The convenience of single-serve coffee makers can be hard to match; but most use disposable pods or K-Cups, which are expensive to use, often lower quality, and wreak environmental havoc. What if there was a better way?
That way is to opt for the best single-serve coffee maker with no pods.
But, which one is the best? Well, our choice for best overall, the Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker, is the perfect balance between quality and price, and is sure to leave coffee drinkers of all walks of life thrilled.
Here at The Coffee Arsenal, we believe good coffee is a way of life – and bad coffee is better off left un-sipped. We’ve spent countless hours researching the top coffee makers to bring you the most comprehensive, in-depth reviews on the internet.
Without further ado, here are the 13 best single-serve coffee makers with no pods. We have broken them down based on who we think they fit best, based on priority and coffee drinking habits.
Our Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers With No Pods
- Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker (Best Overall)
- Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One Coffee Brewer (Best Premium Brewer)
- BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker (Best Budget)
- Cuisinart SS-10 Premium 72-Ounce Single-Serve Coffeemaker (Best For Those Transitioning From a Pod System)
- Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker (Best for Simplicity)
- EZBASICS Single Serve Coffee Maker (Best for Small Spaces)
- ADIRchef Mini Travel Single Serve Coffee Maker (Best for Travel)
- Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker (Best for Families)
- KRUPS Simply Brew to Go (Best for Beginners)
- Hamilton Beach 49979 FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker (Best for the Office)
- Mixpresso 2 in 1 Coffee Brewer (Best for Speed)
- BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker (Best for Dorms)
- Instant Pot Solo, Single-Serve 2-in-1 Coffee Maker for Ground Coffee (Best for Large Water Reservoir)
13 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers Without Pods Reviewed
Below, we have reviewed 13 of the best single-cup coffee makers with no pods in their brewing process. We have detailed the specifics, pros and cons, and who we think each machine is best suited for.
Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Four brew styles
- Brew Sizes: Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, Multi-Serve Travel Mug, Half Carafe & Full Carafe
- Water Reservoir: Removable 40oz reservoir
- Material: Stainless steel, plastic
- Brand: Ninja
The Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker is a phenomenal machine for the burgeoning barista – and we can’t recommend it enough. Why? Let’s dig into it.
THE CM401 allows you to brew drip coffee in cup, xl cup, travel mug, multi-serve travel mug, half carafe, and full carafe sizes. The included glass carafe holds 50 ounces, or 10 cups.
The machine uses proprietary thermal flavor extraction to get the most out of your grounds. By applying consistent pressure, temperature, and allowing your grounds to bloom, the CM401 maximizes the flavor of the coffee it brews.
We can attest – the quality of the coffee is really good.
But where things really start to get interesting are the four different brew types you can select from: classic, rich, over-ice, or specialty brew.
The classic and rich options both pertain to classical drip coffee, and refer to the strength of the brew.
The over-ice option brews coffee slightly stronger so that, when making iced coffee drinks and the ice melts, you won’t be left with a weak, watery drink.
The specialty brew setting brews a concentrate similar to espresso, and can be used in making specialty drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and more.
Additionally, the machine has a built-in foldaway frother to assist you in your specialty drink creation.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Ninja CM401.
Pros
- Blooms the grounds
- Built in frother
- Four brew types
- Accommodates specialty drinks
Cons
- Coffee in the glass carafe gets cold quickly since it doesn’t have a warming plate included
Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One Coffee Brewer
- Key Feature: Pump-free, uniform heating
- Brew Sizes: 10oz
- Water Reservoir: 10oz
- Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic
- Brand: Technivorm
The Technivorm Moccamaster Cup One Coffee Brewer is for those who really love coffee.
A pump-free coffee maker that heats water to the correct temperature for coffee extraction every time, the coffee brewed by this machine is unparalleled by any other on this list.
The Moccamaster is built using high quality materials – stainless steel and aluminum, and the plastic used for the water reservoir is BPA, BPS, BPF and Phthalate free. It looks and feels great.
Brewing is easy; scoop ground coffee into the filter, add water, and press the brew button.
More or less grounds can be used to adapt the coffee strength to your personal preference, and Technivorm includes advice on how much ground coffee to use.
According to the National Coffee Association, the ideal water temperature for extraction is between 195 °F and 205 °F. The Moccamaster heats the water up to 200 °F, which sits right in the middle of that range.
This results in better, more flavorful coffee overall: and let me tell you, we can taste it.
