What is a No-Pod Coffee Machine?
A single-cup coffee maker with no pods is a great option for coffee lovers on a budget. But what is the best single-cup coffee maker with no pods?
Here are our picks for the ten best single-serve coffee makers with no pods. Also below is a FAQS section about what to look for in a coffee maker without pods.
Why You Should Trust Coffee Snobs
You’re probably wondering, with all of the coffee blogs, why you should trust us. We didn’t just name our website Coffee Snobs to sound unique, but because we’re passionate about coffee.
Coffee is our passion, and we extensively researched every single serve ground coffee maker on this list. None of the brands on our list is paying us to plug their product so that you can trust our opinion.
No-Pod Coffee Machine vs. Pod Coffee Machine
Those just getting into coffee may be confused when separating the different types of single-serve coffee makers. Particularly the difference between a no-pod coffee machine and a coffee machine with pods. Here are the differences between these types of coffee makers.
Pod Coffee Makers
Pod coffee makers are the trendy coffee makers that came onto the scene in the early 1990s. These coffee machines require you to put a plastic cup with a serving of coffee grounds into the brewers.
Each time you make a cup of coffee, you must replace the pod and add a new one. Frequently buying new coffee pods can get expensive, but users of these machines like it for convenience.
No Pod Coffee Makers
A coffee maker without pods is among traditional electric coffee brewers that don’t require coffee pods. These are the simple coffee machines where you add coffee grounds into the filter, water, and boil.
Our Top Rated Pick
After much debate, our favorite single-serve ground coffee maker is the Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve, Coffee Maker . A simple yet effective single-serve coffee maker with no pods necessary that anyone can use.
What to Look for
When looking for the best non-pod coffee maker, there are specific things you need to look into. Here is what to look for in a good single-serving coffee maker without pods.
Available Space
Before purchasing a new single-cup coffee maker, you should know your available space. You don’t want to buy a coffee maker and find out it doesn’t fit in your kitchen.
User Friendly
Buy a single-cup coffee maker that is easy to use without needing to consult the internet or Youtube. The simplest coffee makers are often some of the best ones to own and produce great coffee.
Brewing Needs
Are you in need of a brewer that makes coffee just for you or for multiple people in your household? Look for a coffee maker that meets your brewing needs.
Sit Down or Take Away?
Are you a person who likes to drink your coffee at home or likes to take it to go? You’ll need to consider this when picking a new single-cup coffee maker.
Some brewers are only compatible with coffee mugs of a specific size and can’t fit a to-go cup. Read through the specs of each machine to see what type of cups or mugs can fit in them.
Filter Choices
The filter size is another consideration you must consider when shopping around. Read to see if the potential no-pod single-serve coffee makers you’re looking at provide the amount of coffee you want.
Brand Recognition
Brand recognition is something that you have to take into consideration when buying a single-serve coffee maker. You want to invest in a brand known for producing quality coffee brewers.
Settling for any off-brand single-cup coffee maker simply won’t do. Invest in a machine that you know will make good coffee and last for years.
Available Features
Are you looking more for just a brewer that makes coffee? Research websites like Amazon to find a single-cup coffee maker with extra features such as more brewing or size options.
Do Your Research
When looking to buy a new single-cup coffee maker with no pods, you have to do your research (Like you’re doing now). Always check out the customer reviews of any potential coffee maker you may buy.
Also, be sure to look for more thorough studies on coffee blogs like ours to really know about different coffee makers.
FAQs on No-Pod Single-Serve Coffee Makers
Does a Single-Serve Coffee Maker With No Pods Make a Good Cup of Coffee?
Yes, a single-cup coffee brewer with no pods will make a perfect cup of coffee every time you use it. Of course, the quality of your coffee will depend on if you put in the correct amount of coffee grounds and water.
How Many Parts Does a Single Cup Coffee Maker With No Pods Have?
The number of parts a single-cup coffee maker will have will depend on the brand and complexity of the machine. A basic single-serve brewer generally has a filter, tank, and base, while brothers with more features will have more.
