Best Single Cup Coffee Brewers – Your personal mug of filtered coffee to go

Samuel J Tan Coffee Makers, Home & Kitchen, Kitchen 0

From grounds or beans to cup or mug, these single cup coffee brewers are perfect for commuters getting up early to go to work. Use your favourite blend or beans and have your coffee ready, even before the stores open, with your own personal single cup coffee brewer at home. If you’re the only coffee drinker in your family, or you enjoy an exceptionally well-brewed personalised cup of coffee, take a look at these options.

We looked at some of the best one cup coffee brewers on the market right now. To break it down, there are two different types of single cup coffee makers, those with a bean grinder and those that use coffee grounds. Majority of the these single cup coffee brewers however use ground coffee.

Based on your preference, if you prefer to pick your own beans from the roaster, to freshly grind at home, then the one cup coffee maker with built-in grinder is for you. However, if you prefer ready grounded coffee in vacuum sealed packs from the supermarket for convenience then the one cup coffee maker with a ground filter is the one to pick.

There are also bigger coffee to cup brewers. These usually come with a bigger water reservoir to hold more water and another reservoir to hold ready brewed coffee. Set the machine to brew the number of cups and when ready you can have the machine dispense coffee anytime you want, to enjoy coffee-on-demand, one cup at a time.

Different coffee makers have different options but generally they work on the same principle as a standard filter coffee machine but instead of making a jug of coffee, it makes just enough to fill a mug. The typical steps in preparing your coffee-to-go are as listed below:

Place the permanent filter into the filter basket.
Add ground coffee, we recommend approximately 2 ½ tablespoons as included travel mugs are quite big and hold larger volume of coffee.
Close the cover.
Remove the lid from the travel mug and add sweetener, cream or milk to the mug before brewing. Some brewers allow you to replace the lid, while others require the lid to be off so coffee can be dispensed directly into it.
Place the mug on the mug rest (drip tray) directly under the filter basket opening.
Press the power switch and the power indicator light will illuminate.
The coffeemaker and power indicator light turn off automatically when brewing is done.
Allow the coffee to finish dripping from the unit before removing your travel mug.

Note: Every coffee brewer is different so check the operating guide for your unit. The steps above are for general reference only. There will be slightly less coffee in your travel mug than the amount of water added, as the grounds absorb some of the liquid.

You can also find the convenient capsule or pod systems for single or double shot coffees in our article the Best Coffee Capsule Machines.

Table of Contents

12 Best Single Cup Brewer – Coffee Filter for One

Here we take a look at 12 of the best one cup personal coffee brewer for that perfect wake-up cup in the morning.

VonShef One Cup Personal Filter Coffee Machine – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG
Quest Benross One Cup Filter Coffee Maker – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG
Touch Brewer T526S Brewing System For Single Cup Coffee – BIG CAPACITY
Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker – BIG CAPACITY, PROGRAMMABLE
Russell Hobbs 22630 Brew and Go Coffee Machine – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG, PROGRAMMABLE
Black & Decker CM625B Programmable Single Serve Coffee Maker – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG
Breville Coffee Express Personal Coffee Machine – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG
Black & Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG
Hamilton Beach 49981A Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker – SINGLE
Hamilton Beach 49989 Coffee Maker, Grind and Brew Single Serve– GRIND & BREW, BEAN OR GROUND
Black & Decker CM618 Single Serve Coffee Maker – SINGLE, TRAVEL MUG
BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker – SINGLE, VIBRANT COLOURS

Now for a closer look.

VonShef One Cup Personal Filter Coffee Machine – SINGLE, INCL. TRAVEL MUG

This budget personal filter coffee machine comes with its own 420 ml Travel Mug with lid. The BPA free double walled stainless steel mug features a silicone grip band and removable lid. It fits in most cup holders in cars. With a single button operation, the coffee maker comes with a reusable mesh filter so no need for disposable paper filters. It dispenses coffee directly into the mug in just five minutes.

To make coffee with the VonShef One Cup Personal Filter; fill the water tank, add ground coffee to the reusable mesh filter, power up by pushing the power button and piping hot coffee will be dispensed in 5 minutes. An indicator light lets you know when the machine is in use. All removable parts are dishwasher safe.

Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 13cm.
Power: 650 – 750W.

Quest Benross One Cup Filter Coffee Maker – SINGLE, INCL. TRAVEL MUG

If simplicity is the game then Quest Benross is the name, the one cup filter coffee maker also comes complete with a 420 ml travel mug with lid. The stainless steel double walled thermal mug has a silicone rubber band for heat insulation and non-slip handling. It also has a reusable, washable filter mesh that negates the use of disposable filter paper. One touch operation could not be easier.

Small and compact, this is a perfect ‘office companion’ for fresh aromatic cup of coffee from real coffee grounds instead of freeze dried granules. For the right amount of water, fill and measure the mug with the exact amount of water you want in your coffee, a little less if you need room for milk then pour it in, fill the beans and off you go. When you finish simply throw away the used coffee grounds and wash the filter mesh.

