While you may be used to having to venture out to your favorite local cafe or Starbucks to get a quality cup of Joe or espresso, that’s no longer the case. Many brands have been stepping up their game and introducing single serving espresso machines that are not only quick and convenient but also offer high quality coffee drinks.
Best of all, they achieve the consistency that typically has you headed for your daily run to the coffee shop. However, with the endless sea of options available, you may be wondering which single serve espresso machine would serve you the best. You’re in luck. Below, you will find a curated list of some of the best single serving espresso machines you will find in the marketplace for any budget.
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What Should I Look for When Buying a Single Serving Espresso Machine?
What Do You Drink?
You want to factor in your use-case when buying one. If you are very particular about the way you drink your coffee, you want to ensure the machine will be capable of delivering exactly what you’re after. If you’re a latte lover, you want to be certain the machine is capable of producing lattes. Whereas, if you are only after coffee and espresso, you may not feel like paying extra for features you won’t use frequently.
Do You Have Size Concerns?
For those with small kitchens, a compact single serving machine may be preferable. Whereas, if you aren’t restricted to space, you will have a lot more options to choose from.
How Experienced Are You?
Naturally, single serving espresso machines are much more user-friendly than some of the other offerings available in the marketplace. However, some machines require little to no effort at all. Therefore, you want to factor in the convenience and ease of use when you are choosing the right machine. For instance, machines that take K-cups will require very little to produce consistent results.
When you are trying to figure out which machine to spend your money on, you want to find something that provides you with the most value for the money. For this reason, we’ve picked out some of the best machines you could consider based on what it brings to the ‘coffee table.’
Best Single Serving Espresso Machines – Our Picks
We have researched single serving espresso machines and found standouts based on quality, performance and reviews.
#1. Breville Nespresso Creatista Single Serving Espresso Machine (For The Aspiring Barista)
This is the clear pick for someone who is looking to get a real coffee-shop type of experience from their coffee maker. However, you will be paying for it. That being said, if you are willing and able to spend the money on this machine, it will reward you handsomely. This machine stands out for several reasons
- It Oozes Quality
This Nespresso machine by Breville looks like it came out of a high-end coffee shop. You will easily impress all of your friends and family by having this appliance sitting on your kitchen countertop. Its durable construction of stainless steel paired with a glossy black finish makes it one of the most stylish options in the marketplace. However, it packs much more than looks.
- Packed With Features
This machine is packed full of features. This means you are getting superb value for the money you are spending. The machine itself will help you brew the perfect and most consistent cup of coffee or espresso every single time. It features an easy to see TFT LCD that will assist you throughout the entire process from start to finish. You will be able to choose from different settings that can help you change the coffee volume, the temperature of the milk, and more.
- Who Doesn’t Love Lattes?
No worries if you are someone who heads to Starbucks for your favorite flavored latte. This machine comes with an attached milk frother that you will be able to use to practice creating professional-looking latte art in the comfort of your own home.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- 2-year warranty
- Incredible performance
- Easy to clean
- Milk Frother for latte art
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- It does require a little more effort than some of the other single serving machines available
How to do latte art with your machine video:
#2. NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Coffee Machine (Best For Simplicity)
This Nescafe machine is a good all-around performer. With a competitive price and good performance, it delivers the best value for most people looking for convenience. Genio 2 is an automatic capsule machine. Therefore, it is more for those who are after a single serve machine that will do the majority of the work for them.
- It’s Incredibly Simple To Use
This machine is designed with ease-of-use and convenience in mind. The machine itself features an easy interface that makes it incredibly simple to customize your coffee. With it, you can change both the size and strength of your coffee. It even makes brewing as easy as can be with matching indicators on the cups. Simply match up the LED bars on the machine to the number of bars on the capsule you are using and position it to hot or cold to begin the brewing process. This will deliver the perfect cup every time.
- It’s Tiny But Packs a Punch
This machine stands out in its class because it is such a good performer for its size. A lot of people seeking to purchase a single serve are likely interested in finding one that can deliver what they want in a smaller and more compact package. That is exactly what the Gusto Genio 2 does. It features a very small footprint which means you can get high-quality coffee without taking up valuable kitchen countertop space.
Pros:
- It’s small and compact
- It uses Nescafe’s proprietary smart capsules which lock in the flavor of fresh coffee beans
- It can make both hot and cold beverages
Cons:
- Only rated to produce 10 cups or less per day
- It’s an automatic capsule machine which limits its versatility
“NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Combo Coffee Machine Review: Best Coffee Maker?” describes this Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine in more details.
#3. Lavazza Espresso Machine - Blue Classy Mini LB 300 (Best For Lavazza Fans)
Those who have been drinking coffee have their preferences. If yours is Lavazza coffee, look no further. Lavazza has been known in the industry for its high-quality production. Espresso machines by Lavazza deliver everything you would expect from the company that set such high standards in the espresso world.
- Sleek and Compact
The Lavazza espresso machine is both sleek and compact. Therefore, it would fit right in anyone’s kitchen. They sought out to create a machine that delivers on the high-quality and consistency that you would expect from their coffee. It’s clear to say they exceeded all expectations with this unit. It is fully compatible with its very own Lavazza blue capsules.
