As far as pod coffee experiences go, Nespresso consistently delivers top-tier quality and rich crema.
Emily Farris
What We Evaluated in Single-Serve Coffee Pod Brewers
Convenience is paramount when it comes to pod coffee machines. Therefore, our evaluation process focused on identifying brewers that are exceptionally user-friendly. We considered several key factors to determine the ease of use: How many steps are required to brew a cup? Is the interface intuitive or overly complex? For machines offering varied brew sizes and types, are these options easily navigable or overwhelming? Does the water reservoir capacity support multiple brews, or does it require frequent refills?
Coffee Flavor and Texture
While we acknowledge that even the best Single Serve Coffee Pod Brewer can’t perfectly replicate the nuanced flavor of pour-over or French press coffee, the quality within the pod machine category varies significantly. We prioritized machines capable of producing a balanced and smooth cup of coffee.
Footprint
These appliances are designed for home kitchens, and space is often a premium. We favored single serve coffee pod brewers with a compact design that doesn’t dominate counter space. Models that fit comfortably under upper cabinets were particularly appealing.
Build Quality and Durability
Although single-serve coffee makers are generally affordable, they still represent a household investment. We assessed the perceived durability of each machine, looking for robust construction and evaluating manufacturer warranties.
Cleaning and Upkeep
The core benefit of single-serve brewers is their convenience, which extends to cleaning. We considered the daily maintenance requirements: Does the machine necessitate daily cleaning? If so, how easy is it? Is there a built-in pod receptacle, or must pods be manually removed after each use? How often does descaling need to be performed? Are the cleaning and descaling instructions clear and straightforward? Does the machine use a disposable water filter requiring regular replacement, or a reusable filter needing specific care?
Aesthetic Appeal
Since these machines often reside permanently on countertops, visual appeal is important. We considered the design and finish of each single serve coffee pod brewer.
Other Single-Serve Coffee Makers We Put to the Test
This review concentrates on automatic single cup brewers, as we believe these best meet the needs of most consumers seeking single-serve convenience. We excluded brewers like the Aeropress and Clever dripper. While these produce excellent coffee, their brewing methods involve significantly more effort compared to pod machines. We also appreciate the Spinn Coffee Maker, however, its functionality aligns more closely with super-automatic espresso machines than with typical Nespresso or Keurig machines, making it outside the scope of this test.
Bruvi
Noah Kaufman, Epi’s reviews editor, highly recommends the Bruvi single-serve coffee brewer. It is both visually attractive and functionally rich. Its touchscreen interface allows users to select from eight cup sizes and offers one-touch brewing options for low acid, americano, iced coffee, and cold brew. While any single-serve brewer can make coffee or espresso shots over ice, Bruvi’s cold brew setting uses cooler water and takes a bit longer than hot drinks. Similar to the Nespresso VertuoLine, Bruvi’s intelligent system reads data from its proprietary pods, adjusting brewing parameters accordingly. Users can accept the default cup size, choose another, or manually adjust strength, temperature, or acidity via the touchscreen. Light and medium roast coffees brewed in eight-ounce servings without customizations were well-balanced and flavorful, especially for pod coffee. However, a slight sediment was sometimes present, and espresso quality was less impressive. Environmentally, Bruvi stands out with its promise that its unique treated polypropylene pods are designed to largely decompose in landfills, simplifying disposal compared to recycling or composting concerns. Bruvi also offers a refillable pod for users who prefer their own specialty coffee. For those seeking pod convenience with the versatility of a high-end drip coffee maker, the Bruvi is an excellent choice. However, its robust features and price point might be excessive for users primarily seeking a quick and simple morning coffee.
Nespresso Essenza Mini
The Essenza Mini is a compact single-serve espresso machine from Nespresso’s Original line. Unlike the VertuoLine’s centrifugal extraction, Original line machines utilize pressure-driven extraction with smaller, conical pods. This mini brewer uses 19 bars of pressure to extract either a 1.35-ounce espresso shot or a 3.7-ounce Lungo from Original pods. It’s worth noting that while 19 bars of pressure is significantly higher than the standard 9 bars for professional espresso machines, experts at Home Grounds suggest that this number should be interpreted cautiously, as pressure can diminish within the brewing mechanisms of plug-and-go machines. Although the Essenza Mini doesn’t technically brew regular coffee, it’s a compelling option if you prioritize a compact, high-quality machine and prefer lattes, cappuccinos, or americanos over drip coffee. Its removable drip tray and water tank enhance portability and storage convenience.
