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Best Coffee Makers of 2024 To Help You Rise and Shine

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Updated April 29, 2024

If you’re a fan of coffee, you’re in good hands. A 2020 study by the National Coffee Association found that a massive 62% of Americans drink coffee daily, with the average coffee drinker consuming three cups per day. If you rely on a chain like Starbucks or a local equivalent for your coffee, that adds up to a lot of money spent over a year.

That’s why many Americans choose to brew their own coffee at home. Not only does it save money, but it can also save you time and cut down on disposable cups littering the planet. Choosing a coffee maker can seem intimidating, though, with so many options available on the market.

Our list of the best coffee makers of 2024 is designed to make your choice easier, so you can get started making coffee at home with less hassle. All prices are of the time of writing, but prices change, so be on the lookout for deals!

Types of coffee makers

Before you start shopping for a coffee maker, you need to determine what kind you need. There are many types of coffee makers you can buy, but narrowing down your options is easier than you think. Here’s a little about each type of coffee maker to help you determine which one you need.

Drip coffee maker

A drip coffee maker is perhaps the most easily recognizable kind. To make coffee, you add cold water to the reservoir and ground coffee to the filter. When you turn it on, the machine heats the water and pushes it through the filter, saturating the ground coffee and depositing the brewed coffee into a glass carafe that typically holds 8-12 cups of liquid. The carafe rests on a heating element that keeps the coffee warm so you don’t have to drink it all at once. But don’t leave it sitting for too long, or the coffee will begin to taste bitter.

Pour-over coffee maker

If you don’t have much kitchen space and don’t want to brew multiple cups at a time, consider a pour-over coffee maker. To make pour-over coffee, you’ll place a cone-shaped filter into the pour-over brewer and add your ground coffee (typically a coarser grind than for a drip coffee maker). You’ll then place the pour-over brewer over a cup and pour hot water into it in batches. The brewed coffee then drips into your cup, ready for you to drink. A pour-over brewer is also smaller than a drip coffee maker and can typically fit in a cabinet when not in use.

Single-serve capsule coffee maker

A single-serve capsule coffee maker is an easy way to brew coffee with the touch of a button. The coffee is housed inside a capsule, or pod, which slots into a spot in the coffee maker. When you press the button, hot water is pushed through the pod and into your cup below. This is a really easy way to brew coffee and means you can try multiple different kinds of flavors. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly way to brew coffee as the empty capsules end up in the trash, and eventually, in the landfill.

French press

A French press is another option if you don’t have the counter space for a full-time coffee maker. You’ll combine hot water and ground coffee inside the glass container and allow it to brew for about four minutes. Once it’s ready, you’ll push down on the plunger to force the coffee grounds to the bottom, and then pour the brewed coffee into your cup. A French press produces a full-bodied cup of coffee and may not be to everyone’s taste.

Cold brew coffee maker

Cold brew coffee is all the rage right now, and you can make your own at home with a cold brew coffee maker. Using this type of coffee maker, you’ll steep coarsely ground beans in cold water for a few hours, or ideally, overnight. Once it’s brewed, you can drink it immediately or store it in the fridge in a separate container.

Espresso maker

For those who like a strong shot of coffee in the mornings to wake them up quickly, an espresso maker is a good option. Like a drip coffee maker, an espresso machine heats water and pours it over ground coffee beans. An espresso machine does so at a higher pressure, resulting in a stronger coffee that’s typically served in a small cup or used as the base for a mixed coffee drink, like a latte.

Stovetop coffee maker

A stovetop coffee maker does exactly what you would expect — makes coffee on the stovetop. This type of coffee maker consists of two parts. The bottom part sits on the stove and is where you add the cold water. The top part sits above the water and contains the ground coffee. When you turn on the stove and the water heats, steam creates pressure that forces the water through the top part and through the beans. The resulting coffee is strong and resembles espresso.

Grind and brew coffee maker

Rather than investing in a separate grinder and coffee maker, you can get a grind and brew coffee maker. This type of machine is similar to a drip coffee maker in the way it brews coffee, but instead of adding ground coffee to the filter you add whole coffee beans to a compartment. The machine then grinds the exact amount of beans for the coffee you’re making. This results in a very fresh coffee, as the beans haven’t been pre-ground and retain their richness during the brewing process.

