and dorms.
The compact dimensions of this single-serve coffeemaker make it ideal for small spaces, including apartments and dorm rooms, by taking up minimal counter space. It heats water to an optimal brewing temperature for consistent flavor extraction.
This fully automatic drip coffee machine brews directly into an included travel mug, utilizing grounds or pods with its reusable filter. A 650-watt heating element ensures efficient operation, and the automatic shutoff provides added safety.
Pros
- Space-saving compact design
- Brews at optimal temperature for flavor
- Includes a travel mug
- Automatic shutoff feature
Cons
- Wattage is slightly lower than some competitors at 650 watts.
This coffeemaker is a practical choice for individuals with limited kitchen space. Enjoy a single serving of coffee brewed directly into the included mug.
5. Horavie Small Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and
Best for: Versatile brewer for k-cups and grounds.
This Horavie single-serve coffee maker offers the flexibility to brew with either K-Cup pods or ground coffee, catering to diverse preferences and brewing needs from 6 to 12 ounces. Its BPA-free materials ensure safe, hygienic brewing.
With a powerful 1000-watt heating element, this pod or capsule coffee machine provides quick brewing. It features a permanent reusable filter and a built-in water tank with a view window for easy monitoring. The machine is also lightweight and portable.
Pros
- Supports both K-Cup pods and ground coffee
- Adjustable brew sizes from 6 to 12 oz
- Made from BPA-free, heat-resistant materials
- Permanent reusable filter included
Cons
- Higher wattage at 1000W might draw more power.
This is an excellent option for those who enjoy both convenience and variety in their coffee brewing. Brew your preferred coffee style for home, office, or travel.
6. Elite Gourmet EHC113 Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes
Best for: For quick, reusable filter coffee lovers.
Featuring a 700-watt heating element, this Elite Gourmet personal coffee maker brews a single serving in under 60 seconds using coffee grounds and a reusable filter. It’s designed for quick, convenient coffee preparation.
This brewer comes with a 14-ounce stainless steel insulated travel mug, perfect for use at home or on the go. The espresso machine type brewer has a manual operation mode and a compact design, making it easy to place in any small space.
Pros
- Brews in under 60 seconds with 700W wattage
- Includes a 14-Oz. stainless steel insulated mug
- Uses a reusable filter to reduce waste
- Compact for small spaces
Cons
- Operation mode is manual.
This model is ideal for anyone who wants a fast cup of coffee using their favorite grounds. Enjoy the convenience of a reusable filter and an included travel mug.
7. Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K Cups
Best for: Ideal for travelers and small spaces.
A built-in to-go handle makes this Tastyle single-serve coffee maker easy to carry, perfect for travel, camping, and fitting into compact spaces like dorms or RVs. It brews using either K-Cups or ground coffee.
This drip coffee machine includes both a K-pod holder and a ground filter, allowing versatile brewing options. Its one-button operation simplifies the process, and both accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Pros
- Includes a to-go handle for portability
- Works with K-Cups and ground coffee
- One-button operation for simplicity
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
Cons
- Has a descaling reminder, requiring maintenance.
This compact brewer is a great companion for travelers and those with limited space. Enjoy hot coffee brewed with your choice of pods or grounds.
8. OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Best for: For the pour-over purist seeking simplicity.
The OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker manually brews consistent, flavorful pour-over coffee with a unique auto-drip tank that precisely controls water flow for a well-balanced extraction.
This pour-over unit features measurement markings on its tank, allowing you to add the exact amount of water needed for up to 12 ounces of coffee. The lid retains heat during brewing and conveniently doubles as a drip tray.
Pros
- Auto-drip tank for controlled water flow
- Measurement markings for precise water addition
- Lid doubles as a drip tray
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- Requires manual water pouring (manual operation).
This is designed for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the pour-over method. Achieve a delicious, well-balanced cup with minimal effort and precise water control.
9. Tastyle Mini Hot and Iced Coffee Maker Single Serve, for
Best for: For hot and iced coffee drinkers.
