For coffee aficionados, the morning ritual is sacred. Whether you crave a robust pot to fuel your workday or a quick, single cup to kickstart your day, the right coffee maker is essential. Juggling between needing a large batch and an individual serving can be cumbersome, often leading to countertop clutter with multiple machines. Thankfully, the innovation of hybrid coffee makers offers a seamless solution: the Coffee Pot With Single Serve functionality.
These versatile appliances are designed to handle both single-cup and full-carafe brewing, catering perfectly to diverse households or anyone who appreciates brewing variety. Having personally tested numerous coffee makers, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a top-notch dual-brew machine can simplify your coffee routine without compromising quality. To assist you in finding the ideal coffee pot with single serve for your needs, we’ve rigorously researched and tested some of the most popular hybrid models available today.
Top Picks for Coffee Pot with Single Serve
- Best Overall: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
- Best Keurig Option: Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
- Best for Splurging: Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker
- Best Budget-Friendly: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker
- Best for Coffee and Espresso Lovers: De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Best Design Aesthetic: Braun MultiServe KF9170SI Coffee Maker
- Best Thermal Carafe: OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single-Serve
- Best with Integrated Grinder: Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus
Best Overall: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker at Amazon $170
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, a versatile coffee pot with single serve option, showcasing its stainless steel carafe.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker secures our top recommendation as the best overall coffee pot with single serve due to its exceptional versatility and user-friendliness. Offering six brew sizes, from a 9.5-ounce cup to a full 50-ounce carafe, this machine provides remarkable flexibility. Customizable settings allow you to select between classic, rich, over ice, and specialty brew options, all consistently delivering a robust and satisfying coffee flavor. The clearly labeled buttons ensure an intuitive and straightforward user experience.
For enthusiasts of milk-based coffee beverages, the integrated frother arm effortlessly whips up foam from dairy or non-dairy milk, perfectly complementing the specialty brew setting. While this function produces a concentrated coffee rather than a true espresso shot, it serves as an excellent foundation for crafting cappuccinos and lattes.
We evaluated both the CM401 and CM407 models. The primary distinction lies in the CM401 featuring a stainless steel carafe instead of glass and omitting a warming plate. A significant advantage of the CM401 is that all its components are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.
Although it comes with a higher price point than a standard drip coffee maker and has a larger footprint, the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker justifies its value through its extensive drink options, consistently strong brews, and ease of operation. If you seek a coffee pot with single serve capabilities that truly does it all, this model is an excellent choice.
Capacity: 50 ounces | Dimensions: 12 x 15 x 8.8 inches | Brew Sizes: 4 ounces, 9.5 ounces, 11.5 ounces, 14 ounces, 18 ounces, 25 ounces (half carafe), 50 ounces (full carafe)
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Alt text: Sleek design of Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, a coffee pot with single serve, on a modern kitchen counter.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Alt text: Close-up of Ninja coffee pot with single serve controls, showing user-friendly interface for brew selection.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Alt text: Freshly brewed coffee being poured from Ninja coffee pot with single serve carafe, highlighting its ease of use.
Best Keurig Option: Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker at Amazon $164
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker, a top-rated coffee pot with single serve, emphasizing its sleek and compact design.
Keurig, renowned for its single-serve brewers, demonstrates its versatility with the K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker, a standout coffee pot with single serve capabilities. This dual coffee machine provides the convenience of K-Cups along with the option to brew a full carafe when needed, offering flexibility for various brewing preferences.
A top-opening door allows for inserting classic K-Cups or a reusable K-Cup for single-serve beverages ranging from 6 to 12 ounces. Adjacent to this, the brew basket accommodates coffee grounds for brewing 6- to 12-cup pots. A notable design feature is the adjustable water reservoir, positionable at the back or side to suit your kitchen layout. Its slim profile conserves counter space by integrating the single-serve and full-pot brewing functions. For single cups, simply place a mug in the carafe’s usual spot.