Percolator

A percolator is a good way to ensure your coffee is very hot when you pour it. Using this type of coffee maker, you add coarse coffee grounds to the top of the machine, and hot water is directed to the grounds using a tube. The water repeatedly saturates the ground coffee, resulting in a strong and hot cup.

Siphon coffee maker

Finally, a siphon coffee maker uses water that is at a slightly lower temperature, which creates vapor that passes through the coffee grounds and turns back to water. It’s a more gentle method of brewing than many others, though the resulting cup is still very flavorful.

Our best coffee makers picks for 2024

Now you know the difference between the most popular types of coffee makers, it’s time to look at your options. Here are our recommended coffee makers for 2024 in each of the previously mentioned categories.

Best Nespresso machine coffee maker: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine By De'Longhi

Best Nespresso machine coffee maker
Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine By De'Longhi

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine By De'Longhi

Brew using Nespresso capsules from its Vertuo line and enjoy coffee or espresso in four different sizes with this machine. Easy and convenient to use, the 60-ounce water tank allows you to enjoy more cups of java without having to refill each time.

Specifications:

  • Price: $199.95
  • Best for: People who love single Nespresso pods
  • Servings: One serving at a time (four sizes)

The bottom line:

If you love espresso and coffee (in multiple sizes) and want your machine to serve up both, this Nespresso machine may be for you.

Get it here: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine By De'Longhi


Best electric kettle coffee maker: Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle | Studio Edition

Best electric kettle coffee maker
Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle | Studio Edition

Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle | Studio Edition

If you can afford this trendy electric kettle suited for coffee pour-overs, then you may already know about Fellow, a maker of sleek and modern coffee makers and accessories. The Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle will not only look good on your counter but is Fellow’s signature pour-over kettle with fully customizable brew settings, precision temperature, pouring control, and more. It has an adjustable hold mode so you can keep your water hot for up to 60 minutes. This is definitely not the tea kettle from your childhood; it’s made for coffee lovers.

Specifications:

  • Price: $255
  • Best for: People who love their pour-overs
  • Servings: N/A - holds 30 ounces of hot water

Pros:

  • Extremely good looking
  • Can set over WiFI (a “smart kettle”)
  • Customizable (like, you can set your altitude)

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

If you don’t mind the price tag and take our pour-over coffee extremely seriously, this signature kettle is designed for coffee lovers who love attention to detail, like to-the-degree of temperature control.

Get it here: Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle | Studio Edition


Best espresso machine for plant milk coffee drinks: KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Best espresso machine for plant milk coffee drinks
KitchenAid® Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8

KitchenAid® Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8

If you love your coffee with a splash of plant milk (I love a good oat milk latte), this machine is made for you. This fully automated espresso machine has everything we love about a high-quality KitchenAid product, like the recently released KF8 machine. This espresso machine, with smart dosing technology, allows you to be your own barista at home—with automatic heating to steam or froth your milk. This new offering has an extremely unique plant-based milk mode, meaning your latte or other milk-based coffee drink can be served with almond, oat, soy, and other plant-based options popular in coffee shops with those who are dairy-free or simply enjoy an alternative.

Specifications:

  • Price: $1,999.99
  • Best for: Beginner baristas with deep pockets
  • Servings: Varies

Pros:

  • Has a plant-based milk mode
  • Comes in four colors

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

This new fully-automatic espresso machine from KitchenAid offers a plant-milk mode so you can recreate all your favorite non-dairy coffee drinks at home.

Get it here: KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine


Best espresso machine for beginners: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Best espresso machine for beginners
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine BES500BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

This adorable Breville will brew an excellent espresso and won’t confuse beginners with a lot of “extra” features. Comes with a convenient “one shot or two” button, and you can make frothy milk too. Bonus: It’s small, so it won’t take up much counter space.

Specifications:

  • Price: $499.95
  • Best for: Beginner baristas with deep pockets
  • Servings: One or two shots

Pros:

  • Small
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

This Breville Bambino Plus Espresso machine can make one or two-shot espresso plus frothy milk to go into your coffee drink of choice.

