The Takeaway:
1. Our Pick: Hamilton Beach 49981A Single Serve Coffee Maker
2. Runner-Up: Black+ Decker CM625B Single Serve Coffee Maker
3. Value Pick: Kitchenaid KCM0402OB Personal Coffee Maker
It’s that time of year again when college students are getting ready to head off to school, and there’s a lot of shopping to do to get the dorm room ready. One of the things that should be at the top of the list is finding the best single-cup coffee maker for college.
There are some important considerations to make when looking for the best coffee maker for college, such as the size, type of filter, and of course, the price. To select the perfect coffee maker for any given situation, it’s important to make a list of the most important features to you, then compare the features of all available products.
Our Pick: Hamilton Beach 49981A Single Serve Coffee Maker
This Hamilton Beach 49981A Single Serve Scoop Coffee Maker weighs in as well as another best coffee maker for college dorm. The built-in stand holds a standard coffee mug, but it can also be used with a travel cup. Put a scoop of your favorite ground coffee in and let it brew up to 14 ounces of fresh coffee. It’s made out of stainless steel which means that it’s resistant to staining when you forget to clean it.
One advantage college students will find this single serve coffee maker has is that it uses ground coffee and doesn’t require expensive K-cups. It has a reusable mesh filter so coffee drinkers can use their favorite flavors or blends and choose either the regular or bold strength setting depending on their preferences.
It also has an automatic shutoff to ensure safe use. It will not come on if there is no water in the reservoir.
One distinguishing characteristic is that this coffee maker was presented with the “2012 Good Housekeeping Very Innovative Products Award” by Good Housekeeping Research Institute.
Runner-Up: Black+ Decker CM625B Single Serve Coffee Maker
The Black+Decker CM625B Single Serve Coffee Maker is a great coffee maker for a college student because it comes with a travel mug which makes it easy to take on the go. The filter basket is removable and easily cleaned, but also designed so that you don’t have to purchase coffee filters.
Depending on personal preference, pre-made coffee pods can be used, or just use your favorite flavor of regular ground coffee. Either way, you can enjoy a cup of your favorite blend.
This single-serve coffee maker is programmable, meaning it can be set to make a fresh cup of coffee whenever you want it. A steaming cup of java can be waiting for you when your feet hit the floor early in the morning or when you come in from class. It also has an automatic shut-off feature for those hectic mornings or long study nights when you forget to turn it off.
Value Pick: Kitchenaid KCM0402OB Personal Coffee Maker
The best coffee maker for college dorms is the KitchenAid KCM0402OB Personal Coffee Maker. Its sleek design is compact and a great space saver which is important in small, shared dorm rooms. It comes with a travel mug for individuals busy with college life, and the water tank is easily removed so that it’s easy to fill up when you’re ready for a cup of joe.
There’s no need to purchase pods as this personal coffee maker has a permanent filter which doesn’t require extra paper filters. Simply start the brewing process with the touch of a button. The ease of use and compact design of this coffee maker makes it an exceptional choice for today’s college dorm rooms. It also comes with a one-year replacement warranty.
Color Variants Kitchenaid KCM0402OB
Also Great: Keurig K55 Coffee Maker for College
Recommended For: Those who enjoy various coffee flavors and other beverages from many well-known brands.
Keurig’s latest coffee maker, the Keurig K55, will brew single cups of varying sizes, including 6, 8, or 10-ounce cups. It also has a water reservoir that holds 48 ounces, so several cups can be brewed before refilling, and it’s equipped with a simple one-touch control. It can be programmed to go off automatically after a certain time, and the removable drip tray makes it easy to clean up.
There’s no need for filters or filter baskets since it uses the popular k-cups which come in a wide variety of flavors, and it’s easy to program with the push button panel and indicator lights. Customers have made this coffee maker one of the best-selling models available.
Color Variants of Keurig K55
What is the Best Single Cup Coffee Maker for College Students?
Each of these models has features that set them apart from the rest. But which is the best single-cup coffee maker for college? The answer to this question can vary based on the preferred user features.
In our opinion, the overall best single cup coffee maker for college is the Hamilton Beach coffee maker. It has similar features to the other models, but the stainless steel retains that “new” look for a long time.
It’s also more versatile as it can be used with a regular or travel mug.
Finally, this model doesn’t require paper filters because it comes with a mesh filter. These extra features and its affordability make it stand out from the rest as the best coffee maker for college students.
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Sources and Official Brand Websites:
Hamilton Beach | Keurig | KitchenAid | Black+Decker | Ursinus College