Best Single Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods 2024: Top 10 No Pod Machines Reviewed

Last updated on January 29th, 2024 by Alex Praytor

While coffee pods may make the morning brewing routine easier, many worry about the impact the resulting waste has on the environment. Also, if you do a price comparison, buying K-cups can be 4 to 5 times more expensive than loose coffee grounds. The waste and cost can add up quickly!

So, if you are wanting to be kinder to the environment, or cut your wallet some slack, there are more options on the table for a quick and easy cup of coffee than K-cup coffee machines. We’ve found several fast-brewing, single-serve coffee makers on the market that use ground coffee instead of coffee pods. 

After looking through a wide variety of options, we narrowed down our best single serve coffee maker without pods list to the top 10 choices. These machines have stellar reviews from our fellow coffee drinkers and range in price from $18 to $300. We included simple machines with just a one-touch start button as well as specialty coffee makers that will make lattes, cappuccinos, and even iced coffee.

No time to read and want the cliff notes?

Our overall best pick for no-pod single-serve coffee makers goes to the Hamilton Beach Two-Way FlexBrew. This machine has a mid-price range and keeps a 4.4 rating with over 33,000 reviews. 

With its two separate sides, you can brew into a carafe, mug, or travel mug. On the single-serve side, you can use your favorite coffee grounds. However, it also includes a separate pod holder as a backup option. This single cup coffee maker covers all the bases and has the largest fan base on our list as well.

Last update on 2024-03-30

Thirsty for more? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the Hamilton Beach Two-Way FlexBrew coffee maker, and check out a few other great options as well.

---

Best Single Cup Coffee Maker Without Pods

#1. Overall Best Pick: Hamilton Beach Two-Way FlexBrew 

For a little over $100, the Hamilton Beach Two-way FlexBrew allows you to make a single serving of coffee or a pot. You have the flexibility of using coffee pods or ground coffee. This popular coffee machine gets 4.4 stars with over 33,000 reviews.

Things We Like:

• Brews pods or ground coffee
• Will brew 1-12 cups of coffee
• Removable drip tray to accommodate travel mug
• Separate water reservoirs for single-cup and glass carafe
• Pause and pour feature
• Bold brew setting
• Keep warm for up to 2 hours
• Auto shut-off
• Easy touch programming

Things We Don’t Like:

• The single-serve side is messy when using grounds.

Review:

The Hamilton Beach Two-Way FlexBrew gives you options to brew coffee the way you want it. It has 2 separate brewers for the carafe and a single cup. You can program either side to brew fresh coffee in the morning. Choose the Bold Brew setting for an even richer cup of coffee.

On the single cup side, you can use either pods or ground coffee. It includes 2 separate filter baskets so you can make your choice. Brew directly into a mug, or remove the drip tray to brew into a taller travel mug.

The carafe side has a warming plate and a 2-hour automatic shut-off. The glass carafe will hold up to 12 cups of coffee. 

The Main Drawback:

This machine can be a bit messy when brewing with grounds on the single-serve side. Using a #1 filter should help keep the grounds in place and cut down on the mess.

Customer Reviews:

Most customers love the flexibility of this machine and agree that the coffee comes out piping hot.

Our Verdict:

This machine is a great option for a busy household with several coffee drinkers. If you are wanting to get away from pods, but other members of your household are not convinced, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew can make everyone happy.

The Hamilton Beach model also allows you to brew yourself a single cup on weekdays AND be ready for a crowd on the weekends with its glass carafe. With over 20,000 positive reviews, this machine is a crowd pleaser and our overall best pick for a no pod single cup coffee machine!

Last update on 2024-03-30

#2. Best Value: Cuisinart Premium Single Serve Coffee Machine SS-10P1

For about $150, you get quality, durability, and huge reservoir with this single serve coffee brewer. And over 17,000 other coffee drinkers agree!

Things We Like:

• Stainless steel outer cover
• Massive removable 72 oz. water reservoir
• Comes with resuable filter cup for coffee grounds
• Pod compatible
• Dispenses hot water
• Rinse function to wash out coffee flavors
• Auto shut off
• Brew temp adjustable options
• Brew size adjustable options

Things We Don’t Like

• Brewing pod and mesh filter are separate
• Takes up a larger footprint compared to the machines on the list

Review:

For a value option the Cuisinart Premium Single Serve brewer stood as next on the list. Not only is it a quality build but it also performs well for everything you need it to be.

