We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 14 Best Coffee Makers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Bells and whistles aside, these machines produce great-tasting coffee

Best Coffee Makers

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

Buying a coffee maker can be a surprisingly difficult decision. Not only are there multiple kinds to choose from—drip, pour over, and French press, just to name a few—but, for most coffee drinkers, it is an appliance that will be used every single day. As a result, convenience and durability are two key areas to keep in mind when searching. A coffee maker typically has a permanent place on the countertop as well, so size and style are also worth consideration. Above all, we just want a good cup of coffee, and this list covers a variety of reliable options.

Best Overall

Cuisinart Programmable Coffee Maker

Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Heat Up Time
    3.5/5
  • Brew Quality
    5/5
What We Like
  • Programmable up to 24 hours

  • Adjustable brew strength

  • Temperature control keeps coffee hot

What We Don't Like
  • Slightly expensive

  • Difficult to fill the water reservoir

Who else recommends it? Food Network also picked the Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker.

What do buyers say? 90% of 28,700+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

If you dream of waking up to a fresh pot of coffee each morning, then a programmable coffee maker is the best brewing device for you. One of our favorite options is the Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. The stainless steel construction on this machine lets it blend into any kitchen décor. It can brew a small amount or a full carafe of 14 cups, so it's good if you need a little joe or a lot. Our product tester found the 1-4 cup feature really helpful, as she usually doesn't drink more than that in a single day.

Another key feature is the item's temperature control. With the touch of a button, you can set the carafe temperature to low, medium, or hot. Our reviewer said the strength and temperature of the coffee was exactly as she expected each time. She added that the coffee maker is well-designed and handy for large gatherings.

The 24-hour programmable setting lets you schedule your brew for the next day as you are finishing up the current one, and it has a zero- to four-hour automatic shut off so you won't worry if you rush out of the house, travel mug in hand. A reusable GoldTone filter eliminates the need for pesky paper filters, saving you an early morning trip to the store.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 14 cups (70 ounces) | Dimensions: 7.75 x 9 x 14 inches | Warranty: 3-year limited

Best Versatile

Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.7/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.3/5
  • Heat Up Time
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    4.7/5
What We Like
  • Highly versatile

  • Choice of thermal or glass carafe

  • Removable water reservoir

  • SCA certified

What We Don't Like
  • Not fully programmable

  • Thermal carafe is hand-wash only

Who says you need to be a pod person to achieve fantastic single-serve coffee? This Ninja coffee maker offers a wide range of drink options, including a single cup, and you know your coffee will be extraordinary since this is one of the few machines certified by the Specialty Coffee Association.

The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker has six brew sizes in all, starting at one cup and working all the way up to a full carafe. Pick your favorite coffee beans and craft an array of hot or cold drinks, including brewed coffee, iced coffee, and even lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos, courtesy of a milk frothing wand. Our product tester praised the machine's versatility and said the frother works exceptionally well. The frother also folds away when you're finished, saving valuable counter space.

Note that this brewer doesn't make true espresso. Instead, it produces a rich coffee concentrate meant to be an espresso substitute Our reviewer said it's not as strong as espresso but works well enough for lattes and cappuccinos.

This coffee maker can be purchased with a glass carafe or, for a slightly higher price, a thermal carafe, which is more durable and retains heat longer. Both options are affordably priced, especially considering the variety of features with which the machine is equipped.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: Single serve and 10-cup carafe (50 ounces) | Dimensions: 12 x 15 x 8.8 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited

Best Pour Over

Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker

Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Produces rich, flavorful coffee

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Looks great on the counter

What We Don't Like
  • Chemex Bonded Filters are specifically recommended

  • Glass can break

Still one of the most gorgeous and useful brewing devices ever invented, the Chemex undoubtedly deserves its place in the permanent collection of NYC's Museum of Modern Art. Its stunning hourglass shape, subtle wood and leather accents, and ease of use make the Chemex an ideal blend of form and function.

