Best Coffee Maker

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Coffee is a staple for millions worldwide, and a good coffee maker can elevate your daily brew, whether you prefer a simple drip machine or a more advanced setup. Choosing the right coffee maker comes down to factors like brewing capacity, ease of use, and features—some may just want a reliable model for a solid cup of coffee, while others might seek programmable settings or built-in grinders. Kitchen space and budget are also key considerations. We tested dozens of coffee makers to find the best options for every need, focusing on machines that consistently deliver great-tasting coffee and are easy to use and maintain.

  • Breville Barista Express

    10

    We think the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want cafe-quality espresso at home.

    10

    We think the Breville Barista Express is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want cafe-quality espresso at home.

    Pros

    • Built-in grinder saves space and time
    • Precise temperature control for optimal extraction
    • Powerful steam wand for silky microfoam

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve for beginners
    • Takes up significant counter space
    • Higher price point than basic machines

    The Breville Barista Express impressed us with its ability to grind beans and brew espresso in under a minute. We found the integrated conical burr grinder to be a game-changer, delivering freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter. This all-in-one design saved us valuable counter space and streamlined our morning routine.

    We appreciated the machine’s digital temperature control, which kept the water at just the right heat for extracting full flavor from our beans. The low-pressure pre-infusion was another nice touch, gradually ramping up to ensure an even extraction and balanced taste in every cup.

    The steam wand on this machine is no joke. We were able to create velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos that rivaled our local coffee shop. It took some practice, but we soon got the hang of texturing milk and even attempted some latte art. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we feel the Breville Barista Express offers great value for serious coffee enthusiasts looking to up their home brewing game.

  • Ninja DualBrew Pro

    9.7

    We think the Ninja DualBrew Pro is a top pick for coffee lovers who want versatility and convenience in one machine.

    9.7

    We think the Ninja DualBrew Pro is a top pick for coffee lovers who want versatility and convenience in one machine.

    Pros

    • Brews both grounds and pods
    • Multiple brew sizes and styles
    • Built-in frother for specialty drinks

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic coffee makers
    • Takes up counter space
    • Learning curve for all features

    We tested the Ninja DualBrew Pro and were impressed by its range of options. It’s like having a coffee shop on your counter. We brewed everything from single cups to full carafes with ease.

    The machine lets us use both grounds and K-Cups. This flexibility is great for households with different coffee preferences. We loved how quickly it made our morning cup – faster than our old Keurig.

    One feature that stood out was the built-in frother. We made lattes and cappuccinos that rivaled our local cafe. The specialty brew function creates a rich coffee concentrate perfect for these drinks.

    We found the separate hot water system handy for tea and hot cocoa. It’s nice not to worry about coffee taste in our tea. The machine has a sleek design, but it does take up some counter space.

    Cleaning is simple with many dishwasher-safe parts. We appreciate the reusable filter, which saves money and reduces waste compared to paper filters.

    While there are many settings to explore, we got the hang of it pretty quickly. The coffee always came out hot and flavorful, whether we used grounds or pods. For coffee enthusiasts who want options, we think the Ninja DualBrew Pro is hard to beat.

  • Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

    9.5

    We recommend this Ninja coffee maker for its versatility, convenience, and consistently good coffee.

    9.5

    We recommend this Ninja coffee maker for its versatility, convenience, and consistently good coffee.

    Pros

    • Customizable brew strengths
    • Large 60-oz removable water tank
    • 24-hour programmable delay brew

    Cons

    • Carafe can be tricky to pour
    • Takes up counter space
    • Cleaning can be time-consuming

    We’ve been using this Ninja coffee maker for a while now, and it’s become a key part of our morning routine. The ability to choose between classic and rich brew strengths is a nice touch. We often opt for the rich setting when we need an extra boost.

    The 60-oz water tank is a standout feature. It’s easy to remove and fill at the sink, which is much more convenient than trying to pour water into a fixed tank. We also like that we can set it up the night before and wake up to fresh coffee, thanks to the 24-hour delay brew function.

    One small gripe we have is with the carafe. While it holds plenty of coffee, pouring can be a bit messy if you’re not careful. The machine also takes up a fair amount of counter space, so it might not be ideal for smaller kitchens. Cleaning all the parts can take some time, but it’s worth it to keep the coffee tasting great.

  • Ninja 14-Cup Pro Coffee Maker

    9.4

    We recommend this Ninja coffee maker for its large capacity and customizable brewing options.

    9.4

    We recommend this Ninja coffee maker for its large capacity and customizable brewing options.