What Will Happen if I Put Cold Water in My No-Pod Single Cup Coffee Maker?
Nothing will happen if you decide to put cold water into a no-pod single-cup coffee maker. The only thing that will occur from this is producing a weak cup of coffee from using cold water.
How do I Clean My No-Pod Single Cup Coffee Maker?
To properly clean your single-cup coffee maker, you must descale it and clean each piece. Also, boil water through the tank with no coffee grounds to kill any lingering bacteria inside the machine.
How Many Ounces are in a Cup of Coffee?
A standard-size cup of coffee is between 6 to 8 ounces (177.4ml to 236.5ml).
What is the Standard Coffee Mug Size?
The answer for the standard coffee mug size is also the answer to the question above this one.
The Best No-Pod Single-Serve Coffee Makers
- Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve, Coffee Maker (Best two-way coffee maker)
- Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker, with 4 Brew Styles (Best multiple coffee maker)
- Mr. Coffee Espresso and Coffee Machine (Best single-cup espresso maker)
- Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker (Best Two-Way Coffee Maker)
- Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker (Best combined multiple coffee maker)
- Touch Single Serve Coffee Maker (Best touch single serve coffee maker)
- Krups Simply Brew To Go Single Serve Drip Coffee Maker (Best brew-to-go single-cup coffee maker)
- PowerXL Grind & Go, Automatic Single Serve Coffee Maker (Best commercial grade coffee grinder)
- Black + Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker (Best value price single-cup coffee maker)
- Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine (Best multiple brew sizes single-cup coffee maker)
Single-Cup Coffee Makers (No pod) Reviewed
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve, Coffee Maker : Best Two-Way Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker is a simple brewer that is easy to use. You can make a single cup of coffee up to 14fl oz (414 ml) with no K-cups necessary.
Complete with an adjustable stand that can fit a variety of cups, whether drinking at home or on the go.
For the brewing process, the filter doubles as a scooper. You scoop up your favorite coffee grounds, place the filter in its holder, and press a button.
You can choose from two brewing options, which are regular and bold.
Some may take that we took issue with making a value brewer our top choice, but that’s exactly why we did. This single-cup coffee brewer with no pods is perfect for those on a budget.
It has a dimension of 8.35 x 6.7 x 8.67 inches (21.02 x 17 x 22 cm) which is great if you’re short on space. You can put it in a small area in your kitchen or on a table, and it’ll fit with no problem.
What we really like about this brewer is the simplicity of the design. Some people love having a coffee machine with various features, while others just want one that works.
Hamilton Beach made this coffee maker for those who just want a good cup of coffee—making it with an adjustable base that can fit various types of cups. Both at-home mugs or to-go cups if you like drinking your coffee on the way to work.
Along with the simplicity of the design, we love how simple it is to make a cup of coffee. The filter doubling as the scooper makes it super convenient to scoop up the grounds and make some coffee.
Again, this single-cup brewer may be too simple for some coffee lovers, but that’s why we love it. This is a coffee machine for those who want a good coffee set at a great price.
That is why the Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker is our top choice.
Brand: Hamilton Beach
Model Name: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
Capacity: 14oz (414ml)
Color/s: Silver
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- Two available brew sizes
- To-go option
- Adjustable Stand
Pros:
- All-in-one filter and scooper
- Best value
- Two brewing options
Cons:
- Few Extra Features
Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker, with 4 Brew Styles : Best Multiple Coffee Maker
The Ninja CM401 is a specialty 10-cup coffee maker that is another stellar kitchen appliance from Ninja. It has over four brew styles, six brew sizes, and no pods.
Complete with a built-in fold-away frother and a programmable delay brew to make coffee whenever you want. Plus, even though it has multiple features, it’s still relatively compact, with dimensions of 11.99 x 8.75 x 15.04in (30.45 x 22.22 x 38.2cm).
