The Best Single Cup Coffee Maker (No Pods): Top 7 Picks

Are you sick and tired of single-serve coffee makers that use coffee pods? Everybody is. Pods are convenient but super expensive. On top of that, they are highly hazardous to the environment.

What if I tell you that you can ditch the pod coffee makers and use ground coffee instead? Yes, you heard that right. A single-cup coffee maker that works with ground coffee instead of coffee pods is equally convenient and brews the most flavorful and fresh coffee.

If you are ready to purchase a single-serve coffee maker with no pods, this post will help you kickstart the process. After thorough testing and research, I’m compiling a list of some pod-less single-cup coffee makers on the market. There is a detailed buying guide at the end to make your purchase super smooth and convenient.

Now without making you wait any further, let’s dive right in!

Hamilton Beach 49976 Two-Way FlexBrew

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet functional single-serve coffee maker, then this Hamilton Beach Two-Way FlexBrew is an excellent option. Not just a single cup, but the two separate brewers of this machine also allow you to brew a coffee pot with 12 cups. The single-serve brewer of this Hamilton Beach machine can use both ground coffee and pods.

Moreover, the machine comes with two filter baskets. Apart from a normal cup, you can also fit a travel mug after removing the removable drip tray. You also get a warming plate and an auto shut-off feature to save energy. In addition, the brewing experience is super easy with an LCD screen and convenient button controls. Not to forget, this machine keeps your coffee warm even after 2 hours of brewing.

Our Verdict

This multipurpose coffee machine is a great option to fulfill the needs of every coffee drinker. It can serve both as a single-serve and carafe coffee maker. Moreover, it works with both coffee grounds and pods. The best part is that the coffee quality was incredibly delicious!

Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker

This Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker is a fast and functional appliance with a water tank capacity of 72 oz. Moreover, it offers plenty of cup sizes to accommodate your coffee needs: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. This machine can dispense plain hot water to make soups, teas, and other things. It is also equipped with a removable water reservoir and a built-in rinse setting to automatically clean the brewer.

The Cuisinart coffee maker features a removable drip tray, reusable coffee filter, and a charcoal water filter too. Since it uses coffee grounds, the taste and quality of coffee are incredible. Its LCD display and simple interface make the brewing experience more convenient. Though the exterior is plastic, the quality, aesthetics, and durability of the machine are top-class.

Our Verdict

This single-serve coffee maker without pods is perfect for people looking to brew a variety of cup sizes. It’s highly functional, affordable, and efficient too. However, remember that the machine is quite bulky.

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

Next on the list is another machine that serves both as a single-cup and a carafe coffee maker. Honestly, it is one of the most versatile coffee makers on tha market. It comes with a 40 oz water tank and brews with coffee grounds only. Not to forget, it is equipped with a built-in milk frother to enjoy milky coffee drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos.

The unique selling point of this machine is that it comes with various pre-programmed brewing methods; cafe forte, plain, specialty, iced, and rich. This coffee maker can accommodate the needs of every coffee drinker. It also comes with an ergonomic scoop and a recipe manual to make your brewing experience more pleasant. The machine also turns off automatically after 2 hours of inactivity.

Our Verdict

This mid-ranged yet efficient coffee maker will make any type of coffee for you. It’s multipurpose and will brew your coffee in under 5 minutes. However, the whole unit can take up a lot of space on your countertop or kitchen shelf.

Mixpresso 2-In-1 Single-Cup Coffee Maker With Travel Mug

The Mixpresso 2-in-1 single-cup coffee maker is the most budget-friendly and portable option on this list. It can fit into the tightest of spaces with its compact design. This machine can fit a 6 oz or a travel mug conveniently. The 30 oz water tank is removable, and the whole unit can travel with you anywhere. Its high-quality water filters will brew the most flavorful drinks out of the coffee grounds.

Despite being small, this Mixpresso portable coffee maker comes with plenty of comfort features. First, the machine automatically turns off after every brewing session. Second, it has a self-cleaning mechanism for users’ convenience. The entire unit is super easy to use and brews your coffee in under 2 minutes. Do you know what the best part is? It comes with a matching travel mug to always have your coffee on the go!

Our Verdict

This portable and aesthetically machine is available on the market for under $30. It is very beginner-friendly and features a one-touch operating system. However, this Cuisinart model lacks flavor settings.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV 10-Cup Coffee Maker

If you are looking for an efficient and high-quality single-serve coffee maker, then this Technivorm Moccamaster is an excellent option. Like some other options on the list, this machine can also fit a single cup and a carafe, too, to brew 10 cups of coffee. Though this coffee machine is slightly expensive, its functionality and durable construction will be worth every penny you spend.

This machine is perfect for the single-dosing technique. It also offers a steeping system that offers two brew settings; a weak or a stronger cup. Also, it will brew the most flavorful coffee with a one-button usability. Not to forget, the machine just doesn’t brew excellent coffee. It’s also very aesthetically pleasing and sleek-looking.

