The best single-serve coffee maker depends on what you want to brew and how often you want to refill it. Choose the Ninja PB051 if you want to switch between pods and grounds, the Keurig K-Elite or K-Supreme Gen 2 if you want a larger reservoir and K-Cup brewing, or the K-Mini Mate if a narrow footprint matters more than refill convenience. For milk drinks in a capsule system, Tom’s Guide picked the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima in its 2026 guide.
Best single-serve coffee makers at a glance
| Model | Best fit | Format and cup sizes | Reservoir and controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keurig K-Elite | Frequent K-Cup brewing with several cup sizes | K-Cup; 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz | 75 oz; iced beverage setting |
| Keurig K-Supreme Gen 2 | More control over strength and temperature | K-Cup; four cup sizes | Removable 72 oz reservoir; three strength and three temperature settings |
| Ninja PB051 Pods & Grounds Specialty Coffee Maker | Switching between pods and your own grounds | Pods: 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz; grounds: seven sizes from 6 to 24 oz | Four brew styles; fold-away frother |
| Keurig K-Mini Mate | Very limited counter space | K-Cup; 6–12 oz according to TechRadar | 12 oz reservoir; refill for every brew, according to TechRadar |
| Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima | Capsule brewing with integrated milk handling | Vertuo six-size system, according to Tom’s Guide | Separate milk dispenser; see Tom’s Guide’s review for milk-drink details |
Specifications in this table come from the manufacturers where indicated; the K-Mini Mate details are review reporting, and the Vertuo Lattissima selection is Tom’s Guide’s editorial pick. These are not results from a direct, side-by-side comparison.
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Which single-serve brewer matches your routine?
Choose pods and grounds flexibility: Ninja PB051
SharkNinja lists the PB051 as compatible with both pods and grounds. Its four styles are Classic, Rich, Over Ice and Specialty. With grounds, it supports seven sizes from 6 to 24 oz; with pods, it supports 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz. That makes it the clearest fit here if you want a quick pod option some days and your own ground coffee on others. The manufacturer also lists a fold-away frother for milk-based drinks.
SharkNinja lists a permanent filter add-on, model XFPB050. Check the exact brewer model and current accessory availability before buying; do not assume accessories fit other Ninja machines.
#1 Best Overall
- STRONG BREW: Increases the strength and bold taste of your coffee’s flavor.
- 3 CUP SIZES: Brew an 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup at the push of a button.
- MULTIPLE CUP WATER RESERVOIR: 42oz. removable reservoir lets you brew up to 4 cups before refilling. 8 oz. cup size
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Delicious coffee made in minutes.
- TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7.4” tall.
Choose more K-Cup sizes and a large reservoir: Keurig K-Elite
Keurig lists five brew sizes—4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz—and a 75 oz reservoir for the K-Elite. The manufacturer also specifies an iced beverage setting, dimensions of 13.1 × 9.9 × 12.7 inches and a brew time under one minute. These are manufacturer specifications, not comparative measurements. The K-Elite is a practical option if you want multiple cup sizes and fewer reservoir refills than a small, single-cup reservoir requires.
Choose adjustable strength and temperature: Keurig K-Supreme Gen 2
The K-Supreme Gen 2 has four cup sizes and a removable 72 oz reservoir, according to Keurig. Its three strength settings are Balanced, Strong and Extra Strong; its three temperature settings are Warm, Hot and Max Hot. Keurig also lists MultiStream Technology. Those controls suit someone who wants to adjust brew settings without moving away from a K-Cup system; the feature list alone does not establish that it tastes better than another machine.
Rank #2
- SMALL SPACE SAVER: Compact at 4" wide for brewing the perfect cup of coffee in small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and surfaces with limited space.
- 12 OZ CUP: Features a One Cup reservoir for a freshly brewed cup, up to 12 oz.
- TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Fits up to a 7.25” to-go coffee cup so you can brew and go!
- FRESH & MODERN: Featuring a sleek, minimal design that blends with your lifestyle.
- ELEVATED COLORS: Available in aesthetic colors that match your style. *Cup not included*
Choose a narrow machine only if frequent refills are acceptable: Keurig K-Mini Mate
TechRadar reports that the K-Mini Mate measures 9.1 × 3.9 × 10.9 inches and brews 6–12 oz. Its review says the 12 oz reservoir requires fresh water after every cup. That trade-off can make sense on a crowded counter or in a small room, but it is less convenient for back-to-back brews. TechRadar also reports about 1 minute 40 seconds to brew a 12 oz cup including heating, and notes splashback and drips; those are the publication’s review observations, not measurements from a comparative test here.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChoose a capsule machine with milk handling: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 buying guide names the Vertuo Lattissima its best single-serve coffee maker. The guide describes a six-size Vertuo system and a separate milk dispenser for milk drinks and two lengths of milk add-ins. It says the dispenser can be stored in a refrigerator after use, while noting that the reviewer wanted more control over froth level. This is Tom’s Guide’s editorial judgment, not a universal winner or a direct comparison with the Keurig and Ninja models above.
Rank #3
- SMALL SPACE SAVER: Compact at 4" wide for brewing the perfect cup of coffee in small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and surfaces with limited space.