Get it here: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine


Best coffee maker for small kitchens: Wacaco Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine

Best coffee maker for small kitchens
WACACO Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine, Compatible Ground Coffee, Hand Coffee Make, Travel Gadgets, Manually Operated, Perfect for Camping

WACACO Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine, Compatible Ground Coffee, Hand Coffee Make, Travel Gadgets, Manually Operated, Perfect for Camping

While this is a “portable espresso maker,” we think it would be best in small kitchens because of its cute size. If you need more than a one-shot espresso maker, then it won’t work, but if your counter space is miniscule, this minpress will get the job done without compromising countertops. Plus, you can take it with you anywhere when you are running late in the morning.

Specifications:

  • Price: $54.90
  • Best for: Small spaces and travelers
  • Servings: One shot

Pros:

  • Small
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Only makes one shot of espresso
  • Need access to hot water

The bottom line:

If you are struggling with space in your kitchen, this portable, one-shot espresso maker can whip up a quick cup as long as you can access hot water.

Get it here: Wacaco Minipresso GR, Portable Espresso Machine


Best coffee maker for large households: Cuisinart Coffee Maker, 14-Cup Glass Carafe

Best coffee maker for large households
Cuisinart Coffee Maker, 14-Cup Glass Carafe, Fully Automatic for Brew Strength Control & 1-4 Cup Setting, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200P1

Cuisinart Coffee Maker, 14-Cup Glass Carafe, Fully Automatic for Brew Strength Control & 1-4 Cup Setting, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200P1

If you have a houseful of coffee drinks, the best thing you can do is own a machine like this one that not only allows you to “set it and forget it” the night before and will make 14 cups of coffee at a time, so everyone can get their jolt of java in the morning. The machine will keep your coffee hot for up to four hours and has an automatic shut-off valve if you don’t want to keep it on for an extended period of time. It’s dishwasher safe (carafe and filter basket), but you will need to run the machine’s automated decalcification feature using water and vinegar.

Specifications:

  • Price: $99.00
  • Best for: Large families of coffee drinkers or if you frequently have houseguests
  • Servings: 14 cups

Pros:

  • Will brew up to 14 cups of coffee overnight
  • Timer, automatic shut-off, and will keep coffee hot for four hours

Cons:

  • Large
  • Must be cleaned with vinegar

The bottom line:

Great for large families, this classic coffeemaker can brew up to 14 cups at a time and keep the carafe warm for four hours.

Get it here: Cuisinart Coffee Maker, 14-Cup Glass Carafe


Best coffee maker with smart features: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker

Best coffee maker with smart features
Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker | 10-Cup Insulated Thermal Carafe | WiFi Enabled Voice-to-Brew Technology | Smart Home Kitchen Essentials | SCA Certified, Barista-Quality Brew | Stainless Steel

Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker | 10-Cup Insulated Thermal Carafe | WiFi Enabled Voice-to-Brew Technology | Smart Home Kitchen Essentials | SCA Certified, Barista-Quality Brew | Stainless Steel

Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker looks good, brews a good, strong cup of joe, and will keep your coffee hot for one hour after it is brewed. The app (according to users) is easy to set up, and this smart machine allows you to control the temperature, size, and strength of your coffee via the app with WiFi voice commands. You can brew up to 10 cups in advance, and the fact that you can set it up to brew coffee for different people depending on their preferences and at separate times makes it our favorite smart coffee maker. There are others you can buy with more smart features, but this drip coffee maker is also good-looking in sleek stainless steel and (relatively) affordable for a smart appliance.

Specifications:

  • Price: $299
  • Best for: Coffee drinkers who like to control their brew via their phones
  • Servings: 10 cups

Pros:

  • Program multiple cups of coffee at different times via an app
  • Good-looking design
  • Remembers your programs even if the electricity goes out

Cons:

  • Only keeps coffee hot for an hour
  • May not make enough coffee for large groups

The bottom line:

This smart coffee maker can brew up to 10 cups of multiple coffees for individuals depending on their cafe preferences so if you have a houseful of guests getting up at different times, this smart coffee maker will do all the (coffee making) work for you.

