Best Coffee Makers

How to Choose a Coffee Maker

If you are having problems choosing the best coffee maker, we recommend that you pay attention to the following parameters:

Volume

Before buying a coffee maker, ask yourself how much coffee you drink. If you like to drink a couple of large mugs at a time or if you have a large family, you should choose a device that can brew lots of coffee at once. Drip coffee makers and automatic pour-over coffee maker are perfect for this. Most are capable of brewing 10 or more cups per cycle.

Auto shutoff

An automatic shut-off function will allow you not to worry about whether you forgot to turn off the coffee maker when you left home. In addition, this function helps to extend the life of the device, as it will not overheat.

Most often, a coffee maker with this function turns off after 60 minutes, but this time can be adjusted. Some coffee makers not only shut down automatically but can also transition to standby mode after some time. Standby mode saves energy, but you still need to turn off the coffee maker yourself.

Water tank

These come in a variety of sizes:

• Up to 34 ounces (1 liter) for those who drink a small amount of coffee
• 35 to 68 ounces (1 to 2 liters) for people who drink several cups at once
• More than 68 ounces (2 liters) for a large family or office

Power

Brewing time depends on the power of the coffee maker. This factor is more important for some types of coffee makers than others. For an espresso machine, power plays a big role because the machine works under pressure. It should have 1000 watts or more. The higher the power, the better the extraction. It is also possible to simultaneously prepare two or more cups of coffee with a high-powered espresso machine.

Additional settings

For real coffee connoisseurs, coffee makers that allow you to adjust strength, temperature, and grind level are indispensable.

Those who do not like drinking coffee alone will appreciate the ability to brew two (or more) cups at once. Some coffee makers are equipped with two dispensers so you can enjoy coffee with a friend or family member without wasting time waiting for a second cup to brew.

Adjustable dispenser or drip tray height allows you to use a variety of cups—from espresso cups to tall travel mugs.

The ability to switch between paper and metal filters can also be useful. By removing coffee particles, you will improve the taste of your drink.

A water level indicator informs you that the water is running out, which is useful if the tank on your coffee maker is opaque.

Some coffee makers also have a heated area to help keep coffee warm. When you pour coffee into the heated cups, your drink will not cool down.

Smart features

Many modern coffee makers have very convenient features. The presence of—or lack of—these features might help you decide which model to buy.

For example, a programmable brewing time feature is great for those who want to grab their coffee and go. Set a timer before bed and a cup of freshly brewed coffee will be waiting for you in the morning.

A digital display that shows all the necessary information about the status of the coffee maker and the brewing cycle is also a very useful feature. The display will inform you when you need to refill the water reservoir, clean the machine, etc. This makes your coffee maker your trusted assistant.

Some coffee makers, especially espresso machines, support independent recipe programming so you can change the amounts of coffee, milk, and milk foam in your drinks. A automatic coffee bloom function can also be a nice bonus because blooming fully reveals the taste and aroma of your coffee.

Size

The more functionality a coffee maker has, the larger it's likely to be. Too large a coffee maker can be a nuisance in your kitchen or office. Therefore, we recommend that you select a compact device. Small devices can have the same power and options as standard drip coffee makers, but can be slightly more expensive and have a smaller water reservoir.

Best Coffee Makers

1. Breville BDC450 - Best Coffee Maker

The Breville Precision Brewer has the best combination of functionality quality coffee brewing in one device.

James Hoffmann, winner of the 2007 World Barista Champion 2007, has been using this device for over two years, and he loves it. Check out his review:

The Precision Brewer is like multiple coffee makers in one thanks to its impressive functionality. Choose from six modes: Gold, Fast, Strong, Iced, Cold Brew, and My Brew.

Fast mode will brew 12 cups in seven minutes—enough for a large family.

This drip coffee maker looks stylish thanks to its stainless steel case with some plastic elements. The water reservoir with volume scale helps you achieve the ideal ratio of water to coffee, and the purity of the water is ensured by the Thermocoil heating system.

