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A bad coffee machine can make or break your morning – and I’m not being facetious.
After nearly three years post-college, I’ve been through four coffee machines, from cold brew to the classic drip machine. So, I know a few things about coffee machines, including which ones are worth your coins and those that aren’t. I took my first-hand experience and added a dabble of research to curate this list of the best coffee makers for every type of drinker. No more $8 lattes at your neighborhood brew — you can make one right at home with one of these machines that’ll suit your fancy.
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What To Consider When Buying A Coffee Maker
Shopping for coffee machines can be overwhelming since there are a bajillion options on the market. Don’t worry though. Here’s the 411 on the different machines, so you can find your perfect brew.
Coffee Maker Type
So, what’s the best coffee maker for you? Ultimately, the coffee machine for you is the one that suits your preferred way to brew and drink coffee. Latte or cold brew drinkers should opt for espresso machines or capsule coffee makers. Those who like a traditional brew should stick to a drip coffee maker. Essentially, certain coffee machines have specific brew styles to meet your drinking preferences.
Capacity
How much coffee do you drink a day? Ask yourself this before you start shopping for your next coffee maker. Coffee machines have different brewing capacities, with some brewing up to 8 to 12 cups while others are single-serve. You’ll want to buy a maker with a brewing capacity that meets your needs. So, if you have two to three cups of joe a day or live with a partner who also needs caffeine to function, look for a drip coffee machine with a large brewing capacity (think 12 to 14 cups).
On the other hand, if it’s just you and your mug once or twice a day, I suggest a Nespresso or a single-serve maker. Both makers are on the smaller side and don’t require too much counter space. You don’t want to crowd up your kitchen with a coffee maker you won’t use more than once a day.
Construction
You probably don’t think of “construction” when it comes to coffee makers, but there’s a reason why you should. A good coffee maker doesn’t just brew — it also keeps your cups nice and warm. The creme de la creme of coffee makers has thermal carafes to minimize heat transfer and keep your coffee toasty. Other drip machines have heating plates to keep the brew fresh and warm. While you can’t go wrong with either, a thermal carafe is the better option as it doesn’t impact the flavor and aroma of the brew versus a heating plate that will slightly alter the aroma the longer the plate heats the carafe.
Coffee makers like cold brew or French presses don’t have this problem. They’re typically made with glass or plastic materials and are hundred percent safe. But be wary that these constructions are less durable and thus more susceptible to staining or breaking.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Coffee Maker
If you're serious about your coffee and want the best overall machine to elevate your morning cup, look no further than The Cumulus Machine. It can brew a variety of coffee styles—from rich espressos to smooth drip coffee—allowing you to craft your perfect cup every time. Whether you're hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this machine can cater to all your coffee needs with just the push of a button.
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Best Drip Coffee Maker
If you want a drip coffee machine that looks good and works perfectly, then look no further than this Smeg maker. It makes ten cups of joe and has a stainless steel heating plate, plus a light or intense aroma setting. The design is totally retro with a '50s-inspired polished chrome base and handles and comes in a handful of color options from neutral cream to moonlight grey. It’s slightly expensive for a drip machine, but if aesthetics is what you’re going for, the elevated price point is worth it.
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Best Budget Drip Coffee Maker
Want something that just makes a nice cup and won’t break in the next few years? This Haden drip maker from William Sonoma is the answer to your prayers. Like the Smeg machine, Haden also sports a retro design but differs from the former with programmable features and a larger brewing capacity. You get *so* much for your buck with this Haden machine, such as an anti-drip function (to prevent any spillage on your clothes, mugs, or countertops), a dishwasher-safe glass carafe, and a delayed brewing option.
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Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Stanley is more than a water bottle brand. They dabble in coffee machines too and this pour-over set is one of their great inventions. This pick comes with both the pour-over and a 12 oz camper mug. No paper filter is needed, so it’s super easy to clean and the stainless steel interior is insulated to keep your cold and hot liquids at the right temperature.
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Best French Press
Need an easy-to-use coffee maker? Say hello to this IKEA French press. Simply add your grounds—fresh is always best—and hot water. Press down the strainer and ta-da! Steamy, flavorful coffee. Throw this bb in the dishwasher once you’re done.
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Best Cold-brew Coffee Maker
This cold brew maker from Bodum was my go-to before I transitioned to a Nespresso machine. It doubles as a French press and cold brew maker, thanks to its two lids (one with a plunger and the other with a pour-over cap). The carafe has a unique locking system to prevent spillage and is big enough— 1.5 liters—to brew six cups of coffee.
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Best Iced Coffee Maker
Any iced coffee fan knows it’s hard to make a chilled brew with a traditional drip machine. Which is why you need this Keurig single-serve maker. It brews over ice, but unlike other iced coffee machines, this brew starts off super hot to reach peak flavor before cooling to reduce ice melting. The best part is this bb also brews hot coffee. So if you fancy something warm for those cold winter mornings, this Keurig maker has got you covered.