- 12 OZ CUP: Features a One Cup reservoir for a freshly brewed cup, up to 12 oz.
- TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Fits up to a 7.25” to-go coffee cup so you can brew and go!
- FRESH & MODERN: Featuring a sleek, minimal design that blends with your lifestyle.
- ELEVATED COLORS: Available in aesthetic colors that match your style. *Cup not included*
Pod brewer or grounds brewer?
A pod-only brewer can simplify portioning, but it ties your choice to a compatible capsule format. The Keurig models discussed here are K-Cup brewers; check the machine’s compatibility details before buying pods rather than assuming every capsule fits. The Ninja PB051 is the option in this group that explicitly supports both pods and grounds. If using your own coffee matters, confirm the model’s grounds settings and any required filter before purchase.
Consider how each format fits your routine: pods prioritize a ready-to-use portion, while grounds give you the option to use coffee you already have. The PB051’s grounds sizes and pod sizes differ, so choose the brewing format and serving size together rather than treating the two ranges as interchangeable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND WASTE REDUCING: No need for paper or plastic cups, we’ve included a 14-Oz. stainless steel #304 interior insulated travel mug that fits perfectly under coffee dispensers and most cup holders so fresh coffee is always ready for you. Just Click, Brew and Go.
- QUICK INSTANT BREW TIME: With the Elite Gourmet personal single-serve coffee maker, you can brew fresh coffee at home in under 60 seconds. It’s great for “On the go mornings or a quick pick me up to save valuable time for your busy life.
- EASY ONE-TOUCH OPERATION: Enjoy hot and freshly brewed coffee fast with this stylish, compact 600-Watt coffee maker. The one-touch operation allows you to quickly and easily brew up to 14 oz. of tasty coffee at the perfect temperature without the long wait at your local coffee house.
- BREW GROUNDS: Brew a cup of coffee exactly how you want it with fresh coffee grounds. No more paper filters, we’ve included a removable & reusable filter for use with coffee grounds and loose-leaf tea.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Elite Gourmet Personal Single-Serve Coffee Maker has everything you need to enjoy hot fresh coffee. Comes complete with coffee maker base, travel mug, lid and reusable filter.
Rank #4
- Space-saving & Lightweight: Mini and slim, perfect for home, travel, RV, office, dorm and hotel.
- Over Ice & Hot Brew in One: Easily customize iced coffee with a recipe books included. Brew refreshingly chilled iced coffee or steaming hot coffee in 3 minutes. When using "OVER ICE", it will automatically adjusts brew temperature-starting hotter to help extract full flavor, then cooling down for less ice melt. The coffee from the “OVER ICE” is 48~54℉ lower than that from the “HOT BREW”, the less coffee brewed, the smaller the temperature difference between the "OVER ICE" and "HOT BREW".
- Ground-saving and 2 in 1: Brew both k pods and coffee grounds. Bulit with deep extraction technology, it delivers identical coffee strength with less grounds than other coffee machines.
- 6 to14oz Brew Size: Adjust the brew amount by filling to the appropriate ounce level. Water tank is not removable and needs to add water each time for fresher and more flavorful coffee.
- Easy to Clean: Has a descaling reminder and self cleaning function, accessories are detachable and dishwasher-safe.
What to compare before you buy
- Refill frequency: A larger reservoir can reduce trips to the sink when making several cups. The K-Elite lists 75 oz, the K-Supreme Gen 2 lists a removable 72 oz reservoir, and TechRadar says the K-Mini Mate needs fresh water for every brew.
- Cup size: Match the brewer’s supported sizes to your mug. The K-Elite lists five specific sizes; the Ninja PB051 offers separate size ranges for pods and grounds.
- Counter space: Check the listed dimensions against the available space, including room to open the machine and fill or remove its reservoir. TechRadar’s K-Mini Mate review gives its dimensions as 9.1 × 3.9 × 10.9 inches; Keurig lists the K-Elite at 13.1 × 9.9 × 12.7 inches.
- Strength and temperature: If you want explicit adjustments, the K-Supreme Gen 2 lists three settings for each. The Ninja’s four styles include Over Ice and Specialty, which are brew-style choices rather than the same controls.
- Iced coffee and milk drinks: The K-Elite has an iced beverage setting; the Ninja PB051 lists Over Ice and includes a fold-away frother. For capsule-based milk drinks, Tom’s Guide describes the Vertuo Lattissima’s separate dispenser. These are different approaches, so choose by the drinks you actually make.
- Cleaning and accessories: Milk systems add a component to handle and clean. If you are considering an accessory such as the PB051’s XFPB050 permanent filter, confirm compatibility and availability for the exact model.
Sources and specification notes
- Keurig K-Elite product page for listed sizes, reservoir capacity, iced setting, dimensions and brew-time claim.
- Keurig K-Supreme Gen 2 product page for cup sizes, reservoir and settings.
- SharkNinja PB051 product page for brewing formats, sizes, styles and frother.
- Tom’s Guide’s 2026 single-serve coffee maker guide for its Vertuo Lattissima selection and review notes.
- TechRadar’s K-Mini Mate review for dimensions, refill behavior and review observations.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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