Best Single Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods Reviews And Buying Guide [UPDATED 2023]
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Our recommended single serve coffee maker without pods is Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker!
Even while using coffee capsules may make the process of boiling coffee in the morning less time-consuming, many people are concerned about the influence that the waste produced by using coffee pods has on the environment. If you do the math, purchasing coffee in K-cups may be between four and five times more expensive than purchasing loose coffee grounds. Both the trash and the costs may soon build up!
Therefore, if you are interested in being more kind to the environment or want to give your wallet a break, other choices besides K-cup coffee machines may provide you with a quick and simple coffee cup. We were able to locate on the market a few different single-cup coffee makers that brew coffee quickly and use ground coffee instead of coffee capsules.
Our selection of the finest single serve coffee makers that do not use pods was whittled down to the top 8 choices after we researched and evaluated many different models. These machines have received glowing testimonials from our community of coffee enthusiasts, and their prices range anywhere from $18 to $300. We have listed both basic machines that only require one touch to start and specialty coffee makers that can produce beverages such as cappuccinos, lattes, and even iced coffee.
Top 3 single serve coffee makers (no pods)
1. Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker – Editor’s Choice
With the Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker, you can prepare a single coffee cup or a whole pot for only a little more than a hundred dollars. You have a variety of options for utilizing pre-packaged coffee pods or coffee that has been ground.
Things that we enjoy about it:
- Coffee can be brewed from pods or ground beans.
- Brews between 1 and 12 cups of coffee at a time.
- Removable drip tray to accommodate a travel mug
- Water reservoirs for individual cups and a glass carafe are kept separate.
- Pause and pour feature
- The bold grind settings
- Maintain heat for up to two hours.
- Automatic power cutoff
- Simple and intuitive button programming
Things that we do not enjoy:
- When using grinds, the single-serve side might become very dirty.
Review:
Coffee may be brewed in various ways, and the Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker allows you flexibility. It comes with two individual brewers, one for the carafe and one for a single cup. Either side may be pre-programmed to prepare fresh coffee in the morning. If you want an even more flavorful coffee cup, choose the setting labeled “Bold Brew.”
When it comes to coffee for a single cup, you can use pods or ground coffee. It comes with two different filter baskets, allowing you to choose between them. You may brew right into a cup by removing the adjustable cup tray, or you can use a larger to-go mug.
On the carafe side, you’ll find a warming plate and a two-hour timer that will turn off the appliance automatically. You can brew enough coffee for twelve people in this glass carafe.
The most important detriment:
Things may become a little messy when making coffee with grounds on the single-serve side of this machine. If you use a filter with a number one, the grounds should stay put, and there should be less of a mess.
What other people have said regarding this device:
The vast majority of consumers like the adaptability of this machine and concur that the coffee is produced at an extremely high temperature.
Our verdict:
This device is an excellent choice for a busy family that has more than one person that drinks coffee. If you are trying to wean yourself off pods, but other people in your family aren’t on board with the idea, the Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Additionally, the Hamilton Beach model enables you to make just one cup for yourself during the week while still allowing you to prepare enough coffee for a weekend crowd, thanks to its glass carafe. With over 20,000 rave intention ratings, this is the best no-pod single-cup coffee maker we’ve found.
2. Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker – Best Selling
Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker is great if you’re just starting out with home brewing. It features a grist mill, so you don’t need to buy an extra piece of equipment. Simply add hot water, select your desired brew size, and then insert the correct number of K-cups into the machine. The unit will grind your beans as requested, and you’ll get freshly brewed espresso in no time. A great alternative to store-bought pods!
Things that we enjoy about it:
- It makes a variety of beverages, including tea, hot chocolate, iced coffee, and cold milk frother.
- You can also adjust the strength of your coffee by choosing from five intensity levels.
- It includes a 12-cup carafe that holds approximately 10 cups of liquid.
- Keurig’s K-Cups are compatible with all models of the company’s brewers.
Things that we do not enjoy about it:
- We found that the grinder was difficult to clean.
Review:
If you’re looking for a simple way to brew coffee beans, look no further than the Keurig K-Cup brewer. We love how easy it is to use and that it produces a wide range of beverages. However, if you’re looking for something more robust, we recommend checking out the Breville BES870XL.
