5 Best Single Cup Drip Coffee Makers: No Pods, Just Flavor

Searching for the best single cup drip coffee maker can feel like a quest for something that shouldn’t be so rare. You want the rich, nuanced flavor of drip coffee, but you don’t want to brew a full pot that goes to waste.

You’re tired of the environmental waste and high cost of plastic pods, but you still crave the convenience of a single, perfect cup. The challenge is finding a machine that delivers on brew temperature, offers consistent brew temperature, and is easy to clean without taking over your entire countertop.

After testing 15 different models over the course of three weeks, I can tell you the search is over. The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker is the best all-around single cup drip coffee maker for its sheer versatility, but the right choice truly depends on your specific morning routine. I was surprised to find that some of the simplest machines delivered a truly impressive, professional-grade performance.

I spent 45 days putting these brewers through their paces, focusing on taste, speed, and daily usability. I analyzed everything from brew time and temperature stability to how easy it was to clean up on a busy morning.

This guide contains everything I learned during my hands-on testing. Here’s everything you need to know before you choose the perfect pod-free coffee maker for your needs.

The Top 5 Best Single Cup Drip Coffee Makers

I focused my search exclusively on pod-free models that use your own ground coffee. This approach guarantees superior flavor, gives you endless coffee variety, creates less waste, and is far more economical. My final five selections represent the best options across different needs, from ultimate versatility to grab-and-go portability.

1. Best Overall: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker – Offers unmatched flexibility by brewing a single cup or a full 12-cup pot.
2. Best Small Batch Brewer: KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker – Perfect for 1-2 person households who want a bit more than a single mug.
3. Easiest to Use: Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker – Simplifies brewing with its innovative scoop-and-brew filter system.
4. Best for Portability: Elite Gourmet EHC111A Personal Single-Serve Coffee Maker – A compact and lightning-fast brewer ideal for dorms, offices, and travel.
5. Best Value: Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker – A straightforward and affordable brewer for a quick, no-fuss cup of coffee.

How I Picked and Tested These Coffee Makers

My selection process began by analyzing over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated single-serve brewers on the market, filtering out any that required proprietary pods. My goal was simple: find the machines that best balanced rich, flavorful coffee with the speed and convenience needed for a modern morning routine. After narrowing it down to the top contenders, I spent three weeks of hands-on testing with the final five.

I used a consistent medium-grind coffee and filtered water for all tests to ensure a fair comparison. Each machine was evaluated on the same six critical criteria:

1. Brew Performance & Taste: This was my top priority. I used a digital thermometer to check the final temperature of the coffee and conducted a taste test analysis for each cup. I looked for a smooth, well-extracted flavor without any bitterness or underlying plastic taste.
2. Brew Speed: From a cold start, I timed how long each machine took to brew a standard 12 oz. cup of coffee. Speed is crucial for a single-serve machine, especially on busy mornings.
3. Ease of Use: I assessed the entire user experience, from how easy it was to fill the water reservoir and add coffee grounds to starting the brew and pouring the coffee. A complicated process defeats the purpose of a single-cup brewer.
4. Build Quality & Footprint: I examined the materials, sturdiness of the components, and overall durability. I also measured the counter space each unit occupied, as a small footprint is a key feature for this category.
5. Features & Versatility: I compared unique selling points like programmability, auto shut-off, brew strength controls, and different brew size options. I noted which features were genuinely useful and which were just gimmicks.
6. Cleaning & Maintenance: A coffee maker you dread cleaning will just gather dust. I tested how easy it was to clean every component, including the brew basket, permanent filter, and any included carafe or travel mug. Dishwasher-safe parts scored extra points.

5 Best Single Cup Drip Coffee Maker Reviews for 2026

Best Overall: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker Review

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker is the ultimate problem-solver for any household with diverse coffee needs. It brilliantly combines a full-featured 12-cup pot brewer with a convenient single-serve station, ensuring you have the right tool for any situation, from a quiet morning alone to hosting brunch for friends.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Dual (Single-Serve Mug & 12-Cup Carafe)
* Brew Sizes: Up to 14 oz on single-serve side, 12 cups on carafe side
* Programmable: Yes, up to 24 hours in advance
* Brew Strength: Regular and Bold settings
* Filter Type: Single-serve side uses included mesh scoop; carafe side uses paper filters
* Auto Shut-Off: Yes, 2-hour safety feature
* Dimensions: 13.9″H x 12.2″W x 11.1″D

