Coffee Aware is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision. Learn more

8 Best Coffee Makers for College | Reviewed in 2024 for Buyers

Are you studying at a college right now and have 3-4 cups a day coffee requirement? Do not spend a lot of money and move here and there in search of a delicious mug of coffee. Manufacturers have released Best Coffee Makers for College students in the market.

best coffee makers for college

You can keep them along with you all the time; whether you are traveling, living in a dorm room, at an office, or at the kitchen counter to starve your coffee cravings.  You do not need to stick to traditional large coffee makers. 

Choose them wisely by relating these two words, Coffee and College. But all of them should have the remarkable features which are specified in this article. Find below the list of top picks of the coffee makers best suitable for college students;

Best Coffee Makers for College Students – Quick Guide 2024

IMAGE TITLE BUY
Keurig K-Cafe K-Duo...image Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker, Latte Maker and Cappuccino Maker View On Amazon
Nespresso Vertuo Plus...image Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi View On Amazon
Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker...image Cuisinart DCC-1150BKP1 Classic Thermal Programmable 10-Cup Coffeemaker View On Amazon
Hamilton Beach The...image Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker Stainless Steel (49981A) View On Amazon
ESPRO P1 French...image ESPRO P1 Double Walled Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Coffee French Press View On Amazon
Cuisinart 4 Cup...image Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless-Steel Carafe View On Amazon
CHULUX Single Serve...image CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer for Single Cup Capsule with 12 Ounce Reservoir View On Amazon
Krups Simply Brew...image KRUPS Simply Brew to Go Single Serve Coffee Maker with Travel Tumbler Included View On Amazon

Top Best Coffee Makers for College – Detailed Reviews

Keep reading the article, and you will find the best coffee maker for you. 

1. Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve K-Cup Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Maker, Dark Charcoal
  • Smart Start
  • Energy Efficient
  • Travel Mug Friendly
  • Simple Button Controls
  • Large 60 oz. Water Reserve

It is an amazing and cheap coffee maker for college students who often rush to the nearest coffee shops to have a variety of coffee tastes and styles. 

Special features

It offers you multiple brewing options. You can either brew a normal hot and delicious cup of coffee, the freshest iced lattes for milky froth lovers, or strong cappuccinos. Just insert any K-cup and customize the settings, and it will brew your favorite drink quickly.

The large 60-ounce water tank can brew up to 6 cups of coffee to save your energy and time to make your morning time productive. The detachable water reservoir makes water refilling easy. You can either fill it up directly from the faucet or through a water pot. 

It has an efficient and smart brew station as it does not pre-heat like other traditional coffee makers do and brews quickly. The well-designed internal heating system does not lose heat quickly and remains hot and delicious for a long time. 

It is also an energy-efficient coffee-making machine as the brewer automatically shuts off two hours after the last brewing to save energy consumption. You will love knowing that it is travel mug-friendly. 

The removable drip tray allows you to fill larger travel mugs too. Additionally, it has brewer maintenance reminders to remove built-up calcium deposits (descaling). It works best even at high altitudes, you can take it with you if you are camping or planning a trip.

Pros
  • Multiple brewing options
  • Large water reservoir
  • Auto-shutoff feature
  • Brewer maintenance reminder
  • Works also on high altitudes
  • Smart brewer
  • Use any K-Cup pod
Cons
  • Cleaning required after each brewing
  • Longevity can also be increased
View on Amazon Button

2. Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Delonghi

De'Longhi Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi, 38 ounces, Matte Black
  • Motorized Head
  • Versatile and Automatic
  • Fast Heat Up-time
  • Automatic Shutoff
  • Moveable 60 oz. Water Tank

Do you want to have Starbucks coffee especially when it comes to tasteful and caffeine-rich mugs at your home or workplace? Nespresso has introduced an innovative perfect single-serve coffee-making machine that meets your all requirements.

It is a sign of the best quality and tasteful coffee.

Special features

You can brew a full-size coffee mug for some extra energy. It has a large internal water tank and variable pods that come with the machine to help you find the best flavor that you love the most. 