Convenient operation is possible thanks to the intuitive LCD display. Just select the mode you want and press "Start." Plus, the BDC450 has a timer so your coffee will always have a consistent taste.

What makes this programmable coffee maker special is that you can fit other pour-over devices into it. Coffee can be brewed directly in a Kalita Wave or V60 funnel for a new coffee experience.

The Breville drip coffee maker is well programmed, and you can set it up for automatic brewing. In addition, it can make iced coffee and cold brew.

The Gold Cup option automatically controls the extraction time and water temperature according to Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommendations. Or turn on the My Brew option to independently control and monitor the water flow rate, bloom, and water temperature.

When not in use, the coffee maker will automatically enter standby mode to save electricity.

The coffee maker comes with a thermal carafe, but you can also brew directly into any cup or thermos.

2. Technivorm Moccamaster KBG - Best for Home Use

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG 10-Cup drip coffee maker is the best choice for home coffee drinkers.

The Moccamaster drip coffee maker is made from the finest-quality parts, which means it will last for years to come. Has a 40oz water reservoir.

It has a 40oz water reservoir and is equipped with a glass carafe that can hold up to 10 cups and is easily removable even when brewing coffee. If you remove the carafe during brewing, the coffee maker will stop until you've poured your cup of coffee and replaced the carafe.

The Moccamaster can brew 40 ounces of coffee in 5 to 6 minutes, and your coffee will stay warm because the glass carafe rests on a heating plate that maintains a temperature of 180°F. The machine brews delicious coffee by pouring hot water (195–205°F) evenly over the coffee grounds through a showerhead-like spout.

The Moccamaster is controlled by two switches. One turns the coffee maker on and off; the other controls the heating element, which adjusts the temperature to 175°F or 185°F.

The coffee maker does not have any other settings. It's a simple machine designed to brew an excellent cup of coffee with consistent quality at home.

3. Ninja - Best Functionality

This multi-purpose coffee maker can automatically brew both regular coffee and iced coffee. The intuitive backlit interface makes any task easy.

The Ninja Specialty is equipped with a digital timer for setting the brewing time and comes with a measuring spoon for dosing coffee beans. You can choose between 6 volumes of coffee.

This programmable coffee maker stands out among its competitors due to the presence of a retractable cappuccinatore milk frother that whips milk well so you always have the perfect latte or iced macchiato. With the specialty concentrated coffee function, you can prepare a delicious cappuccino-like drink.

The coffee maker is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for its quality coffee brewing.

The stainless-steel thermal carafe has a capacity of up to 10 cups so your drink will stay hot for a long time. This 10-cup coffee maker even has a drip-stop switch to prevent dripping when you remove the carafe.

And thanks to the hinged tray inside the coffee maker, you can brew straight into cups and travel mugs of various heights.

4. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Coffee Maker - Best Budget Pick

Press the button and go about your business—this drip coffee maker will quickly brew 4 cups of coffee for you.

The Mr. Coffee's drip coffee makers do a great job with everyday tasks. You don't need to have any special coffee knowledge. Just add coffee grounds, fill the water tank, and turn on the coffee maker. You will get a standard, well-brewed black coffee. This is convenient for those who want to brew coffee without being distracted from work or creative pursuits.

This drip coffee maker is quite simple but still has some useful features, like the Grab-A-Cup function. If you need coffee right away, you don't have to wait while the coffee maker brews a whole glass carafe. If you remove the glass carafe to pour a cup of coffee, the brewing process stops until you put the carafe back. The clear water tank is also very convenient because it allows you to see when it needs to be refilled.

Another thing to note is that this is the best coffee maker for small spaces: 9.64 inches high and 7.16 inches wide. Therefore, it only brews 4 cups of coffee at a time. This is not as much as other models, but it also has its advantages. The Mr. Coffee drip coffee maker doesn't take up much space, so you can easily place it in your kitchen or office.

