What are the Best Coffee Makers for K Cups?

SoloEspresso is supported by its readers. We may earn a commission when you buy through the links on our site at no additional cost for you.

There are many coffee makers that will work with K Cups, but if you want to save money and drink the best quality coffee, there are just a few that stand out above the rest.

We put the best coffee makers for K-Cups to the test, and there are the winners in our list of K-Cup coffee makers that you want to check out. 

RUNNER UP

CHULUX Coffee Maker for Capsule

We picked the Chulux as Runner Up as it is a great choice for those who have limited space with no compromise on taste

The Best Coffee Makers for K Cups

Thanks to the popularity of K-Cups, there is a wide range of K-Cup coffee makers on the market. You can pick your ideal one according to:

  • Aesthetics: Coffe machines are more and more becoming part of the design of the house. Find one that matches your kitchen décor. There are enough color and design options to pick from.
  • Speed: How fast it works may depend on whether you pick electric or gravity powered.
  • Compatibility: Is it compatible with the K Cups you prefer, such as the biodegradable pods loved by those who want to minimize their carbon footprint? You may also want the option of using the My K-Cup so you throw away fewer cups.
  • Versatility: Does it allow other drink making options if you don’t want single serve coffee exclusively, or need to cater for the entire family’s preferences?
  • Price rangeThe best will align with your preferences, not necessarily have the highest price tag.
  • User friendlinessYou want an easy interface, easy operation and maintenance.
  • SetupLook at the size of the water tank, as you may not like filling the cup every time you make a cup.

The makers we have reviewed are our choices of the best on the market today.

Keurig K55

BEST OVERALL

Of course, we have to talk about Keurig’s own machines first.

But this one’s ratings has nothing to do with preference for the Keurig name.

The Keurig K55 is really one of the most impressive units, often landing at the top of review lists.

Characteristics

The machine impresses from the outset as it looks stylish in black and silver.

Of course practicality matters most and this one doesn’t disappoint as it’s user friendly and you can use it for many different flavors of coffee or other drinks & yes, you can use other brands’ cups too.

We also love that there’s a large reservoir so you can make up to eight cups before refilling again. However this depends on what size cup you brew and we appreciate that you can opt between three types: 6oz, 8oz or 10oz.

It’s a compact, minimalistic design which will fit in most kitchens and fit in with décor & other appliances.

It has advanced technology too as it can shut off automatically and descale on its own. Just note that descaling only won’t do the job. From time to time you’ll have to rinse with vinegar water.

Impressive? Definitely!

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 9.8”x 13.3”x 13
  • Weight: 12 lb
  • Water tank: 48oz
  • Cup size options: 6oz, 8oz, 10oz
  • Available functions: Auto shut off
  • Cleaning options: Descaling
  • Control type: Buttons
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off

Chulux K Cup Coffee Maker QF-CM801

RUNNER UP

If compact design is at the top of your priority list, this will probably be the one you order.

Characteristics

Top of the list of impressive features is that the Chulux K Cup Coffee Maker QF-CM801 is a one touch operation machine. 

That means no complicated  procedures are necessary, which makes it practical even for users new to the coffee industry and all its options.

It’s a durable machine so you can move it around the kitchen without risk of damaging components.

This as well as the light weight feature make it ideal to take on holiday such as going camping, for instance.

The design includes a Cool Touch exterior so even if your coffee is piping hot you can still touch the machine without risk of burning. This makes it an ideal machine if you have kids around.

The reservoir is a bit small, but it’s to be expected from such a compact design.

At least you won’t refill it EVERY time.

It’s available in different colors so match its look to your personal style.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 10.3”x 9.4”x 4.8”
  • Weight: 2.9lb
  • Water tank: 12oz
  • Speed: 3-5min/cup
  • Power: 800W
  • Control type: One touch button
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew

One of the convenient options on this list that allows you to make coffee from either K cups or ground coffee.

