One-Cup Coffee Makers: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org evaluates three inexpensive "to-go" coffee makers as part of a larger test of drip coffee makers. One model receives a higher overall score than the remaining two contenders, although results for individual criteria are fairly balanced among the three models.

Our AssessmentPopular Mechanics compares eight single-serve coffee makers, evaluating them for speed, cost and convenience. The Keurig Special Edition B60 receives kudos for being easy to clean and cheaper per-cup servings than the Tassimo. However, editors say it lags behind its competitors in brew time. The Aerobie AeroPress is considered one of the messiest coffee makers while the Mypressi Twist is described as less than ideal. But, editors were impressed by the simplicity and taste of the Chemex, which they consider a best bet among manual coffee makers.

Our AssessmentCoffeeReview.com claims to be "the world's leading coffee buying guide." This older review by Kenneth Davids outlines four main drawbacks of pod coffee systems in general and then evaluates 11 one-cup coffee makers, primarily on the flavor of the brewed coffee. He names the Keurig Special Edition B60 as his favorite, primarily due to the wide selection of coffee from well-known companies. The Bunn My Café is also a strong contender because it was compatible with all three sizes of coffee pods, made a decent cup of coffee and allows the brew size/strength to be adjusted. The pre-recalled Senseo HD7810 was a runner-up for "its low price, simplicity of operation, sturdy construction and selection of coffee through other vendors." A convenient chart shows how many cups of coffee were tested for each machine and the overall score.

Our AssessmentThe New York Times coffee page curator Oliver Strand explains how he first fell in love with the Mypressi Twist when he test-drove the prototype in April 2009. He says that although the nitrous oxide-powered coffee maker is impressive and straightforward, it doesn't steam milk.

Our AssessmentThis review by HuffPost.com writer Erin Meister is more about the Chemex coffee maker's brewing concept than its performance. She does, however, admire its curvaceous design and says that Chemex makes fantastic coffee, calling it the "Nat King Cole of coffee-brewing equipment."

Our AssessmentEspresso connoisseurs Dan Kehn and Abe Carmeli test the Mypressi Twist over a one-month period and detail their observations in an exhaustive review that concludes the Mypressi Twist makes great coffee and espresso on par with commercial machines.

Our AssessmentBlogger Tony Martinez compares Keurig, Senseo and Tassimo one-cup coffee makers in this review. He's not an expert, but it's nice to see a comparison of three models by a consumer. He prefers the Keurig Special Edition B60 because it's more solidly built with a chrome handle, while the Senseo felt "light and plasticy." The Senseo was more work after brewing -- the soggy coffee-filled filter must be thrown away and the pod holder rinsed. The Keurig Special Edition B60 uses coffee sealed in a K-Cup container that seems less likely to turn stale than Senseo's paper filter pods, he says.

Our AssessmentEpinions.com is more difficult to navigate than other consumer-review sites; it's necessary to scroll through several pages in order to find models with reviews. However, a few single-serve coffee makers have accumulated a fair amount of reviews. The Keurig Special Edition B60, for instance, maintains an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 in more than 130 reviews.

Our AssessmentTarget.com doesn't have as many reviews as Amazon.com, but a number of models have accumulated a few dozen reviews or more. The Keurig Special Edition B60, Keurig Elite Single Cup Brewing System and Senseo Single Serve Machine each maintain near-perfect average ratings in 40 or more reviews.

Our AssessmentWired writer Michael S. Lasky reviews the Tassimo Suprema and likes its simple operation, easy cleanup and barcode technology. However, he's less than enthusiastic about the beverage selections, referring to the tea as "watery" and the espresso as "characteristically muddy." He also says the expensive foil and plastic-based T-discs are not eco-friendly.

Our AssessmentReviewer Jay Brewer evaluates the new Tassimo T65 shortly after its launch from appliance-maker Bosch. He likes that it contains a number of upgrades from the previous T45 model, including an illuminated cup stand, automatic shut-off and a user-friendly, multilingual LCD panel that delivers instructions in five languages. He says this whisper-quiet unit's only drawback is its steep price.

Our AssessmentSharon Franke tests the Mypressi Twist and says that while it produces "smooth, sweet coffee," "a thick head of crema" and "lovely caramel-colored foam," there are drawbacks to its use, mainly that while no external power is required to operate it, you still need a stove to heat water needed for the chamber.

Our AssessmentViewpoints.com has even fewer reviews for single-serve coffee makers than other retailer sites, but the Senseo Single Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine SL7810-65 earns an average of 4.1 stars (out of 5) in nearly 190 owner-written reviews. Also useful is a ratings summary including frequently mentioned pros and cons.

Our AssessmentJust two single-serve coffee makers are available from Williams-Sonoma.com: The Breville Single Serve Coffee Maker and the Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker. The Cuisinart, a newer product, hasn't received any consumer reviews yet, but this is a great place to get feedback on the Breville, which has a rating of 4 stars out of 5 in more than 130 owner-written reviews.