When you go to brew, you notice the 72 oz. water reservoir which is huge. This means you don’t have to refill as often. It takes either K cup pods or will use your own coffee grounds. Just add it into the HomeBarista reusable filter cup.

Next pop into the machine. After setting your temperature settings and how much volume you want, you get a nice hot brew incredibly fast. The drip tray can be removed too to allow direct brewing into travel mugs!

Cleanup is simple with just cleaning out your drip trap and dumping your grounds, along with a built in rinse function.

The Main Drawback:

Because the brewing pod and mesh filter are seperate, this means more items to keep clean and track.

Customer Reviews:

Most people were satisfied with the flavor of their brew and the fact you could use multiple K cups as well as its durability as compared to Keurig machines. People love that it’s reliable and easy to use.

Our Verdict:

If you’re looking for a quality single serve brewer than this Cuisinart Premium SS-10 delivers. The large reservoir and adjustable temperature and cup sizes makes it a perfect fit for large groups and families. Plus you can enjoy any blend of coffee you want with an easy brewing setup and simple cleaning.

Last update on 2024-03-30

For more discussion on different Cuisinart coffee makers, check out our full review on the best Cuisinart coffee brewers.

#3. Speedy Brewer: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker 

The Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve coffee maker can brew a fast 8 oz. cup in under 90 seconds. This machine runs around $50 and maintains a 4.2-star customer rating with over 20,000 reviews.

Things We Like:

• 8-14oz brew size
• Permanent coffee filter doubles as a coffee scoop
• Bold brew setting
• Automatic shut-off
• Compact footprint
• Stainless steel exterior

Things We Don’t Like:

• Does not include travel mug.

Review:

The Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker gives you a quick and easy cup of coffee. This machine is user-friendly with its specially designed filter basket that doubles as a scoop. You can easily and quickly measure out your coffee using the filter and then pop it directly into the machine. So nifty! This filter is also dishwasher-safe.

The cup sizes range from 8 ounces to 14 ounces. The drip tray is made for a travel-size mug, but you can add a ledge for smaller mugs. This adjustable shelf will keep your coffee from splashing everywhere when it brews. 

After your coffee is brewed, this single cup coffee maker will shut off automatically.

The quality stainless steel parts on this machine are durable enough to withstand a regular coffee drinking habit. 

The Main Drawback:

While many single-cup coffee makers may throw in a travel coffee mug in place of a carafe, this machine does not.

Customer Reviews:

Most customers agree that this Hamilton Beach model is simple to use and that you can get a piping hot cup of coffee in a short amount of time. 

Our Verdict:

We like the 2-in-1 scoop and filter feature on this machine and the simple one-touch start. For a no-frills, convenient quickly made black drip coffee, the Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve can be a great option.

Last update on 2024-03-30

#4. Most Versatile: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker 

The Ninja keeps up a 4.7 rating with over 16,000 reviews. This coffee machine has a solid fan base! 

Things We Like:

• Programmable auto-start
• Adjustable cup sizes (single-cup to full carafe)
• Removable mesh filter
• 4 brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty Brew
• Fold-away frother
• 10 cup glass carafe
• Auto shut-off
• Auto-clean
• User-friendly

Things We Don’t Like:

• Takes up more counter space than other models.
• The milk frother does not heat milk.

Review:

The Ninja is one of the most versatile coffee makers on our list. You can brew an espresso-style 4-ounce cup, or up to 10 cups of coffee. The Ninja appeals to a wide variety of tastes with its brew options. You can make a regular cup of joe, a bold brew, or iced coffee with the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker.

With the attached fold-away frother you can top off your espresso based coffee beverage with fluffy milk foam. 

This coffee pot also offers a programmable auto-start. Nothing better than waking up to freshly-made coffee! 

The Main Drawback:

The main drawback we see to this machine is that the milk frother does not heat the milk. So, you will have to heat up your milk separately for cappuccinos and lattes before you use the Ninja fold-away frother.

Customer Reviews:

Most customers agree that the Ninja Specialty coffee maker makes great-tasting coffee and is easy to set up and use. The carafe is even designed with a no-drip spout.

Our Verdict:

We love that the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker gives you a wide variety of options. Even though it is packed with special features, it still manages to remain user-friendly with its simple display. This machine is a bit pricier than some of the other machines on our list coming in at around $150. However, with everything that this coffee maker has to offer, you’ll still get a good bang for your buck.