It is worth mentioning that this coffee maker is not fast. It takes around four minutes for brewing to occur. However, the quality more than makes up for the slower speed. The best things are worth the wait.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Moccamaster Cup One.
Pros
- Heats water to the perfect temperature (200 °F)
- Saturates the grounds
- Fantastic build quality
- Brews truly excellent coffee
Cons
- Not fast
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Direct brewing
- Brew Sizes: Up to 16oz (Single Serve)
- Water Reservoir: 16oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Black+Decker
In an age of convenience, the Black+Decker single-serve coffee maker shines. Easy to use, and easy on the pocketbook, the Black+Decker is a fantastic machine for those on the go, or for those on a tight budget.
Brewing couldn’t be any easier. Simply scoop coffee into the included filter, add water, and hit the brew button! The machine uses a one touch brewing system, and automatically turns itself off when brewing is finished.
The machine can brew up to 16oz of coffee in one go, and operates on the you-get-what-you-put-in model. This means that your brew size is however much water you pour into the brewer.
The Black+Decker allows you to change the water temperature to ensure proper heating for your area and altitude. This is important especially if you live in alpine areas, and helps protect the integrity and flavor profile of your coffee.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker.
Pros
- Super convenient
- Easy to use
- Comes with an insulated travel mug
Cons
- No brew strength setting
SS-10 Premium 72-Ounce Single-Serve Coffeemaker by Cuisinart
- Key Feature: 5 brew sizes
- Brew Sizes: 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz
- Water Reservoir: Removable, 72oz
- Material: Stainless steel, plastic
- Brand: Cuisinart
The Cuisinart SS-10 Premium is an excellent single-serve brewer for those transitioning from a pod based system to ground coffee.
While the Cuisinart SS-10 Premium does brew single size cups of coffee using disposable pods, it also brews ground coffee through an included reusable pod, which can be stored in a handy compartment on the machine’s side.
The machine is extremely easy to use, and its buttons are laid out nicely. Simply insert the reusable pod into the machine, scoop your ground coffee in, select your brew size, and press the brew button!
The machine allows you to choose between single size brews of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces, and allows you to change brew temperature between hot and extra hot. All of these settings are easy to customize using the controls and built-in display.
The SS-10 comes equipped with a huge removable 72 ounce water reservoir, which helps limit refilling and makes brewing more convenient. You can brew up to 12 cups of coffee (at the six ounce size) without refilling.
One of the biggest benefits of their reusable pod system is the ability to customize coffee strength.
Brewing a large 12oz cup, we were easily able to produce strong coffee. The ability to add more or less grounds to alter brew strength can’t be overstated, and is crucial to brewing coffee you love.
One of the only negatives regarding the SS-10 is that brewing can sometimes be messy – the coffee can sometimes splatter all over during the brewing process. This isn’t a huge deal, but is something to note, especially in smaller kitchens.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the SS-10 Premium.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Temperature control
- Brews good, strong coffee
- Huge water reservoir
Cons
- Brewing can sometimes get a little messy
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Uses a mesh scoop filter
- Brew Sizes: 8oz to 14oz
- Water Reservoir: 14oz
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
Just scoop and brew.
That’s all you need to do to get a delicious cup of coffee from the Hamilton Beach Scoop single-serve coffee maker.
Touted for its simplicity and quality coffee, the Scoop is one of the best single-serve coffee makers with no pods on the market.
To brew, simply scoop ground coffee into the included scoop, filling up to the scoop line. This can be adjusted to better suit your coffee strength needs. Open the top, and place the scoop into the slot.
Next, fill a mug with water. This will be the size of your brew. Pour the water into the machine, through the top, close the lid, and press your desired brew button (you can choose between regular and bold brews).
That’s it! The machine will brew an 8-ounce cup in less than 90 seconds and a 14-ounce travel mug in under 2.5 minutes!
The included scoop takes all of the guesswork out of brewing the perfect cup. With its easy to read indicator lines, you can get the perfect measurements for your size cup.
The included drip tray is low enough to accommodate travel mugs, and can be flipped over and clipped to create a raised brewing platform for regular ceramic mugs.
One thing worth mentioning is the coffee temperature; in our testing it was slightly cooler than other machines.