    Pros

    • Large 14-cup carafe
    • Multiple brew strength options
    • Programmable with 24-hour delay

    Cons

    • Bulky size
    • Carafe feels fragile
    • Warming plate may overheat coffee

    We tested the Ninja 14-Cup Pro Coffee Maker and were impressed by its performance. The large carafe is perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers or for entertaining guests. We liked being able to choose between Classic and Rich brew strengths to suit our tastes.

    The programmable feature is a nice touch. We set it up before bed and woke up to fresh coffee in the morning. The removable water reservoir made filling easy – no more spills on the counter.

    One thing to note is the size. At over 14 inches tall, it may not fit under all cabinets. The glass carafe felt a bit delicate, so we handled it carefully. While the warming plate kept coffee hot, we found it sometimes made the coffee taste burnt after a few hours.

    FeatureDetails
    Capacity14 cups
    Brew OptionsClassic, Rich
    ProgrammableYes, 24-hour delay
    FilterPermanent, included

    Overall, this Ninja coffee maker delivers on its promises of hot, flavorful coffee in large batches. It’s a solid choice for coffee lovers who want options and convenience.

  • Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker

    9.3

    We think this Cuisinart coffee maker is a great choice for most people who want hot, flavorful coffee in larger quantities.

    9.3

    We think this Cuisinart coffee maker is a great choice for most people who want hot, flavorful coffee in larger quantities.

    Pros

    • Makes very hot coffee
    • Programmable with auto-shutoff
    • Large 14-cup capacity

    Cons

    • Takes up counter space
    • Carafe can drip when pouring
    • Somewhat loud when brewing

    This Cuisinart brewer impressed us with its ability to make piping hot coffee. We found the temperature perfect for enjoying right away or keeping warm for later. The strength control let us adjust the flavor to our liking – bolder for weekday mornings, milder for lazy weekends.

    We loved the programmable features. Setting it up the night before meant waking up to the smell of fresh coffee. The auto-shutoff gave us peace of mind on busy mornings when we rushed out the door. The large 14-cup carafe was great for entertaining or just keeping us fueled throughout the day.

    The Brew Pause feature came in handy when we couldn’t wait for a full pot. We could sneak a quick cup mid-brew without making a mess. Cleaning was simple too. The reusable gold-tone filter saved us money on paper filters. Overall, this Cuisinart delivered consistently good coffee with helpful features that made our mornings easier.

  • Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System

    9.1

    We think the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System is a versatile machine that’s perfect for coffee lovers who want both espresso and drip coffee options at home.

    9.1

    We think the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System is a versatile machine that’s perfect for coffee lovers who want both espresso and drip coffee options at home.

    Pros

    • Makes espresso and regular coffee
    • Built-in milk frother
    • Multiple brew sizes and styles

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to basic coffee makers
    • Takes up counter space
    • Learning curve for all features

    We tested this Ninja system for a few weeks, and it quickly became our go-to for morning coffee. The ability to brew both espresso and regular coffee in one machine is super handy. We loved making lattes and cappuccinos with the built-in frother – it’s so much easier than using a separate device.

    The coffee quality is great. We tried the Classic, Rich, and Over Ice brew styles. The Rich setting gave us a bold cup that rivaled our local coffee shop. For espresso, the 19-bar pressure system made shots with a nice crema. We used both Nespresso pods and our own ground coffee with good results.

    One thing to note: this machine is pretty big. It took up a good chunk of counter space in our kitchen. But if you’re replacing separate coffee and espresso machines, it might actually save room. The cleanup is pretty easy too. Most parts can go in the dishwasher, which we liked.

  • BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Brewer

    9

    We think this affordable coffee maker is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, no-frills option for their daily brew.

    9

    We think this affordable coffee maker is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, no-frills option for their daily brew.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-use digital controls
    • Programmable auto-brew feature
    • Sneak-a-Cup function for impatient drinkers

    Cons

    • Somewhat noisy operation
    • Basic feature set
    • Plastic components feel a bit flimsy

    We recently got our hands on the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, and it’s been a pleasant addition to our morning routine. The sleek black and stainless steel design looks nice on the counter without taking up too much space.

    The programmable feature is a real time-saver. We set it up before bed, and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee. The Sneak-a-Cup function lets us grab a quick cup mid-brew without making a mess, which is great when we’re in a rush.

    We like the easy-view water window on the front. It helps us add just the right amount of water each time. The reusable filter basket is a nice touch too – it saves money on paper filters and feels more eco-friendly. While it’s not the fanciest coffee maker out there, it gets the job done well for its price point.

  • Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

    8.7

    We think the Keurig K-Elite is a top choice for most coffee lovers due to its versatility and user-friendly features.

    8.7

    We think the Keurig K-Elite is a top choice for most coffee lovers due to its versatility and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Multiple brew sizes
    • Iced coffee option
    • Strong brew feature

    Cons

    • Requires K-Cup pods
    • Takes up counter space
    • Higher upfront cost

    We’ve been using the Keurig K-Elite for a while now, and it’s become our go-to coffee maker. The sleek brushed slate finish looks great in our kitchen. It’s not just about looks, though – this machine is packed with useful features.

    One of our favorite things about the K-Elite is its range of brew sizes. We can make anything from a 4-ounce cup to a 12-ounce travel mug. The strong brew button is perfect for those mornings when we need an extra kick. And on hot days, the iced coffee setting is a game-changer.

    The 75-ounce water tank is a big plus. We don’t have to refill it often, which saves time in our busy mornings. The hot water on demand is handy for making tea or oatmeal. While K-Cups can be pricey, we like the option to use a reusable filter with our own ground coffee.

  • Philips 3200 Coffee Machine

    8.7

    We think this versatile machine is a great choice for coffee lovers who want barista-quality drinks at home without the fuss.

    8.7

    We think this versatile machine is a great choice for coffee lovers who want barista-quality drinks at home without the fuss.

    Pros

    • Makes 5 different coffee drinks
    • Easy-to-use touch display
    • Self-cleaning milk system

    Cons

    • Fairly noisy grinder
    • Takes up counter space
    • Pricey upfront cost

    We’ve been using the Philips 3200 for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to for morning coffee. The touch display is a breeze to use – just tap what you want, and the machine does the rest. We love that we can make everything from espresso to lattes without any barista skills.

    The LatteGo milk system is pretty neat. It froths milk right into your cup, and cleanup is super quick. We just rinse it under the tap, and we’re done. No fiddly tubes or parts to worry about.

    Grinding beans can be loud, but that’s par for the course with these machines. The ceramic grinders seem sturdy and do a great job. We’re impressed by how consistent our coffee tastes every time.

    The AquaClean filter is a nice touch. We haven’t had to descale yet, and the water tastes clean. It’s a bit pricey upfront, but we think it’ll pay off if you’re big coffee drinkers like us.

  • Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio

    8.6

    We think the FlexBrew Trio is a solid choice for coffee lovers who want options and convenience in one machine.

    8.6

    We think the FlexBrew Trio is a solid choice for coffee lovers who want options and convenience in one machine.

    Pros

    • Three brewing options: single-serve pod, single-serve grounds, or full carafe
    • Large 56 oz water reservoir for multiple single servings
    • Programmable carafe brewing

    Cons

    • Single-serve brewing takes about 90 seconds
    • Separate water reservoirs for single-serve and carafe sides
    • Some users report issues with the K-cup side over time

    We’ve been using the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to coffee maker. The flexibility to brew a quick single cup or a full pot is great for our household’s varied coffee needs.

    The single-serve side is handy for busy mornings. We can pop in a K-cup or use the grounds basket for our favorite beans. It takes about 90 seconds, which isn’t the fastest but still beats waiting for a full pot. The ability to choose from five cup sizes (6 to 14 oz) is a nice touch.

    On weekends, we love using the carafe side to make a big batch. The programmable feature means we wake up to fresh coffee. The separate water reservoirs for each side took some getting used to, but now we appreciate not having to refill as often.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a coffee maker, we recommend considering several key factors:

Capacity

Think about how many cups you need to brew at once. Options range from single-serve to 12-cup carafes.

Brewing Options

Look for features like brew strength control and programmable timers. These allow you to customize your coffee experience.

Ease of Use

We suggest choosing a model with intuitive controls and easy cleaning. Some have removable parts that are dishwasher-safe.

Size

Measure your counter space. Coffee makers come in various sizes to fit different kitchens.

Additional Features

Some extras to consider:

  • Built-in grinder
  • Milk frother
  • Hot water dispenser
  • Thermal carafe

Price

Set a budget. Prices vary widely based on features and brand.

Here’s a quick comparison of common coffee maker types:

TypeProsCons
DripLarge capacity, affordableCan be slow
Single-serveQuick, convenientMore expensive per cup
French pressRich flavor, portableRequires manual effort
EspressoMakes specialty drinksPricier, steeper learning curve

We advise reading user reviews and comparing warranties before making your final choice. Remember, the best coffee maker for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.