Unlike most pour-over brewers, the Chemex is suitable for large groups, as it comes in sizes of 6, 8, and even 10 cups. The proprietary Chemex filters contribute to a clean, sweet, articulate flavor in the cup. Remember to rinse the filters before brewing because their thickness and material can lead to a strong papery flavor. You probably want to drink up before your coffee gets cold, too. The Chemex isn't insulated, so it won't stay hot for long. 

Taysha Murtaugh, editorial director for The Spruce Eats, has used a Chemex for years and says she would absolutely recommend it to anyone who has the time to commit to brewing café-quality coffee. Plus, it's stylish, doesn't require electricity, and is more efficient to clean than a French press.

She said pour-over makers take some time to master and require continuous monitoring while brewing, so they're not ideal for those who are short on time. But when you can spare a few moments, it's a nice experience that will make you feel more connected to your morning cup.

Electric: No | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 3, 6, 8, and 10 cups | Dimensions: Varies by capacity | Warranty: 1 year

Best French Press

Frieling Double Wall French Press

Frieling Double Wall French Press

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable

  • Eye-catching design

  • Great heat retention

  • Superior coffee flavor

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Finish is prone to spots and smudges

  • Heavier than other models

French presses are a wonderful alternative brewing device for all coffee lovers. They are known for making a cup of joe that's stronger than what most drip machines can accomplish. They are also compact and usually affordable. Unfortunately, the Frieling Stainless Steel French Press is on the expensive end, but for those who want the best French press out there this is the way to go.

The item's double-walled stainless steel carafe provides top-notch heat retention, so you can grab a cup long after brewing. We tested it ourselves and our reviewer said that the stainless steel is durable and won’t shatter like glass beakers. It's available in a variety of sizes, starting at 8 ounces and going up to 44 ounces. You can also purchase it in a number of stylish finishes depending on what you prefer for your kitchen. Customers give the item high scores in several areas, including ease of use and, most importantly, flavor.

It's easy to clean too, as all parts are dishwasher safe. If you do choose to wash it by hand, that's no problem either. It took us no more than a minute to take it apart, and once everything was washed and rinsed, it was a breeze to put back together.

Electric: No | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 8, 17, 23, 36, and 44 ounces | Dimensions: Varies by capacity | Warranty: 5 years

Best Keurig

Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker

Amazon Keurig K-Café Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Heat Up Time
    4/5
  • Brew Quality
    4/5
What We Like
  • Multiple drink options

  • Easy to use

  • Dishwasher-safe milk frother

  • Low maintenance

What We Don't Like
  • Not "true" espresso

  • Takes up a lot of counter space

No other name is as synonymous with pod-based brewers as Keurig. The brand revolutionized the coffee game by focusing on speed, convenience, and ease of use one single-serve cup at a time. The K-Café is the brand's top-performing and most versatile machine.

Not only does it brew the quick and consistent coffee that so many know and love, it also gives customers the ability to make lattes and cappuccinos. There's a setting for bold coffee shots, similar to espresso, and it comes with a dishwasher-safe milk frother. After testing the K-Café firsthand, our expert food writer said the frother is great for an amateur latte or cappuccino. She added that it’s not at the same level as what an expensive espresso machine can make, but it’s definitely a close second.

You can brew regular coffee in four sizes (6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces) and even select a stronger setting for those who want a little more punch in their cup. Perhaps the main drawback is that this machine is fairly large for a pod-based coffee maker. Our tester called it oddly shaped because of the two wings on each side of the K-Cup pod holder. Aside from that, the K-Café will make every day a little more delicious with all the different drinks it can brew.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Pods (or reusable K-Cup filter) | Capacity: 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce servings | Dimensions: 12.5 x 15.3 x 11.7 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited

Best Espresso

Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine

Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Heat Up Time
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    5/5
What We Like
  • High-quality espresso

  • Customizable settings

  • Reliable steam wand

What We Don't Like
  • Potential learning curve

  • Requires regular cleaning

For those tired of drinking the same old drip coffee every day, an espresso maker is a worthwhile investment, especially if it has the ability to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. And this espresso maker, the Breville Barista Express, is one of the best options you can find. It may be a little pricey for the casual coffee drinker, but it can brew a bevy of café-quality drinks in minutes. The machine even has a built-in burr grinder for the freshest possible coffee, as well as digital temperature control and a sensor for when it's time to clean the machine. Customers say it's easy to clean but note that it requires frequent upkeep, usually after each use. This was corroborated by our product tester too.