Our Verdict

Technivorm Moccamaster coffee maker brews the perfect cup with your coffee grounds using a steeping process. It is highly durable and brews silently. However, the model is quite pricey.

Hamilton Beach 49979 FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Next on the list is another Hamilton Beach machine; the FlexBrew single-serve coffee maker. Unlike the two-way FlexBrew, this model uses ground coffee and fits a single cup only. Also, it offers two brew sizes to choose from; 10 and 14 oz. The machine is very functional and allows you to brew a customized cup of coffee.

The machine has a pretty basic yet ergonomic design. The water tank is easy to fill, and the funnel prevents the coffee from spilling. Since all the parts of the machine are removable, cleaning and maintenance become a piece of cake. Not to forget, the machine has a very compact footprint to fit into your countertops and kitchen shelves.

Our Verdict

The Hamilton Beach single-serve coffee maker is a considerate option for people looking for something affordable yet functional. However, it isn’t equipped with extra glittery features.

Hamilton Beach Scoop 49981A 14-Oz Coffee Maker

We can’t get enough of the Hamilton Beach coffee makers, and this product is proof of that. This Hamilton Beach Scoop coffee maker is a user-friendly machine. Its filter basket can also double and turn into a scoop. Cool, isn’t it? You can also conveniently put the filter in a dishwasher. Moreover, it offers cup sizes ranging from 8 to 14 oz.

This machine brews ground coffee using the drip brewing method. Also, its stainless steel exterior is stunning and easy-to-clean too. The machine can brew your flavorful coffee in just 90 seconds! Though the model is not programmable, you can still customise the coffee strengths. The best part, it automatically turns off after every brewing session to save energy.

Our Verdict

The Hamilton Beach Scoop coffee makers can fit both small and travel mugs. It is efficient, quick, and super convenient to use. However, it offers limited drink options and a small water tank.

How Do You Use A Coffee Maker Without Pods?

A single-serve coffee maker without pods is a very easy-to-use machine; there’s no rocket science. All models come with scoops to measure the coffee grounds and reusable filter baskets to provide you with the cleanest coffee. Similarly, single-serve coffee machines with no pods also contain the same water reservoirs as pod machines.

If you still need assistance, here’s how you can use a coffee maker without pods:

1. Fill the water tank.
2. Preheat your coffee maker.
3. Grind your coffee beans if your machine doesn’t have a built-in grinder.
4. Measure the right amount of coffee grounds and pour them into the filter basket.
5. Place your mug or carafe under the sprout.
6. Select your brew size. You can even adjust the brew strength and temperature if your coffee machine has these features.
7. Press the start button on your coffee maker, and the machine will start brewing.
8. Your delicious cup of coffee is ready!

Things to Consider Before Buying Pod-Free Single-Serve Coffee Makers

Now that you have gone through my top 8 picks for the best single-serve coffee maker with no pods, it’s time to go through some technical details. You will come across plenty of options when you start exploring. However, you need to remember that only some products will be the right pick for you.

You must take a lot of factors and features into consideration before finally making the purchase. For example, you need to keep the design, coffee quality, filters, and functionality of the coffee maker in mind. Also, you must pay close attention to your personal preferences too.

To give you a helping hand, here is a detailed buying with all the essential considerations you need to take into account while looking for the best single-serve coffee maker without pods:

Types of Single-Serve Coffee Makers Without Pods

You will come across two types of options while looking for single-serve coffee makers without pods; espresso machines and regular drip coffee makers. Let’s go through both types in detail to see which one’s more suitable for you!

Regular Drip Coffee Machines

Drip coffee machines are the most common, oldest, and most convenient types of single-serve coffee makers with no pods. They use the traditional pour-over method and hot water to brew coffee. However, the cup of coffee would be super delicious, hot, and flavorful. Also, drip machines are more affordable than espresso makers.

Espresso Machines

As the name suggests, espresso machines brew the most authentic and barista-style cups of strong espresso to fulfill the desires of all coffee lovers. Espresso makers provide a consistent brewing pressure of a minimum of 9 bars to brew full-bodied shots of espresso. However, if you are planning on getting a single-serve espresso maker with no pods, try to get a milk frother with it too. Doing this will allow you to enjoy milky beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.

Design

Design is a personal preference that no one should compromise on. After all, your personal coffee maker is going to sit on your kitchen counter space for a significant amount of time, so it should be aesthetically pleasing.

Make sure the single-cup coffee maker without pods you plan to purchase has an ergonomic design. Also, its design and colors should match the color scheme and decorum of your kitchen or wherever you are going to place it.

You can go for neutral colors like silver, black, and white. Some coffee makers come with plenty of funky color options as well to match different color schemes. No matter what you buy, make sure it looks good sitting at your home.

