Single-serve coffee makers have become a staple in many Australian homes. They offer a quick, convenient way to brew a perfect cup of coffee without the hassle of grinding beans or cleaning up a big pot.
In this blog, I've explored the best single-serve coffee makers available in Australia to make your search easier. I'll guide you through expert reviews that discuss each model's unique features, pros and cons, and how they can transform your coffee experience. Ready? Let's get started.
My Top Picks
This guide is quite long, as it involved researching and evaluating over 20 single-serve coffee machines in Australia. If you’re in a hurry or need to make a quick decision, here are my top three picks:
Breville Precision Brewer Thermal
Best single-serve coffee maker for most people with six brewing modes, PID temperature control, dual filter baskets, and a pour-over brew option.
Elite Gourmet EHC111A
Best single coffee maker with no pods with thermal reset, auto shut-off, tea brewer function, and one-touch control for a quick caffeine brew.
Nespresso ENV90Y Vertuo Pop Solo
Best Nespresso single-cup coffee maker with a compact design, diverse drink options, automatic software updates, and a budget-friendly price point.
6 Single-Serve Coffee Machines for Aussies
My review of the top single-serve coffee machines considered each machine's brewing time, ease of use, coffee quality, and cleaning process. Here are the six handpicked options.
1. Breville Precision Brewer Thermal
Best for Most People
Coffee maker type: Drip/Single Serve Coffee Machine
Special features: Programmable, Thermal, Jug
Filter type: Paper
The Breville Precision Brewer Thermal is a single-serve coffee maker that combines innovation and simplicity. It ensures a perfect cup every time, no matter your coffee preferences. The machine also offers six unique brewing modes: a gold cup, a fast brew, a strong brew, refreshing ice coffee, a cold brew, and a personalised brew option called My Brew.
Breville's My Brew feature lets you tweak elements such as bloom, water temperature, flow rate, and brew time according to the bean's age, origin, and roast. The single-serve coffee maker has a small cup detection feature and a steep and release valve that controls how long the water and coffee blend when making a single cup of coffee (up to 590 ml) or cold brew.
The Precision Brewer's thermally insulated stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot for an extended period. Its heating system automatically adjusts the water temperature between 91 and 95°C. The coffee maker is also compatible with pour-over coffee makers like Hario V6 or Kalita Wave, giving you more coffee-making options.
Pros
- Six brewing modes
- Innovative pour-over option
- Control over the brewing process
- PID temperature control
- Dual filter baskets
Cons
- Slightly larger footprint
- Not a dedicated single-cup machine
2. Elite Gourmet EHC111A Coffee Maker
Best Single Coffee Maker With No Pods
Power/Wattage: 600 watts
Special Feature: Thermal Technology
Filter Type: Reusable
Elite Gourmet's EHC111A has a 600W heating system that brews coffee within 60 seconds. This level of expediency is beneficial if you have a demanding schedule. Beyond its rapid performance, the machine also impresses with the richness and consistency of the coffee it produces.
The device ships with a stainless steel thermal travel mug that maintains the warmth of your beverage during lengthy road journeys. The machine's tall opening is ideally suited for travel mugs. The coffee maker also features a one-touch control panel and a transparent water level indicator.
The Elite Gourmet EHC111A also serves as a tea brewer. The removable, reusable filter is a step in the right direction on the sustainability front, allowing for eco-friendly brewing using ground coffee. Likewise, its thermal reset switch and auto shut-off function demonstrate the safety measures and highlight the machine's energy-conserving capabilities.
Pros
- Quick caffeine brew
- Easy brewing with one-touch control
- Eco-friendly, cost-effective filter
- Safety with thermal reset, auto shut-off
- Steel mug keeps coffee hot
Cons
- No warming plate
- Learning curve for new users
3. Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo ENV90Y
Best Nespresso Single-Cup Coffee Maker
Power/Wattage: 1260 watts
Material: Plastic
Special Features: Programmable
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo ENV90Y is a pint-sized coffee machine with features that make it a delightful addition to any coffee lover's kitchen. It has a playful and compact design that doesn't demand much space, yet it manages to make a statement with its fresh colours and stylish curves. And while compact, its water tank capacity of 0.56 L is good enough for a single serve.
But that's not all; with its barcoded Vertuo pods, the machine serves up a variety of coffee sizes, from the classic espresso to generous mug-sized servings. It accommodates four different coffee cup sizes: mug, gran lungo, double espresso, and espresso, through three different coffee pod sizes. You can easily brew coffee at the touch of a button. The coffee maker also features a quick 30-second heat-up time, reducing unnecessary delays.
The coffee maker has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows Nespresso to automatically send software updates to the Vertuo Pop to keep up with the latest Nespresso coffee experience.