Our reviewer had effusive praise for the Barista Express overall, however, saying it consistently delivers excellent espresso. Breville manufactures several highly reviewed espresso makers, and this one is somewhat of a middle ground as far as cost and convenience. Its value for money prompted our reviewer to say that the quality of this machine makes it a terrific option for those who have a keen interest in espresso but are unwilling to spend thousands of dollars. It's sold in three striking colors—stainless steel, cranberry red, and black sesame—and is widely available in-store and online.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: Single serve | Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 13.5 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited

Best Dual Brewer

Espressione Stainless Steel Espresso and Coffee Maker

Espressione Stainless Steel Machine Espresso and Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.7/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Heat Up Time
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    4.9/5
What We Like
  • Takes ground coffee and E.S.E. pods

  • Removable water reservoir

  • Adjustable drip tray fits travel mugs

What We Don't Like
  • Possible learning curve for beginners

  • Separate water reservoirs for coffee and espresso

The Espressione Combination Coffee and Espresso Maker is the best of both worlds. On one side of the machine is a drip coffee system with a 10-cup glass carafe. On the other, a manual espresso filter and a built-in milk frother for whipping up specialty drinks, like lattes and cappuccinos, right at home.

The item has advanced features like electronic temperature control, programmable volume and strength settings for espresso, and a double spout for brewing two espresso shots at once. Some customers say all of these controls can be daunting at first, as well as the manual espresso head, but once you get the hang of it, this is a high-quality and versatile machine, with especially strong reviews in two of the most important areas: flavor and value for money.

Other key features include a heating plate to keep your pot of coffee warm, a thermoblock heating system that reaches ideal brewing temperatures faster and holds that temperature for longer, and finally the rare capability to work with both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds and E.S.E. pods | Capacity: Single serve and 10-cup carafe | Dimensions: 14.6 x 11.4 x 13 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited

Hand holding coffee pitcher under Espressione Stainless Steel Machine Espresso and Coffee Maker

The Spruce Eats / Vicky Wasik

Best for Pods

Bruvi Brewer BV-01

Bruvi The Bruvi Bundle

Bruvi

  • Strong, tasty coffee

  • More sustainable pods

  • Unique and stylish design

  • Versatile brewing options

  • B-Pods only sold online

  • No milk frother

A common pitfall of pod-based brewers is that the coffee often tastes similar from cup to cup, even when using different pods. There are a few reasons for this, including that coffee pods are less fresh than whole bean coffee and that there may be limitations of the brewers themselves. This isn't the case with Bruvi, however. The brand uses higher-quality coffee (and more of it) in its signature B-Pods for a noticeably stronger and more dynamic flavor—something we noticed ourselves when testing the Bruvi BV-01 firsthand.

The machine automatically adjusts seven different brewing details, like water temperature and bloom time, to match the type of B-Pod used. Customers can then adjust several other features manually, like serving size, boldness, and even the amount of acidity. Bruvi brewers can make cold brew too, along with standard drip coffee.

One of the only drawbacks is the price; it's more on par with a home espresso machine than a drip coffee maker as far as the cost goes. However, the coffee is consistently better than the majority of other pod options out there while offering the same quickness and simplicity.

Use code HOLIDEAL to get $120 of all Bruvi Brewers through Dec. 26th.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Pods | Capacity: 1 to 16 ounces | Dimensions: 12.6 x 10.2 x 11.5 inches | Warranty: 1 year

Best Splurge

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
What We Like
  • Strong flavor

  • Fast brewing (4-6 minutes)

  • Eye-catching design in multiple colors

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Very wide shape

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV certainly comes with a high price tag, but it's one of the best coffee makers you can find. In fact, it's one of the few coffee makers to meet the Golden Cup Standard—a set of guidelines established by the Specialty Coffee Association to achieve a higher-quality cup of coffee.