Get it here: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker


Best splurge coffee maker : Gaggia Magenta Prestige

Best splurge coffee make
Gaggia Magenta Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine,Black

Gaggia Magenta Prestige Super-Automatic Espresso Machine,Black

If you want a coffee maker that can whip up espresso and coffee-based drinks, this one’s for you. Flat whites, cappuccinos, cafe au laits, and other barista-worthy concoctions (thanks to its built-in milk frother) can be made in your kitchen with relative ease, and it will grind the beans for you too. And if someone in your household (like the kids) loves hot chocolate or tea, it will also dispense hot water or milk. You do have to be prepared to use some elbow grease when hand-cleaning the milk frother.

Specifications:

  • Price: $699
  • Best for: Families who love espresso and specialty coffee drinks
  • Servings: One cup (various sizes depending on drink selection)

Pros:

  • Can make many different kinds of hot beverages
  • Easy to use (touch button screen)

Cons:

  • Can be hard to clean
  • Expensive
  • Takes up counterspace

The bottom line:

If you love home-made coffee drinks, freshly ground beans, and an easy-to-use machine, this one will provide this and more, but think twice about the price and counter space it will take up.

Get it here: Gaggia Magenta Prestige


Best drip coffee maker: Cuisinart Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Best drip coffee maker
Cuisinart Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Cuisinart Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

The Cuisinart Touchscreen Programmable Coffee Maker is a great option if you drink a lot of coffee or have several coffee drinkers in your house, thanks to its 14-cup carafe. It’s also easy to use. You can program the machine to brew at a certain time or make coffee immediately with the touch of a button. It also has a cleaning indicator, so you know when it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning.

Specifications:

  • Price: $129.95
  • Best for: Serious coffee drinkers.
  • Servings: 14 cups.

Pros:

  • Large carafe
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Pricer than other drip coffee makers

The bottom line:

The Cuisinart DCC-T20 wins our vote for best drip coffee maker due to its stylish looks, ease of use, and large carafe.

Get it here: Cuisinart Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker


Best pour-over coffee maker: Melitta Pour-Over Coffee Brewer

Best pour-over coffee maker
Melitta 640616 Coffee Maker, 52 oz, Glass Carafe

Melitta 640616 Coffee Maker, 52 oz, Glass Carafe

While some pour-over brewers fix to the top of a cup, the Melitta has a glass carafe that allows you to brew more coffee at once. That makes it easier if you’re planning to brew more than one cup at once. However, the glass carafe won’t keep coffee warm for long, so once you’ve made it plan on drinking it quickly.

Specifications:

  • Price: $12.99.
  • Best for: Those who want to try brewing pour-over coffee but don’t want to spend a ton.
  • Servings: 6 cups

Pros

  • Can brew more than one cup at a time
  • Looks pretty on a counter

Cons

  • Carafe doesn’t keep coffee warm
  • Only makes four cups at a time

The bottom line:

The Melitta is our pick for the best pour-over brewer because it’s affordable and easy to use, even for first-timers.

Get it here: Melitta Pour-Over Coffee Brewer


Best single-serve capsule coffee maker: Keurig K-Cafe

Best single-serve capsule coffee maker
Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve K-Cup Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Maker, Dark Charcoal

Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve K-Cup Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Maker, Dark Charcoal

Capsule coffee makers are among the easiest to use, and the Keurig K-Cafe is a good mid-range option that comes with a lot of bells and whistles. Its reservoir holds 6 cups of water, so even though you can only brew one cup at a time, you just need to put a new pod in between brewing cups. It also comes with a milk frother to make it easier to brew fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The downside? Coffee pods are not eco-friendly.

Specifications

  • Price: $179.99
  • Best for: People who like to try different coffee flavors or drinks.
  • Servings: One cup

Pros:

  • Good for trying different flavors and styles of coffee drinks

Cons:

  • Not eco-friendly
  • Only makes one cup at a time

The bottom line:

Keurig is probably the best-known maker of capsule coffee makers, and for good reason. Over the years, Keurig has perfected its technology, which is why the K-Cafe is our top pick.