A downside is the requirement for hand-cleaning all parts, including the thermal carafe. While it produces a stronger brew than many other Keurig models, it may still lack the robustness of a traditional drip coffee maker. Despite not being the most budget-friendly option, for those prioritizing K-Cup convenience without losing the ability to brew a full pot, this coffee pot with single serve fulfills all essential requirements.
Capacity: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 15.9 x 7.7 x 14.2 inches | Brew Sizes: 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces, 30 ounces (6 cups), 40 ounces (8 cups), 50 ounces (10 cups), 60 ounces (12 cups)
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell
Alt text: User interacting with the Keurig K-Duo Plus, a coffee pot with single serve, highlighting the ease of button operation.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell
Alt text: Open view of Keurig coffee pot with single serve, demonstrating pod and ground coffee compatibility.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell
Alt text: Pouring water into the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee pot with single serve, showcasing the water reservoir.
Best Splurge: Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker
Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker at Amazon $300
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker, a high-end coffee pot with single serve, highlighting its premium build and design.
For unparalleled customization, the Breville Precision Brewer stands out as a top-tier coffee pot with single serve. Capable of brewing both single servings and large pots (up to 60 ounces), it features six distinct brewing modes: Gold, Fast, Strong, Iced, Cold Brew, and My Brew. The Gold setting adheres to Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards, ensuring a perfect cup effortlessly. For those who enjoy fine-tuning their coffee, the My Brew setting is exceptional, enabling adjustments to brew time, temperature, and flow rate for a truly personalized cup.
A unique feature is its pour-over capability. While the pour-over adapter kit is sold separately, it’s a rare addition in an automatic coffee maker, allowing for specialty-style brewing with minimal effort.
The initial setup and customization options might seem complex. However, once familiar with the settings, the level of control offered is well worth the learning curve.
This Breville Precision Brewer includes a 60-ounce glass carafe, with an option for a thermal brushed stainless steel carafe. In testing, the stainless steel carafe maintained coffee temperature for hours without flavor alteration. Embodying Breville’s elegant design, this coffee pot with single serve is both stylish and functional, enhancing any kitchen. While a significant investment, its customization, precise brewing, and 2-year warranty make it a worthwhile choice for serious coffee enthusiasts.
Capacity: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 12.7 x 6.7 x 15.7 inches | Brew Sizes: 8 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 30 ounces (6 cups), 40 ounces (8 cups), 50 ounces (10 cups), 60 ounces (12 cups)
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell
Alt text: Breville Precision Brewer Thermal carafe, a key feature of this coffee pot with single serve, showing its heat retention design.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell
Alt text: Front view of Breville Precision Brewer Thermal coffee pot with single serve, showcasing its control panel and sleek aesthetics.
Best Budget: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker at Amazon $70
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, an affordable coffee pot with single serve, emphasizing its 2-way brewing system.
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker lives up to its name, brewing both single servings and full pots, making it the best budget coffee pot with single serve option. One side is designed for single servings up to 14 ounces, accommodating a travel mug, while the other features a 12-cup glass carafe with its own brew basket and separate water reservoir. Both reservoirs are non-removable, which can complicate refilling if placed under cabinets.
User experience is generally straightforward, with clear labels for simple operation. It includes programmable features like brew strength adjustment, a 24-hour timer, and a pause-and-serve function.
Despite its range of features, this machine offers exceptional value for a dual brewer, making it a cost-effective choice for versatile coffee routines.
Capacity: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 11 x 12.2 x 13.9 inches | Brew Sizes: Up to 14 ounces (single serve), up to 60 ounces (carafe)
Best Coffee and Espresso: De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker
De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker at Amazon $288
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker, a versatile coffee pot with single serve and espresso functionality.
The De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker eliminates the need for separate machines by combining espresso and drip coffee brewing, making it the best coffee pot with single serve for espresso lovers. It features a 10-cup carafe for traditional coffee, an espresso setup, and a steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos, all in one sleek design.