Overall, this machine is excellent at what it does, brewing coffee, and its simplistic approach is refreshingly convenient.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Hamilton Beach Scoop single serve coffee maker.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Brew strength control
- Custom brewing instruction guide
Cons
- Not the hottest cup of coffee
EZBASICS Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Super-compact design
- Brew Sizes: 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz
- Water Reservoir: 10oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: EZ Basics
The EZ Basics single-serve coffee maker is a great choice for those looking for a basic, compact machine for a small kitchen, dorm, or office building.
The EZ Basics brews coffee in 4, 6, 8, and 10 ounce sizes, and accommodates both K-Cups, pods, and ground coffee (through the use of their included reusable pod).
The machine also states that its reusable pod can be used to brew loose leaf tea, which is an interesting feature addition for this small-but-mighty machine.
Brewing is easy; its one touch system heats the water quickly and brews efficiently. Just fill the reusable pod with ground coffee, pop the pod into the pod slot, and press the brew button!
This machine also operates on the you-get-what-you-put-in model. This means that your brew size is however much water you pour into the brewer.
While the coffee isn’t going to win any awards, it’s sufficient for the average drinker.
Overall, this machine is a great choice for those looking for the best small coffee maker with no pods.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the EZBASICS Single Serve Coffee Maker.
Pros
- Super compact
- Easy to use
- Auto shut-off
- Reusable filter included
Cons
- No brew strength setting
- No temperature control
- No brew sizes larger than 10oz
ADIRchef Mini Travel Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Travel oriented design
- Brew Sizes: 15oz (Single Serve)
- Water Reservoir: 15oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: ADIRchef
The ADIRchef mini travel single-serve coffee maker is one of the best single-serve coffee makers with no pods on the market, particularly if you do a lot of traveling.
The machine is small but mighty, measuring in at 10.4 inches tall by 5.7 inches wide by 7.2 inches deep, and weighs a staggering 1.3 pounds (assembled weight). This makes it incredibly portable, and can be shoved in a backpack or suitcase for on the go brewing.
Speaking of brewing, the process is simple and the coffee surprisingly good for a machine of this price and stature. Equipped with a permanent filter, you just scoop the ground coffee in, add water, and press the brew button.
This machine, like others on this list, operates on the you-get-what-you-put-in model. This means that your brew size is however much water you pour into the brewer. The machine accommodates brewing up to 15 ounces at a time.
While not as fast as some other machines on this list, heating the water and brewing a 15-ounce cup of coffee take around 3 minutes. Smaller cups will be quicker, and if you have kept the machine plugged in, the water won’t have to heat.
Overall, this machine is excellent for those looking for a machine that brews great coffee and is compact enough to travel with.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the ADIRchef Mini Travel Single Serve Coffee Maker.
Pros
- Super compact
- Easy to use
- Reusable filter
- Good coffee
Cons
- No brew strength setting
- No temperature control
Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: 2-in-1 design
- Brew Sizes: 14oz (Single Serve) or 12 Cups (Carafe)
- Water Reservoir: Two reservoirs, 14oz and 60oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
The Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew offers users fantastic flexibility, and is the perfect machine for accommodating families or roommates with different coffee drinking habits.
The brewer is two machines rolled into one, a single cup brewer that takes K-Cups and standard pods, as well as ground coffee, and a drip coffee maker that brews ground coffee into a carafe.
The single-cup reservoir holds a maximum of 14oz, and the carafe brewer holds a maximum of 12 cups (coffee cups), or 60 ounces. There is a handy window on each side of the machine which allows you to see how much water is left in each reservoir.
When brewing single-serve cups of coffee, you have two sizing options. You can brew up 10 ounces of coffee if using a K-Cup, or up to 14 ounces of coffee if using your own grounds.
Carafe brewing is quick, and the machine has both a keep warm setting and a pause and pour function. The keep warm setting eliminates the need to reheat coffee, preserving its flavor profile.
The pause and pour feature is great for those on the go, or who don’t want to wait until brewing is finished to get the coffee.
Both the carafe and single cup brewer operate on the you-get-what-you-put-in model, meaning however much water you pour in the reservoir is the amount of brewed coffee that comes out.
For both the single cup brewing and carafe brewing, you have the option to choose between regular and bold brewing. Bold brewing does take longer, but produces stronger coffee.
Overall, this machine offers flexibility and good coffee for those families or roommates with different coffee drinking habits.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew.
