10 Best 1 Cup Coffee Makers

The De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini is a compact and highly efficient single-serve coffee maker, ideal if you want a quick and straightforward espresso experience without much fuss. It uses a 19-bar high-pressure system, which means it extracts good flavor and crema from coffee capsules, giving you a rich espresso shot. The machine heats up very fast—under 30 seconds—so you’re not waiting long for your coffee.

The reservoir is quite small, holding about 110 milliliters (roughly one cup), which fits the single-serve design but means you'll need to refill it frequently if you’re brewing multiple cups throughout the day. It offers two programmable brew sizes (Espresso and Lungo), but lacks advanced strength or temperature controls that some other machines might have. This keeps things simple but limits customization.

Thanks to its compact size and lightweight design, the Essenza Mini fits easily into small kitchens or limited spaces and is portable enough to move around if needed. Cleaning is straightforward since it uses disposable capsules and has an automatic flow-stop feature, minimizing mess and guesswork. However, you’ll want to regularly empty and rinse the small water tank to keep things fresh. The machine primarily fits standard espresso cups, as larger mugs won’t easily fit under the spout. It does not include a built-in milk frother, but some models or accessories can be added if you prefer milk-based drinks. This machine is best suited for espresso lovers who value speed, simplicity, and a small footprint. If you want more brew control, larger capacity, or built-in milk frothing, other options might be more suitable. For a fast, consistent single espresso shot in a neat package, the Essenza Mini performs well.

The De'Longhi Nespresso CitiZ EN167.B is a well-designed single-serve coffee maker that uses Nespresso capsules, making brewing quick and straightforward. Its 19-bar high-pressure pump and fast heat-up system mean you get a rich espresso or lungo in seconds without complicated settings. The 1000ml water reservoir is decent for several cups before needing a refill, which is convenient for solo users or small households. This model offers two programmable cup sizes and an automatic flow-stop feature, allowing you to customize your coffee strength and volume easily, though it lacks detailed temperature control.

Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to fit on a kitchen counter or move around if needed, supporting different cup sizes including latte macchiato and espresso cups thanks to two cup support positions. Cleaning is relatively simple, especially with the automatic capsule ejection and removable drip tray, though the included milk frother adds some extra parts to clean if you use it frequently. The machine also saves energy by turning off automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity.

One consideration is that it only works with Nespresso capsules, so you are limited to that coffee brand and their price range. This machine is user-friendly and ideal for anyone wanting a quick, consistent espresso-style coffee without fuss, though it may not suit those wanting full control over temperature or brew strength.

The De'Longhi Nespresso Citiz is a compact and stylish 1-cup coffee maker designed for capsule brewing. It excels in speed, heating water to the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds, which is great if you want a quick espresso or milk-based coffee. The integrated Aeroccino3 frother is a standout feature, allowing you to easily create creamy cappuccinos or lattes without needing a separate device. With a 1-liter water reservoir, it holds a decent amount of water for multiple cups before needing a refill, making it convenient for moderate use.

The machine offers programmable flow stop control, so you can set your preferred coffee size and strength, which adds a nice personal touch. Its sliding cup support adjusts for both small espresso cups and taller glasses for lattes, improving compatibility with different cup types. At around 4 kg and compact dimensions, it’s reasonably portable and won’t take up much counter space, fitting well in smaller kitchens. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, although like most capsule machines, you’ll need to regularly empty the used capsule container and descale periodically to keep it running smoothly.

One limitation is it only works with Nespresso capsules, so you’re tied to their coffee options. Also, while it has an auto-off feature for safety, the 9-minute delay might feel a bit long if you want it to shut off sooner. If you want a simple, fast, and stylish single-serve machine with good milk frothing built-in, the De'Longhi Citiz represents a solid choice, especially for espresso lovers who appreciate convenience and consistent results.