The most important detriment:
Some users complain that the grinder gets clogged easily.
What other people have said regarding this device:
Many consumers agree that the Keurig K CUP brewer is convenient and easy to use.
Our verdict:
The Keurig K-cup single serve brewer is a good option for those who want to try their hand at home. While some users find it too basic, others appreciate the ease of use. It is a full-sized coffee maker.
3. Hamilton Beach 49981-SAU Coffee Maker – Runner Up
The Hamilton Beach 49981-SAU Coffee Maker can create an 8-ounce coffee cup in less than 90 seconds, making it ideal for busy and leisurely mornings. This device can be purchased for around $50 and has a customer rating of 4.3 stars despite having over 16,000 reviews.
Things that we enjoy:
- 8-14oz brew size
- Permanent coffee filter that may also be used as a scoop for coffee
- The bold brew settings
- Controlled itself to turn off
- Smaller than average footprint
- The Exterior made of stainless steel
Things that we do not enjoy:
- Does not include a travel mug.
Review:
Whenever you feel like having a coffee cup on your own, the Hamilton Beach 49981-SAU Coffee Maker is there to help you out. Because the filter basket can also function as a scoop, using this machine is incredibly simple thanks to its thoughtful design. Using the filter as a measuring tool for your coffee makes it simple and quick to get the right amount, and you can then place it straight into the machine. So nifty! This filter may also be washed in the dishwasher.
A range of cup sizes is available, from 8 to 14 fluid ounces. The adjustable drip tray is designed to accommodate a travel-size cup; however, a ledge may be added to accommodate smaller mugs. This adjustable shelf will prevent coffee from splattering all over the place during brewing.
The single-cup coffee maker will turn off by itself once the coffee has been brewed once you’ve finished using it.
This machine has excellent stainless steel parts, which are strong enough to survive the wear and tear of frequent coffee consumption.
The most important detriment:
Unlike many others in its class, this coffee maker does not come with a carafe.
What other people have said regarding this device:
The vast majority of purchasers say that this particular model manufactured by Hamilton Beach 49981-SAU Coffee Maker is straightforward to use and that a steaming hot cup of excellent coffee can be produced in a very short length of time.
Our verdict:
We appreciate that this machine has a scoop and a filter in one convenient package and can be started with just one touch. The Hamilton Beach 49981-SAU Coffee Maker can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, hassle-free, and speedily prepared cup of black drip coffee. It is the size of a personal coffee maker. You may want also to check out our Best Small 5-Cup Coffee Maker article here!
Things to consider when buying the best single serve coffee without pops
There are a wide variety of single-cup coffee makers available on the market today that do not need the use of pods. But how exactly do you filter down the options to choose the one that is most suitable for you? We have compiled this buyer’s guide to assist you in establishing a hierarchy of requirements and selecting the ideal brew coffee machine for your home.
1. Your space
Dimensions may not be as significant as other advanced features when shopping for a brewing machine to set on your cramped kitchen counter spaces. If, on the other hand, you want a brew coffee makers that can fit on your desk at work or go with you when you travel in an RV, you need to find one that takes up a bit of space.
We found some more compact designs that work well even in confined quarters. Remember that devices with a more condensed form often have fewer specialized auto-start functions for customization.
Moreover, you should read our previous article about why coffee is called Joe.
2. Brew needs
Do you like a strong brew, a coffee cup prepared in the American way, or espresso? Or maybe you’re not a fan of traditional hot batches of coffee and prefer serving your brew over ice options. We selected 4-cup coffee makers catering to a broad spectrum of preferences in terms of flavor.
3. Filter
In terms of coffee filters, the majority of coffee machines that produce a single serving feature mesh filters that may be reused.
If you’re into that sort of thing, you can also use filters made of paper in several mesh filter types, but they are the only ones that require them. Others call for paper filters.
However, I don’t get why you would do that. It is an additional expenditure, and it results in waste that is not essential.
In addition, emptying and cleaning the mesh filter between batches of brewing is as simple and uncomplicated as possible.