Pros
- Two in one design
- Brews from pods and ground coffee
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can sometimes leak
KRUPS Simply Brew to Go
- Key Feature: Built in filter
- Brew Sizes: 14z (Single Serve)
- Water Reservoir: 14oz
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel
- Brand: KRUPS
The KRUPS Simply Brew to Go is a compact single-serve coffee maker that uses a basket with a permanent filter to brew ground coffee. The machine weighs in at 2.4 pounds, and is 5.91 inches deep, 5.31 inches wide, and 12.32 inches tall.
The machine is easy to use, with a single brew button on the front. There are no temperature or strength controls, but this isn’t a huge problem; the machine was built for simplicity, and it shows in the brewing experience.
Capable of brewing up to 14oz of brewed coffee at a time, you can change the size of your cup by adjusting the amount of water you pour into the machine.
The machine does not hold water in a reservoir, meaning the machine has to be refilled before every use.
The Simply Brew to Go looks good, and fits into most office settings. The stainless steel accents help make it look more premium, and accentuate its smaller form factor.
Overall, this machine is great for smaller spaces, such as offices. Its built in filter, simple design, and quick brewing make it a great choice for offices and workspaces.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the KRUPS Simply Brew to Go.
Pros
- Compact design
- Built in filter
- Easy to use
Cons
- Must refill water before every use
Hamilton Beach 49979 FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Comes with a mesh filter
- Brew Sizes: Up to 10oz with a pod, or 14oz with ground coffee
- Water Reservoir: 14oz
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
The Hamilton Beach 49979 is the perfect single-serve coffee machine for the office. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take up much space, and provides the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
The machine is compatible with both single use pods, such as K-Cups, and ground coffee using the included basket. The basket comes equipped with a mesh filter, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing paper ones.
Brewing is simple – just scoop ground coffee into the included basket, add water, and press the brew button!
The machine has two brewing strength options, regular and bold. The regular option is good, but the bold option is great for those of us who like a stronger, more flavorful cup of coffee.
Maximum brewing size differs depending on the brewing method you choose. You can make up to 10oz using disposable pods, and up to 14oz using ground coffee. For either method, you can make less than the maximum amount by pouring in less water.
Overall, the flexibility, simplicity, and awesome coffee quality make this machine a good choice for the office.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Hamilton Beach 49979 FlexBrew.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Bold brewing option for those of us who like stronger coffee
- Basket has an included, reusable filter
- Brews ground coffee and pods
Cons
- Slow
Mixpresso 2 in 1 Coffee Brewer
- Key Feature: Brews quickly
- Brew Sizes: 14oz (Single Serve)
- Water Reservoir: 14oz
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Mixpresso
The Mixpresso 2 in 1 Coffee Brewer is a great budget single-serve brewer for people who value a fast brew.
To clear up confusion, the 2 in 1 part of the name refers to the machine’s ability to brew coffee using both pods and grounds. The machine does not brew both single-serve cups and a carafe.
One of the best things about this machine is its speed. Using its powerful 1000 volt motor, the machine heats the water to the perfect temperature quickly. Brewing, including water heating time, takes between two and three minutes.
Speaking of brewing, the Mixpresso 2 in 1 has a 14oz water reservoir, and allows you to brew cups up to that size. The machine needs to be refilled before every use, and uses all of the water you put in during each brew cycle.
There is only one button on the machine, the brew button, and no options for strength control.
The machine automatically shuts off after every brewing cycle, which helps save energy and prevent motor burn out.
One disadvantage of the machine is its build quality. The Mixpresso 2 in 1 is constructed entirely of plastic, and doesn’t look or feel very premium.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Mixpresso 2 in 1 Coffee Brewer.
Pros
- Fast
- Coffee was a good temperature
- Basket has an included, reusable filter
Cons
- No strength control
- Not a premium build
BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker
- Key Feature: Uses both pods and ground coffee
- Brew Sizes: 14oz (Single Serve)
- Water Reservoir: 14oz
- Material: Plastic and Stainless Steel
- Brand: Bella
The BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker is a great single-serve brewer for dorms. With a simple, good looking design, easy brew process, and speed, the BELLA One Scoop is sure to impress.
Brewing is easy – just scoop ground coffee into the filter basket, add water, and press the brew button. You can make up to 14oz of coffee at a time, and the machine needs to be refilled before every brew cycle.
Additionally, the coffee maker produces hot water for instant oatmeal or soup, bagged or loose tea, powdered hot chocolate, or apple cider. This is super convenient for dorms, as it eliminates the need for other water heaters and electric kettles.