It is an automatic coffee or espresso maker. You can have an espresso cup experience with an all-new Nespresso VertuoPlus feature in no time. 

To brew a delicious mug of coffee; you just have to press the open button, the lid lifts, add coffee-making ingredients like some ground coffee and water, shut down the lid, and press the button again. Then it will perform the rest of the functions. 

This machine dispenses a single cup of freshly brewed regular coffee or an Espresso mug at a time so that you can have a time-to-time fresh and delicious milky froth-enriched coffee mug. It uses only Espresso filters. Insert the capsule and enjoy a quickly brewed normal coffee cup or a mouth-watering Espresso.

You may want an iced coffee to refresh your mind. It also brews your favorite iced coffee drinks. Each machine has a complimentary gift including a welcome kit with a wide range of Vertuo capsules and aroma-rich profiles.

Pros
  • Single-serve coffee maker
  • Fast brewing
  • Automatic shut-off feature
  • Ultra-modern design
  • Portable
  • Uses Aluminium pods
  • Easy to use and clean
Cons
  • Tea capsules can also be added
  • Vibrates quite louder while brewing
  • Scaling on water tank should be added
View on Amazon Button

3. Cuisinart DCC-1150BK Thermal Programmable Coffeemaker

Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker Coffemaker, 10-Cup, Black
  • Brew Pause Feature
  • Automatic Shutoff
  • 10-cup Double Wall Insulated
  • Charcoal Water Filter
  • Gold-tone Filter

If you are looking for a classic stainless steel coffee maker having more capacity and advanced features as well, then this Cuisinart coffee maker is the best option to consider as it has amazing features to make your favorite beverage tasty and warm.

Special features

It has 24-hour automatic programmability which means that you can set it up 24 hours before brewing; it will start automatically and brew coffee. When it is brewing, it gives an illuminated reminder for brewing, and when brewing is finished, it automatically shuts off to save electricity, energy, and time.

The sleek design has a stainless steel double-walled insulated thermal carafe that can brew up to 10 cups of hot and tasteful coffee even if it operates with a carafe. 

It keeps coffee as hot and flavorful as it was at the time of brewing for hours. It beeps when the coffee is ready and you have no need to stay with it from start to end. Just set it up and it will do everything for you as you have commanded it to do so. It has Charcoal filter paper to ensure water purity in the internal water reservoir. 

The glass carafe has a hollow plastic handle for easy filling into the cups without burning your fingers. You can dispense coffee from the brewing tank when it is still brewing.

You can measure the right amount of ground coffee with the help of the coffee scoop. It also has a gold-tone filter which ensures girt-free coffee in your mug.

Pros
  • Can brew up to 10 cups of coffee
  • The double-walled insulated thermal carafe
  • Auto-on and auto-shutoff feature
  • Charcoal water filter
  • Gold-tone filter
  • Can dispense coffee when it is still brewing
Cons
  • Cleaning takes time
  • Uses a carafe
View on Amazon Button

4. Hamilton Beach (49981A) Single Serve Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker & Fast Grounds Brewer, Brews in Minutes, 8-14oz. Cups, Stainless Steel
  • Fast Brewing
  • Custom Cup
  • Durable
  • Automatic Shutoff
  • Differing Boldness Levels

It is one of the most demanded single-cup coffee makers for those who live alone or need a single cup of hot and delicious coffee in the morning to kick-start their sleep. This single-serve coffee maker offers a variety of loveable features for your daily use.

Special features

It has a compact Stainless steel body to ensure its longevity. It brews as much faster as you can imagine; in just 90 seconds, one mug of hotter and extremely flavorful coffee will be ready, and for two mugs only two and a half minutes is required.

 A steel-made mesh scoop allows adding a flavor of your own choice, (i.e. caramel, vanilla, etc.) as well as ensuring no entry of residues of freshly ground coffee in your mug. 