Now, let’s talk about what we love about this brewer and many things about this coffee machine. Ninja gave us anything we could ask for in a single-cup coffee brewer.
First, you have six size options, whether you want a small, large, to-go cup, or whole carafe. You can even froth your coffee with the exclusive fold-away frother add-on.
For the brewing options, Ninja gives you four different delicious options. Whether you want a classic, rich, over-ice, a specialty bold style coffee, and even a cappuccino, this machine will make it, and the quality is outstanding.
It isn’t false advertising when Ninja claims they bring the coffee house to your home with this machine. You can make cafe-style coffee in the comfort of your home for a lower price.
Also, you won’t need to use k-cups, which helps you leave less carbon footprint. Then on top of making great coffee, Ninja made cleaning this coffee maker a breeze.
Next to the start button is a cleaning option, where you can boil water through the filter. The 40-oz (1,182.94 ml) removable water reservoir can be easily taken out to clean.
You may assume that a brewer with all these features would make it outlandish and space-consuming. Surprisingly, Ninja could add all these features and still keep it relatively compact and at a reasonable price.
The only defect you may have is being the unlucky customer that gets a defective unit, but that happens sometimes. This is the best brewer on our list, and we think you’ll get years of coffee out of this fantastic product.
Brand: Ninja
Model Name: Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker, with 4 Brew Styles
Capacity: 50oz (1,478.68ml)
Color/s: Silver and black
Material: Stainless steel
Features:
- Six Brew sizes
- Four Brew styles
- Fold-away frother
Pros:
- Multiple brew sizes
- Multiple brew styles
- Frother included
Cons:
- Large carbon footprint
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Coffee Machine : Best Single-Cup Espresso Maker
The Mr. Coffee Espresso and Coffee Machine is one of the most unique and well-made brewers on our list. It is a specialty espresso machine without pods that makes coffee shop-grade espresso and coffee.
Giving you the option to make espressos, lattes, or cappuccinos. Complete with a nineteen-bar Italian pump just like legitimate coffee house brewers have on their machines.
This brewer is of stainless steel and has a compact design with dimensions of 10.6 x 13 x 14.3 (26.9 x 33.02 x 36.32 cm).
Mr. Coffee’s designers also made this brewer with a thermocouple heating system and an easy one-button interface. Complete with a removable milk reservoir that makes cleaning quick and easy.
The Ninja coffee maker may have more features, but this Mr. Coffee brewer makes the best specialty coffees on our list. It legitimately makes authentic coffeehouse-style espressos and specialty drinks.
If you were to give someone a cappuccino made from this machine, they’d assume you bought it. This is precisely what the Mr. Coffee designers were going for when creating this brewer.
They even made it with an authentic nineteen Italian bar like legitimate coffee shop espresso makers have—all with an easy one-button interface to make high-level espressos and lattes.
But while this espresso machine is great, let’s discuss the one drawback we found. The features say this espresso maker can make multiple sizes, but we’re skeptical.
From the size of this machine, it would, at best, be able to hold a 6-oz (177.44 ml) cup. We don’t think you could possibly fit a cup bigger than that into this brewer.
Also, being an espresso maker, we must stress that you clean this machine regularly and thoroughly. If you don’t clean the milk reservoir, bacteria will form, making horrible coffee and ruining the device.
But we must say that Mr. Coffee Espresso and Coffee Machine make great specialty coffees.
Brand: Mr. Coffee
Model Name: Mr. Coffee Espresso and Coffee Machine
Capacity: 21.97oz (650ml)
Color/s: Silver and black
Material: Stainless steel
Features:
- Nineteen-bar Italian pump
- Makes lattes, cappuccinos and espressos
- Pre-programmable coffee-making option
Pros:
- Coffeehouse-grade specialty coffees
- Built-in frother
Cons
- No regular coffee
- Bit pricey
Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker : Best Two-Way Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is Hamilton Beach’s model for those who want a coffee maker with more features. This model is a two-way coffee maker that comes with two separate easy-to-fill water filters.
