9 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers: No Pods Allowed [2022]

Have you seen how most single-serve coffee machines now use k-cups or Nespresso pods? It’s cool for pod lovers, but what about those of us who love using coffee grounds? 

Great news for coffee lovers! You don’t need pods or capsules to enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee. I’ve found some amazing single-serve coffee makers that are easy to use and right here on this list. Whether you’re craving a quick drip coffee, need something portable, or just want the freshest brew, I’ve got some awesome suggestions for you. Check them out!

Quick Take: Best No-Pod Single-Serve Coffee Makers

The Problems With Coffee Pods

Discover the magic of Nespresso machines and the latest Keurig models! They bring unmatched convenience to your coffee routine but remember, their pod system has its drawbacks.

First off, if you’re watching your wallet, know that coffee pods can be pricier than ground coffee. Coffee k-cups start at around $0.30 each, but many are between $0.50 and $0.70, and sometimes even more. Nespresso pods take it up a notch in cost, particularly for VertuoLine machines that don’t take cheaper, third-party options. In such cases, each cup from a pod could set you back $1.10.

Did you know that a cup of coffee made from beans can cost as little as $0.20? By choosing coffee beans over pods, you’re not only saving over $100 yearly but also getting the chance to enjoy single-origin, ethically sourced, premium coffee. It’s a win-win for your wallet and taste buds!

Some folks attempt to save by reusing k-cups (not recommended) or getting a refillable pod. However, these methods don’t quite fix the issue.

Coffee pods are convenient but create tons of waste. Luckily, there are eco-friendlier options like compostable pods for Keurig machines and Nespresso’s recycling initiative. Yet, they still don’t beat the minimal waste of using ground coffee or whole beans.

Coffee pods might seem convenient, but they limit your choices. If you’re into exploring different flavors, like Colombian coffee, strong coffee, or flavored varieties, you’ll find a wider selection with loose coffee. Happy brewing!

If you love sticking to your favorite daily brew, pods are perfect. However, to truly explore the wide world of coffee flavors, k-cups and Nespresso pods just won’t cut it.

Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers Without Pods

Best no-pod single-serve coffee maker: Ninja CP307 hot and cold brewed system

Ninja Coffee Bar has been a game-changer since day one, offering coffee lovers easy-to-use and flexible machines. While they can brew a whole pot, their single-cup brewing feature truly stands out, making them a favorite among coffee fans.

Discover the magic of Ninja coffee makers. They pack all the fancy features of top-tier brands like Keurig and Nespresso. The CP307 stands out as the ultimate Ninja model, combining all the best features from previous versions.

Dive into a world of flavors with five brewing strengths: classic for a traditional taste, rich for a bolder sip akin to Keurig’s strong coffee, iced for a concentrated chill that stands up to ice cubes, cold brew for a smooth and cool experience, and specialty for crafting lattes and cappuccinos that mimic espresso. Each setting offers a unique way to enjoy your coffee, from morning refreshment to afternoon delight.

The CP307 offers six brewing options: a single cup, an extra-large cup, a travel mug size, an extra-large multi-serve, half a carafe, and a full carafe. This means it can accommodate even a full-sized travel mug easily. For those who love a full pot, its 50-ounce thermal carafe keeps your coffee hot without that burnt taste you often get from leaving it on a hot plate.

Discover the joy of a built-in milk frother – a unique feature not common in most coffee makers, except espresso machines.

This machine isn’t just for coffee lovers; it also brews tea in five different ways! Whether you prefer loose-leaf or bagged tea, it’s got you covered with a special tea basket. Plus, it smartly detects if you’re in the mood for tea or coffee.

The Ninja coffee maker comes with a detachable water tank, making cleaning a breeze. You won’t need to buy paper filters thanks to its permanent filters for both tea and coffee. Plus, it’s totally programmable. Imagine waking up to a hot cup of coffee already waiting for you. Perfect for starting your day on the right foot!

Best premium single-serve coffee maker: Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One coffee brewer

While the Ninja dazzles with features, the Technivorm Cup One excels at brewing a truly outstanding cup of coffee.

Discover the magic of an automatic pour-over coffee maker, a step up from traditional drip coffee makers. Imagine bringing the expert techniques of a coffeehouse pour-over into your home with the simplest touch. The Moccamaster isn’t just another coffee maker; it’s like having a barista in your kitchen, offering the ease of a one-button start with the quality of a professional brew.

The Cup One is a game-changer for coffee lovers! It keeps water perfectly hot, between 196 and 204 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just right for making coffee. Plus, it showers water evenly over all the coffee grounds, not just the middle. This means every bit of coffee flavor gets into your cup, unlike older machines that miss the edges and only focus on the center.

Technivorm stands out by offering a generous five-year warranty, far surpassing the usual one-year guarantee of most coffee makers. Remember to grab some conical coffee filters, as this machine requires a different type than the common basket filters. Don’t worry, though; it comes with a starter pack of a hundred filters to help you begin your coffee journey.

Best budget single-serve coffee maker: Hamilton Beach Scoop single-serve coffee maker

Looking for an affordable, small coffee maker perfect for one cup at a time? The Hamilton Beach Scoop is your best bet. It’s not just a shrunken version of a regular coffee maker; it’s tailor-made for brewing single servings with ease.

First off, the coffee basket isn’t just for holding grounds—it’s also your measuring scoop! Say goodbye to paper filters and that old spoon you’ve been using for your coffee.

Easily fit any mug, from your cozy cup to big travel mugs, on this adjustable platform.