An adjustable at the bottom flips to facilitate you to adjust a normal-sized cup or travel mug. You do not have to spend time in front of it as it has auto-on and auto-shutoff customizable built-in program settings. It is durable and easy to clean and use. 

Additionally, it does not use a pod and measures the exact proportions of coffee. You can set it up whether you want a regular mug or a bold one to refresh your mind. 

Above all, it is budget-friendly and you do not need to spend a lot of money to refuel yourself at your college or in the dorm. Buy it once and enjoy a mouth-watering cup of your beloved beverage wherever you want. 

Pros
  • Brews coffee quickly
  • Stainless steel durable exterior
  • Award-winning design
  • Adjustable cup size
  • Appropriately measures the ground coffee size
  • Programmable settings
  • Has small footprints
Cons
  • Less fit for more coffee
  • Advance features can also be added
View on Amazon Button

5. Espro Travel Coffee Press Stainless Steel For College Students

ESPRO P1 French Press Coffee Maker for Travel - Double Walled Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Coffee Maker and Tea Maker, Portable and Durable Coffee Press for Travel, 12 Ounce, Matte Meteorite Black
  • Brews Hot for Hours
  • Double Micro-filter
  • No More Bitterness
  • Brew and Sip Anywhere
  • Durable to Brew for Life

Are you a college student and want coffee in the morning to say goodbye to sleep? Be grateful because the best espresso machine for college students is on the way. It is designed to energize coffee lovers who keep moving all day. For college students, it is budget-friendly.

Special features

It is an excellent portable coffee-making machine having the capacity to brew a single cup at a time. 

The double-walled stainless steel insulated vacuum keeps the coffee hot and refreshes for 4-6 hours. Two-micro filters are also built-in to ensure flavorful and girt-free coffee in your mug. 

You just add water and ground coffee into it, in return, it gives you a hot and delicious mug of coffee within minutes. 

It is designed for both coffee and you can customize its setting according to your mood. The stylish sleek machine has a black normal mug-like exterior, but when you open inside it, magic reveals it. The spill-proof plunger does not allow sipping and has a tight screw on the lid to make sure no leakage. 

It is a 2-in-1 machine, having a combination of a travel mug and a portable French Press. A morning person, who cannot manage to take a sip at home due to having the rush of morning tasks, can brew just and enjoy it later without any change in temperature and flavor.

Additionally, you can use it in your college as well. You only need a mug of hot water and some ground coffee.

Pros
  • Portable
  • Easy to use
  • Keeps coffee hot and fresh for up to 6 hours
  • Patented filtration system
  • Double-walled stainless steel insulated vacuum
  • No spilling
Cons
  • Cleaning takes time
  • Fewer calibrations
View on Amazon Button

6. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker for Dorm Room

Cuisinart 4 Cup w/Stainless-Steel Carafe Coffeemaker, Black
  • Brew Pause Feature
  • 30-minute Automatic Shutoff
  • 10-cup Stainless Steel Carafe
  • Small Footprint

Do you and your dorm roommates love having a mug of coffee to get rid of drowsiness in the morning and wait for minutes at the café to have a mug? I have a better solution to save you time and money. You can purchase the best coffee maker for the college dorm room once and for all.

Special features

It can brew 1-4 cups at a time. You just have to customize its automatic settings 24 hours before according to your college schedule. It will automatically brew hot and delicious 4 cups of coffee before you and your dorm roommates get ready. 

Detach the carafe, fill your cups with mouth-watering coffee, and say goodbye to sleep. You can also brew it for yourself only if you need more than one mug a day, brew it and take it with you in a travel mug for later use.

It has a double-walled insulated stainless steel carafe with a dripless pour spout and a knuckle guard to ensure spilling-free coffee into the cup. You will love knowing that it has an auto and a 30-minute auto-shutoff built-in system to keep you tension-free and relaxed.

An amazing new feature is brew-pause. It means that you can enjoy coffee in the middle of a brew cycle and sounds when brewing is finished and shut off. 

The Cuisinart will not let you down as it has a well-designed and durable exterior and is adjustable because of its compact size. Additionally, it is easy to clean and use. 