Characteristics

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew’s 2-in-1 feature means you’ll be ready for coffee brewing no matter the circumstances: a carafe to cater for a crowd, or simply treat yourself to a K Cup brew.

The reservoirs for both options have water windows so it’s easy to gauge when to refill. In other words your life gets easier.

With multiple options available, this is a sensible choice for a family with different preferences. In addition to that you can also alter brew strength to suit your palate.

The exterior looks stylish in black, while inside you’ll find advanced characteristics such as an Auto Pause feature on the carafe system.

There’s also a shut off option, though it’s set considerably longer than most other machines.

For a multi function machine it’s remarkably light, so you may be taking this with you when you travel.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 11.42”x 12.24”x 13.66”
  • Weight: 6.37lb
  • Water tank: 2 separate reservoirs (12 cup capacity on carafe side)
  • Size options: Cup or carafe
  • Control type: Buttons with screen
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off after 2 hours

Keurig 575

Of course you’ll pay a little more for this Keurig model, but the range of features is worth it.

Characteristics

The Keurig 575 is probably a Keurig machine for the more experienced coffee aficionado although the water on demand is convenient for anyone. 

For the experts you’ll find temperature controls and brew strength so you can customize your drink to your preferences.

Something as simple as the reservoir even has unique features: you can remove it instead of having to fill it with a jug and you can make 10 cups or more with one full tank of water. That means you’ll probably never have to refill in the middle of a session of entertaining a few guests.

This Keurig is a programmable machine so it will be ready to serve you when you’re in a rush in the morning. It also has auto shut off settings, as you’ll expect from a high end model.

 Of course this is heavier so it’s not the most portable option mentioned here.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 13.2”x 10.5”x 13.3”
  • Weight: 13.7lb
  • Water tank: 80oz (removable)
  • Cup size options: 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz (Carafe up to 30oz also possible)
  • Available functions: Brew strength; Temperature adjustments
  • Control type: 2.8” color touch screen
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off

Nespresso Pixie from De Longhi

This De Longhi one is on our list thanks to its compact design and its soothingly silent operation.

Characteristics

You don’t simply want a cup of coffee—you want a creamy brew, right?

That’s possible thanks to the Pixie. Best of all is you don’t have to wait long because it does the work in only half a minute.

Part of its magic lies in the powerful 19 bar pressure pump.

Proof of its genius design also lies in the fact that it operates super quiet and is quite durable, which is what you expect from this famous brand.

However, note that it’s mostly plastic, that is don’t expect a metal appliance.

The brand didn’t forget looks, so this will present well on your counter too.

Despite its name it has a reasonably sized reservoir. 

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 12.8”x 4.4”x 9.3”
  • Weight: 6.04lb
  • Water tank: 24oz
  • Brew time: 30 seconds or less
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off after 9 minutes
  • Additional features: Empty reservoir alert; Programmable
  • Control type: Button operated

CuisineArt SS10

What an impressive machine! It adds style to the room and it works well too.

Characteristics

This also helps minimize your carbon footprint.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 11.03”x 9.33”x 12.13”
  • Weight: 5lb
  • Water tank: 72oz
  • Cup size options: 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz
  • Temperature features: Adjustable
  • Available functions: Auto shut off after 30 minutes
  • Cleaning options: Yes
  • Control type: Buttons with LCD screen
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off

Mixpresso Single Serve K Cup Coffee Maker

Consumers love this model for its many user friendly aspects.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 13.5”x 6.5” x 11”
  • Weight: 7.2lb
  • Water tank: Holds water for 6 or more cups
  • Cup size options: 6oz, 8oz, 10oz
  • Available functions: Programmable features
  • Compatibility: Works with any pod or K cup
  • Power: 1200W
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off

BUNN MCU Single Cup Home Coffee Brewer

This one is a winner for its versatility, so you can get the perfect drink, no matter your preferences.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 9.2”x 13.5”x 16.5”
  • Reservoir: 14oz
  • Weight: 10.5lb
  • Cup size options: 4oz to 14oz
  • Control type: Buttons
  • Drink options: K Cups, ground coffee, pods, tea bags, loose tea
  • Additional features: Hot water on demand

Keurig K15

You get a compact Keurig machine that will fit on any sized kitchen counter.