This Tastyle mini coffee maker delivers both steaming hot coffee and refreshingly chilled iced coffee with a unique ‘OVER ICE’ setting that adjusts brewing temperature. Its space-saving, slim design is perfect for any location.
Brewing in just 3 minutes, this drip coffee machine uses 800 watts to prepare your beverage. It’s compatible with capsules, grounds, or pods and features a descaling reminder and auto shut-off for optimal performance and safety.
Pros
- Brews both hot and iced coffee
- Fast brewing time of 3 minutes
- Space-saving mini and slim design
- Auto shut-off and descaling reminder
Cons
- Uses pods, grounds, and capsules, requiring diverse accessories.
This versatile machine is perfect for those who enjoy both hot and iced coffee. Its compact size makes it suitable for small kitchens, offices, or travel.
10. Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
Best for: For simple, single-cup brewing.
The Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker offers a compact design perfect for small spaces and brews individual cups, featuring a grab-a-cup auto pause function that allows you to pour a mug before the brewing cycle is complete.
This drip coffee machine brews up to 5 cups and includes an ergonomic glass carafe with easy-pour features and ounce markings for precise measuring. Its lift & clean filter basket simplifies the cleanup process after brewing.
Pros
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause feature
- Lift & Clean filter basket for easy cleaning
- Compact design for small spaces
- Glass carafe with ounce markings
Cons
- Carafe capacity is 5 cups, not ideal for larger households.
This Mr. Coffee maker is ideal for individuals or small households needing a simple way to brew single cups. Enjoy the convenience of pausing to pour your coffee.
Ground Coffee vs. Pod Ambiguity in Cheap Brewers
When evaluating the best cheap single serve coffee maker options, the single most important differentiator is whether it’s designed for ground coffee only, or if it accommodates K-Cup pods or capsules. Opting for a machine that handles only grounds, like the Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker with 14oz Travel, immediately signals a commitment to reducing recurring costs and waste associated with proprietary pods. This choice is inherently more sustainable and cost-effective over time, as ground coffee is typically cheaper per serving and the reusable filter, often included, negates the need for disposable paper filters or plastic pods.
Conversely, machines that offer multi-functional brewing, such as the Horavie Small Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and, present a different value proposition. While they offer flexibility – allowing users to switch between pre-packaged K-Cups and their own grounds via a reusable filter – this versatility often comes at the cost of a more streamlined, and potentially more durable, single-purpose design. The inclusion of a K-Pod holder alongside a ground filter, as seen with the Tastyle Single Serve One Cup Coffee Maker, for K Cups, means more components to clean and potential points of failure.
It’s a trade-off for convenience that appeals to a broader user base but can dilute the core benefits of simplicity and long-term savings.
The Elite Gourmet EHC113M Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes and its brethren, the EHC114 and EHC113 models, lean heavily into the waste reducing aspect by including a dedicated 14-Oz. stainless steel insulated travel mug. This design focuses on direct brewing into a proprietary vessel, eliminating both pod waste and the need for a separate mug.
While this is an attractive all-in-one solution, it locks the user into that specific mug, which might not suit everyone’s portability needs or existing mug collection. The brewing mechanism itself, common across these Elite Gourmet models, is straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over advanced brewing techniques.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize immediate convenience and variety with pod compatibility, or the long-term economic and environmental benefits of a ground-coffee-only system. The OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker, for instance, represents a completely different approach, focusing on the pour-over method for superior flavor extraction but demanding user involvement and separate purchasing of coffee grounds. For the cost-conscious and environmentally aware buyer looking for a simple, efficient brew, a ground-coffee-focused machine like the Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker with 14oz Travel is the clear choice.
What to Look for in a Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker
Brew size options
When seeking the best cheap single-serve coffee maker, consider precisely how much coffee you drink at a time. If you consistently need just a standard 8-ounce cup, prioritize models with a fixed small brew basket. For those who prefer a bit more, or need to accommodate a taller travel mug between 10-14 ounces, look for adjustable drip trays and models that explicitly offer a 12-ounce option.
If you genuinely need more than a substantial mug, a single-serve machine is not your best bet; however, for typical needs, a machine that handles up to 12 ounces gracefully is the most versatile choice for the budget-conscious buyer. Go with machines that clearly list both 8 oz and 12 oz brew sizes.