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Best Beginner Espresso Machine
Nepresso is a social viral brand for a reason. Sure, many like the brand’s sleek design and aesthetic, but the machine’s brewing skills are no joke. Take this CitiZ espresso machine for an example. It’s super compact to fit on the tiniest of counter spaces and heats up quickly (we’re talkin’ seconds people) to get the perfect espresso shot. Energy efficient too, thanks to its automatic shutoff feature that powers down after nine minutes of inactivity. Plus, there’s a guaranteed yearly warranty free of charge.
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Best Pod Coffee Maker
I could not choose a Keurig machine as the “best pod” coffee maker. I mean, Keurig is the queen of pod coffee machines and this specific one earns top dog for its variety of features. We’re talking five-cup sizes, heat and iced brewing, quick brew time, maintenance reminders, and more.
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Best Nespresso Machine
I haven’t been to my local coffee shop in months because I have this Nespresso machine on my countertop. It’s super easy to use — a quick one-touch button starts the brew. You can make everything with this machine, from single espresso shots to double and a full cup too.
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Best Single-serve Coffee Maker
I ranked this Amazon pick as the best because it offers a ton of coffee options for a single serve capacity. There are four types of brew—over iced, hot, classic, or speciality—and ten types of size and carafe capacities. Then, there’s the built-in frother that steams cold milk, so you can transform your average cup into a Starbucks-like cappuccino. You can do so much with this tiny single-serve machine.
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Best Brew Control
Unlike the other coffee machines (and Keurigs) on this list, this machine uses innovative smart technology aka a BrewID to curate a personalized cup. The machine recognizes your pod’s sizes and curates a custom menu of speciality coffees. The machine has speciality modes like barista style to help you make lattes, macchiatos, and café drinks.
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Best for Specialty Drink
The price is steep but if you’re looking for a machine that rivals your local brewer, then this is the one for you. It’s an espresso and drip machine all in one, thanks to its sensor control panel that offers a selection of speciality coffees. It also boasts an integrated grinder, so there’s always fresh ground beans for brew. Double shot espressos, cappuccinos, cafe lattés — options are endless with this bb.
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Best Thermal Carafe
Most carafes are glass and have warming plates to keep the pot fresh. But the best carafes (like this one from Breville) are constructed with stainless steel, which keeps everything insulated. But the thermal carafe isn’t this bb’s main selling point. This maker comes with a control panel for you to select a precise brewing temp and flow. This plus the insulated carafe ensures your coffee is exactly the temp you want it to be.
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Best Coffee Maker(s) With Grinder
This mini espresso machine from Smeg is so cute, but don’t let the aesthetic fool you. This espresso machine is just as—if not more—capable of producing cafe quality drinks. The build-in grinder has stainless steel conical burrs, which in non-barista words, means it grounds the beans super finely, so the taste is plenty flavorful. It also has a milk steamer, milk carafe, and both non-pressurized and pressurized filters. It’ll take a couple of tries, but you’ll become a home taught barista with this in your kitchen.
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FAQs
Now that we’ve rounded up the best of the best coffee makers, let’s get into all your burning questions about specialty drinks, types of grounds, and low v. expensive coffee makers.
Is It Worth Buying An Expensive Coffee Maker?
As someone who bought coffee machines on both the low and high end, it truly does not matter. Most expensive coffee makers come with a variety of options and if you just like a cup here or there, it’s not worth your money. Even if you’re a routine drinker who prefers a traditional cup, you don’t need an espresso machine or specialty coffee maker.
That said, those who like speciality lattes or custom cafe options will need to spend a penny on their coffee machines. Not that inexpensive machines can’t make espresso shots or cafe lattes, but higher end makers make better tasting coffee and thus, better specialty drinks.
Do Fresh Grounds Really Make A Difference?
Yes and no! Remember, it’s about your preference. Fresh grounds are more aromatic and flavorful. So, they’re better than grinded beans. However, if you don’t want to pre-grind your beans—which, who would?—every time you want a cup, grounded beans are a fine option. They’re not as potent, but still good enough to fulfill that caffeine craving.
Why Should I Opt for an Electric Coffee Maker?
There’s so much that comes with an electric coffee maker including programmable features like timed brewing, brew strength, and type of brew. They also have automatic shut-offs to save energy and heat modes to ensure your cup stays warm and fresh. An electric coffee maker is a better option for all coffee drinkers, because they’re super consistent and easy-to-use.
What Kind Of Filters Should I Use?
Not every drip or pour over machine needs a filter (re: Stanley). However, for the ones that do, I suggest a cloth or single-use filter. Single-use filters are more common and typically made out of paper. They’re not eco-friendly but they’re convenient for home brewers. Cloth filters aka coffee cloths are reusable and can filter out grinds, leaving a sweet, light taste. Metal filters are reusable and long-lasting, but they’re extremely difficult to clean. Plus, some say there’s a metallic aftertaste after a long usage. No matter the filter you chose, always check to see what type of filter pairs with your coffee maker!
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