Last update on 2024-03-30

For more discussion on different Ninja coffee makers, check out our full review on Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System.

#5. Best Manual Brewer: Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker

With over 20,000 reviews and a 4.7 star rating, the Aeropress is the twinkle in the eye of many home baristas and coffee aficionados.

Things We Like:

• Portable size
• Simple to use
• Can adjust grind size, water temp, and strength
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Brews fast
• Made in USA
• BPA free

Things We Don’t Like:

• Manual operation

Review:

There’s a reason why the Aeropress is one of the most popular ways to brew coffee or espresso. Is it because it is so simple to use?

True, it does come with just a chamber, plunger, stirrer and filters. Because it uses total immersion brewing, all you do then is just grind up your coffee, pour into chamber, add hot water, stir, press, and voila! Delicious smooth extracted coffee.

Plus you have complete control of how hot and how strong your coffee is by adjusting the grounds to water ratio. You get clean coffee with no grit that is neither acidic not bitter, provided you follow the ratios appropriately.

Or is it because the cost of this Aeropress brewer is cheap enough to pay for itself after a week of not going to Starbucks?!

The Main Drawback:

If you’re not so used to measuring out coffee grounds and water volume and temperature, you may be put off by the manual requirements to get the perfect tasting coffee you want.

Customer Reviews:

People love the sturdiness and durability of this single serve brewer. The taste and flavor is probably the best they’ve ever had.

Our Verdict:

The Aeropress makes for a great single serve coffee maker without pod option. In fact it’s the most portable way to get drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, or whatever coffee brew type you want. You have to be ok with manually preparing your coffee though. But with its ease of use, easy maintenance and affordable price, its no wonder people all over can’t get enough of it!

Last update on 2024-03-30

#6. Best for Specialty Coffee Drinks: Mr. Coffee One-Touch Espresso and Cappuccino Machine 

This one-touch espresso and cappuccino machine from Mr. Coffee allows even beginners to make an impressive specialty coffee drink. Although it is the most expensive coffee maker on our list, its $300 price tag is middle of the road compared with other espresso machines.

Things We Like:

• 19 bar Italian espresso pump
• Easy one-button interface
• Single or double shot size
• Adjustable cup tray
• Steam wand
• Milk reservoir is removable for storing in the fridge
• Even heat with Thermocouple heating system

Things We Don’t Like:

• Makes only espresso drinks.
• Costs around $300 to buy.
• The milk steamer is loud.

Review:

If you enjoy making espressos and coffee shop-style specialty drinks, the Mr. Coffee One-Touch Espresso and Cappuccino Machine has got you covered. Pack your grounds for a single or double shot into the portafilter. Then press the one-touch start button for an espresso-making process that is simple and efficient. 

If you plan to make larger-sized lattes, you can brew them directly into tall mugs. After your espresso shot is brewed, top off your drink with creamy milk foam without moving your cup. 

This cappuccino machine is simple to operate and still gives you the 19 bars of pressure you need to make authentic espresso.

The Main Drawback:

The main drawback to this machine is the price. This Mr. Coffee cappuccino maker costs around $300 to buy, making it the most expensive model on our list.

Customer Reviews:

Most customers love the taste of the coffee drinks coming out of this Mr. Coffee machine. Most agreed it is easy to use and clean. It can be a bit loud, though.

Our Verdict:

If specialty coffee drinks are a daily habit, the Mr Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino machine may save you those Starbucks runs and pay for itself. We like that this machine makes single serve espresso drinks easily accessible to at-home baristas.

Last update on 2024-03-30

For more of Mr. Coffee’s best coffee machines, check out our full review and comparison.

#7. SCA Certified Brewer: Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine 

This SCA-certified coffee maker can make a little bit of coffee or a lot depending on your needs. The Braun has a mid to high range price compared with other machines on our list, usually selling at about $180. You can also make iced coffee and hot tea with this machine!

Things We Like:

• Charcoal water filter
• Warming plate
• Freshness indicator
• Brew settings: Light, gold, bold, and over ice
• Cup sizes: 5, 8, 12, 16, and 20 ounces, ½ carafe, or full carafe
• SCA certified
• Gold-tone permanent filter
• 2-hour automatic shut-off

Things We Don’t Like:

• Loud beep alert when coffee is done.

Review:

The Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine has a lot of attention-getting features. You can alternate your coffee drinking style with the light, gold, bold, and over ice options. Even tea is an option! 