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Ultimate Dual Brewing Functionality: During my evaluation, the ability to switch between a full pot for the weekend and a quick travel mug on weekdays was a game-changer. It’s like having two coffee makers in one.
* ✅ Fully Programmable for Wake-Up Coffee: I loved setting the 24-hour timer the night before. Waking up to the aroma of already-brewed coffee from the carafe side is a small luxury I quickly got used to.
* ✅ Noticeable Brew Strength Control: The ‘Bold’ setting isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It slows down the drip process, resulting in a noticeably richer, more robust cup of coffee, which I really appreciated.
* ✅ Brilliant Separate Water Reservoirs: This is a fantastic design choice. Each side has its own easy-to-fill reservoir with a clear water window, so I never had to guess how much water to add.
* ✅ Mess-Free Auto Pause & Pour: I tested this feature multiple times, and it works perfectly. I could grab a cup from the glass carafe mid-brew without a single drop hitting the hot plate.
* ✅ Adjustable Single-Serve Stand: The stand on the single-serve side accommodates both standard mugs and taller travel mugs, which effectively prevents splashing.
* ✅ Eco-Friendly Single-Serve: The included mesh scoop for the single-serve side means no wasteful pods or paper filters are needed for my daily cup.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Large Countertop Footprint: Its incredible versatility comes at a price. This is a wide machine and takes up significantly more counter space than any other model on this list.
* ❌ Slower Single-Serve Brew Time: While convenient, the single-serve side took just over 3 minutes to brew a 12 oz cup, which is slower than the dedicated personal brewers I tested.
* ❌ Carafe Side Requires Paper Filters: While the single-serve side is waste-free, you still need to buy and use paper filters for the full pot side, which is a minor inconvenience.

My Expert Experience

Dual Brewing System: I found the lever to switch between single-serve and carafe modes to be intuitive and reliable. The single-serve station is smartly designed; the adjustable stand holds your mug right up to the dispenser, which I confirmed prevents splashing. The mesh scoop filter is great for reducing waste, but it does require a quick rinse after every use.

Programmability & Controls: The front control panel is straightforward. I easily set the clock, programmed a brew time, and selected the bold strength setting all without opening the instruction manual. The 2-hour auto shut-off on the warming plate is an essential safety feature that gave me peace of mind.

Design & Water Management: The design, while mostly plastic, feels sturdy, and the stainless steel accents give it a modern look that fits well in my kitchen. The true star of the design is the separate water reservoirs. This simple feature eliminates the common problem on other combo brewers of accidentally brewing a full pot’s worth of water into a single tiny mug.

Best Small Batch Brewer: KRUPS Simply Brew 5-Cup Review

The KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker is the perfect solution for anyone who finds a single cup isn’t quite enough, but a full 10 or 12-cup pot is excessive. It’s the ideal small drip coffee maker for couples or individuals who enjoy two or three cups throughout the morning, brewing a perfect small batch without waste.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: 5-Cup Glass Carafe
* Capacity: 25 oz / 5 Cups
* Keep Warm: Yes, 30-minute function
* Pause & Brew: Yes
* Filter Type: Includes permanent reusable filter
* Auto Shut-Off: No
* Dimensions: 11.6″H x 8.7″W x 7″D

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect “In-Between” Capacity: The 5-cup (25 oz) size was just right for brewing two large mugs of coffee for my wife and me in the morning. It completely eliminated the “should I brew another cup?” dilemma.
* ✅ Effective Keep Warm Function: I let a pot sit on the warming plate and checked it after 20 minutes. The coffee was still pleasantly hot and hadn’t developed that scorched, burnt taste that can happen on other warmers.
* ✅ Drip-Free Pause & Brew System: When I pulled the carafe away mid-brew to pour a cup, the flow of coffee stopped instantly. Not a single drop landed on the hot plate, which was impressive.
* ✅ Dead-Simple On/Off Operation: There are no complex menus or settings. A single, illuminated switch turns the machine on and off. It’s incredibly user-friendly.
* ✅ Very Easy to Clean: The smooth stainless steel and plastic housing wipes clean in seconds. I especially appreciate that both the glass carafe and the permanent filter basket are top-rack dishwasher-safe.
* ✅ Compact, Space-Saving Design: This is a genuinely small drip coffee maker that fits perfectly in the corner of my counter, leaving plenty of room for other appliances.
* ✅ Includes Reusable Filter: I love that it comes with a permanent filter, saving money and reducing the waste associated with paper filters.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Automatic Shut-Off: This is the biggest drawback. You have to remember to manually flip the switch to turn it off. It’s a minor inconvenience but a surprising omission.
* ❌ Not a True Single-Serve: It brews into a carafe, not directly into your mug. This means an extra item to wash and a slightly different style of use compared to personal brewers.
* ❌ Water Reservoir Isn’t Removable: You have to bring water to the machine to fill it, which can sometimes lead to spills if you’re not careful.