Size

The next important factor to consider is the size of your space and the single-serve coffee machine you are planning to purchase. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste your money on a coffee maker that doesn’t fit into your space, right?

If you just want the coffee maker to sit on your countertop, size shouldn’t be a problem. Single-cup coffee makers are not that large. However, if you want the coffee maker to become your companion to travel trips, you might want to look at portable and compact options. Similarly, if you live in a dorm room or studio apartment, you will want something super tiny then.

Luckily, you will conveniently find a single-serve coffee maker according to your size preferences. Just make sure to keep the height and width of your space in mind while looking for options.

Carafe

Carafes are a type of vessel that some single-serve coffee makers have while some don’t. Some single-serve machines just come with a small mug that you can replace with your own. On the other hand, some coffee makers don’t include any sort of carafe, vessel, or mug. You can just place your own coffee cups under the sprout and brew coffee directly into them.

Now, having a carafe or not is not really a problem when looking for single-serve coffee makers. Since you are brewing a single cup, your own mugs would work too. However, if you want your single-serve coffee maker to brew a large batch, it’s better to look for options that come with a carafe.

It all depends on your personal needs and requirements! Some coffee machines also come with a plastic or glass carafe, so make sure to consider this element too.

Filters

Another important factor to consider while looking for the best single-cup coffee maker without pods is the filter. Most single-serve machines come with reusable mesh coffee filters, while some use disposable paper filters.

If you ask me, I would recommend only opting for machines that use permanent filters. You can use permanent mesh filters up to a hundred times and wash them in the dishwasher too! Some reusable filters can also double as a scoop to measure coffee grounds or beans.

While on the other hand, disposable paper filters won’t only be bad for the environment but an extra expense too. You will have to waste the old ones and purchase new ones again and again.

Brew Size & Cup Size

Again, single-serve coffee makers offer plenty of brew and cup sizes. In fact, the brew sizes for every machine are different. You must identify what brew sizes will suit the best to your coffee requirements.

For example, some best single-serve coffee makers can brew an 8 or 10-oz cup of coffee. Even if they can fit a 20 oz travel mug, the coffee machine will only fill it in half. Similarly, some coffee makers with no pods can brew 14 ounces of delicious hot coffee. Moreover, some single-serve coffee makers come with the option of brewing plenty of brew sizes; 8, 10, 12, and 14 oz.

In short, the options are endless, and you will definitely find something according to your needs and requirements.

Coffee Quality

For me, coffee quality is the most important thing when looking for single-serve coffee machines. This is something you should never compromise on. After all, what is the use of a coffee machine with poor quality coffee, right?

Therefore, research thoroughly and opt for machines that brew the most delicious coffee. All the products on this list are recommended after days of testing, so they will definitely offer excellent coffee quality.

Extra Features

A good quality and budget-friendly single-serve coffee maker with no pods come with all the basic features and functionality. But if you are not too tight on budget, why not opt for a coffee maker with some extra and more convenient features?

For example, some single-cup coffee makers come with built-in grinders for coffee grounds. These machines will make your brewing experience effortless. All you have to do is put the coffee beans inside the machine, and it will grind the beans before brewing.

Similarly, some single-serve machines come with incredible programmability features like a 24 hours timer. This feature allows you to set a timer, and the machine will automatically start brewing the coffee exactly when needed. Some coffee makers also have built-in milk frothers to enjoy milky beverages like lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos.

These extra features will surely cost a bit more, but the functionality and convenience, in return, will be worth the money.

The Bottom Line

Finding the best single-cup coffee makers with no pods can be tedious, but this guide will definitely make the task easier. All the products on this list are tested, high-quality, and will brew excellent and flavorful coffee drinks. Just remember the essential considerations while purchasing to pick the best product.

If you ask me, the Hamilton Beach Two-Way FlexBrew is my top pick! After that, my vote goes to the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. If you are looking for something super basic and affordable, the Mixpresso coffee maker is an excellent option too.

No matter what product you pick, just make sure it’s according to your needs, preferences, and requirements.

FAQs

Can you make coffee in Keurig without pods?

No, Keurig machines can not work without pods. They use K-Cups, K-Carafes, or K-Mugs to brew coffee.

Does a single-serve coffee maker make a good cup of coffee?

Since single-serve coffee makers are designed to brew just one cup at a time, they produce a more balanced and concentrated coffee. Eventually, the taste of the coffee will be great too.

Can I run my Nespresso without a pod?

Yes, you can run your Nespresso without a pod–but you will only get hot water after that. Nespresso machines are not designed to brew coffee without pods.

Do all coffee machines use pods?

No. There are different types of coffee machines in this world; some are designed to work with pods, and some are without pods.

How long does a single-serve coffee maker last?

Good quality single-serve coffee makers from reliable brands can last for upto 6 years.

What makes better coffee? Drip or Keurig?

Drip coffee makers brew better coffee than Keurig machines, in my opinion.