Compatible with K-pods, other pod brands, or just ground coffee if you prefer. It has easy touch programming that automatically makes coffee when you want it.
With all these features, this brewer is still compact. Coming in with compact dimensions of 11.4 x 12.2 x 13.7in (28.956 x 30.988 x 34.798cm).
This Hamilton Beach brewer was almost our top pick, but the other(smaller) Hamilton Beach brewer won by the slimmest of margins. The Hamilton Beach Flexbrew Trio 2 Way coffee maker is a well-made and versatile machine.
It’s a machine that has a sleek look that is compatible with both pods and coffee grounds. You can make multiple sizes thanks to the convenient separate water reservoirs.
Either different single cup sizes on one side or make a full carafe on the other. All while being able to customize the brew strength with the easy-touch programming.
Also, with an auto pause and poor feature to pour your cup of coffee as it brewers. Cutting your wait time in half for incredible convenience.
Although this is a relatively simple brewer that just makes regular or strong coffee, you’ll have to look elsewhere if you want a single-cup coffee maker that makes specialty drinks.
But if you like to choose from various colors and sizes, Hamilton Beach made it with this brewer. You can choose from over six colors and three sizes.
If you’d like to upgrade to the larger black model, this brewer also has an espresso feature. You can ask for more in a convenient single-cup home brewer set at a reasonable price.
Brand: Hamilton Beach
Model Name: Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
Capacity: 96oz (2,839.06ml)
Color/s: Black, white, or silver
Material: Plastic
Features:
- Two Separate water filters
- K-Cup compatible
- Easy touch programming
Pros:
- Separate water filters
- Set brewing times
- Customizable brew strength
Cons
- Made of plastic
- Possible water leakage
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker : Best Combined Multiple Coffee Maker
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker is a combination electric coffee maker and grinder all in one. It has a 96oz (2,839.06ml) capacity that is compatible with multiple types of coffee cups.
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Makers is another single-cup coffee maker we looked at. It’s a unique mixture of a single-cup brewer and a grinder.
An electric grinder put together with a classic drip-style coffee machine. For being both a grinder and a coffee maker, this machine is quite compact.
Coming in with dimensions at 12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3in (31.75 x 21.59 x 41.4cm). But it’s also a little heavy due to being a grinder with a weight of 16 pounds (7.25 kg).
Alright, let’s get into our review. This is a unique take on a coffee machine mixing together an electric grinder and coffee maker. The ability to grind fresh beans into your pot of coffee sounds like an interesting concept.
A machine for a real coffee head who likes to grind their beans to make coffee. Whether you want to brew your coffee into a carafe or right into a to-go cup.
All of this is easy with an LCD touch screen to control the grinding process and coffee’s strength. Thanks to a programmable auto-start feature, you can make coffee whenever possible.
Breville designers also made this two-in-one grinder/brewer out of stainless steel, claiming it’s built to last. That sounds like a really good deal, right?
After researching several customer reviews, this grinder/coffee maker combo seems too good to be true.
Mixing a grinder and coffee maker together seems like a good idea, but having one that functions well is another story.
There are several reviews on this product from upset clients with complaints about this product—everything from the grinder malfunctioning after a period of time to water not draining out properly.
The description also warns about complications with the grinding process that will affect the coffee’s quality. People that like to drink coffee at home don’t like overly complicated and expensive machines that may break down quickly.
They want something they know will work and last. An electric grinder/coffee maker combo seems like a good idea, but there’s just too much room for error.
It would be much cheaper to buy a coffee grinder and use a simple coffee maker than to buy this product. You’ll have less of a chance of wasting money and better coffee quality.
Brand: Breville
Model Name: Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
Capacity: 96 oz (2,839.06ml)
Color/s: Silver
Material: Stainless steel
Features:
- Comes with an electric grinder
- Multiple cup compatible
- LCD display
- Steep and release technology
Pros:
- Unique combination
Cons:
- Malfunctioning grinder
- Water drainage problems
Touch Single Serve Coffee Maker : Best Touch Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Touch Single Serve Coffee Maker has rapid brew technology and is K-pod compatible. It’s easy to use, with multiple cup sizes to choose from.