Handmade in the Netherlands, this brewer has features you won’t find elsewhere, like a core copper heating element that keeps brewing temperature within the optimal range of 195 and 205 degrees and brews a full carafe in roughly five minutes.

Such speed is just one key factor in the Golden Cup Standard, says Peter Giuliano, the Chief Research Officer at the Specialty Coffee Association and Executive Director of the Coffee Science Foundation.

"Our standard is that [a coffee maker] has to get to 195 to 205 degrees within one minute of turning on," Giuliano adds, "and it needs to stay there for the duration of the brew. That’s more challenging than you might expect. Most brewers that we test either get too hot or stay too cold, but the good ones can maintain that ideal temperature."

Another top-grade feature of the Technivorm Moccamaster is its brew basket settings that let you control the length of time the coffee is steeped, and therefore control the strength of the brew. The item has an outlet arm—adding to the eye-catching design—that evenly saturates the coffee grounds every time. And when brewing is finished, the machine shuts off for safety.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 10 cups (40 ounces) | Dimensions: 12.75 x 6.5 x 14 inches | Warranty: 5 years

Best Non-Electric

AeroPress Original Coffee & Espresso Maker

AeroPress Original Coffee & Espresso Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Heat Up Time
    4/5
  • Brew Quality
    5/5
What We Like
  • Brews high-quality coffee, fast

  • Affordable

  • Portable

  • Easy cleanup

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity (8 ounces)

  • Not aesthetically pleasing

  • Time-consuming setup

The AeroPress started with a small but fervent following in the early 2000s and quickly gained traction, becoming one of the most popular and recognizable non-electric coffee makers available today. It's affordable, easy to use, and a great travel companion—plus it makes a delicious cup of coffee.

Due to its immersion brew style and plunging method, AeroPresses are often seen as alternatives to French presses—comparable products with marked differences. Perhaps most importantly, an AeroPress uses paper filters to keep coffee sediment out of the bottom of your cup; this means no grit in those final sips, as well as a less acidic taste.

While some users rely on an AeroPress as their primary at-home coffee maker, the item may be better suited as a companion piece, a partner-in-crime to another coffee maker, as it only produces one or two cups at a time. We tested the item ourselves and think it's a wonderful brewing device for those who regularly make one cup of coffee at a time or travel often. But coffee lovers who make large batches may prefer something like a Chemex instead.

Electric: No | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 8 ounces | Dimensions: 11.3 x 5 x 4.25 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited

Hand pouring water from a black Fellow kettle into a AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker over a cup

The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

Best Cold Brew

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Heat Up Time
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    5/5
What We Like
  • High-quality cold brew concentrate

  • Disassembles for easier cleanup and storage

  • Stylish, minimalist design

  • Clear brewing instructions

What We Don't Like
  • Time-consuming setup

  • A little bulky

Even though cold brew takes a long time to make, the process is actually incredibly simple. And that's especially true when you have a device like the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker. We tested the item over several weeks and gave it an excellent rating in a number of key areas. The cold brew it produced was consistently tasty and all the parts feel durable and well-made.

There are four pieces to put together before brewing, but after that all you have to do is scoop coffee grounds and cold water into the top container and wait 12 to 24 hours for a smooth and refreshing drink. The glass carafe is the only dishwasher-safe part, so the other pieces need to be washed by hand. We didn't find this to be a major inconvenience, however. The 32-ounce capacity is also large enough for at least a dozen servings of cold brew concentrate, meaning it's unlikely you'll have to clean the item every day, unless you drink a ton of coffee.

The OXO Cold Brew Maker is around the same price or perhaps slightly more expensive than other cold brew makers out there. Given how impressed we were with the item, we think the price is reasonable.

Electric: No | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 32 ounces | Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.7 inches | Warranty: Two years

Best Space Saver

Nespresso Essenza Mini

Nespresso Essenza Mini

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    4.5/5
  • Heat-Up Time
    4.7/5
What We Like
  • Compact and lightweight

  • Affordable for Nespresso machine

  • Easy to use

  • Energy efficient

What We Don't Like
  • Small capsule container

  • Espresso lacks complex flavors

At just over 4 inches wide, the Nespresso Essenza Mini delivers good coffee without dominating your kitchen counter. It only weighs about 5 pounds too, so it's light as well as compact.