The sleek stainless steel design isn’t just stylish; it’s super easy to wipe down. Though I’d love a removable water tank for even simpler cleaning, we can’t win them all. Plus, the handy removable drip tray makes tackling spills a breeze.

Discover the most affordable coffee maker with a bold brew feature. Perfect for those who love a stronger kick in their morning coffee. A big win for coffee lovers!

Best no-pod travel coffee maker: AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press

Ready for a change? Meet the AeroPress, the ultimate single-cup coffee maker for coffee lovers on the move. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for your adventures.

This coffee maker is all about hands-on brewing. No plugs, no power, just your hot water and you’re good to go. Plus, it’s crafted from tough, BPA-free plastic, meaning it won’t easily break. Ideal for camping, hotel rooms, or pretty much any adventure.

Making a delicious cup of coffee quickly is a breeze with the AeroPress! In under two minutes, you can enjoy a fantastic brew. Plus, it’s super flexible – you can whip up AeroPress espresso, AeroPress cold brew, and many other coffee creations.

The AeroPress Go is an AeroPress plus a coffee mug, ideal for making one perfect cup of coffee.

Best single-serve grind-and-brew coffee maker: Breville BDC650BSS grind control coffee maker

For the freshest cup, consider grinding your own coffee beans. A compact coffee grinder pairs well with single-serve machines. Alternatively, a coffee maker with a built-in grinder offers convenience and quality in one.

Discover Breville’s single-serve coffee maker – a rare gem that grinds and brews just for you. It’s not just any machine; it comes with its own built-in grinder!

Many grind-and-brew machines use blade grinders that create uneven coffee grounds, leading to poor-tasting coffee. However, Breville stands out by incorporating a high-quality burr grinder with stainless-steel burrs, featuring six grind settings. This allows you to perfectly tailor your coffee’s grind to match your favorite flavor.

Breville’s coffee machine features an easy-to-read digital LCD screen. This means you can quickly see and adjust your grind and brew settings. If setting up a coffee machine has ever felt like a puzzle, you’ll love how straightforward this display makes it.

The machine and carafe both sport a shiny stainless steel look. This not only keeps your coffee warm for hours but also makes cleaning a breeze. Plus, they add a cool, modern vibe to your kitchen.

OXO Brew 8-cup coffee maker

In the coffee scene, Oxo shines with their fantastic coffee grinder. But, don’t miss out on their Oxo Brew automatic pour-over coffee maker too!

Just like the popular Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One, this coffee maker shines with similar perks. But, it’s even better because you can brew just one cup or a whole carafe. Plus, its double-wall, vacuum-insulated thermal carafe means your coffee stays hot for hours without getting burnt.

The Oxo Brew crafts the ideal cup of coffee by nailing the perfect water temperature, brew time, and the right amount of water. Its special showerhead dripper evenly soaks all the coffee grounds, making every sip perfect. 

Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand coffee maker

Discover a fresh take on single-serve coffee with Cuisinart’s Coffee-On-Demand system. Not only can you whip up a single cup of coffee, but you also have the option to brew multiple cups and serve them one by one. Perfect for any coffee lover!

Sure, it might feel like a shortcut to say it’s single-serve because it actually has an internal carafe. However, it shares many benefits. Plus, if you’re just craving one cup, this machine has got your back.

Cuisinart’s machine comes with a handy removable water tank and drip tray, making cleaning a breeze. Plus, its double-walled coffee reservoir keeps your brew warm without scorching it. And say goodbye to paper filters, thanks to the permanent filter included. Perfect for keeping your coffee game strong and hassle-free!

Cuisinart SS-20P1 Coffee Center

Ever find yourself torn between brewing just one cup or a whole pot of coffee? I’ve mentioned a few machines that can do either, but a dual coffee maker is the real deal for making both simultaneously.

The Cuisinart Coffee Center is perfect for any coffee lover. It lets you choose from 6, 8, or 10 ounces of coffee with just one touch. Love pod coffee? It works with k-cups too! Prefer traditional ground coffee? No problem, just swap in the filter cup. Enjoy your perfect cup every time! 

The easy-to-clean, removable drip tray not only keeps things tidy but also fits your big travel mug perfectly. However, it brews just 10 ounces at a time, so you might need to run it twice to fill up larger mugs.

This machine has a 40-ounce water tank that works for both brewing methods. Just remember, if you make a full carafe first, you’ll need to refill the water before whipping up a single cup.

The thermal carafe keeps your coffee hot for hours, while the reusable filter means no more buying paper ones. Love strong coffee? Hit the bold brew button. Set it to brew automatically with the timer, and listen for the ready tone to enjoy your perfect cup.

Stanley Classic Travel Press

Discover the ultimate travel buddy for coffee lovers: the Stanley Travel Press! This clever gadget combines a French press and travel mug in one. It keeps your coffee hot for up to four hours, and thanks to its sturdy stainless-steel design and handy travel loop, it’s ideal for sipping your brew on the move.

Love French press coffee? For a top single-serve pick, this is your stop.

Final Verdict

Lately, everyone’s talking about coffee pods. But if you’re not into pods and want a single-serve coffee maker, don’t worry! There are still great options out there. Whether you’re looking for a machine that brews just one cup or one that can also whip up a full carafe, our list has you covered. Find your perfect match!

Thinking about getting a pod coffee maker? Dive into my reviews of the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe and Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart. Plus, learn how using a refillable Nespresso capsule or a reusable k-cup lets you enjoy your favorite coffee grounds in these machines.

Most of you will love the freedom of a pod-free coffee experience.