The Best Single-Serve Coffee-Makers

Mr. Coffee Single Serve Photo courtesy of Tom Schierlitz

Want instant caffeinated gratification with no mess? Real Simple and Jamie McCormick, the owner of New York City’s Abraço Café, tested 29 pod models. These were the most buzz-worthy.

1. Best Budget: Mr. Coffee Single Serve

This no-frills option works with hundreds of coffee pods from a wide range of companies — just like gizmos twice the price. The drawback? You have to refill the water tank every time you brew a cup.

Number of coffee-pod varieties*: More than 200 (from multiple coffee producers).

To buy: $79, walmart.com.

*Varieties include hot chocolate, lattes, and other specialty drinks.

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio Photo courtesy of Tom Schierlitz

2. Best All-Around: Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio

The 21-ounce tank (which can pump out three cups in a row), user-friendly programming dials, and a reasonable price tag make this brand-new machine a winner. And its penguinlike profile is just plain cute.

Number of coffee-pod varieties*: 14.

To buy: $130, dolcegustostore.com.

*Varieties include hot chocolate, lattes, and other specialty drinks.

De’Longhi Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker EC270 Photo courtesy of Tom Schierlitz

3. Best Espresso: De’Longhi Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker EC270

This sturdy model turns out satisfying espresso (no regular coffee) with the requisite caramel-colored crema, and it also has a stellar milk frother, for pillow-soft foam. Works with espresso pods and grounds.

Number of espresso-pod varieties: More than 100 (from multiple espresso producers).

To buy: $150, shopdelonghi.com.

Nespresso Pixie Photo courtesy of Tom Schierlitz

4. Best for Small Spaces: Nespresso Pixie

Here’s the skinny on this meant-to-be-seen pick: It’s a mere four inches wide and 12½ inches long, and it comes with aluminum side panels available in six glittery colors. Instead of coffee, it makes rich Americanos (espresso lightened with hot water), as well as straight espressos.

Number of espresso-pod varieties: 16.

To buy: $249, nespresso.com.

Keurig Special Edition Brewing System Photo courtesy of Tom Schierlitz

5. Best for a Full House: Keurig Special Edition Brewing System

Picky dinner guests? Pshaw. The 48-ounce water tank lets you brew eight (different) cups in a row. What’s more, you can select the size you want—from 6 to 10 ounces.

Number of coffee-pod varieties*: More than 200 (from multiple coffee producers).

To buy: $150, keurig.com.

*Varieties include hot chocolate, lattes, and other specialty drinks.