5. Hamilton Beach - Best Two-Way Brewer

This two-way coffee maker can brew into a carafe and a tall travel mug.

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer is interesting because it's equipped with a standard drip coffee maker, which can brew up to 12 cups, and also with a mini single-serve coffee maker, which can brew using either grounds or coffee pods.

The large drip coffee maker's glass carafe holds 12 cups at a time. It can be removed while brewing in case you want to pour a cup of coffee before the whole brew cycle is finished. The coffee maker will automatically stop the brewing process and resume after you put the carafe back.

Also note that the carafe will be heated thanks to the hot plate underneath. This way you always have hot coffee.

The 12-cup coffee maker includes a number of useful functions, such as the ability to program a brewing time for the morning and automatic shutdown after coffee preparation. It's able to brew both regular and concentrated, rich coffee. All tasks are set with buttons, and you can watch the whole process on the display.

The Hamilton 2-Way Brewer has two water tanks: one 80oz and one 14oz. One is located at the back, the other is above the single serve basket. They are easy to fill and are both sealed with a lid.

The coffee maker can't prepare coffee in a carafe and a thermos at the same time—you have to use a switch to toggle between the modes. However, you will not spend a lot of time waiting for coffee.

Before using the coffee maker for the first time, you should wash it thoroughly, as sometimes a slight smell of plastic remains from the factory. A plain vinegar solution will easily get rid of the smell.

6. OXO Brew 8 Cup - Best for Office

This coffee maker will appeal to coffee drinkers who value ease of use and the quality of their coffee. The OXO Brew can easily brew 64 ounces of coffee in a very short time.

The OXO coffee brewer has an elegant, minimalistic style. It takes up very little space and fits easily into any kitchen.

The coffee maker is easy to use, with only 4 buttons: power, clean, 2-4 cups, and 5-8 cups. To prepare just 1 cup, use the switch on the front of the device. If you move the switch the other way, the coffee maker will brew the full carafe volume, which is 64 ounces.

The carafe is made of stainless steel. Thanks to its design, shape, and sealed lid, coffee will stay hot longer.

The OXO drip coffee maker prepares delicious, high-quality coffee, so it's certified by the SCA. It's an automatic pour-over coffee maker that uses a Rainmaker showerhead and the BetterBrew precision function to maintain a constant temperature of 200°F and ensure uniform extraction.

The coffee maker set includes 10 paper filters and a scoop. The OXO Brew is compatible with Kalita 185 filters, which are inexpensive and available on Amazon.

The water tank holds 40 ounces and is not removable. Only fill it with the amount you intend to brew; otherwise, it will take a long time to heat all the water.

This model is easy to maintain and can be washed with household products. Decalcification should be performed once a month.

7 . Philips 3200 Series Espresso Machine - Best for Strong Coffee

This flagship automatic espresso machine has a wide range of one-click coffee options. It can make espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, and regular coffee in various sizes.

The Philips 3200 Series can brew two espressos at the same time, so it's convenient if several people drink in your family drink coffee or if you want a double shot.

You can program your own settings, and a separate adjustment on the panel allows you to choose one of three brewing temperatures at any time.

As for the specs, the Philips 3200 Series has a high-performance 15-bar ULKA pump, a 1500-watt thermoblock, and a ceramic flat coffee grinder. The built-in grinder has 12 grind size settings.

The coffee maker has a built-in milk-frothing system called LatteGo. Technically, this system works like any milk frother, but the Philips developers have significantly improved its design, hiding channels in the side wall for steam supply and milk suction. Reviewers love how easy the system is to clean.

The LatteGo system includes a jug that can be easily divided into two parts. As a result, it can be easily removed, disassembled, and washed. But its 250ml capacity only lets you make 1-2 cappuccinos before refilling.