Its steam wand heats quickly and produces rich, velvety milk froth. You can even brew coffee and pull espresso shots simultaneously. Cleaning is straightforward, although the drip tray requires frequent emptying. Overall, it’s ideal for those wanting both espresso drinks and classic drip coffee in a single appliance.
Capacity: 10 cups | Dimensions: 11 x 14.5 x 12.8 inches | Brew Sizes: Up to 47 ounces (carafe)
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik
Alt text: Close-up of espresso being brewed by De’Longhi coffee pot with single serve, showcasing its espresso feature.
Best Design: Braun MultiServe KF9170SI Coffee Maker
Braun MultiServe KF9170SI Coffee Maker at Amazon $180
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: Braun MultiServe KF9170SI Coffee Maker, a stylish coffee pot with single serve, highlighting its sleek and space-saving design.
Counter space is crucial when choosing a dual coffee maker. The Braun MultiServe KF9170SI excels in design, offering a slim, multifunctional, and space-saving coffee pot with single serve that delivers excellent coffee. It is engineered for user-friendliness and high-quality brewing.
SCA Golden Cup Standard certification ensures optimal brewing conditions. Customizable settings include iced coffee, strong, and mild. It accommodates single cups and full pots, with seven brew sizes. The single-serve function uses the same brew area as the carafe – simply switch to a mug. It uses ground coffee, not pods.
A built-in hot water dispenser with six temperature settings is a bonus, ideal for teas and instant beverages. With intuitive controls, versatile drinks, sleek design, and a 3-year warranty, the Braun MultiServe is a solid value for its price.
Capacity: 50 ounces | Dimensions: 7.1 x 13 x 15 inches | Brew Sizes: 5 ounces, 8 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 25 ounces (half carafe), 50 ounces (full carafe)
Best Thermal: OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single-Serve
OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single-Serve at Amazon $280
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single-Serve, a thermal coffee pot with single serve, showcasing its compact design.
The OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker excels in design, brewing performance, and thermal carafe efficiency, making it the best thermal coffee pot with single serve. Its carafe performed exceptionally well in tests, justifying its higher price. Coffee stayed at 140 degrees after eight hours, demonstrating impressive heat retention, preserving flavor better than glass carafes with warming plates.
It adapts to brew sizes with interchangeable brew baskets. The smaller basket is for one to four cups, and the larger for up to 12 cups. Both fit the same compartment and use paper filters, though smaller filters are less common. Quality remained excellent across batch sizes in testing.
A drawback is the non-removable water reservoir, making refilling and cleaning slightly cumbersome. However, its slim, compact design is a major advantage for a dual coffee maker.
Capacity: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 12.3 x 8 x 14.5 inches | Brew Sizes: Up to 20 ounces (single serve), up to 60 ounces (carafe)
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose
Alt text: OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker, a coffee pot with single serve, highlighting its user-friendly controls and interface.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose
Alt text: Interchangeable brew baskets of OXO coffee pot with single serve, showing versatility for different brew sizes.
Best with Grinder: Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus
Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus at Amazon $230
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PHOTO: Amazon
Alt text: Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus, a coffee pot with single serve and integrated grinder for fresh coffee.
For fresh coffee priority, the Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind and Brew Plus elevates the dual coffee maker, making it the best coffee pot with single serve and grinder. It features a single-serve side and a carafe brewing side. Single-serve brews 8 to 12 ounces, accommodating travel mugs. The grinder is for full pots only.
The carafe side includes a water reservoir and whole bean compartment, grinding beans just before brewing. No built-in bean storage is actually an advantage for bean freshness. Compatible with coffee pods and K-Cups, the carafe holds up to 60 ounces. The blade grinder is less consistent than burr grinders, potentially causing slightly bitter brews, but it keeps the machine more affordable.
Cleaning is simple with a removable blade grinder. Coffee brewed consistently hot at 188 degrees, delivering strong flavor for both single cups and pots. Full pot brew time is slightly longer at about nine minutes.