- Programmable Brewing Button
One of the beauties of this unit is the ability to customize it to your liking. With its seemingly basic yet very useful programmable brewing button, you will be able to adjust your shot’s daily extraction time to exactly what you want it to be. This will ensure that you can get the results you are looking for from your espresso maker.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use
- Compact
Cons:
- Limited to espresso
- Small size does come with some compromise with a limited capacity water tank
#4. SOWTECH Espresso Machine (Best Budget Pick)
SOWTECH seemingly came out of nowhere to deliver one of the best and most affordable options in the marketplace. With stainless steel and durable ABS plastic construction, you can’t find a better budget pick than this one. This Sowtech espresso machine is capable of delivering high-quality barista beverages you’ve come to know and love.
- Versatility
This machine truly stands out with its versatility. As mentioned, this machine is capable of delivering a lot of different beverages including espresso, cappuccino, and more. Best of all, it comes packed with a rotating milk milk frother wand that you will be able to use to create rich and foamy espresso.
- Simple Operation
While it’s not as simple as an automatic maker, it’s very easy to use. It features a very easy to understand button layout that will allow you to create the perfect cup of coffee every time. It even has a short extraction time of only 22 seconds which means you will be able to go from making to drinking in very little time.
- Compact Design
If you are worried about having a single serve machine taking up too much space, that’s not the case with this one. This machine is relatively compact and it can really make not only storing the machine easier, but it makes cleanup simpler as well.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Versatility
- Compact
Cons:
- SOWTECH only offers a 1-year warranty
#5. Nespresso CitiZ Original Line Espresso Machine (Best For Style)
This single serve espresso machine by Breville is one of the most stylish in the marketplace. The machine itself is extremely compact which makes it the perfect fit for urban kitchens. Its elegance is unmatched and unrivaled which makes it the go-to for anyone seeking both style and substance.
- Flaunt Its Style
The unique and compact design is a must-have for anyone who is looking for an espresso machine that can also contribute to décor. If you are going after a sleek and elegant look in your kitchen, it will fit right in.
- Compact Means More Space
For someone with limited kitchen space as it is, you may be more worried about finding an espresso machine that can deliver what you want without taking up a lot of space. That is exactly what you can get with the CitiZ.
- Versatile and Smart Design
The design of this unit offers more than meets the eye. For one, the folding cup tray is capable of fitting both single serve coffee and espresso cups. Likewise, this Nespresso CitiZ espresso machine features different cup sizes that you can choose with the touch of a button. It also features a lot of removable parts which makes cleaning and maintenance much easier than you might expect.
- Automatic Standby Mode
This machine features an automatic standby mode. This means you get better energy savings that you can reallocate to finance your coffee addition.
Pros:
- Sleek and compact
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Expensive
Other Nespresso machines are listed below. For more information on other of Nespresso Machines, read Nespresso Reviews.
#6. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine (Best Compact Capsule)
The Nespresso Essenza Mini espresso maker is a compact machine that offers a no-frills design. The drip tray is located at the front of the machine while the removable water tank is at the back. The lever on top of the coffee maker opens & closes to place the Nespresso capsules inside. Use the two buttons behind the lever to turn the coffee maker on and choose your cup size. The minimalist design is one feature that makes this product stands out from the rest of the competition.
- Super Performance
The machine heats up fast and makes strong, full-flavored espresso in just 25 seconds. It provides a beautiful crema on top of each espresso cup. This is a basic coffee maker, so you don’t find lots of customization features. You can choose from two cup sizes including lungo and espresso.
- Easy Set-Up & Cleaning
The set-up process is quick and easy. Clean all the removable parts with warm soapy water before you use the machine for the first time. The water tank has a capacity of approximately 20 ounces and is removable. The buttons on top of the unit will turn from flashing to stable when the machine is ready to use. The unit requires minimal cleaning. Just wash every removable part with a mild detergent and hot water after every few uses.
Pros:
- Compact & lightweight
- Easy to use and clean
- Energy-efficient and affordable
- Provides consistent espresso
Cons:
- The espresso lacks complex flavors like in high-end machines
- The capsule container is somewhat small
See Nespresso Essenza espresso machines in action!
#7. Nespresso Pixie With Aeroccino By Breville (Best Smart Energy Saver)
If you wish for the perfect cup of magical elixir-like coffee as soon as you wake up every morning, you should invest in the Nespresso Pixie coffee maker right now. The machine offers an impeccable single-serving espresso cup every time thanks to the patented extraction system that delivers up to 19 bars of pressure. The automatic coffee machine takes around 25-35 seconds to give you the perfect cup of coffee.
- Water Reservoir
The water tank has a capacity of 24 ounces ideal for brewing several cups of espresso before refilling the tank. Cleaning & filling water is simple thanks to the removable water reservoir. Fill the tank with fresh filtered water for your favorite cup of espresso.
- Cup Sizes
You can choose from two different cup sizes including 1.35 oz shots and larger Lungo sizes of 5 oz shots. You are in command when choosing the cup sizes thanks to the foldable drip tray.