This coffee maker also puts emphasis on the flavor of your drink. It follows the Specialty Coffee Associations standards for brew temperatures to extract a high-quality cup of coffee. The charcoal water filter and gold-tone permanent filter also work together to give your drink a rich, clean taste. 

When your brew is done, a freshness indicator will let you know if your coffee is still good to drink or if it has past the point of no return. After 2 hours on, your coffee maker will turn itself off automatically, which is a nice safety feature that can put your mind at ease.

The Main Drawback:

The coffee machine gives loud alerts when it is done. So far, none of us have found a way to disable it. This can be a bit annoying when you are trying to quietly sneak a hot cup of coffee before the kids wake up.

Customer Reviews:

Most customers love the taste of the coffee the Braun MultiServe machine makes. However, some say that it is not the most user-friendly model. A few coffee drinkers complained that the machine continued to drip after the brew was finished creating a mess on the countertop.

Our Verdict:

We like the features that the Braun MultiServe coffee maker has to offer and the fact that it pays attention to the flavor of your brew. However, we feel that this pod free machine still has a few kinks that could be worked out for an even better coffee making experience.

Last update on 2024-03-30

#8. Single-Serve with Grinder: PowerXL Grind & Go

This tiny wonder makes great-tasting coffee with freshly ground beans. At just $50, the price is right, too. You even get a travel mug as part of the package!

Things We Like:

• 6 oz to 16 oz cup size
• Small footprint
• Grinds coffee beans 
• Accepts coffee grounds
• Thermal travel mug with sleeve and lid included
• Dishwasher-safe parts
• Adjustable drip tray

Things We Don’t Like:

• Filter basket is made from thinner wire mesh.
• Many plastic parts.

Review:

The PowerXL Grind & Go maker has adjustable single-serve brew sizes and it also includes a built-in grinder. This means you can easily brew your morning coffee with fresh grounds. Measure your coffee beans, adjust your grind size, add water, and the machine will grind and brew a great tasting cup of coffee for you.

If you don’t want to grind fresh coffee, you can also bypass that option and just add coffee grounds instead.

The BPA-free plastic parts are removable and dishwasher-safe which makes clean-up time painless. 

The Main Drawback:

The plus of this machine is that you get a lot for a great price. However, to some extent you get what you pay for and the cheaper parts will show wear and tear faster than more high-end machines.

Customer Reviews:

Most customers said that this little machine makes great-tasting, hot coffee. Some customers noted that the wire mesh filter wears out quicker than most. However, replacement parts can be found for the PowerXL.

Our Verdict:

The lightweight PowerXL Grind and Go costs about $50. That’s not much considering this machine is basically a 3-in-1 giving you a drip machine, grinder, and travel mug. However, the lightweight plastic parts are not built to withstand a lot of wear and tear. 

Last update on 2024-03-30

If you want more single cup coffee makers with a grinder built in, check out this list of best contenders.

#9. Simplest, No-frill Machine: KRUPS Simply Brew Single Serve To-Go

This basic Krups single cup machine comes with its own insulated stainless steel tumbler. Just press the start button and it is ready to go when you are! At about $40, it is one of the most inexpensive options on our list.

Things We Like:

• Double-wall stainless steel travel tumbler included
• Compact footprint
• Simple one-touch brew system
• On-off lit button 
• Brews up to 12 ounces of coffee
• Reusable permanent filter

Things We Don’t Like:

• No extra features
• No automatic shut-off

Review:

The Krups Simple Brew Single-Serve To-Go is a basic machine with an on-off button and a stainless steel insulated tumbler thrown in. There are not many options with this simple machine, but it gets the job done.

Use the tumbler to fill this machine with up to 12 ounces of water then hit the start button to brew your coffee. While you won’t be able to set up your coffee pot the night before or vary your brew type, you can still get a hot cup of coffee brewed straight to your travel mug.

The Main Drawback:

The Krups Single-Serve does not shut off automatically, so you’ll need to remember to hit that red button after you are done. Or, you can set up this simple coffee maker with a separate smart device.

Customer Reviews:

Most love the simplicity of this machine and comment that it is long-lasting. However, some customers noted that the stainless steel mug is hot to the touch after brewing. You may need a protective sleeve for this one!