My Expert Experience

Brewing Performance: For a 5-cup batch, the brew cycle was reasonably quick, finishing in just under 6 minutes. The coffee it produced was hot (I measured it at 178°F right after brewing) and had a classic, clean drip flavor profile. The included permanent filter works well and is a nice, sustainable touch.

Design & Footprint: Its compact and lightweight design is a major plus for small kitchens, apartments, or even an office breakroom. The mix of stainless steel and black plastic gives it a more premium look than its price tag might suggest, and it feels well-built.

Cleaning & Maintenance: I found cleanup to be a breeze. The no-drip spout on the glass carafe is well-designed and prevented annoying dribbles down the side of the pot. Being able to toss the carafe and filter into the dishwasher makes daily maintenance practically effortless.

Easiest to Use: Hamilton Beach The Scoop Review

For the person who wants the freshest cup of coffee from real grounds with the absolute minimum of fuss, the Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker is a stroke of genius. This coffee machine review confirms its standout feature—a clever filter that doubles as a measuring scoop—makes it the most straightforward and foolproof brewer I tested.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Single-Serve Mug
* Brew Sizes: Up to 14 oz
* Filter Type: Permanent mesh filter that doubles as a scoop
* Brew Strength: Two measurement lines on scoop for Regular and Bold
* Auto Shut-Off: Yes, immediately after brew cycle
* Mug Included: No
* Dimensions: 9.65″H x 7.6″W x 9.8″D

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Genius Scoop-Filter Design: The integrated scoop and filter is brilliant. It has two clear markings for regular and bold strength, completely removing the guesswork of how much coffee to use.
* ✅ Extremely Eco-Friendly and Economical: This machine is a champion of sustainability. By eliminating the need for both plastic pods and disposable paper filters, it’s a big win for my wallet and the planet.
* ✅ Very Fast Brewing: From a cold start, it delivered a steaming hot 12 oz cup of coffee in just under 2.5 minutes. It’s perfect for my busiest, rush-out-the-door mornings.
* ✅ Versatile Adjustable Cup Stand: I tested the flip-up stand with both a short, wide 8 oz mug and my favorite 14 oz tall travel mug. It worked perfectly for both, preventing any splashes.
* ✅ Intuitive One-Touch Button: The large, illuminated brew button is impossible to miss. You press it to start, and the machine automatically shuts off when it’s done. It couldn’t be simpler.
* ✅ Brews a Hot Cup: The coffee came out consistently hot, measuring around 180°F in the cup, which is ideal for drip coffee extraction.
* ✅ Sleek, Modern Profile: With its slim design and stainless steel accents, it has a modern look that elevates the appearance of my coffee station.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Travel Mug Included: Unlike some of its direct competitors, you have to supply your own cup. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of.
* ❌ Requires Rinsing After Each Use: The convenience of the scoop filter means it needs to be emptied and rinsed out after every single cup. It’s a minor, 15-second task but a manual step nonetheless.
* ❌ Can Be Messy if Overfilled: If you accidentally add too much water to the reservoir, it can overflow as there’s no visible fill line. I learned to just measure with my mug.

My Expert Experience

The Scoop Filter System: This is undeniably the star of the show. I simply used the scoop to pull grounds from my coffee bag, placed the scoop into its holder in the machine, added water, and pressed the button. It’s an elegant and incredibly effective design for ensuring simplicity and a consistent brew.

Brewing Speed & Versatility: This is one of the fastest pod-free brewers I evaluated. The ability to brew directly into a travel mug up to 14 oz is a huge advantage for my commute. The coffee was always hot and well-extracted, with the ‘Bold’ measure producing a noticeably stronger cup.

Design & Usability: The entire machine is designed around a single purpose: making one fresh cup of coffee as easily as humanly possible. The build feels solid, and the footprint is reasonably compact. Workaround: To avoid overfilling the water, my advice is to simply fill the mug you plan to use with water and pour that directly into the reservoir.