Get it here: Keurig K-Cafe


Best French press coffee maker: Bodum Chambord

Best French press coffee maker
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee and Tea Maker, 12 oz, Chrome

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee and Tea Maker, 12 oz, Chrome

The Bodum Chambord is small and easy to use. In addition to the 12-ounce (1 ½-cup) version, you can also get it in 17, 34, and 51-ounce versions. It only takes 4 minutes to brew coffee, and you can also use it to brew tea. Note: You’ll need to invest in an electric kettle or boil water on the stove to make coffee with a French press.

Specifications

  • Price: $33
  • Best for: Those without much kitchen counter space who want to brew a full-bodied cup of coffee.
  • Servings: 1 ½ cups

Pros:

  • Good for small spaces

Cons:

  • Must boil the water separately to use

The bottom line:

If you’re on a budget and have a small space, but still want a tasty cup of coffee, the Bodum Chambord is a great option if you don’t mind boiling the water.

Get it here: Bodum Chambord


Best cold brew coffee maker: Primula Burke Deluxe

Best cold brew coffee maker
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, Comfort Grip Handle, Durable Glass Carafe, Removable Mesh Filter, Perfect 6 Cup Size, Dishwasher Safe, 1.6 qt, Red

Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, Comfort Grip Handle, Durable Glass Carafe, Removable Mesh Filter, Perfect 6 Cup Size, Dishwasher Safe, 1.6 qt, Red

The Primula Burke Deluxe has a solid filter that allows the water to permeate the coffee grounds without any grounds escaping into the coffee itself. It’s easy to use; you just need to add the coffee grounds to the filter, pour cold water over it, and leave it overnight to brew. You can make a full container, and depending on how much coffee you drink each day, it can last for several days in the fridge. It’s also easy to clean; just pop the filter out, throw away the spent grounds, and rinse. Some users have accidentally broken the glass while washing. It’s a good idea to be gentle with the glass when washing as it’s not as thick as you expect.

Specifications

  • Price: $17.99
  • Best for: People who don’t want to brew coffee daily.
  • Servings: 6 cups

Pros:

  • Great for ice coffee lovers who don’t want to brew everyday

Cons:

  • Must be mindful of the glass

The bottom line:

Love the idea of having ice coffee ready to go in your fridge? The Primula Burke Deluxe cold brew coffee maker is a good time-saving option.

Get it here: Primula Burke Deluxe


Best espresso coffee maker: Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ

Best espresso coffee maker
Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, Stainless

Calphalon BVCLECMP1 Temp iQ Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, Stainless

Sure, it’s expensive, but if you really want to be able to make amazing espresso at home, the Calphalon is a great investment. It comes with a built-in grinder to ensure fresh coffee every time. You can choose to make a single shot at a time, or you can brew two at once. It also comes with a steam wand to make foam for espresso-based coffee drinks.

Specifications

  • Price: $679.99
  • Best for: Wannabe baristas who want a beginner-friendly espresso machine.
  • Servings: 1 shot

Pros:

  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Expensive

The bottom line:

Espresso machines are designed to create a tasty, strong brew, but in general, they are much more expensive than other types of coffee machines. But if you’ll use it, it’s worth the hefty price tag.

Get it here: Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ


Best stovetop coffee maker: Bialetti Venus Induction

Best stovetop coffee maker
Bialetti - New Venus Induction, Stovetop Coffee Maker, Suitable for all Types of Hobs, Stainless Steel, 6 Cups (7.9 Oz), Silver

Bialetti - New Venus Induction, Stovetop Coffee Maker, Suitable for all Types of Hobs, Stainless Steel, 6 Cups (7.9 Oz), Silver

The Bialetti Venus Induction stovetop espresso maker produces strong coffee in a short amount of time without a bunch of effort from you. It also doesn’t take up a bunch of space in the kitchen like automatic espresso makers do. It’s ideal if you’re not quite committed to making espresso at home but want to give it a whirl. The 4-cup size is best suited to households with one or two coffee drinkers; any more than that, and you’ll have to make multiple batches.

Specifications

  • Price: $34.01
  • Best for: Making strong espresso without the expensive espresso machine.
  • Servings: 4 cups

Pros:

  • Makes strong espresso on a stovetop

Cons:

  • Makes limited amounts of espresso coffee at a time

The bottom line:

Making coffee on the stovetop is easy and efficient, and the Bialetti Venus Induction is a good beginner option if you’re thinking of trying it out.