8. Keurig K-Elite - Best Keurig Coffee Maker

The K-Elite keurig coffee maker works with K-Cups of various sizes and portions to instantly prepare delicious coffee.

The device has a sleek design and works silently. It will appeal to those who love variety. For example, the iced coffee capability allows you to brew a refreshing cup of iced coffee without losing flavor.

The K-Elite has a huge 75oz water reservoir. This means you can brew 8 K-Cups before you need to refill the machine. The reservoir can be removed for easy cleaning and filling.

Keurig accessories include a set of 6 best K-Cup coffee pods. You can try new flavors as well as enjoy your favorite drinks. What's more, the kit also includes a water filter handle and 1 free filter.

The Smart Start option allows you to brew a drink without waiting for the device to heat up. Just turn on the device and start the brewing process. The coffee will be ready in a few seconds.

In addition, this coffee maker is able to turn on and off automatically. Freshly brewed coffee can be waiting for you in the morning.

The K-Elite is capable of handling an impressive number of the most popular K-Cup capsule sizes, which brew drinks of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces. This is great if you want to make a lot of coffee. It also means you can make the drink stronger.

The large drip tray on the bottom of the coffee maker can be removed for easier cleaning or to fit thermos mugs up to 7.2 inches tall.

You can use the K-Elite to dispense hot water instead of using a kettle. This function is ideal for making tea, hot cocoa, oatmeal, or instant soup or noodles.

The coffee maker is easy to clean but requires very frequent maintenance because scale builds up quickly. But the built-in indicator will remind you to descale.

9. AeroPress - Best for Camping

Enjoy strong, aromatic coffee with the handheld AeroPress, regardless of where you are: in nature, at home, or on a trip.

The AeroPress is made of durable plastic, is lightweight, and takes up very little space. Its design is simple but also practical and portable. You can prepare 1-2 cups of coffee in just a couple of minutes, no electricity needed

The AeroPress brews American-style coffee. The drink will be richer than pour-over coffee but softer than coffee brewed in a Moka pot. In addition, an AeroPress is suitable for making cold brew.

As with other brewing methods, the taste can be easily adjusted by changing the dosage of coffee, grind size, or water temperature. The AeroPress fully reveals the fruity and berry notes of light- to medium-roasted coffee, so we recommend starting with those roasts.

And it's not a problem if you're new to brewing coffee. The AeroPress is easy to handle. Just insert a paper filter, add freshly ground coffee beans, and pour in hot—but not boiling—water (180 to 200°F). Then stir and press the plunger.

In the box with the AeroPress, you will also find a plastic coffee scoop, stirring spoon, funnel, and 350 paper filters. You can also buy more filters separately, and they're very cheap.

The device does not require any special maintenance. Just push out the used coffee with the plunger and rinse all parts with water—that's it, you're done.

10. Chemex - Best Pour-Over

If you want a balanced coffee with a pleasant aroma and acidity, but without bitterness, then you should purchase a Chemex.

The Chemex can brew between 1 and 8 cups of coffee at a time. It has an exquisite design with a sleek wood fastening wrapped in leather twine.

It is made of borosilicate glass, which has increased thermal resistance and is resistant to mechanical damage. The Chemex doesn't absorb unpleasant odors or oils. In addition, the cone-shaped design allows you to cover the device with a lid and store your brewed coffee in the refrigerator without losing any flavor.

The coffee maker fully reveals the entire taste and aroma profile of coffee and emphasizes its sweetness and acidity. The Chemex also gives you complete freedom to experiment, so you're sure to find the perfect pour-over recipe.

The Chemex was developed by German-American chemist Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. Since then it has been the most reliable device for brewing excellent pour-over coffee at home.

Sources:

• How Coffee Makers Work – HowStuffWorks
• Nespresso OriginalLine vs VertuoLine – What’s the Difference? – WhichNespresso
• Nespresso vs. Keurig: Which Single-Serve Coffee Maker Is Best? – Reviewed