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If you’re a dedicated coffee drinker, finding the best coffee maker for your home is a must. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply require a cup to start your day, the right home coffee brewer can elevate your daily coffee ritual year-round. The abundance of options, from sleek drip machines to the allure of high-tech espresso makers, may appear a little overwhelming. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about finding the coffee maker that perfectly complements your taste preferences, lifestyle and kitchen vibe.
Consider your ideal cup: the brewing style that speaks to your senses, the customizable options that add a personal touch and the capacity that fits the rhythm of your daily caffeine intake. During our testing, we considered both the technical details and the visual appeal of potential coffee makers. Whether you’re brewing a cup before your first morning Zoom meeting or gathering pals around an evening fire for spiked coffee, we’ve searched far and wide to share our favorite coffee makers with you.
Our Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
Amazon
What we like: Myriad features and a beautiful design produce a balanced, flavorful cup.
What to know: Not dishwasher safe and can be challenging to clean by hand.
Meet the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker, a stainless steel marvel that’s turning heads and transforming coffee routines. We loved this coffee maker’s sleek aesthetics, but its design isn’t just eye candy; it’s an open invitation to an exceptional cup of coffee.
What truly sets this coffee maker apart is its dual heating mechanism, a game-changer that ensures the water hits the perfect temperature for the most exquisite cup. But wait, there’s more—customization is the name of the game, with auto-brew and even WiFi-enabled controls that you can pair with systems like Alexa and Google Home. We liked how easy it was to adjust the water temperature, brewing time or grind size to our heart’s content. And while we wished that some of the parts were dishwasher safe (even the carafe must be hand-washed), it’s a small price to pay for a full-bodied cup of coffee that thoroughly surpassed our expectations.
Capacity: 10 cups | Dimensions: 7.3″D x 12.5″W x 14″H | Carafe Type: Thermal | Special Features: WiFi enabled, Voice-To-Brew controls
Also Great: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 40-Ounce Coffee Brewer
Amazon
What we like: Has the best insulated—and the roomiest—carafe we’ve seen.
What to know: There’s no heating plate or end-of-brew-cycle signal.
With its unparalleled design and durability, we saw the Technivorm Moccamaster transcend its role as a mere coffee maker and emerge as a strong contender during our testing. We loved its sleek stainless steel exterior, which not only adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen but also acts as a visual testament to its sturdy construction.
We found the Moccamaster’s precision brewing technology made some of the best-tasting coffee of all the machines we tested. The copper heating element orchestrates precise temperature control and releases complex flavors from the coffee grounds. The distinctive nine-hole spray arm ensures even water distribution, resulting in a consistently flavorful and aromatic brew that we found balanced and nicely bodied. While this machine is well-designed and easy to use, we found it should only be used with medium-coarse grounds to avoid overflow issues.
Capacity: 10 cups | Dimensions: 6.75″D x 11.5″W x 15.25″H | Carafe Type: Thermal | Special Features: One-button operation, manual adjust brew basket
Best Small: Cuisinart 8-Cup Coffee Brewer
Amazon
What we like: Compact yet beautiful design and an amazingly short brew time.
What to know: The carafe’s small opening makes it hard to clean by hand, and there’s no heating plate.
The Cuisinart 8-Cup Coffee Brewer is a true gem among small coffee makers. Despite its compact size, we found this small but mighty machine to be a must for tiny kitchens. Perfect for one- to two-person households, the Cuisinart 8-Cup has programmable settings and an easy-to-use interface that integrated seamlessly into our daily morning rituals. This is a solid brewer that drips at a rapid pace, with a boxy, modern aesthetic perfect for any countertop. The unit includes a reusable laser-etched filter, which is as durable as it is sustainable.
While we think this carafe could be easier to clean, the overall sleek design and functionality shine through. The cups we tried attested to full-bodied richness and quick brewing—two qualities that set this small coffee maker apart in a category where such excellence is often difficult to find.
Capacity: 8 cups | Dimensions: 9.5″D x 14.5″W x 13.75″H | Carafe Type: Thermal | Special Features: Programmable, Temperature and Strength Control
Best Value: Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Amazon
What we like: A high-capacity pot with luxuriously tailored barista taste.
What to know: The snap lid on the carafe is a little cumbersome.
During our testing, we found the Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker does way more than just brew coffee. With a large 14-cup capacity, it covers all the bases from the go-to for the solo coffee sipper to the ultimate ally for party hosts and office gatherings.
Not only does this coffee maker have one of the highest capacities of any machine we tested, but it also brews some darn good coffee. Whether you’re navigating a hectic morning or curating a coffee experience for a group, this brewer’s programmability ensures a cup with a perfect bloom every time. Our overall experience with this machine was impressive, and we loved its ability to consistently produce a complex and delectable cup of coffee every time. While we wish the carafe were a little easier to clean (we found the snap-on lid a bit fiddly to detach), we found this machine to tough to beat.