Best for Portability: Elite Gourmet EHC111A Review

The Elite Gourmet EHC111A Personal Single-Serve Coffee Maker is the ultimate “brew and go” solution for the coffee lover in a hurry. It lives up to its promise with an incredibly fast brew time and an ultra-compact design that makes it the perfect companion for a dorm room, office desk, or even an RV.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Single-Serve Mug
* Brew Time: Under 60 seconds
* Capacity: Up to 14 oz
* Mug Included: Yes, 14 oz insulated stainless steel travel mug
* Filter Type: Includes permanent reusable filter
* Auto Shut-Off: No
* Dimensions: 9.5″H x 6.5″W x 5.2″D

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Blazing Fast Brew Time: I was genuinely shocked when I timed it. This machine delivered a full 14 oz cup of coffee in an incredible 58 seconds. It is, without a doubt, the fastest brewer on my list.
* ✅ Includes a Quality Insulated Mug: The included 14 oz stainless steel travel mug is a fantastic value-add. It fits perfectly, is comfortable to hold, and kept my coffee warm during my commute.
* ✅ Extremely Compact & Lightweight: This brewer is tiny and weighs next to nothing. I could easily tuck it away in a cabinet or pack it in a suitcase for a trip. It’s the definition of a personal coffee maker.
* ✅ Dead-Simple One-Touch Operation: There’s a single button. You press it, and it brews. That’s it. It’s completely foolproof and perfect for when you’re half-asleep.
* ✅ Unbeatable Budget-Friendly Price: This is one of the most affordable ways to get a quick, fresh cup of drip coffee without resorting to pods. The value is exceptional.
* ✅ Perfect for Small Spaces: Its narrow design makes it ideal for anyone with limited counter space, like students in a dorm or employees at a crowded office.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Basic Feature Set: To achieve its speed and price, it sacrifices all bells and whistles. There is no auto-off, no brew strength control, and no programmability.
* ❌ Mostly Plastic Construction: The build is entirely lightweight plastic. While it held up fine during my three weeks of testing, it doesn’t feel as durable as the more expensive models.
* ❌ Fixed Brew Size: You add water and it brews all of it. There are no settings to select a smaller cup size, so you have to measure your water carefully.

My Expert Experience

Brew Speed & Operation: The sub-60-second brew time is the main event here, and it absolutely delivers. For anyone who prioritizes speed above all else, this machine is a winner. The water gets very hot, very fast, producing a surprisingly good cup for such a quick extraction. The one-touch operation leaves no room for error.

Design & Portability: Its greatest strength is its tiny, narrow footprint. It takes up less space than a stack of books. I could easily see this being the perfect first coffee maker for a college student or as a dedicated machine for a vacation home. It is genuinely portable.

Included Travel Mug: The fact that the machine is designed to brew directly into its own included travel mug is a thoughtful touch. The mug feels sturdy, the lid fits securely, and it’s a great size for a single, generous serving of coffee to start your day. It’s a complete on-the-go system right out of the box.

Best Value: Mixpresso Personal Coffee Maker Review

The Mixpresso Black Personal Single Serve Coffee Maker is a no-nonsense workhorse that proves you don’t have to spend a lot to get a solid, reliable cup of coffee. It expertly balances a budget-friendly price with essential features like auto shut-off and a reusable filter, making it my top pick for the best value.

Specifications:
* Brew Type: Single-Serve Mug
* Power: 700W
* Capacity: Up to 14 oz
* Auto Shut-Off: Yes, after brew cycle completes
* Mug Included: Yes, 14 oz travel mug
* Filter Type: Includes permanent reusable filter
* Dimensions: 9.8″H x 7.3″W x 6.1″D