Upon testing the item, we found it easy to use, like most Nespresso machines. It also brews fast. All we had to do was pop in a Nespresso capsule—OriginalLine pods only—select one of two size options, and we were enjoying an espresso shot in less than a minute.

Another benefit of the Essenza Mini is that it's one of the most affordable Nespresso machines available. So if you're interested in trying the well-known Swiss brand for the first time, this is a low-investment place to start. Pod-based espresso in general doesn't quite live up to the real thing—but that's expected. The espresso from the Essenza Mini is still strong and has a light layer of crema on top. It just doesn't surpass the quality of a thousand-dollar commercial espresso machine.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Pods | Capacity: Single serve | Dimensions: 4.3 x 12 x 8 inches | Warranty: One year

Best Thermal Carafe

OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Brew Quality
    3/5
What We Like
  • Strong, tasty coffee

  • Durable materials

  • Programmable up to 24 hours

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Takes up a lot of counter space

Thermal carafes are usually recommended over glass if you're looking for the absolute best coffee quality. Not only do they keep coffee hot longer, they also don't require heating plates, which alter coffee flavor over time. The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker comes with a trustworthy thermal carafe, along with a number of other benefits.

The machine is controlled by a single dial underneath a digital display. There are two brew size options depending on how much coffee you want to make. When you're in the mood for a smaller portion, select the 2-4 cup setting; when you need that extra caffeine to get through the day, use the 5-9 cup setting. It's also programmable so users can schedule a brew up to 24 hours in advance.

There are a couple drawbacks, though. The device is pretty expensive, so people working on a budget might want to look for other thermal carafe coffee makers. It also takes up more space than an average coffee maker because the water tank is separated from the carafe. Other than that, this machine is a workhorse you can count on for tasty, hot coffee day in and day out.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 9 cups (45 ounces) | Dimensions: 15 x 8.3 x 17.2 inches | Warranty: Two years

Best Large Capacity

Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn

Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn and Hot Beverage Dispenser

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Great for large groups

  • Brews a cup per minute

What We Don't Like
  • Interior stains easily

  • Can't see amount of coffee left

A single-cup brewer is handy for that jolt of coffee before work, but it won’t work for big family celebrations or parties when everyone wants a cup of coffee at once.

This brewer will be a welcome guest at those parties, serving coffee and more, since it can also be used for dispensing other hot beverages. Use it for hot cider, mulled wine, or even hot water for a party full of tea drinkers. It holds up to 45 cups, which equates to a little over 200 ounces (Hamilton Beach, like many coffee brands, denotes a coffee-sized cup as 5 ounces). The stainless steel exterior looks elegant and is easy to clean.

This is easy to fill and has a twist-lock lid that prevents spilling and helps to maintain an even temperature. It has large handles, and the cord is removable so it won’t dangle when you have to move it. A ready-to-serve light lets you know when it’s coffee time.

Electric: Yes | Grounds or Pods: Grounds | Capacity: 45 cups | Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 16.12 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited

Compare

Ease of Use Ease of Cleaning Heat Up Time Brew Quality
Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Best Overall:
Cuisinart Programmable Coffee Maker
5 5 3.5 5
Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Best Versatile:
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
4.7 4.3 5 4.7
Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker
Best Pour Over:
Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker
4.5
Frieling Double Wall French Press
Best French Press:
Frieling Double Wall French Press
5 4
Amazon Keurig K-Café Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
Best Keurig:
Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
4.5 4 4 4
Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine
Best Espresso:
Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine
4.5 4.5 5 5
Espressione Stainless Steel Machine Espresso and Coffee Maker
Best Dual Brewer:
Espressione Stainless Steel Espresso and Coffee Maker
4.7 5 5 4.9
Bruvi The Bruvi Bundle
Best for Pods:
Bruvi Brewer BV-01
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker
Best Splurge:
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker
5 5
AeroPress Original Coffee & Espresso Maker
Best Non-Electric:
AeroPress Original Coffee & Espresso Maker
4 5 4 5
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Best Cold Brew:
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
4 5 5 5
Nespresso Essenza Mini
Best Space Saver:
Nespresso Essenza Mini
5 5 4.5
OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
Best Thermal Carafe:
OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
4.8 5 3
Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn and Hot Beverage Dispenser
Best Large Capacity:
Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn
Final Verdict

The Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is our top pick because of its consistency and many great features, from adjustable brew strength to a 24-hour programmable timer. If you want a machine that offers more than just drip coffee, however, the Ninja Specialty Brewer is worth the extra cost, as it can whip up espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, as well as iced coffee.

How We Tested

The majority of coffee makers featured in this article were tested firsthand by our expert food writers. They spent weeks evaluating the items, whether they be sophisticated espresso makers or simple pour-overs, in their kitchens to see how they performed with everyday use. After testing, our writers submitted feedback about what they liked and disliked. They also rated each brewing device on its ease of use, ease of cleaning, heat-up time, and brew quality, among a number of other areas.

What to Look for in a Coffee Maker

Type

Think about how much coffee you regularly make and what kind of coffee you use. If you use grounds and typically serve a crowd, choose drip coffee makers (they can make up to 12 cups at once!) or grind-and-brew coffee makers, which feature built-in bean grinders. If you generally make only one cup at a time, try a single-serve coffee maker that uses pods. If your needs vary, dual-design coffee makers, like the OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single Serve, are a great choice, since they can brew single cups or a whole pot.

Size

If space is limited, you’ll need to rule out dual-design machines since they tend to be larger. A single-serve coffee maker or a compact drip coffee maker may be better suited to your space. Remember to check height, depth, and width to ensure it fits properly. And if the machine has a compartment that lifts, keep that in mind when taking your measurements.

Features

Some devices have all kinds of bells and whistles, from automatic shut-offs to flavor strength and even temperature control. Some machines can make both hot and cold beverages, including tea and cocoa. And the newest premium machines even have Wi-Fi capabilities. If you’re looking for convenience, just be prepared to pay the price for advanced models.

Ease of use

Whether a coffee maker is too complicated or takes too long to brew, you don't want something that's a pain to use. Some coffee makers naturally require a little more hands-on effort, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're hard to use. If ease of use is your utmost priority, however, going with an electric option is probably the best bet. Pod-coffee makers are the downright easiest, but drip machines don't require much effort either.

Cleaning

Pod coffee makers are typically the easiest type of brewer to clean. Aside from that, most other coffee makers require a similar amount of cleanup. With drip coffee makers, pour overs, and French presses, you need to dispose of used coffee grounds and wash the carafe. Keep in mind that electric coffee makers require occasional descaling, however, which is a more intensive cleaning process that should be done every three to six months.

Heat-Up Time

All electric coffee makers need a little time to wake up before they start brewing. It's usually less than a minute for drip coffee makers and pod coffee makers, while espresso machines have a wider variance of heat-up times. Some heavy-duty commercial espresso machines take 30 minutes to heat up. An espresso machine for home is usually anywhere from one to 10 minutes, however. As a quick tip: thermoblock espresso makers tend to heat up faster than boiler models.

Capacity

If you drink a lot of coffee every day, it makes sense to look for larger-capacity brewing devices. Drip coffee makers have the largest capacity on average, brewing up to 14 cups at once, so they're a great place to start. That said, there are French presses and pour overs with large capacities too. Some options you might want to stay away from are espresso machines, pod coffee makers, and AeroPress Coffeemakers, which often produce one serving at a time.

Closeup of the buttons on the Cuisinart 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker

 The Spruce Eats / Sage McHugh

FAQs

What types of coffee makers are there?

There's a wide array of coffee makers and each style has its own nuances. We'll quickly break down seven of the most common types below.