You can choose from 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14oz (177.44, 236.58, 295.7, 354.88, 414.02ml).
Touch claims that its coffee offers users a bolder flavor that is hotter, unlike its competitors. Their coffee reaches a maximum temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93.33 degrees Celcius) to get the most taste from the beans.
Designers also claim that you’ll get incredibly fast brewing that can produce a cup in under 20 seconds.
This coffee maker from Touch offers a lot, but customers don’t seem to agree. Complaints about this coffee machine range from insufficiently hot coffee, breaking down quickly, and bad customer service.
On multiple websites, customer reviews have shared complaints about the warranties not being honored by the company. Claiming that it’s near impossible to get a hold of customer service reps.
From looking at the design of the coffee maker, we can see why it would break down quickly. That’s because this machine is from hard plastic.
Plastic coffee makers tend to be cheaply made and easily break down, complained to steel or metal brewers. Also, Touch marks their product at a bit of a high price, with it being a plastic coffee maker.
There seem to be a lot of red flags with this coffee machine, so we can’t give it our nod of approval.
Brand: Touch
Model Name: Touch Single Serve Coffee Maker
Capacity: 14oz (414ml)
Color/s: Black
Material: Plastic
Features:
- Five size options
- K-cup compatible
Pros:
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Made of plastic
- Numerous customer complaints
Krups Simply Brew To Go Single Serve Drip Coffee Maker : Best Brew-to-Go Single-Cup Coffee Maker
The product on our list is the Krups Simply Brew To Go Single Serve Drip Coffee Maker. It’s a simple coffee brewer that makes single servings of coffee without needing K-cups.
Krups made their single-cup coffee maker with a compact design that’s easy to fill. With just the click of a button, you’ll have a cup of coffee in around a minute.
They also included a large tumbler cup, whether you purchase the 12 or 14 ounces (354.88 and 414.02ml) brewer.
Then on top of coming with a tumbler, Krups made their brewer super compact. Having the smallest design of any single-cup brewer on our list, with a dimension of 5.31 x 5.91 x 12.32in (13.48 x 15.01 x 31.3cm).
So, this is the simplest and most compact coffee maker on our list of ten products. What you see is what you get.
It’s a no-pod small single-cup coffee maker that does one thing. Makes a standard cup of coffee.
Krups sets their brewer at a reasonable price that is great for those on a budget, not only on a budget but also with only a tiny amount of space available in their home.
Some potential customers may complain that this coffee maker has no special features, but Krups didn’t make it for them.
This is not even close to the best single-cup coffee maker on our list, but it works.
Brand: Krups
Model Name: Krups Simply Brew To Go Single Serve Drip Coffee Maker
Capacity: 12 or 13 oz (354.88 or 414.02ml) size options
Colors: Silver
Material: Plastic
Features:
- One touch design
- No pods required
- Compact and easy to clean
Pros:
- It’s a simple coffee maker
Cons:
- Plastic
- No extra features
PowerXL Grind & Go, Automatic Single Serve Coffee Maker : Best Commercial Grade Coffee Grinder
The PowerXL Grind & Go, Automatic Single Serve Coffee Maker is another grinder/brewer hybrid machine on our list. PowerXL made this single-serve coffee maker together with an industrial-strength coffee grinder.
Complete with two-way programming that lets you decide between brewing grounds or whole beans. Allegedly faster than a traditional drip coffee maker.
They made this product easy to disassemble for a quick clean-up. It also comes with a complimentary to-go thermal mug holding 16oz (437.17ml) of coffee.
We were critical of the last electric grinder/coffee maker combo, but this one seems to function better. It’s smaller, has a better design, and is more compact than the Breville coffee maker. Also set at a far less and more fair price.