Our Verdict:

We like the Krups Single-Serve Coffee maker because it does exactly what it says it does… brews a hot cup of coffee to take on the go. So, if you appreciate a simple stop-and-go machine that doesn’t require you to make a lot of choices first thing in the morning, this could be your machine.

Last update on 2024-03-30

#10. Most Budget-Friendly: BLACK+DECKER Single-Serve Coffeemaker 

For less than $20, you can add this coffee maker to your home or office. That’s about the same cost as 4 trips to Starbucks!

Things We Like:

• Easy to use
• One-touch brew system
• Brews direct to travel cup or mug
• Auto-off function
• 16 oz travel mug included
• Dishwasher-safe parts
• Reusable filter

Things We Don’t Like:

• No extra features
• Many plastic parts
• Not as durable as other machines.

Review:

You can find the Black+Decker Single-Serve Coffeemaker for under $20. That’s a steal! This machine may not be the fanciest in town, but it can still get the job done. With just one touch of a button, you can brew up to 16 ounces of coffee. When you are done brewing your coffee, the Black+Decker coffee maker will shut down automatically. 

You can save on paper waste with this coffee maker’s reusable filter. Also, the clean-up process is pretty simple since this machine brews directly into a dishwasher-safe travel mug.

The Main Drawback:

This machine has a lot of plastic parts on it. This can affect both the flavor and durability of the coffee maker. 

Customer Reviews:

Most customers agree that the Black+Decker is pretty straightforward to use and can even fit into tiny spaces. 

Our Verdict:

We like the large 16 oz brew capacity and the simplicity of the Black+Decker Single-Serve Coffeemaker. However, the plastic parts may not hold up well to heavy use. This machine would be a great backup choice for travel and small spaces.

Last update on 2024-03-30

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Single Serve No Pod Coffee Maker for You 

There are a ton of options on the market for single-serve coffee makers sans pods. But how do you narrow down the choices for the best one for you? Here is our buyer’s guide to help you prioritize your needs and find your perfect coffee maker. 

The Size of Your Space

If you are looking for the perfect brewing machine for your kitchen counter, the size of your machine may not be a big concern. However, if you are looking for a single-serve coffee maker to travel with you in an RV or to sit on your desk at work, every square inch counts!

We found a few slim designs that can fit perfectly even in small spaces. Just remember that machines that are more compact in design will usually have fewer special features. 

Your Brewing Needs

Do you like a strong brew, an American-style cup of joe, or espresso? Or perhaps you ditch the classic hot coffee and always ice down your brew. We chose coffee makers with a wide variety of tastebuds in mind.  

For Here or To-Go?

When I am running the kids to school, or off to the office, I like brewing directly into the cup I am going to take with me. A coffee maker that fits a travel mug under the drip is ideal for mornings when you are in a rush.

However, not all machines give you that option! If you work from home or have leisurely mornings, the cup clearance on your coffee maker may not be an issue.

Filter Choices

If you are trying to make more eco-friendly choices by forgoing coffee pods, you may not want to create waste by using disposable filters. In this case, you can choose a machine that has a permanent filter. These filters can be used over and over again. Some can even be washed in the dishwasher!

Another option would be to compost your paper filters and give back to the environment in that way.

One-Touch and Easy to Use or Loaded with Features?

Do you enjoy a coffee machine that you can start up with just one press of a button? Or, do you like to have more control over your brew to get that perfect taste you are looking for?

We chose some machines that do the work for you, and some that are packed with features and allow you to craft your coffee. You decide which design is best for you!

FAQs

Our Final Verdict

We’ve given you our thoughts on ten very different coffee makers that can brew you a single cup without the use of pods. Our overall pick for best single serve machine goes to the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brew Machine.

This machine is durable, reliable, and will brew a full pot or directly into a travel mug. You even get the option to brew coffee pods if you want that as a fallback option.

Last update on 2024-03-30

Final Thoughts

The best single serve coffee maker without pods offers convenience and ease, making your life easier if you take your coffee to go often. You can shave a few minutes off your brew time by just brewing one cup and still keep the rich flavor intact. Many single-serve coffee makers even drip directly into your travel mug for a streamlined experience. 

By choosing a single-cup coffee maker without pods, you can cut down on waste and save money. Also, the no-pod machines open the door to a whole new world of coffee tastes and brands. Let us know which machine is your favorite single cup coffee maker in the comments!

Want more brew styles? For a full list of the best coffee makers to choose from, see our guide on the Top Coffee Machines for beginners.

Chief Editor