Capacity: 14 cups | Dimensions: 7.75″D x 9″W x 14″H | Carafe Type: Glass | Special Features: Flavor Control, Brew Pause feature, Settings Recall
Best Automatic: Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker
Amazon
What we like: Consistently produced excellent cups of coffee.
What to know: The water reservoir isn’t removable, making cleaning challenging.
The Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker may be a splurge, but its performance lived up to its price tag. What distinguishes this coffee maestro are its customization capabilities: We found it to be the most straightforward device to program of all of the ones we tested, with a variety of presets that take the hassle out of your morning cup. We loved the double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe, which keeps your coffee hot without the fuss of a warming plate, preserving the integrity of each sip.
The thought that went into each design component and the level of control over the functionality were our favorite aspects of this product. Every feature, component, setting and additional attachment improved performance. If we could change one thing about this product, it would be the water reservoir; having a fixed reservoir makes it more of a challenge to fill and clean. Fortunately for us, the other components disassembled easily for optimal cleaning.
Capacity: 12 cups | Dimensions: 9″D x 14″W x 16″H | Carafe Type: Thermal | Special Features: Customizable bloom time, LCD Display, pre-infusion function
Best Pour-Over: Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Automatic Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Amazon
What we like: Makes multiple cups of pour-over in one go.
What to know: Design of the brew basket can create grind drama if waterlogged.
The Chemex Ottomatic Coffee Maker is a beautifully designed device with a classic feel. We loved this well-crafted set, especially the glass lid to place on the carafe after you’ve brewed to contain the heat. The glass does become hot to the touch, so we found it easier to serve by holding the wooden “handle” mid-carafe.
Aside from its appearance, this coffee maker produces a cup that is not only balanced but also flavorful. The unsung hero is the intelligent water delivery system, which treats your coffee grounds with the utmost care. While the coffee maker does not have an indicator for when a brew cycle is complete, the clear carafe and water reservoir make it easy to tell at a glance, and it does come with a heat plate to help keep your coffee hot. This stunning machine is ideal for pour-over enthusiasts who may not have the time to babysit a batch of coffee grounds, or for hosts looking to impress their guests with a cafe-worthy coffee experience.
Capacity: 6 cups | Dimensions: 12.5″D x 7.5″W x 13″H | Carafe Type: Glass | Special Features: Iced and hot brewing modes, hot plate with auto-shutoff
Best for a Quick Brew: BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
Amazon
What we like: The speed of the brew was impressive.
What to know: If brewing to capacity, the basket may overflow.
The BUNN Velocity Brew 10 Cup Coffee Brewer isn’t just a coffee maker—it’s the speed demon you’ve been waiting for. This machine only took 4 minutes and 44 seconds to brew a whole carafe of coffee. Mind you, this brewer doesn’t have a pause feature because it cannot be stopped. Tasmanian devil? More like Tasmanian Brew-Ville.
We were pleasantly surprised the brew kept warm long after its world-record* brewing time thanks to a well-constructed glass carafe and expertly designed brewing plate. The carafe and brew basket were easy to clean and had no leftover coffee aromas. We loved its straightforward setup and commitment to rapid brewing; this little gem is like having your own personal barista on turbo mode.
*not yet verified by the Guinness Book
Capacity: 10 cups | Dimensions: 7.1”D x 13.8”W x 14.3”H | Carafe Type: Glass | Special Features: Drip-free carafe, warmer
The Bottom Line: The Best Coffee Maker
The Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker (view on Amazon) came out on top time and again during our testing thanks to its innovative dual heating system for optimal water temperature and cutting-edge technology. We found its unrivaled customization appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and casual drinkers, firmly establishing it as a versatile standout in the coffee maker landscape. But if you’re looking for an excellent alternative, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 40-Ounce Coffee Brewer (view on Amazon) also earned high praise for its exceptional craftsmanship, durable stainless steel design and precision brewing technology. We loved its copper heating element, which guarantees optimal water temperature for extracting nuanced flavors, delivering a consistently flavorful and aromatic brew—a standout choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Choosing a Coffee Maker
Cost
When choosing a coffee maker, it is critical to consider the cost because it ensures that your brewing companion not only fits your coffee preferences but also fits within your budget. Coffee makers are available at various price points, and knowing your financial limits allows you to strike a balance between desired features and affordability. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a coffee connoisseur, finding a machine that produces the perfect brew without breaking the bank ensures a satisfying and long-lasting coffee experience. Spending wisely on a coffee maker allows you to invest in other aspects of your coffee ritual, such as high-quality beans or accessories, which will increase your overall enjoyment of this cherished daily ritual.
Convenience
When selecting a coffee maker, convenience and automation can transform your morning routine into a seamless, stress-free experience. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, an automated coffee maker streamlines your brewing process, allowing you to wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with minimal effort. A convenient coffee maker accommodates your busy schedule, whether with programmable settings or one-touch brewing, ensuring you effortlessly get your caffeine fix.