Quest Benross One Cup Filter Coffee Maker

Power: 700Watt

Touch Brewer T526S Brewing System For Single Cup Coffee – BIG CAPACITY

Touch Brewer is the only other brewer with a large capacity to hold more than one cup of coffee but dispenses individual cups. Unlike the conventional filter coffee maker where coffee drips into a coffee jug, coffee is kept warm in the machine. Push down the actuator level to dispense and lift to stop for your instant cup of coffee and refills. There is a big see through water reservoir on the back of the machine so you can easily see the water level. The machine uses fresh ground coffee. It is also compatible with Portion Packs, including K-Cup packs, XBold Cup and XLarge Cup

There are at least six different Touch Brewer Brewing System for Single Cup Coffee, with slight variation in design and colour. The Touch Brewer T214B in Black, the Touch Brewer T314B in Black, The Touch Brewer T414S in Silver and finally the Touch Brewer T526S in Silver featured below.

What You Need to Know

Reliable brewing technology designed to last many years. Extra Large Water Tank: 90 oz.
Brews a stronger and bigger cup of coffee
Quickly brews a cup of coffee in about 1 minute: Brewer only takes 30 seconds to warm up from the cold start.
8 Cup Sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 ,16 18 and 26 oz to choose from. Includes: Carafe 26oz pot & Refill Jumbo Cup Heats water only when brewing to keep water fresh.

Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker – BIG CAPACITY, PROGRAMMABLE

This is the other high capacity coffee maker, this time from Cuisinart. The unit brews, holds and dispenses up to 12 cups of coffees one at a time when ready. On the left is the removable water reservouir with a replaceable charcoal water filter that helps filter out any impurities from the water. Inside, there is a coffee reservoir that holds up to 12 cups of coffee. Follow the instructions for the amount of coffee to use but typically we would suggest a heapful per cup.

There is a water dispenser in the shape of a shower head on the cover to spread the heated water over the coffee grounds in the filter. The water reservoir, filter and coffee reservoir are removable. There is a fancy coffee gauge that shows the coffee level. Pick 1 to 4 cups if you are making for four of fewer people. The unit is fully programmable with 24-hour advance brew start, built-in clock, programmable auto shutoff between 0-4 hours after brew cycle and self-clean.

What You Need to Know

Clock and programmable Auto On setting up to 24 hours in advance and Auto Off setting up to 4 hours after brew cycle has ended. You can overwrite the timer with Brew function to start brewing cycle immediately. Once brewing is complete, an audible tone will sound. A clean setting indicates time to clean coffeemaker to remove calcium buildup.
Dispenses one cup at a time with an easy-to-use actuator. Press the lever to fill your cup. Light comes on under the dispenser so you can see the coffee level.
Removable water reservoir
Double-wall coffee reservoir holds twelve (12 x) 5 oz. cups of coffee. Coffee gauge shows how much brewed coffee is left in the reservoir.
Removable coffee reservoir for easy cleanup
Removable filter basket holds commercial style permanent filter or a paper filter
Removable drip tray for extra tall coffee mug, see below.

Russell Hobbs 22630 Brew and Go Coffee Machine – SINGLE, INCL. MUG, PROGRAMMABLE

Not just your standard single cup brewer, the Russell Hobbs 22630 features a programmable timer. Set the time and program your coffee maker to automatically come up and brew your coffee at a time when you want it. The unit also goes off automatically after brewing. While the stainless steel 450 ml travel mug does not come with a non-slip band or handle, it is adequate and stylish.

The best way to use the program is the set it just before you go to bed in the evening to get your coffee ready for tomorrow and set it again once it finished brewing your morning cup ready for the evening so that you can look forward to a welcoming hot drink when you get back from work.

What You Need to Know

Brews real coffee from fresh grounds or soft filter coffee pods into a stainless steel travel mug that you can take with you
450 ml capacity stainless steel travel mug included
24 hour programmable timer – your coffee is ready for when you want it
Adjustable drip tray fits travel mugs and standard sized cups – reduces splashes or spills
Permanent coffee filter – no paper filters required

If you can not find the Russel Hobbs in your market, a similar model is available from Black and Decker, see below.

Black & Decker CM625B Single Serve Coffee Maker – SINGLE, INCL. TRAVEL MUG, PROGRAMMABLE

The Black and Decker CM625B is based on the same design as the Russell Hobbs 22630 Brew and Go Coffee Machine see above down to the included travel mug. Being programmable meant you can set the time for when you want your coffee to be ready up to 24 hours ahead. Removable and reusable filter basket meant no disposable paper filter to buy and easy emptying and washing up after every brew. The unit can be used with coffee grounds or pre-packed coffee pods from your favourite brand.