Characteristics

The small sized machine can accommodate mugs up to 5.2” tall if you remove its drip tray.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 6.9”x 10.7”x 10.8”
  • Weight: 8lb
  • Water tank: None
  • Cup size options: 6oz to 10oz
  • Control type: Buttons
  • Energy saving features: Auto shut off
  • Additional features: Hot water on demand

K Cups—An Introduction

The revolutionary coffee invention called a K-Cup was launched by the brand Keurig. 

Among its other coffee industry products Keurig offers this plastic cup, filled with grounds and sealed with an aluminum lid & filter.

The grounds are just enough for one cup of coffee, hence the name single serve coffee making.

Thanks to the nitrogen flush and sealing process the grounds stay fresh until you use it. So the contents can also be tea leaves or powder for other drinks such as cocoa. 

How to make coffee with a K Cups Coffe Maker

After you place this into a K-Cup coffee machine (of which we’ll review a few below) the machine pierces the foil and the bottom. Then water is forced through the grounds and the filter, ending in your cup as a tasty brew.

The ideal temperature for this single serve coffee making process is usually around 192°F. An important factor in picking a machine is whether it can maintain high temperatures throughout the process.

Today you’ll find many machine brands providing this function and also many different brands manufacturing K Cups. Some are in partnership with Keurig.

Because so many of these cups end up in landfill this became an environmental concern.

Keurig responded with the My K Cup which is reusable. That means you can fill it with the grounds of your choice, and still use your single serve coffee maker.

HANDY TIP


Don’t confuse these cups with pods. The latter refers to biodegradable round bags filled with coffee or other drinks.

Some coffee lovers feel K Cup coffee isn’t as flavorful as when grinding the beans yourself and using a drip brewer. Luckily you can opt to add your grinds to a My K Cup if you find this to be the case for you.

Benefits of using K Cups

There are remarkable benefits advantages in using K-Cups, but the top reasons why coffee lovers swap their old habits for this one include:

  • You have a much wider variety of coffee flavors to pick from, with Keurig offering 400 options, and this includes other drinks such as teas and cocoas.
  • It’s a quick, convenient process. Above all there’s no mess afterwards.
  • Each guest can have their own choice of drink since you’re not brewing a whole pot. The good thing is that you don’t have to clean the entire machine to ensure the next cup isn’t contaminated with the previous brew’s flavour.
  • It’s an easy method of brewing high quality coffee even if you’re not at home, as you can make this while camping. The advantage is that you don’t have to sacrifice your drink preferences simply because you’re off the beaten track.
  • Many single brew coffee makers are smaller in design than regular machines and grinders. This makes it a practical option if your kitchen has limited space.
  • The Keurig brand offers high quality coffee which makes this an impressive option for your office if you want to impress visitors.

Sound like a good idea to add one to your kitchen?

Even if you already have an espresso maker, the variety of options makes it a worthwhile purchase. And if you’re looking for a gift, chances are any recipient will love this as a present.

Conclusion on Coffee Makers using K Cups

In conclusion, if you want to know what coffee machines use K cups, you can see Keurig is still the market leader. 

However, many other brands joined the market and that gives you a more diverse range to pick from.

The K55 is always a winner and even if you don’t know what your preferences are, you won’t regret that buy.

However, we also suggest you give the Chulux model a try. Your coffee maker doesn’t have to rob you of counter space and there’s no compromise on taste.

What do you think is the most important feature when shopping for coffee makers?

Share your thoughts in the comments below so everyone can make informed decisions when ordering coffee makers.

Happy brewing everyone.