Capacity
When choosing a coffee maker, consider capacity because it directly impacts your ability to cater to individual needs or gatherings. Whether you’re a solitary coffee enthusiast or enjoy entertaining friends and family, having the right capacity ensures that your coffee maker fits your lifestyle. A larger capacity is ideal for social gatherings, eliminating the need for multiple brewing cycles. In contrast, a smaller one may be ideal for those who prefer a single, fresh cup. It’s all about finding the right balance between your daily routine and occasional celebrations.
Our Coffee Maker Tests
To start, we evaluated assembly—how easy was it to put together? We observed brewing performance by assessing the consistency and flavor of the coffee produced by more than 50 different machines. Our team considered brewing time and whether a model could produce a quick cup or if the brew cycle was a more leisurely process. We also examined customization options, such as brew strength adjustments and temperature controls.
Each machine’s build quality, durability, materials, and extra features, such as thermal carafes, were also considered. We timed how long a full carafe could hold its temperature, and stress-tested each brew basket to see if it would overflow under pressure. Ease of cleaning and maintenance were also important criteria; we looked at how easy the different components of each coffee maker were to disassemble for a thorough cleaning. Built-in grinders or smart connectivity were judged by whether or not they improved the overall brewing experience. Finally, we tasted-tested every pot of coffee we made to see which machines let the flavors of the beans truly shine through.
We Also Considered
OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker ($230 at Amazon): This model boasts an intuitive design for easy operation, like its companion, the OXO Burr Coffee Grinder, but we have concerns about the thermal carafe maintaining optimal coffee temperature over time.
SMEG 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker ($270 at Williams-Sonoma): We liked the sleek retro design and user-friendly interface, but this model lacked a pause brew function, and the carafe lacked the sturdiness of other models.
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 14 Cup Programmable Touchscreen Coffee Maker ($59 at Walmart): This coffee maker stands out for its lovely design and excellent coffee. However, the buttons are poorly lit, making it difficult to tell which functions are in use at any given time.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, 40-Ounce ($359 at Amazon): We appreciated this machine’s precision brewing and durable stainless steel construction, but the absence of programmability was a drawback for us.
Common Questions
What coffee maker makes the best coffee?
Choosing the ideal coffee maker is similar to discovering your favorite coffee blend—it’s all about personal preference. Standout options from our testing include the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker, Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 40-Ounce Coffee Brewer and Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker. These were our favorites for their advanced features, precision brewing and ability to satisfy a wide range of coffee cravings. However, the true winner is determined by your personal taste, whether you prefer a specific brewing style, want handy convenience features or simply want your coffee to satisfy your taste buds. Have fun brewing!
How often should I clean my coffee maker?
Cleaning your coffee maker at least once a month is generally recommended to maintain optimal performance. For thorough cleaning, remove any detachable parts, such as the carafe, filter basket and other removable components. Wash these parts in warm, soapy water and, if dishwasher-safe, run them through the dishwasher for added convenience. Then, using a damp cloth, clean the outside of the coffee maker. Make a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to descale and remove mineral deposits. Run this solution through the coffee maker to remove any vinegar residue, followed by a couple of cycles of plain water. Check your coffee maker’s manual for cleaning instructions specific to your model.
Should I use filtered water for my coffee?
Filtered water is generally recommended for coffee because it can significantly affect the taste and quality of your brew. Filtered water aids in the removal of impurities and minerals that can affect the flavor of coffee. It not only improves the overall flavor of your coffee but also helps keep your coffee maker clean by preventing the buildup of mineral deposits that can impair its performance over time. The importance of using filtered water, however, also depends on tap water quality. If your tap water tastes clean and pleasant, using it may not be a problem. Finally, experimenting with various water sources and determining what works best for your palate is an excellent way to discover your preferred coffee flavor.
Should I grind my own coffee?
Grinding your own coffee can improve its flavor and freshness. The aromatic oils and compounds in coffee beans are preserved when they’re ground just before brewing, resulting in a more robust and flavorful cup. Pre-ground coffee, however, can lose some of its nuances and aromas over time. Furthermore, grinding your own coffee allows you to customize the coarseness of the grind to suit different brewing methods such as French press, pour-over or espresso. While pre-ground coffee is convenient, investing in a good-quality grinder gives you more control over the coffee-making process, allowing you to customize each cup to your tastes.
Does coffee have health benefits?
Yes, when consumed in moderation, coffee can provide several health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, which help the body fight oxidative stress and inflammation. Coffee has been linked to a lower risk of certain diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers. It may also contribute to improved cognitive function, increased energy levels, and a mood boost. According to some studies, coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and stroke. However, it is critical to be aware of individual caffeine sensitivities and avoid excessive consumption, as it can cause negative effects such as disrupted sleep, increased heart rate and digestive issues in some people. As with many situations, moderation is key.
Our Trusted Expertise
This article was written by Pete Scherer, a former baker and current freelance writer. He is also a devoted coffee connoisseur and used his extensive knowledge combined with insights from more than 50 different coffee maker tests to write this piece.
This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a food editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. She firmly believes in starting the day with a cup of coffee (or two!).
Additional Resources
Our Food & Nutrition Philosophy (includes Recipe Guidelines)