- Heating Up
The Pixie will heat to the optimal brewing temperature in just 25 seconds. The energy-saving benefits of this coffee maker are unmatched in the industry. In fact, the unit has got a smaller carbon footprint than the average coffee maker on the market today.
Pros:
- High-quality espresso with the patented 19 bar pressure pump coffee extraction method
- Fits on any kitchen counter due to the compact design
- Energy-efficient due to the automatic shut off feature
Cons:
- Small water tank compared to other Nespresso espresso machines
#8. STARESSO Portable Espresso Machine (Best Manual Espresso Maker)
The Staresso espresso machine delivers rich stated espresso to please your tastebuds within a few seconds thanks to its 15-20 bar pressure coffee extraction technology. Use the frothed milk and the bottom press crema to enjoy a flavorful cup of espresso every morning. Your favorite cup of espresso is ready for you in less than one minute.
- Portable Design And Build Quality
The portable design makes it easier to carry and store this machine. It allows you to drink a cup of espresso at any time anywhere. The 304 stainless steel inner tank of the unit is safe and non-toxic. The exact scale line is great for creating your perfect cup of coffee.
- Simple Mechanical Structure
You can use the machine directly without charging or battery due to its simple structure. The unit is easy to assemble/disassemble and clean. The machine is compatible with coffee capsules. You can use different brands of coffee capsules or pods and ground coffee beans directly with this machine.
Pros:
- Great build quality and durability
- Compatible with different brands of coffee capsules and ground coffee makers
- Very easy to disassemble and clean
Cons:
- The cleaning process takes a bit longer than the average espresso maker
For a full review of the Staresso Espresso Maker, read ‘Staresso – Portable and Ready To Go‘.
#9. ChefWave Mini Espresso Machine (Includes Capsule Holder)
Making your favorite cup of coffee every morning doesn’t become easier than this. The ChefWave Mini machine makes the entire process quick and easy. The unit delivers a delicious cup of espresso (1.3 oz) or lungo (3.75 oz) in less than a minute.
- Powerful Performance
The coffee maker delivers up to 20 bars of pressure to make high-quality, barista-style espresso. The automatic two-hour shut-off and standby mode help save energy.
- Compact Design
The machine is lightweight and has great build quality. You can carry the unit anywhere to travel to brew a favorable cup of coffee at any time anywhere. It doesn’t take much space on the kitchen counter. The parts are detachable and easy to clean. With the 27-ounce water tank, you don’t have to refill the machine often.
- Capsule Holder
The unit has a capsule holder for 40 pods and a pair of double wall glass espresso cups.
Pros:
- Compact design and build quality
- Delivers up to 20 bar pressure for high quality, barista-style taste
- Programmable one-touch 27 Oz. water tank
Cons:
- Have to remove the bottom to insert a taller cup
#10. Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker (Best For Traveling)
- The Nanovessel
The nanovessel helps keep previously boiled water hot to make a delicious cup of coffee when you need it. The three-in-one function of the unit acts as a tea infuser, tumbler, and water tank all in one. No battery or electricity is needed for its operation since it’s 100% manual.
- The Capsule Adaptor
The capsule adaptor lets you add your favorite flavors directly into the cup of coffee. It’s just an attachment and a great addition to the Nanopresso coffee maker.
- The Protective Case
The S-case is made of EVA material & a soft fabric interior lining. The case is specially designed to fit around the unit without any attached accessories.
Pros:
- Made of plastic but well built
- Delivers 18 bars of pressure for a great cup of espresso
- Lightweight and compact
Cons:
- Must have access to hot water
#11. BELLA (13683) Personal Espresso Maker (Best in Steam Espresso Machines)
The Bella espresso maker is compact and affordable. The machine comes with an easy-pour glass decanter, a frothing steam wand, and a detachable permanent filter basket to provide your favorite cup of espresso every morning. You can easily brew cappuccinos, lattes, americanos, and macchiatos with a simple turn of a knob.
- Built Quality And Design
The machine is compact, lightweight, and convenient to use. At 4.76 pounds, it is one of the lightest steam-based coffee makers in the market. The small footprint of the unit is ideal for compact kitchens. Accidental leaks are prevented with the safety cap (steam-pressurized) and removable drip tray.
- Easy Cleaning
The permanent filter basket can be detached for easy cleaning. The easy-pour decanter with cool-touch and drip-free spout ensures safe serving.
Pros:
- The pressure buttons will let you know when steam is ready
- The unit is light, compact, convenient, and easy to clean
- Can brew single serving or up to four cups of coffee in one go
- Milk frother steam wand
Cons:
- The water tank isn’t removable
See the Bella coffee maker that can create espressos, cappuccinos and lattes.
Verdict: Your Best Single Serving Espresso Machine
At the end of the day, choosing the right single serving espresso machine comes down to figuring out what machine delivers the price to value ratio that suits you the best. You need to look for a machine that is capable of delivering the kind of experience you want.
Think about how you are planning on using the machine. You should be able to pinpoint which machine offers the most value based on your desires and expectations. The machines listed above are some of the standouts you can choose from within the marketplace.