Get it here: Bialetti Venus Induction


Best grind and brew coffee maker: Cuisinart DGB-800

Best grind and brew coffee maker
Cuisinart DGB-800 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew, 12-Cup Glass, Silver

Cuisinart DGB-800 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew, 12-Cup Glass, Silver

The Cuisinart DGB-800 makes it easy to produce a fresh cup of coffee every day. It grinds the exact amount of coffee you need for the size of the pot you’re brewing, minimizing waste and keeping your beans fresh. It also has a permanent filter and auto-shutoff in case you forget to do it yourself. Like other automatic coffee makers, you can program it to start brewing so you have a fresh pot of coffee when you come downstairs in the morning. However, the built-in grinder is loud, and the machine can be hard to clean due to its numerous different components.

Specifications

  • Price: $199.95
  • Best for: Those who want an efficient machine that does it all.
  • Servings: 12 cups

Pros:

  • Can make coffee for a crowd

Cons:

  • Grinder is loud
  • May be hard to clean

The bottom line:

Unless you buy your coffee pre-ground, you’ll need a way to grind the beans. The Cuisinart DGB-800 grinds on demand and brews coffee all in one machine.

Get it here: Cuisinart DGB-800


Best percolator coffee maker: Farberware 47053

Best percolator coffee maker
Farberware 47053 Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 12-Cup Coffee Percolator, 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Silver

Farberware 47053 Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 12-Cup Coffee Percolator, 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Silver

The Faberware 47053 percolator has a glass knob that allows you to watch the brewing process, which is ideal for curious coffee drinkers. It also has a permanent filter basket that’s easy to clean, which means no more buying disposable filters. Due to pressure that builds up during the percolating process, it can be a little tricky to get the lid off, but it is dishwasher-safe, making it super simple to keep clean.

Specifications

  • Price: $44.99
  • Best for: No-nonsense coffee drinkers who don’t want a bulky automatic coffee maker taking up space in their kitchen.
  • Servings: 12 cups

Pros:

  • Not bulky
  • Good for small spaces
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons:

  • Some users report having trouble removing lid

The bottom line:

A percolator is a good option if you want a tasty cup of coffee but without the bulk of an automatic brewer.

Get it here: Farberware 47053


Best siphon coffee maker: HARIO Technica

Best siphon coffee maker
Hario "Technica" Glass Syphon Coffee Maker, 600ml

Hario "Technica" Glass Syphon Coffee Maker, 600ml

Not only is the HARIO Technica affordable, but it’s also really intuitive when it comes to making coffee. You may have to do a few trial runs, but once you get it right, you’ll have the perfect cup of coffee every morning. And you’ll feel like a scientist brewing coffee this way, making it a fun talking piece with any guests you have at your house. If you are in a hurry, though, take notice that brewing coffee in a siphon coffee maker takes longer than many other methods.

Specifications

  • Price: $80.50
  • Best for: Science geeks who want to watch their coffee brew in a vacuum.
  • Servings: 3 cups

Pros:

  • Under $100
  • Cool process

Cons:

  • Takes longer than other types of coffee makers

The bottom line:

If you’re curious about the coffee brewing process, a siphon coffee maker like the HARIO Technica is a great choice.

Get it here: HARIO Technica


What to look for when choosing a coffee maker

When shopping for a coffee maker, consider a few factors before making a purchase.

Budget

You also need to consider your budget. For example, if you want to make espresso at home but don’t have a very high budget, you should look at manual or stovetop machines rather than more expensive automatic ones. There are many different types of coffee makers on the market, and each comes with a different price range. Your budget may help direct you toward one type of coffee maker over another.

Counter space

Finally, consider the available space you have in your kitchen. If you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, an automatic machine that lives on your counter full-time won’t be a huge deal, but if you’re short on counter space, you’ll need to find a smaller model or one you can store in a cabinet when not in use.

Extra features

Do you want a machine that will whip an expresso-based drink like a foamy cappuccino or a frothy latte, or do you just want a simple cup of java to start your day? Some coffee makers offer a lot of bells and whistles to appeal to your inner barista, but they add additional cost to the machine.