What You Need to Know

Brews real coffee from fresh grounds or soft filter coffee pods into a stainless steel travel mug that you can take with you
450 ml capacity stainless steel travel mug included
24 hour programmable timer – your coffee is ready for when you want it
Adjustable drip tray fits travel mugs and standard sized cups – reduces splashes or spills
Permanent coffee filter – no paper filters required

Breville Coffee Express Personal Coffee Machine – SINGLE, INCL. TRAVEL MUG

The inclusion of a sports bottle instead of a stainless steel travel mug is an interesting move. However, most coffee fans would have their personal coffee tumbler or travel mug to go with the Breville Coffee Express Personal Coffee Maker. They can perhaps use the 500 ml bottle impact resistant BPA-free bottle for other drinks if they wish. If you do use other mugs, measure the required amount of water you need using your mug and pour this into the 500 ml water reservoir so as to not over fill your mug. Remember to leave room for milk if you are after a flat white. The unit uses a gold tone permanent filter for improved coffee flavour and to avoid generating more waste with single use paper filters.

What You Need to Know

Single cup coffee brewer brews straight into included 500 ml bottle in 5 minutes
Double walled BPA-free 500 ml impact resistant bottle included
Removable Gold Tone Filter
Disassembles for easy, dishwasher safe cleaning
One-Touch control

Black & Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker – SINGLE, INCL. TRAVEL MUG

Black and Decker DCM18S with stainless steel 450ml thermal mug is the only single cup coffee brewer that offers a mug with a handle. Other single cup coffee brewers with travel mugs typically offers a straight mug with or without non-slip rubber sleeve. The contoured mug is designed to fit in most vehicle cup holders. To operate simply load up with coffee grounds or coffee pod and turn the unit on and your coffee will brew at the optimal temperature.

What You Need to Know

15-Ounce (450 ml) thermal mug with contoured, easy-grip handle
Permanent filter eliminates the need for paper disposables
Automatic shut-off for peace of mind
Durable mug, lid, removable filter basket, and permanent filter
Safe to use in dishwasher

Hamilton Beach 49981A Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker – SINGLE

If looks is what you are after, the Hamilton Beach 49981A with its stainless steel body and finish is your pick. However, the benefit of choosing the Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker goes deeper as it brews hotter, faster and make better tasting coffee with ground coffee. An 8 oz. cup is said to take less than 90 seconds to brew. While a 14 oz travel mug is ready in under two and a half minutes.

The machine features a steel mesh scoop or filter for freshly ground coffee. The stand is adjustable to accommodate different size cups and to make sure that lower cups are nearer the dispenser to avoid splashing. For the brew, there are two settings, regular or bold depending on your personal preference. Use the regular setting for a quick and basic, automatic drip cup of coffee or use the bold settings if you intend to finer ground coffee, decaf or stronger coffee. Using finer grind meant water passes through at a slower rate but it also meant that there is more contact time and better flavour extration.

What You Need to Know

Brew your own ground coffee with single-serve scoop filter
Scoop your favorite ground coffee and brew
Brews up to 14 ozs. into travel cup or coffee mug
Durable stainless steel construction
Built-in adjustable stand for different size coffee mugs
Automatically shuts down after brewing

Hamilton Beach 49989 Coffee Maker, Grind and Brew Single Serve– GRIND & BREW, BEAN OR GROUND VERSATILITY

Here is the only bean to mug in coffee filter machine in our list. The machine lets you use either whole beans or ground coffee. With a build in grinder, you can choose your favourite beans and have the machine prepare your freshly ground coffee and the perfect brew full of flavour. To operate simply fill the bean chamber on top and press the Grind and Brew button. The coffee maker will automatically grind the beans and dispense the grounds into the filter basket. When using ground coffee in the filter basket, use the Brew only button.

It has an adjustable tray to fit any size cup of mug. The dispense also allows for the dispensation of two 8-ounce cups of coffee at the same time using dual spouts to deliver two streams of coffee one into each cup. An automatic rinse will clean the grinding chamber to prevent clogging

What You Need to Know

Two ways to brew – with whole beans or ground coffee
Grinds whole beans and brews for fresh flavor
Also brews with traditional ground coffee
Brew into one or two mugs or up to 16 oz. into a travel cup
Automatic rinse cleans grinding chamber to prevent clogging
Automatic shutoff
Adjustable cup rest fits travel cup or mug
Love fresh flavor? Add coffee beans to the grinding chamber
Want extra convenience? Add ground coffee to the permanent filter basket
Coffee scoop included

Black & Decker CM618 Single Serve Coffee Maker – SINGLE, INCL. TRAVEL MUG

Another Black and Decker, this time the CM618 is a basic, straight talking, single serve coffee maker that takes both ground or pre-packed pods. It has a removable filter basket for emptying and easy cleaning. The removable parts are diswasher safe. It brews and dispenses coffee directly into a 16-ounce travel mug also included. The thermal insulated mug is designed to fit into most car cup holders. Single button, one-touch operation makes it easy to use. The CM618 is among the cheapest one cup coffee filter machine.

BELLA One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker – SINGLE

Most attractive of the lot featured here, BELLA single scoop single cup coffee maker comes in vibrant and bright colours. Our favourite being the red featured below. Single button operation, adjustable drip tray, permanent filter and removable dishwasher safe brewing basket is everything one can ask of a coffee brewer in this category. To add to that compact and space saving design, makes the attractive and vibrant coffee maker a choice for those who wants to instantly add style to any space. The unit can also be used to make tea and dispense hot water for hot chocolate, instant oatmeal or soup.