L’or Barista Coffee & Espresso System
While L’or machines have been popular in France since the 1990s, the L’or Barista Coffee & Espresso System is gaining traction in the US market. Similar to Nespresso Vertuo, it brews both coffee and espresso-style drinks, but with a slightly different approach. The L’or system is compatible with both L’or’s proprietary capsules and Nespresso Original espresso pods (L’or espresso pods can be used in Nespresso Original machines and vice versa). Operation is straightforward: users select from three brew sizes for either coffee or espresso, extracted under 19 bars of pressure through dual dispensing spouts, producing a crema comparable to Nespresso. In comparative tests using the same pods and brew size (3.7 ounces) in both the L’or and Nespresso Essenza Mini, the Nespresso machine consistently produced a subtly more balanced espresso with a smoother finish, although the differences were minimal. Overall, the L’or Barista is a strong competitor to Nespresso in the single serve coffee pod brewer category. However, the system could be improved by adding cup size recommendations on the pods themselves to guide users to optimal brewing.
Instant Dual Pod Plus
The Instant Dual Pod Plus was a standout surprise among the tested single serve coffee makers. From the makers of the versatile Instant Pot, this machine excels at brewing both coffee and espresso-style shots using K-Cups, Nespresso Original pods, and Instant’s own compostable pods (note: industrial composting is required). It also includes a refillable pod for ground coffee and a hot water button for tea. The Dual Pod Plus performed well across all functions, even producing impressive crema on espresso shots. Its regular coffee quality surpassed that of Keurig machines. For those who prefer hotter coffee, the Dual Pod Plus brews slightly hotter than Nespresso and most other tested machines, without compromising flavor. While it may not replace a Vertuo Plus for dedicated Nespresso users (due to its larger size and preference for Nespresso capsules), it is an excellent option for hotels, vacation rentals, or homes with both Nespresso and K-Cup users, as well as small offices and break rooms due to its versatility.
Nespresso Vertuo Next
The Vertuo Next is another Nespresso VertuoLine machine, offering comparable brewing quality to the Vertuo Plus but with distinct features. Its advantages include a smaller footprint yet the ability to brew larger coffee sizes. While the Vertuo Plus offers four sizes with an 8-ounce maximum, the Vertuo Next provides five sizes and is compatible with pods brewing up to 18 ounces (a compatible carafe is also available). This makes it a good choice for Nespresso enthusiasts who occasionally want to brew more than a single cup. However, being more compact, the Vertuo Next has a slightly smaller water reservoir than the Plus. Additionally, the Vertuo Next’s top doesn’t open automatically; it requires manual locking and unlocking with a lever, which can feel somewhat stiff initially. It also incorporates Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity for maintenance alerts, firmware updates, and capsule tracking for reordering, although these features might be considered gimmicky by some. Overall, the Vertuo Next offers a slightly less refined user experience than the Vertuo Plus. Unless the 18-ounce brewing capacity or app connectivity are essential, the Vertuo Plus may be a more appealing model.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is a space-saving and colorful successor to the top-rated Vertuo Plus, offering similar coffee quality at a slightly lower price. It shares the Vertuo Plus’s smart technology, reading each pod to determine the ideal water volume, with an option to add more water for a weaker brew. However, unlike some other tested machines, including certain Nespresso models, the Vertuo Pop+ cannot accommodate a standard pint glass for iced coffee, even without the cup shelf. This was problematic with the 7.7-ounce Iced Leggero pods, which overflowed smaller ice-filled cups. Also, its water reservoir is fixed at the left rear and cannot be repositioned. The reservoir is smaller than the Vertuo Plus, with standard models offering 25.4 ounces and deluxe models 32 ounces. Nevertheless, Nespresso’s precise brewing amounts mean refills are infrequent. While the Vertuo Pop+ is appealing for its aesthetics and value, the Vertuo Plus offers more convenient features overall. The Vertuo Pop+ is a strong contender if its nine color options are particularly appealing.
Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Brewer
The Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Brewer is a popular one-cup coffee maker compatible with K-Cups and includes a reusable mesh pod for ground coffee. Marketed as fully programmable, its control panel offers five cup sizes and two brew temperatures (auto-on/off features are less critical for single-cup brewers). Its 72-ounce removable water tank reduces refill frequency but requires a charcoal filter insert replacement every 60 days or uses. While not matching Nespresso quality, it represents an upgrade from Keurig machines. In comparative tests using the same K-Cups, Cuisinart consistently produced coffee with greater flavor depth and clarity. The reusable pod presented initial registration issues, resolved by slightly rotating the adapter clockwise from the indicated alignment.
Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Building upon the Single Serve Brewer, the Grind & Brew adds the option of using fresh coffee beans, a feature we always appreciate. It accommodates both K-Cups and a built-in conical burr grinder. The grinder dispenses beans into Cuisinart’s HomeBarista cups, acting as reusable pods. It offers three preset brew volumes (8, 10, and 12 ounces) but uses 10 grams of coffee grounds regardless of size when using fresh beans. Freshly ground coffee offered superior taste and complexity compared to K-Cups, though still below Nespresso capsule quality. The 8-ounce brew setting yielded the best results for both pods and fresh grounds; larger pours with pods became diluted. The mesh filter resulted in slight silt in the cup. A limitation is the grinder’s lack of grind settings, preventing adjustments for different beans. The grinder also retains loose grounds, causing minor messes on the drip tray when moved. While the 48-ounce water reservoir is ample, the need to empty, rinse, and refill the HomeBarista cup for each brew, especially in multi-coffee-drinker households, becomes cumbersome.
Ninja DualBrew Pro
The Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System is a versatile brewer featuring a 12-cup drip coffee maker, detachable milk frother, and K-Cup adapter. While feature-rich with brew size and strength options, its size and complexity may deter those seeking pod machine simplicity. Primarily a drip coffee maker, its frother and K-cup functions are add-ons requiring reconfiguration between carafe and single-serve modes. However, for users primarily brewing pots of coffee but occasionally desiring pod convenience, and who have ample counter space, it’s a viable option. It brews K-cups better than Keurig machines. While the tested model included starter paper filters for carafe brewing, a reusable mesh filter is available to reduce waste. Ninja brand refillable pods are not available, but compatible aftermarket options exist.
Keurig K-Mini
The Keurig K-Mini was previously Amazon’s top-selling single-serve brewer due to its compact size, color variety, affordable price (around $100), and the widespread popularity of K-Cups. For those unfamiliar with coffee quality or seeking a basic machine for guests, it might seem appealing. However, after testing various pods, the K-Mini and other Keurig models tested produced consistently poor coffee. Flavor depth was absent, and the coffee was simultaneously watery and bitter. Furthermore, the K-Mini’s internal reservoir only holds water for a single cup, requiring refills for each brew.
Keurig K-Supreme Smart
The K-Supreme Smart Single Serve Coffee Maker appears to be Keurig’s attempt to compete with Nespresso Vertuo, but falls significantly short. Beyond its subpar coffee quality, its technology underperforms marketing claims, and the machine struggles with its own features. While it offers brew strength and temperature settings and can save 10 presets, the overall system is disappointing. A key selling point is supposed K-Cup pod recognition and customized brewing, though brew size (6-12 ounces) and temperature are still user-selected. App connectivity enables remote brewing (arguably pointless for single-serve) and K-Cup inventory management (potentially useful), but the machine froze during back-to-back brewing attempts, requiring unplugging to clear a “please wait” message. It features a 66-ounce water reservoir but lacks a pod receptacle, requiring manual K-Cup removal after each brew.
Keurig K-Iced Essentials
Having disliked Keurig hot coffee, we tested the K-Iced Essentials for cold brew performance. Unfortunately, cooling couldn’t salvage the K-Cup flavor. Even the concentrated 6-ounce brew was weaker and less aromatic than drip coffee using the same beans, with a metallic aftertaste. The “iced” setting only reduced the coffee temperature by 9°F (from 165°F to 154°F), resulting in a diluted drink due to ice melt. While brewing is fast (72 seconds), this speed compromises flavor extraction, benefiting from slower brewing. A positive aspect is the spout height, accommodating pint glasses for iced coffee. However, compared to Nespresso, coffee quality remains lackluster.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker (DISCONTINUED)
Keurig coffee quality was disappointing, and the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew fell below that standard. While versatile, offering three cup sizes, two brew strengths, a reusable pod, a 40-ounce removable water tank, and a hot water button, its performance was flawed. It was noisy and brewed excessively hot, scalding the coffee. Even fresh, locally roasted beans couldn’t improve its output. It is not recommended as an affordable Keurig alternative for users wanting reusable pod flexibility.
Amazon Basics Compact Dual Brew Single Serve Capsule Coffee Maker
The Epi product testing team has been positively surprised by some Amazon Basics products, like their kitchen scale. However, the Amazon Basics single-serve coffee maker was not a pleasant surprise. Brewing the same K-Cup pod in both this machine and a Keurig revealed that the Amazon Basics brewer produced inferior coffee in every aspect (taste, texture, temperature). The coffee quality was likened to “styrofoam and desperation.” Fresh, high-quality coffee in the reusable pod fared little better, making this a product to avoid.
Additional testing and reporting by Adam Campbell-Schmitt
Why Trust Epicurious?
We are home cooks, just like our readers, bringing a home cook’s perspective to rigorous product testing. Unlike typical users, we dedicate extensive time to kitchen tool research and testing as our profession. Our recommendations are based on thorough testing in controlled environments and real-world use in our own kitchens for everyday meals and special occasions. When we recommend a product, it’s with the confidence that we have used it extensively and in the same ways our readers will. Learn more about our testing process and philosophy here.