The BELLA One Scoop is a good looking machine, and comes in black and stainless steel, red, and red and stainless steel color options. The stainless steel accents provide a chic touch that accentuates dorm kitchens.
It is also worth mentioning that this coffee maker comes with a lovely ceramic mug included, only sweetening the deal you get with this machine.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker.
Pros
- Good looking design
- Fast
- Ceramic mug included
Cons
- No strength controls
Instant Pot Solo, Single-Serve 2-in-1 Coffee Maker for Ground Coffee
- Key Feature: Unique pre-infusion process
- Brew Sizes: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz
- Water Reservoir: 40oz water reservoir
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Instant Pot
The Instant Pot Solo is a great single-serve coffee maker equipped with a huge water reservoir and proprietary ground coffee flavor extraction technology, which uses a unique pre-infusion process to enhance extraction.
Highlighted by a large, removable 40 ounce water reservoir, the Instant Pot Solo brews coffee in three sizes: 8 ounces, 10 ounces, and 12 ounces.
The large reservoir helps minimize the need for refills between brewing cycles, further enhancing the machine’s convenience.
Additionally, the machine allows users to choose between regular and bold brewing options, helping it cater to a wide audience of coffee drinkers. The drip tray can be removed to accommodate up to 7” travel mugs.
The controls, consisting of flat-touch sensor buttons, are extremely user friendly and make using the machine a pleasure. The buttons are lit, and will dim after 30 minutes of inactivity. After 2 hours of no use, the machine will automatically shut off.
Brewing coffee with this machine takes around 90 seconds, making it one of the faster ones on this list.
The Instant Pot Solo comes in four color options, black, white, red, and gray, so there is sure to be one that matches the design of your kitchen, dorm, or office.
Pros and Cons
These are some pros and cons of the Instant Pot Solo.
Pros
- Strength control options
- Fast
- Huge water reservoir
- Lots of color options
Cons
- No brew sizes above 12oz
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods?
There are a few important things to keep in mind when searching for a single-serve coffee maker with no pods. We detail them below.
Water Tank Capacity
Single serve brewers often operate using the you-get-what-you-put-in model, and don’t hold water in a tank. If you want a maker that you don’t have to fill every time, be sure you are getting one with a large reservoir.
Coffee makers that require refilling after every brewing cycle will usually have smaller reservoirs, somewhere in the 10-15 ounce range.
Filter
Most single-serve brewers that use ground coffee come with reusable mesh filters in the coffee basket. However, some require you to purchase disposable, single use paper filters. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your machine.
Dimensions
Single-serve coffee makers are generally smaller than full sized coffee makers or espresso machines. However, things like water reservoir and extractor size all play a role in the machine’s overall footprint.
Warranty
Warranty options are important to look for a single-cup coffee maker with no pods. These can help provide peace of mind, and prevent loss of capital if a machine stops working prematurely.
Technology
When looking for the best single cup coffee maker with no pods, there are a few important technical aspects to keep in mind.
Different coffee makers heat coffee differently, and heat to different temperatures. Ideally, you want the coffee between 195 and 205 degrees (F). This helps provide the most flavor.
Some coffee makers come equipped with auto-shutoff capabilities. This helps you save energy.
Other machines brew coffee using both pods and ground coffee.
These tech options are important features to keep in mind when shopping for a coffee maker.
The Bottom Line: What is The Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods?
It can be confusing trying to sort through the best single-serve coffee makers with no pods. The machines in this article are all great choices.
However, the Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker stood out to us as the best of the bunch.
F.A.Q – Best Single Serve Coffee Makers With No Pods
These are some answers to the most common questions around this topic.
Is There a Coffee Machine That Doesn’t Use Pods?
Yes, there are lots of them! There are plenty of single-serve coffee makers that use ground coffee, and most carafe brewers and espresso machines do as well. Using ground coffee gives you more control, and is oftentimes of much higher quality.
What Is the Best Coffee Machine Without Pods?
Our choice for the best coffee machine without pods is the Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker. The machine is sure to thrill all kinds of coffee drinkers with its combination of quality and features.
What Is the Best Brand of Single Serve Coffee Maker?
A few great brands include Ninja, Technivorm, and Hamilton Beach. However, any coffee maker on this list is a great purchase.
How Do You Make Coffee Without Pods?
Instead of using pods, you can use ground coffee. For most single-serve coffee makers, you just scoop grounds into a filter basket and then brew!
In addition, using ground coffee gives you more control over strength, coffee origin, and provides increased freshness.