Pros
  • Can brew up to 4 cups of coffee
  • Brew-pause feature to dispense coffee when brewing
  • Stainless-steel carafe with dripless pour spout
  • Small footprints
  • Automatic functions
Cons
  • Less efficient carafe hot plates
  • No calibration on the carafe
View on Amazon Button

7. CHULUX Coffee Maker Single-Serve Coffee Machine

CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Capsule and Ground Coffee, Single Cup Coffee Machine, Black
  • Fast Boiling System
  • Auto Shutoff Function
  • Hassle-Free Cleaning
  • Safe Lock Knob
  • Removable Filter Basket

It is a single-cup coffee-making machine for those who love drinking it solely many times a day either in the dorm, living room, office, or kitchen. You do not have to spend money at coffee bars to have a mug of your favorite beverage. Buy it your own and you can enjoy 4-5 cups of pretty good coffee a day. 

Special features

The small, compact, and stylish black exterior fits everywhere and you will have no problem with its adjustment. Its well-structured internal heater brews a cup of coffee only in 2-3 minutes.

It is very easy to use and clean, you just have to clean it once a week with running water or vinegar only through a brew cycle. This lightweight and durable brew station has illuminated auto-on and auto-shutoff features. 

Along with them, there is also an additional light reminder built-in which becomes functional during each brewing cycle. The reusable coffee filter maintains water purity in the internal water reservoir.

The best K-Cup Maker has versatility in its use. It has multiple color options, just pick out the one that you love the most. Sometimes, you need an extra energy punch that a regular or a bold cup of coffee cannot give; this machine works best for you by brewing a dark roast mug quickly. 

It has a removable and washable drip tray. If you are planning for a short trip or camping, this space-saving brew station perfectly fits into your travel bag and you can have a mug anytime.

Pros
  • Stylish compact body
  • Features multiple colors
  • Has small footprints
  • Gentle heating system
  • Illuminated brewing and auto-shutoff options
  • Perfectly portable
Cons
  • Sometimes average brewing speed
  • Less warranty time
View on Amazon Button

8. KRUPS Simply Brew to Go Single Serve Coffee Maker

Krups Simply Brew Stainless Steel Single Serve Drip Coffee Maker amd Travel Tumbler 12 Ounce Stainless Steel Tumbler Included 650 Watts Coffee Filter, Compact Silver and Black
  • Easy to Brew
  • Simple Operation
  • Includes Travel Tumbler
  • Double Wall Construction

Being a college student who needs a cup of coffee, this coffee maker has an attractive design. It is a complement to a kitchen, college dorm room, or office space. The minimal and compact design of this coffee maker makes it look like one of a kind. 

Special features

This coffee maker features a wide base that can fit almost all kinds of cups. Almost all coffee mug sizes can be used with it. A traveler tumbler mug comes with this coffee maker. It keeps the coffee warm and makes it easy for you to carry around.

It features a large opening door. You can easily fill the water compartment with the right amount of water. The measuring spoon allows you to add the perfect quantity of coffee for a flavorful coffee.  This coffee maker does not need any pods or paper filters. A permanent filter is included in it which ensures adding the ground coffee directly into the unit saves time and energy. You will love the minimal design of this coffee maker. It makes storage easy and convenient. So, it is never too late to buy this coffee maker for your kitchen.

Pros
  • Versatile design
  • Easy to use
  • Compact
Cons
  • Makes loud noise
  • Messy
  • Finicky
View on Amazon Button

Every College Kitchen Needs A Best Coffee Maker-Buyer’s Guide

In this section, I will be telling you all the important things to check before purchasing a coffee maker.

Durability

Make sure a coffee maker has a compact exterior that is well structured as well. Coffee makers should last long because it’s very hectic to go and get a coffee maker again after a few months. 

Always pick a reliable brand and to get the best one you can read the review above. DNSLY 2 in 1 single-serve coffee maker is the most reliable coffee maker. It comes with the appropriate features that you will need in a coffee maker. The 2-in-1 brewing machine has a self-cleaning feature, fast brewing, single-serve, and adjustable. 