Reviews are fairly good for this coffee machine, aside from one constantly rising issue. Many customers have complaints about how well the grinder grinds the coffee beans.
Stating that the grounds sometimes come out too coarse, which gives the machine problems making the coffee. This is a common problem with most electric coffee grinders, not just this brand.
It could also be from user error from customers not knowing how to use the product. Either way, the PowerXL Grinder & Go Coffee Maker seems to be an okay product but could possibly be faulty.
PowerXL sets this coffee maker at a reasonable price, so if you like the concept, give it a shot.
Brand: PowerXL
Model Name: PowerXL Grind & Go, Automatic Single Serve Coffee Maker
Capacity: 16oz (473.17ml)
Color/s: Black and silver
Material: Stainless steel
Features:
- Grinder attachment
- At-home or to-go cup features
- No pods necessary
Pros:
- Commercial grade coffee grinder
- Multiple size options
Cons:
- Possible issues with grinder
Black + Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker : Best Value Price Single-Cup Coffee Maker
Amazon Choice Award in Single-Serve Brewers by Black + Decker
Black + Decker makes everything from power tools to home appliances. One of their home appliances that made it onto our list with the Black + Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker.
It’s an Amazon’s Choice product that, just like the coffee maker from Krups, is just a single-cup coffee maker. No special features or bonuses, but just a single serving coffee machine with no pods necessary for brewing.
Also, like the Krups brewer, the Black + Decker brewer is also very small and compact. Coming in with a dimension of 5.47 x 6.14 x 9.41in (13.89 x 15.6 x 23.9cm).
This coffee maker from Black + Decker is exactly what they advertise it as. A small single-cup coffee maker with no special features.
In some people’s view, it may be better than the Krups model because it comes from stainless steel. Although for us, both products are about equal
In all honesty, this coffee maker is exactly cheaper that works well enough with no bells or whistles.
At the price Black + Decker set this coffee maker at, you get what you paid for.
Brand: Black + Decker
Model Name: Black + Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker
Capacity: 16oz (473.176ml)
Color/s: Black and silver
Material: Stainless steel
Features:
- Comes with a complimentary tumbler cup
Pros:
- Super compact
- Best value price
Cons:
- No special feature
Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine : Best Multiple Brew Sizes Single-Cup Coffee Maker
The final product on our list is the Braun MutliServe Coffee Machine. Braun made their machine to make seven different serving sizes, which include a single serving.
All in your choice of four different types of coffee. Either light, gold, or over ice.
The design includes an easy-to-operate one-touch screen with three sensors to monitor your coffee’s temperature. Also within the settings is a freshness indicator that tells you if you have a fresh pot of coffee.
On top of these features, each purchase comes with a glass carafe and a to-go cup.
From what we’ve seen and read from customer reviews, this is a decent coffee maker. It’s got some reputed features that are intriguing.
Choosing seven different cup sizes and four different drink styles sounds like a good deal. We have an issue with the advertising: they claim to make a full pot in under 8 minutes.
Eight minutes is a relatively long time for most brewers, especially for this one that isn’t that big. Some reviews also claim that this coffee machine is faulty, but from reading them, it felt like the customers were fickle.
The Braun Multiserve Coffee Maker is a bit pricey and not the best option, but it’s far from a bad investment.
Brand: Braun
Model Name: Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine
Capacity: 80oz (2,365.88ml)
Color/s: Silver
Material: Stainless steel
Features:
- Seven programmable brew sizes
- Three strengths
- Fast heating technology
- Freshness indicator
Pros:
- Multiple brew sizes
- Multiple strengths
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Recap
If you’re in the market for a new no-pod single-cup coffee maker, these are the ten you should look at. Our top picks and best picks are some of the best coffee makers you’ll find on Amazon. Check out the links above and see which machine fits you best.
To conclude our favorite single-serve ground coffee maker is the Hamilton Beach Scoop Single-Serve, Coffee Maker .