Pros
- Compact design
- Diverse drink options
- Budget-friendly alternative
- Automatic software updates
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for oversized mugs
4. De’Longhi Dinamica Plus
Best Single-Serve Coffee Machine for Offices
Coffee maker type: Espresso
Wattage: 1250 Watts
User interface: Touchscreen
The Dinamica Plus is a single-serve, fully automatic espresso machine. It has a built-in, conical grinder, a Smart-One-Touch System with 16 one-touch or customised drinks, and a LatteCrema Automatic Milk solution.
The LatteCrema milk frothing system is the single-serve coffee maker's unique feature. It's an efficient milk frothing system for fine-textured milk foam. You only need to fasten the milk jug to the machine's front panel to use it. The froth produced is usable with beverages such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, etc. It comes with a thermal milk jug that, when not in use, may be stored in the refrigerator to keep your milk fresh.
The Dinamica Plus has a simple-to-use touchscreen interface large enough (9 cm) for quick navigation and customising drinks. You also get the Coffee Link App, which lets you control your coffee maker from your smartphone or tablet. The Dinamica Plus includes an adjustable spout to accommodate various mug sizes and keep your machine clean.
Pros
- 16 programmed coffee drinks
- LatteCrema milk frothing system
- 9cm TFT coloured touch display
- Adjustable spout height
- Smart app connectivity
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Limited milk temperature control
5. Westinghouse 3-in-1 Capsule Coffee Machine
Best Single-Head Coffee Capsule Machine
Power/Wattage: 1450 watts
Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
Special Features: For Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and ground coffee
The Westinghouse 3-in-1 Capsule Coffee Machine has three adapters, eliminating the need to use capsules from a single brand. It is compatible with Nespresso and Dolce-Gusto capsules and ground coffee.
You also get a 700 ml water tank to brew up to 7 cups of espresso or 4 cups of coffee before refill. Speaking of refills, the tank is detachable, so you can fill it up straight from your tap. Also impressive, the machine's high-pressure pump boasts a pressure level of up to 19 bars for a richer espresso shot.
Westinghouse's coffee maker warms up in roughly 40 seconds for a quick brew. Its adjustable cup button is a nod to versatility, giving you control over your brew size. I recommend it if you want a compact, versatile, and quality single-serve coffee maker for home use.
Pros
- Three brew options
- 40 seconds warm-up time
- 19-bar high-pressure pump
- User-focused design
Cons
- Recommended for small jugs
6. Piccolo Roccia
Best Single-Group Coffee Machine
Water Tank Capacity: 2.5 Litres
Boiler Capacity: 1.5 Litres
Power: 1100 watts
Special Features: Digital shot-timer, Stainless steel steam/water wands
The Piccolo Roccia Single Group Machine is compact and made of a solid mix of stainless and painted steel. The attention to detail in its internal and external parts is incredibly commendable. The sturdy single-group espresso machine is designed with precision to deliver an exceptional experience right in the comfort of your home.
For features and functionalities, the Piccolo Roccia has a built-in digital shot timer, "Tempo," which assists in achieving the spot-on extraction coffee lovers chase. It's a handy tool, especially for beginners. The Piccolo Roccia also includes features that enhance usability. You get an ergonomic filter holder, easy-clean functionality, and a plug-and-play setup that makes it user-friendly.
Piccolo's single-group coffee machine has a 1-litre drip water tray, a practical addition that prevents messes during brewing. It also comes with two cleaning brushes for maintenance and cleaning. The coffeemaker has a security valve that adds an extra layer of safety. Its AU/NZ home certification provides an additional layer of assurance, as it meets the necessary home-use standards.
Pros
- Durability and elegant
- Inbuilt digital shot timer
- User-friendly features
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Limited customisation options
- Suited to individuals or smaller households
Best Single-Serve Coffee Machine
For a high-end coffee-making experience and good coffee quality backed by a trusted brand, the Breville Precision Coffee Brewer Thermal is the best home single-serve coffee maker.
Here's why:
#1 - Good design and build
The Breville Precision Brewer, crafted with a brushed stainless steel finish, is robust and elegant. It complements modern kitchen interiors and has a compact yet efficient footprint, measuring 33.8 D x 31.3 W x 40.7 H cm.
#2 - Generous capacity
Breville's coffee machine has a sizable 2-litre water reservoir. This generous capacity ensures that you won't need to refill it constantly. Whether making your morning cup of coffee or serving guests throughout the day, this machine keeps up, providing consistent performance.
#3 - Special jug feature
While many single-serve machines are tailored exclusively for individual cups, the Breville Precision Coffee Brewer provides the flexibility to brew larger quantities, courtesy of its unique special jug feature. This is perfect if one cup isn't often enough or when you're entertaining a group.