Automatic function

This feature will save you time and energy. The machine will automatically turn off after a particular time. For instance, set the timer of the machine and it will auto-off on settled time. Automatic coffee makers have auto-on and off features.

Types of the coffee maker

K-cup 

The k-cup coffee maker is mostly used by people. It is easy to use and it will cover all the requirements. For example,  if you want to drink hot chocolate, tea, or coffee with milky foam. Also, the k-cup can make coffee for more than 2 people. K-cup is never going to take up a lot of space on your kitchen counter.

Single-serve

Ideal for 1 person and for those who don’t want to make coffee in pods. Comes with a little footprint and other features like normal coffee makers. It will never take a lot of time to clean. Single-serve is the best go-to cup. As it has reusable filters, you don’t have to rush for other filters.

Portable coffee maker

Portable coffee makers are easy to carry anywhere. For instance, if you’re going on a road trip or for any outdoor fun. You can have it in your bag every time. The portable coffee maker is the easiest and most convenient partner when you’re getting late for college. Highly recommended! 

Programmable coffee maker

Programmable coffee makers will brew coffee at night but you should get habitual of it. You can use this over time as well. But they are bigger than normal and expensive. Besides, all this, programmable coffee makers are life saviors.

Cleaning

Clean your coffee maker after every use. Pick up a coffee maker that takes less time to clean. It’s obvious when you’re spending money on something that should be worth buying. 

Always go for strong manufactured machines that don’t break while cleaning. Never use a harsh scrubber on your equipment. 

Brewing 

Coffee makers should have the best brewing as you imagine. Usually, it takes 90 seconds to brew a milky foamy coffee. Coffee will have a flavourful and yummiest taste if your maker brewed your coffee perfectly. 

Lightweight

Lightweight coffee makers are the easiest to have in your college. They are durable and easy to clean. They will never let you face any kind of hassle. Most used and preferable coffee makers are lightweight. Nobody can ignore this feature. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Should we bring a coffee maker to college?

Portable coffee makers can be feasible to take with you to college. Coffee makers are needed by anyone who loves to drink coffee. There are a lot of different coffee makers in the market you can get the best one for yourself.

Do expensive coffee makers make better coffee?

If we talk about expensive ones then my answer is maybe yes because the coffee maker’s brewing quality depends upon the maker. Bean coffee is expensive. Beans are milder and have the best quality. Depends upon the brand you choose for your coffee.

The life expectancy of a coffee maker?

Although depends upon the brand you choose automatic coffee makers last for 5 years. Always take care of your coffee maker and maintain it properly. Expectancy depends on the cleansing and maintenance of the equipment. If you do care for a coffee maker then it may last for more than 5 years.

What is the safest coffee to drink?

Filtered brewed coffee is the best because it has less risk of any disease. Strong coffees may cause harm to human health. 

All types of coffee are the safest but depends on how you are brewing the coffee. Professionals believe that coffee is the safest drink to have.

Does the quality of a coffee maker matter?

Definitely Yes because making coffee is a talent but how it is made depends upon the quality of the maker.

According to the quality, I would love to recommend to you my favorite coffee maker which is DNSLY 2 in 1 single-serve cup coffee maker for college. 

Final Words

College life is not as fantastic as it seems in movies or stories. You have to maintain stability between social and academic life while taking care of your health. By keeping all these factors under consideration, companies have released the Best Coffee Makers for College. 

All the above makers have some unique features and stylish designs. Of course, you cannot buy them all, that is why I highly recommend you to make a detailed search before buying and pick one which meets your demands. 

For example, I used to drink coffee alone and want a wide range of tastes, so I will go for Nespresso VertuoPlus or if someone wants coffee during trips or camping nights, then CHULUX Coffee Maker and Espro Travel Coffee Press Stainless Steel will serve the purpose, etc.  Do let me know your choice by commenting in the comment box below.

Leave a Reply