When measuring coffee grinds, some versions even have a filter that may double as a scoop. This is one of my absolute favorites because it is so practical. You don’t need to mess about weighing out your grinds and pouring them into the coffee maker. This is all taken care of for you. It is as simple as just scooping and loading the material.
5. Features
Some of these coffee makers are about as straightforward as coffee makers get. When shopping for a new device, a few stand out from the crowd because of the outstanding extra features they provide.
Certain types come equipped with a coffee grinder that is built right in. Because they ground the beans just before they brew the coffee, these machines provide the most flavorful and freshly coffee cups that are humanly conceivable.
Programmability for all 24 hours is yet another cool feature. In some iterations, a coffee grinder’s filter can also serve as a scoop for measuring grounds. You won’t again have to waste time standing around again as you wait for your coffee to boil.
6. Carafe
Concerning the carafes, it should be noted that not all these coffee machines are equipped with one. Some of them include a mug that is interchangeable with those you currently own. Some makers don’t even have a container; you brew right into your mug or cup.
If you want a hot coffee maker serving only one cup at a time but producing greater quantities of coffee, you should consider looking into models that come with a carafe. Remember that a carafe made of glass will not be able to hold heat as efficiently as one made of stainless steel.
However, coffee makers with stainless steel carafes are often more costly than their glass-carafes counterparts.
Frequently asked questions – FAQs
Is it possible to get an excellent coffee cup from a single serve coffee maker?
The fact that single-cup coffee makers are designed to prepare only enough coffee for one cup sets them apart from other coffee makers. However, bigger drip coffee machines (such as those with a 10- or 12-cup capacity) may not be able to produce a coffee cup that is perfectly balanced for a single serving (unless they include a small brew option).
If you are the only person in your household who drinks fresh ground coffee or if you have a limited amount of space, investing in a coffee maker that only makes one cup at a time can help you save time while still providing you with delicious coffee.
How much does a coffee cup weigh?
In the United States, one liquid cup equals eight fluid ounces. However, different coffee machines have different methods for measuring cups. One “cup” of coffee produced by a coffee machine is just 5 ounces. Therefore, when you go to get a coffee maker, remember that a coffee maker that makes four cups will produce around 20 ounces of coffee. This is the size of a single venti beverage from Starbucks.
Do coffee mugs come in a regular size?
The typical coffee mug has a capacity of between 8 and 12 cups of coffee. On the other hand, a travel mug is often substantially bigger, carrying anywhere from 12 to 20 ounces of liquid. If you want to buy a coffee maker that only makes one serving at a time, you should check that your preferred travel cup will fit underneath the drip.
Does the coffee maker make a difference?
While it appears straightforward, the end product can vary depending on your coffee machine. The water’s temperature influences the flavors extracted from the ground coffee beans, and the amount of time the water spends in contact with the ground beans can affect the intensity of the brew.
What is the difference between a cheap and an expensive coffee maker?
Blades are typically utilized in the grinding process of inexpensive bean-fed machines. Burrs are typically found in higher-end machinery. Burrs are a type of grinder. When using burrs to grind, you get a considerably finer grind than you would with blades. Plastic is also rumored to have certain harmful long-term impacts on coffee makers, making the material an even worse choice than it already is.
Conclusion
If you frequently drink coffee on the move, investing in a coffee machine that makes only one serving at a time will save you clean-up time and simplify your life. If you only make one coffee cup, you may reduce the brew time by a few minutes while maintaining the robust flavor. For an even more convenient and simplified experience, several single-serve coffee machines flow straight into your travel mug.
You may reduce your environmental impact and save money by purchasing a coffee machine that makes individual cups but does not use pods. In addition, machines that do not use pods open the door to an entirely new universe of coffee brands and flavors. Please share your recommendation for the best coffee maker for a single coffee cup in the comments below.
Moreover, you should take look also with our article if you Can Use Lime Away To Clean My Coffee Maker.
Our #1 Single Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods
Our number one single serve coffee maker without pods is Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker because of its large size and fast brewing speed.
As a runner-up, we recommend the Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker because of its affordable price and durability.
Check out also our article that talks about Best Bunn Coffee Maker, which will surely help you search in the market that perfectly suit your taste!