  • Drip coffee makers: This has long been the most popular type of coffee maker in the United States. They make large quantities of coffee with ease.
  • Pod coffee makers: This is another extremely common variety, with brands like Keurig and Nespresso leading the way. They typically make a single serving of coffee at a time.
  • Espresso makers: Whether it's a new automatic model or one where shots are pulled manually, espresso makers are a timeless brewing device.
  • French presses: French presses are non-electric brewing devices where coffee grounds steep in water for several minutes. They are known for producing robust coffee with a heavy mouthfeel.
  • Pour overs: As the name suggests, pour over coffee makers require users to pour hot water directly over coffee grounds. There are single-serve pour overs that you place on top of a coffee mug as well as multi-cup options like Chemex Coffeemakers.
  • Cold brew coffee makers: Cold brew coffee makers are designed to produce strong and smooth coffee you can pour over ice.
  • Percolators: Percolators may have reached their peak popularity in the 20th century, but they are still common today. Many percolators are meant to be placed on a stovetop or another heating source, like a fire when camping. However, there are plenty of electric percolators today too.

What grind size should I use?

The ideal grind size depends on the type of brewing device you own. Those with a standard drip coffee maker, pour-over, or AeroPress should use a medium grind for best results. This is particularly fortunate for people who buy pre-ground coffee because medium is the standard grind size. Espresso machines, on the other hand, require very finely ground coffee to produce the rich, delicious shots we know and love. Many grocery stores and online distributors sell espresso-ground coffee for customers without a grinder at home. Finally, French-press owners should use coarse-ground coffee. If the coffee grounds are too fine, they will clog the filter and leave an unpleasant and gritty texture in every sip.

What is descaling?

Descaling is the process of removing mineral residue that builds up inside a coffee maker over time. If you don’t regularly descale, the device will likely face a number of issues that can range from the coffee being too weak to the machine not working at all. Check if the manufacturer recommends how often you should descale; otherwise, the task should be performed every one to three months. Many brands sell thorough and easy-to-use descaling products, but an at-home concoction of vinegar and warm soapy water will also do the trick.

What is a 1-4 cup setting?

Since drip coffee makers are designed to brew full pots of joe, many come with a 1-4 cup option to suit smaller batches. If you were to try making a few cups using the normal brew function, the water would pour through the grounds too quickly and result in a weak final product. A 1-4 cup setting adjusts the drip function to a slower speed and perfectly extracts the grounds for a smaller pot of coffee.

What is coffee concentrate?

Many devices, including espresso makers and Keurigs, brew coffee concentrate as a substitute for real espresso. The main difference between the two is pressure. To make espresso, highly pressurized water is rapidly forced through finely ground coffee beans. Coffee concentrate (not to be confused with cold brew coffee concentrate) is made more like standard drip coffee, where water is slowly filtered through coarse-ground beans. In short, think of it as a cross between coffee and espresso as far as taste and consistency goes. 

What is the best water for coffee?

Taste is always subjective, so there isn’t one right answer for the best water for coffee. Hard water is harsher on your machine and will increase the frequency you need to descale. Those with soft or filtered water can still brew tasty coffee, of course; there is just a higher chance the coffee can end up weaker. As a positive though, soft water is gentler on your brewing device over time. 

How long should a coffee maker last?

Non-electric coffee makers—French presses and pour overs, for example—can last a lifetime, as long as they don't break due to a user mishap. It's harder to pinpoint the lifespan of drip coffee makers and espresso machines. The answer depends more on the brand you buy than the type of brewer itself. A quality drip coffee maker should last at least five years and likely up to 10 years; of course, there are cheap options out there that might not last a year. The same can be said for espresso makers. Budget-priced models could fail within a couple years, but a well-built espresso maker should work for around a decade.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. For this piece, he researched various types of brewing devices, their ideal grind sizes, and ways to clean them.

Sources

Peter Giuliano was interviewed for this piece. He is the Chief Research Officer at the Specialty Coffee Association and Executive Director of the Coffee Science Foundation.

Originally written by
Erin Meister
Erin is a writer, interviewer, and coffee expert whose work has appeared on The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. 8 Best Coffeemakers 2022 Reviewed. Food Network. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/shopping/product-reviews/best-coffee-makers

Continue to 5 of 14 below.
Continue to 9 of 14 below.
Continue to 13 of 14 below.