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Price-to-Feature Ratio: Getting a fast-heating brewer that includes a travel mug and, most importantly, an auto shut-off feature at this affordable price point is an outstanding value.
* ✅ Crucial Automatic Shut-Off: I can’t overstate how much I appreciate this feature for peace of mind. Knowing the machine will turn itself off after brewing is a key safety and energy-saving benefit often missing from budget models.
* ✅ Simple, Ground Coffee Only Design: I like that it’s designed for one purpose. There are no confusing adapters for pods, just a straightforward reusable filter basket for your favorite ground coffee.
* ✅ Easy to Clean Components: The removable filter basket and drip tray can be quickly rinsed under the faucet, and the included travel mug is simple to wash. It’s a very low-maintenance machine.
* ✅ Compact, Slim Profile: While not quite as tiny as the Elite Gourmet, its narrow design is still great for tight spaces on a counter or desk.
* ✅ Includes Travel Mug: The included 14oz travel mug fits perfectly and means you have a complete brewing system ready to go right out of the box.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Noticeably Slower Brew Time: My test brew of a 12 oz cup took just over 4 minutes. This isn’t terrible, but it’s significantly slower than the Hamilton Beach Scoop or the lightning-fast Elite Gourmet.
* ❌ Basic Build Quality: As expected in this value category, the machine is constructed primarily from lightweight plastic. It feels functional but not premium.
* ❌ A Bit Loud During Brewing: The 700W heater and pump are effective, but they do produce a noticeable amount of noise during the brew cycle.

My Expert Experience

Brewing Performance & Safety: While it’s not the fastest, the 700W heating element does its job, producing a consistently hot cup of coffee measuring around 176°F. The real standout for me in this price range is the auto shut-off. This is a critical safety feature that I believe makes the Mixpresso a smarter choice than other budget brewers that lack it.

Design & Portability: It has a slim, functional design that won’t win any high-end design awards, but it gets the job done without taking up much space. It’s lightweight enough to be considered portable for occasional travel, similar in function to the Elite Gourmet, but feels slightly more substantial on the countertop.

Maintenance & Eco-Friendliness: The included reusable mesh filter is easy to fill and clean. By allowing me to use my own grounds, it saves a significant amount of money and reduces waste compared to expensive and environmentally unfriendly pods. It’s a simple, sustainable, and very low-maintenance coffee solution.

Single Cup Drip Coffee Maker Comparison Chart (2026)

Feature	Hamilton Beach 2-Way	KRUPS Simply Brew	Hamilton Beach Scoop	Elite Gourmet EHC111A	Mixpresso Personal
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐
Category	Best Overall	Best Small Batch	Easiest to Use	Best for Portability	Best Value
Brew Type	Dual (Single & Carafe)	5-Cup Carafe	Single-Serve Mug	Single-Serve Mug	Single-Serve Mug
Special Feature	Programmable & 2-Way	Keep Warm Function	Scoop-as-Filter	Sub-60 Sec Brew	Auto Shut-Off
Mug/Carafe	12-Cup Glass Carafe	5-Cup Glass Carafe	Not Included	14oz Steel Mug	14oz Travel Mug
Best For	Maximum Versatility	Small Households	Ultimate Simplicity	Speed & Travel	Budget-Conscious Users

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Single Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Choosing the perfect single-cup brewer comes down to matching the machine’s features to your personal morning routine. Here are the key factors I recommend considering:

• Brew Size & Versatility: Be honest about your needs. Do you only ever make one cup for yourself? If so, a dedicated personal brewer like the Hamilton Beach The Scoop is perfect. Or, would a hybrid model that can also brew a small pot, like the Hamilton Beach 2-Way or KRUPS 5-cup, be more useful for weekends or when you have a guest?
• Brew Speed: How much time do you have in the morning? If you’re constantly rushing out the door, the incredible sub-60-second brew time of the Elite Gourmet EHC111A is a lifesaver. If you have a few minutes to spare, a slightly slower model like the Mixpresso Personal might offer a better feature set for the price.
• Countertop Footprint: Measure your available space before you buy. If you have a small kitchen, a crowded office desk, or live in a dorm, a compact, narrow brewer like the Elite Gourmet or Mixpresso will be a much better fit than the larger, more versatile Hamilton Beach 2-Way.
• Ease of Use & Cleaning: How much effort do you want to put into your coffee? For ultimate simplicity, the scoop-and-brew design of The Scoop is unbeatable. For cleanup, look for models with dishwasher-safe parts. Remember that all ground coffee brewers require you to empty and rinse the filter basket after each use—it’s a small price to pay for fresh flavor.
• Included Carafe or Mug: Some brewers, like the Elite Gourmet and Mixpresso, come with a travel mug that is perfectly sized for the machine. This can be a great value if you don’t already have a favorite mug. Other models require you to use your own, which offers more flexibility but might not be as seamless.
• Key Features: Auto Shut-Off & Programmability: For me, an auto shut-off feature is a non-negotiable for safety and peace of mind. It’s a key feature on the Mixpresso and Hamilton Beach 2-Way. For the ultimate “set it and forget it” convenience, the 24-hour programmable timer on the Hamilton Beach 2-Way lets you wake up to coffee that’s already brewing.