Cleaning requirements

Cleaning out tiny machine parts can be time-consuming and even frustrating, so before you purchase a machine, check out the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning. If you need a coffee maker, you can easily clean or even throw it into a dishwasher; you’ll want to make sure you know this in advance.

Capacity

If you just want a grab-and-go cup for one (and don’t mind the decidedly un-eco-friendly K-cup), a single serve coffee maker like the popular Keurig K-Cafe, but if you have multiple coffee drinkers in the house or entertain frequently, you may want to invest in a drip machine that brews up a full pot in a reasonable amount of time.

Complex vs. simple

The first thing you need to determine when choosing a coffee maker is the type of machine you want. Do you want something easy and fuss-free that does all the work for you? An automatic or capsule drip coffee maker may be your best option. But if you want to be more hands-on with the process, many manual options, like the HARIO Technica, are available that produce a variety of coffee strengths.

When should you replace a coffee maker?

In general, the average coffee maker should last at least five years, if not more. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it with a new model?

The most obvious time to replace your coffee maker is if it stops working. Before buying a new machine, contact the manufacturer to see if yours is within warranty or if they offer any repair services. If the answer is no, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

You might also want to replace your coffee maker if your tastes or your budget have changed. If your current coffee maker is the cheapest one you could find with your first paycheck, you might prefer to get a fancier model now that you have more disposable income. Alternatively, you may have developed a taste for better coffee, and your basic model may no longer brew to your standards.

If you have a capsule coffee maker but want to make the switch to something less wasteful, you may want to try a different type of coffee maker that doesn’t end up with pods in the trash. Pods can also be expensive, so in the long run a different type of machine might be cheaper.

Are expensive coffee makers worth it?

The answer to this question depends on how picky you are about your coffee and how much money you have to spend. If you’re used to expensive coffee-shop brews, you might be disappointed with the flavor that a cheaper machine produces. But many people just aren’t in a position to throw down hundreds of dollars on a coffee maker.

Once you’ve determined what kind of coffee maker you want to buy, take a look at the top-rated options, such as ours above, so you can get an idea of the price range you’re looking at. If you can afford one of the more expensive models with high ratings, it might be worth splurging to get the best of the best. But if your budget is low, there are many high-quality coffee machines on the market that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Do your research and read reviews to determine the best pick for your situation and your budget.

No matter which coffee maker you choose, you need to make sure it checks all your boxes to produce your perfect cup. Consider our recommendations while doing your research.

How we selected the best coffee makers of 2024

A substandard coffee maker can become a daily source of frustration, which is why we heavily researched and put the top appliances to the test. In order to get our list of best coffee makers, we first considered the most common types purchased by consumers. Next, we narrowed down our list by scouring reviews to find an initial list of promising coffee makers. We then compared key factors like price, design, construction, reliability and put the finalists to the test to find the best coffee makers.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different sizes of drip coffee makers?

The different sizes of drip coffee makers in terms of how much coffee they can make at one time are often single servings, four, six, 10, 12, and 14 cups.

Is a bean or pod coffee machine better?

Bean coffee machines are better overall for the environment. Pods end up in the garbage and in landfills. Regarding taste, some individuals love pod coffee; others prefer freshly ground coffee beans for their morning cup. It’s really up to the individual to decide whether a bean or pod machine is better overall.

What are the disadvantages of bean-to-cup coffee machines?

Most bean-to-cup machines are large and take up quite a bit of space in a kitchen. In addition, they may be more difficult to clean than an average drip coffee maker. Bean-to-up coffee machines may be loud, which you don’t want in the early morning hours. Last, they are usually much more expensive than non bean-to-cup options.

Are cheap coffee machines worth it?

There are a few downsides to purchasing a cheap coffee machine; these include water not getting hot enough, bitter or silty coffee (if the filter doesn’t work well), and they may break more easily than a well-constituted machine. You can find affordable coffee makers that work well because affordable does not necessarily mean “cheap” in terms of quality.

What is the most successful coffee brand?

In terms of dollar signs, Starbucks ranks as the largest coffee chain around the world, with a $35.976 billion revenue in 2023.

Additional reporting by Maya Dollarhide.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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