#4 - A trusted brand
Breville is a quality and innovative brand with a rich legacy of producing top-tier kitchen appliances. Their single-serve coffee machine is no exception, mirroring the brand's commitment to excellence, quality, and user-focused design.
What's a Single Cup Coffee Maker Called?
Single-cup coffee makers, often called single-serve coffee machines, are an increasingly popular choice. These machines brew just one cup of coffee at a time. They're perfect for those who live alone or want a fresh cup every time without brewing a whole pot.
Among the various options available is the pod/capsule coffee machine. These coffee makers brew coffee from specially prepared sealed capsules or 'pods.' The pods contain a precise amount of coffee grounds, ensuring a consistent taste each time. Renowned brands like Nespresso and Dolce Gusto have carved a niche here due to their ease of use and consistency.
Why Get a Single-Cup Coffee Maker?
Single-serve machines offer a wide array of flavours and blends. Whether you're in the mood for a robust dark roast, a creamy latte, or a flavoured coffee, you'll find a pod or capsule to satisfy your craving.
Additionally, many modern machines have adjustable settings, allowing you to tweak brewing parameters such as strength and temperature. This ensures a cup tailored to individual preferences.
If you prefer to grind your own beans, our comprehensive guide on the top-rated home coffee grinders in Australia has detailed reviews and comparisons to help you make an informed decision.
How to Make Coffee in a Single Cup Maker?
Making coffee in a single-cup maker is simple, whether using a pod-based system or a machine with a reusable filter. Follow the steps below:
For Pod-Based Machines
- Open the machine's lid or chamber and place the pod in the designated slot.
- Fill the water tank to the indicated maximum line using fresh, cold water.
- Some machines allow you to choose the size of your cup or the coffee's strength. If yours does, make your selection now.
- Once you've made your choices, hit the brew or start button to begin the brewing cycle.
- Once the machine indicates it's done, carefully remove your cup and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee.
For Machines with Reusable Filters
- Measure out the desired amount of coffee grounds.
- Open the machine's lid and add the coffee grounds to the reusable filter.
- As with the pod-based machine, you'll need to add fresh, cold water up to the machine's indicated line.
- If your machine allows for customisation, adjust the settings to your liking now.
- Initiate the brewing process by pressing the start button.
- Once the brewing cycle is complete, remove your cup, and give it a gentle stir; your coffee is ready.
How Does a Single-Cup Coffee Maker Work?
A single-cup coffee maker, also known as a pod or single-serve coffee maker, operates by brewing a single serving of coffee at a time. Here's a general overview of how these machines work:
- Water Intake: First, pour the desired amount of water into the reservoir. This is crucial for brewing and maintaining the machine's internal temperature.
- Heating: Once initiated, the machine begins heating the water to an optimal brewing temperature. This usually hovers between 90°C and 96°C, ensuring a balanced extraction.
- Pressurising: As the water heats, the machine pressurises it, preparing for even distribution through the coffee grounds.
- Brewing: The hot, pressurised water is then directed through the coffee pod or grounds. As it passes through, it extracts flavours and aromas, resulting in a rich, full-bodied coffee.
- Dispensing: The brewed coffee then makes its way through the machine's spout, filling your waiting cup with a steaming, aromatic delight.
Pods vs. Ground Coffee
While you may be familiar with pod-based systems, thanks to brands like Nespresso or Keurig, not all single-serve machines use pods. Some allow for fresh coffee grounds, offering more flexibility in flavour and strength.
- Pods are pre-packed coffee capsules that contain a pre-measured amount of coffee grounds, often sealed to preserve freshness. When hot water is forced through the pod, it interacts with the grounds, and your coffee is brewed in seconds.
- Ground coffee machines typically feature a basket or filter compartment. Here, you add your fresh coffee grounds, and when water is passed through, it brews your coffee.
The Role of Pressure
Pressure is paramount in any coffee discussion, especially when discussing espresso. Many single-serve machines, particularly those aiming to replicate espresso, use pressure to enhance brewing.
- Increased Extraction: Under pressure, hot water is forced through coffee grounds more effectively. This ensures a rapid and even extraction of the coffee's oils and essences, giving you a fuller flavour.
- Creamy Crema: If you're a fan of that golden, frothy layer atop your espresso, you have pressure to thank. Proper pressurisation results in a beautiful crema, indicating a well-brewed cup.
Now you know how single-serve coffee makers work. The next time you press that brew button, spare a thought for the intricate dance of water, heat, and pressure that brings your favourite drink to life.
Wrapping Up
It's clear that there are many single-serve coffee makers available. We reviewed how they brew coffee, the features they offer, and what sets some apart from others, showing that there is an option for everyone.
With this new knowledge, you can choose the perfect single-serve coffee machine. Enjoy a great cup of coffee every morning, turning your routine into a bit of café experience right at home.