Capacity: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 10.8 x 11.7 x 15.9 inches | Brew Sizes: 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces, up to 60 ounces (full carafe)
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Alt text: Preparing Cuisinart coffee pot with single serve and grinder by placing a filter, showing ease of use.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Alt text: Enjoying a single cup of coffee from Cuisinart coffee pot with single serve, highlighting the convenience for individual servings.
Final Verdict
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is the best overall coffee pot with single serve due to its versatility and ease of use. Its frothing arm enables specialty drinks alongside pots, mugs, and iced coffee. For a splurge, the Breville Precision Brewer offers sleek design and highly customizable settings for high-quality coffee in both single and large batches.
How We Tested Coffee Pot with Single Serve
We’ve tested numerous coffee makers to find the best coffee pot with single serve options, focusing on:
- Coffee quality: Taste is paramount. We tested each machine with the same coffee, noting strength, bitterness, smoothness, and mouthfeel.
- Brewing time and temperature: We measured brew time and temperature to ensure quick, hot coffee.
- Ease of use: We assessed setup, intuitive controls, and features enhancing efficiency and comfort.
How We Test Products
What to Look for in a Coffee Pot with Single Serve
Size
Coffee pot with single serve machines are typically larger than standard models due to separate brewing sections. Some consolidate brewing into one area for a slimmer design. Consider counter space and whether a compact model is worth the investment.
Type
Most single-serve machines use pods. Dual coffee makers vary; some use pods, others ground coffee for single servings, or grounds for both. Pods offer convenience; grounds offer variety and less waste. Choose based on routine and taste.
Carafe Design
Carafe type affects coffee temperature and flavor. Thermal carafes are best for large batches, keeping coffee hot without altering taste. Glass carafes are cheaper but use warming plates, which can change flavor over time. Thermal carafes are better for consistent, great-tasting coffee over longer periods.
FAQs about Coffee Pot with Single Serve
What coffee grind size should I use?
Medium grind works for drip and single-serve coffee pot with single serve machines. Coarse grinds make weak coffee; fine grinds make bitter coffee. Most pre-ground coffee and pods are medium grind. For espresso, use fine grind. Always check manufacturer guidelines.
How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
A 12-ounce cup of coffee has 75 to 240 milligrams of caffeine, depending on brewing method, coffee-to-water ratio, roast level, and coffee maker type. Lighter roasts have slightly more caffeine. Espresso shots have less caffeine than a full cup of brewed coffee.
Is a thermal coffee pot better than glass?
Thermal carafes are generally preferred for maintaining flavor longer. Glass coffee pot with single serve carafes on warming plates can scorch coffee. Thermal carafes insulate, keeping coffee hot and flavorful longer. Glass carafes keep coffee fresh for about 1-2 hours; thermal carafes are better for longer periods.
How do you clean a dual coffee maker?
Cleaning depends on the model; always check the manual. General guidelines:
- Daily Cleaning: Wash carafe and brew basket, discard grounds/pods, empty drip tray and reservoir if needed.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Many glass carafes, brew baskets, drip trays, and reusable filters are top-rack safe (confirm manual).
- Hand-Wash Only: Thermal carafes, reservoirs, and grinders usually need hand-washing.
- Deep Cleaning (Descaling): Descale every 1-3 months with descaling solution or vinegar-water (1:1) to remove mineral buildup. Rinse after.
- Surface Cleaning: Regularly wipe exterior.
Regular maintenance keeps your coffee pot with single serve fresh and efficient.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Cheyenne Elwell is a seasoned coffee writer and product tester with extensive experience in brewing methods, coffee gear, and industry trends. She has tested and reviewed coffee products for The Spruce Eats since 2018 and runs Baked Brewed Beautiful, a coffee education and product review website. Cheyenne’s hands-on experience and passion for coffee ensure thorough, expert-backed recommendations for your perfect coffee pot with single serve.
Our Favorite Thermal Carafe Coffee Makers Keep Coffee Hot for Over 5 Hours