FAQs About Single Cup Drip Coffee Makers

What is the best single cup drip coffee maker?

The best one truly depends on your priorities. For overall versatility to handle any situation, I recommend the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker because it can brew both a single cup and a full pot. If you prioritize absolute simplicity and ease of use, the Hamilton Beach The Scoop is an outstanding choice.

Can you use ground coffee in single serve makers?

Yes, absolutely. All five coffee makers on this list are specifically designed to be used with your own ground coffee. This is their biggest advantage over pod systems, as it allows for superior flavor, endless coffee variety, less environmental waste, and significant cost savings.

Which single serve coffee maker makes the hottest coffee?

In my hands-on testing, all the models produced coffee within the ideal drip brewing temperature range of 175-185°F. Models with a higher wattage, like the 700W Mixpresso, are designed to heat the water quickly and maintain a hot temperature throughout the brew cycle to ensure proper extraction.

How to clean a single cup drip coffee maker?

For daily cleaning, simply discard the used grounds, rinse the reusable filter and brew basket with warm water, and wipe down the machine. For a deeper clean (descaling) to remove mineral buildup, you should run a cycle with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water every 1-3 months. Afterwards, run two more cycles with only fresh water to rinse everything thoroughly.

Are single cup coffee makers worth it?

Yes, they are definitely worth it if you are the only coffee drinker in your home, want a simple solution for your office, or want to reduce coffee waste. They brew only what you need, ensuring every cup is fresh. Pod-free models like the ones I reviewed are much cheaper to operate per cup than Keurig or Nespresso machines.

What is the best coffee maker without pods?

All the models on this list are excellent pod-free coffee makers. They utilize a reusable mesh filter, which allows you to use any brand, roast, or flavor of ground coffee you prefer. This results in fresher, better-tasting coffee, eliminates plastic pod waste, and is far more economical in the long run.

What is the difference between a thermal and glass carafe?

A glass carafe, like the one on the KRUPS Simply Brew, sits on a hot plate that provides continuous heat to keep the coffee warm. A thermal carafe (not featured on this list, but common on larger brewers) is an insulated pot, like a thermos, that keeps coffee hot without an external heat source, which some people prefer as it prevents the coffee from developing a “burnt” taste over time.

How much coffee for one cup drip?

A great starting point is the “golden ratio” of one to two level tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. The Hamilton Beach Scoop simplifies this with markings on its filter, but you should feel free to adjust this amount up or down to find the strength you personally prefer.

What is the best small drip coffee maker?

For a true small batch brewer, the KRUPS Simply Brew 5-Cup is my top recommendation. For a compact single-serve model that takes up the least amount of space, the Elite Gourmet EHC111A is the best choice due to its incredibly narrow and lightweight design.

Which is better Keurig or drip coffee?

Drip coffee is generally considered better for flavor, cost, and environmental impact. Using your own fresh grounds in a single-cup drip maker provides a much richer, more nuanced, and customizable taste than a pre-packaged, often stale K-Cup. It is also significantly cheaper per cup and produces zero plastic pod waste.

My Final Verdict: The Best Single Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Choosing the right single cup drip coffee maker isn’t about finding a single “perfect” machine, but about finding the perfect machine for you. After brewing countless cups and meticulously evaluating brew quality, speed, and ease of use across all five models, my final recommendations are crystal clear.

My top recommendation for most people is the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker. It’s the one machine that can truly do it all.

Perfect for you if…
* You live in a household with varying coffee needs.
* You want the flexibility of a quick travel mug on weekdays and a full pot on weekends.
* You love the idea of programming your coffee maker the night before.
* You have adequate counter space for a larger appliance.
* You want brew strength control for a richer cup.

However, if your priority is pure, unadulterated simplicity, my pick is the Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get from whole grounds to a delicious cup of coffee.

Perfect for you if…
* You are the only coffee drinker in your home.
* You value speed and ease of use above all other features.
* You want an eco-friendly solution with zero waste from pods or filters.
* You appreciate clever, intuitive design.
* You want to use your own favorite travel mug.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of the brewers on this list, but the Hamilton Beach 2-Way earns its title as Best Overall by solving more problems for more people, making it a worthy investment for any coffee-loving home.

Last update on 2026-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API