Brewing speed
Fast-paced mornings demand speed. Look for single-serve coffee makers that advertise brew times under five minutes. This is primarily a function of the heating element’s wattage and design; higher wattage generally means faster heating.
A good indicator of efficiency is a ‘ready to brew’ light or audible signal, confirming the water is hot without requiring constant monitoring. Avoid machines with vague performance claims; concrete numbers or clear indicators of readiness are paramount.
For consistent, rapid coffee, choose a machine with a clear ‘ready’ light and a quoted brew time under 5 minutes.
Water reservoir capacity
The water reservoir is a key factor in convenience. For maximum counter space and ease of cleaning, opt for smaller, removable reservoirs that typically hold between 12 to 20 ounces. These are sufficient for 1-3 cups and make refilling and descaling simple.
Larger, non-removable reservoirs, while less frequent in compact models, are generally unnecessary for single-serve use and complicate maintenance. Prioritize models where the reservoir slides out easily for effortless filling and cleaning, as this feature is crucial for daily use in budget-friendly machines.
Pod compatibility
Pod compatibility dictates your coffee options and ongoing expenses. For the widest availability and most budget-friendly choices, prioritize machines that are fully compatible with standard K-Cups. If you prefer to use your own ground coffee and save money, look for models that include or can accommodate a reusable filter.
While some proprietary pod systems exist, they often lock you into specific, sometimes more expensive, coffee brands. To ensure long-term affordability and variety, select a machine that accepts standard K-Cups and ideally includes a reusable filter option.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you want to avoid single-use pods and paper filters, look for a model that specifically brews ground coffee and includes a reusable filter.
- If you value portability and convenience for on-the-go, seek out coffee makers with a compact, lightweight design and an included travel mug.
- If you enjoy both K-Cup pods and ground coffee, choose a versatile machine that offers multi-functional brewing options.
- If you need a small footprint for limited counter space, prioritize models with a space-saving, compact design.
Quick Best Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker Buying Checklist
- Brew Size: Ensure the maker can handle your preferred mug size, from a small espresso to a travel mug.
- Brew Time: Opt for a model that brews quickly, allowing for a fast start to your morning.
- Water Reservoir: Consider the capacity and whether it’s removable for easy filling and cleaning.
- Pod Type: Check if it uses standard K-Cups, offers a reusable filter, or has a proprietary system.
- Ease of Use: Look for simple controls and straightforward operation for daily convenience.
- Cleaning: Select a model with easily accessible parts for regular maintenance and optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Primary Benefit Of A Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker?
A cheap single serve coffee maker offers convenience and speed for individuals seeking a quick, personalized cup of coffee. It minimizes waste by brewing only what you need, making it an economical choice for one or two people.
Can I Make Different Types Of Coffee With A Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker?
Yes, many cheap single serve coffee makers can produce various coffee styles, including regular coffee, espresso-like shots, and even iced beverages depending on the pod or setting used. This versatility allows for diverse taste preferences.
How Do I Ensure My Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker Is Easy To Clean?
Look for models with removable drip trays, detachable water reservoirs, and easily accessible brew heads to simplify the cleaning process. Regular rinsing and occasional descaling will maintain optimal performance and taste.
What Size Coffee Can A Cheap Single Serve Coffee Maker Typically Produce?
Most cheap single serve coffee makers can produce coffee sizes ranging from 6 to 12 ounces, with some models offering larger brew options. This range is usually sufficient for a standard mug or travel cup.
Are Reusable Filters Available For Cheap Single Serve Coffee Makers?
Yes, many cheap single serve coffee makers are compatible with reusable filters, allowing you to use your own ground coffee. This option is more environmentally friendly and can be more cost-effective over time.
Final Words
Investing in the best cheap single serve coffee maker provides an efficient and satisfying way to enjoy your favorite coffee on demand. These compact machines offer convenience, speed, and a personalized brewing experience without breaking the bank. Start your day right with a delicious, perfectly brewed cup, tailored just for you.