The 9 Best Coffee Makers

Best Drip Coffee Machine

OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

$230 $194 at Amazon $230 at Home Depot $230 at Williams Sonoma

The OXO Brew 9 Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker is perfect for someone who makes coffee on a regular basis and enjoys large batches of high quality coffee. 

Its sleek design is made of high quality, double-walled stainless steel and plastic. The carafe kept the coffee warm throughout testing and would be perfect for someone making coffee to last throughout the day.

The first thing we noticed during testing was how lightweight and easy to use the machine was. The coffee maker has an “On” button, but the brew cycle will not auto-start without pressing one of the brew options.

The dial on the front of the coffee maker allows the user to choose how many cups are being brewed, program the time, and set an automatic wakeup timer. The instruction manual even includes insights into how to brew the perfect cup of coffee, which we saw as a major plus. 

We were blown away by the quality of the coffee at each testing level. All of the brew batches from the first three testing levels were consistently great. Even though the flavor did become more bitter over the course of the 60-minute mark, the coffee was still enjoyable.

However, we did find during our testing that the coffee made from pre-ground coffee grounds was not up to the same quality as the other brews. The pre-ground coffee was very bitter and unenjoyable. For the best results, grind your own coffee grounds so they are fresh and flavorful. 

Product Details: Size: 8.3 x 15 x 17.2 inches | Brewing Capacity: 45 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground

Best Budget

Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Coffee Maker

$25 at Amazon

For those looking for a quality coffee maker that’s simple to use and fits a budget, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker is our top choice. We found during testing that it was so easy to use and made a flavorful cup of coffee.

The coffee maker is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for kitchens with limited storage space. Its straight forward design allows the user to make a delicious batch of coffee with the press of a button.

Throughout our testing, we found the coffee batches were surprisingly balanced. Each pot of coffee we brewed with this coffee maker provided a full and well-balanced batch of coffee. We noticed bright and pleasant aromatics and flavor extraction from the grounds as we tasted the coffee.

However, the main downside we found was because of the coffee maker’s hot plate, the coffee consistently became more bitter and acrid tasting as time went on. By the 30 and 60 minute marks of all three tests, the coffee continued to decline in flavor. 

Overall, we were very impressed with this coffee maker’s performance during testing. For the price point and simplicity of the design, it provided a consistent cup of coffee that any coffee drinker will enjoy. 

Product Details: Size: 10.7 x 9.8 x 7.2 inches | Brewing Capacity: 40 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or pods: Ground

Best French Press

Espro P3 French Press Coffee Maker

$40 at Amazon $40 at Home Depot View on Espro.com

“I also appreciate a nice French press, which is what we call a full-emersion method where the grinds steep in water like a tea,” says Dan Bailey with Amavida Coffee Roasters. “Once pressed down the extraction process stops. French press coffee also tends to have more body as there are no paper filters to trap the natural oils. Paired with the right coffee, the French press is a great experience.”

Through our testing process we determined the Espro P3 French Press Coffee Maker was the best French press for those who prefer to steep their coffee.

When we tasted the coffee from the French press, we were impressed that the flavor was well balanced, and it was clean and smooth in quality. There was little to no bitterness or acidity at all throughout testing, and we found each cup consistently provided us with that same high-quality flavor.

We appreciated the design of the plunger, which was made of a sheer silicone material that felt secure and was easy to push down. The design of the French press was easy to assemble and clean, which was a major perk. 

We felt this was the clear winner in terms of price point and quality of construction. Of all the French presses we tested, this was our favorite because its ultra-fine, double-filter construction provides a consistent, high-quality brew. Our one note was the carafe could have a tighter fit when inserted into the body of the French press.

Product Details: Size: 4.2 x 6.6 x 9.9 inches  | Brewing Capacity: 32 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground

Best Espresso Machine

De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine

$900 $750 at Amazon $900 at Williams Sonoma

If you prefer espresso drinks over traditionally brewed coffees, the best espresso machine is the La Specialista Prestigio by DeLonghi. Although it's an investment, this model makes it simple to grind, brew, and steam your way to a perfect cappuccino.

With three temperature settings, an even infusion of water, and more control over extraction, this machine delivers a quality espresso. It's due in part to its built-in technology, which ensures the optimal dose and grind size are being released. There's also a steam wand that'll produce the proper milk texture for cafe-like cappuccinos and flat whites.

The espresso machine features a dual heat system, so there's no wait time between brewing the espresso and frothing your milk. Plus, the stainless steel design and dishwasher-safe parts make it easy to clean, so it'll always look nice on your countertop.

Product Details: Size: 14.48 x 15 x 17.5 inches | Brewing Capacity: 2 ounces | Tank Capacity: 67 ounces | Ground or Pods: Ground

Best Stovetop Espresso Pot

Bialetti Moka Express

$32 at Amazon $40 at Williams Sonoma $40 at Sur La Table

The Moka pot is the best espresso machine for the coffee lover who wants a stylish and traditional option without a high-end price point. The lightweight unit makes enough espresso for two to three people, so you'll be able to make cappuccinos and lattes for guests as well.

The aluminum design features three chambers and is fairly simple to use. All you have to do is add water to the base and coffee grounds to the center. Then, you set it on the stovetop and ignite it. Steam and pressure push the hot water up through the coffee grounds into the top chamber where the espresso collects.

The espresso maker is less expensive than other options and is on the smaller side, so it won't take up much space on your counter or stove between uses. Just keep in mind that the pieces will have to be hand-washed after each use to keep the pieces in good condition.

Product Details: Size: 5.6 x 4 x 6.7 inches | Brewing Capacity: 6 ounces | Tank Capacity: 6.5 ounces | Ground or Pods: Ground

Best Combination Coffee Maker

Ninja DualBrew Pro System Coffee Maker

$230 $200 at Amazon $230 at Target $200 at Wayfair

If you're looking for an all-in-one specialty coffee machine, the best coffee machine to consider is the Ninja DualBrew. The coffee machine can brew a cup with a coffee pod or an entire carafe from coffee grounds. Plus, in addition to 13 different brew sizes to choose from, it also has four brew settings for classic, bold, iced coffee, and specialty coffees.

One thing that makes this coffee maker stand out from other cup-to-carafe coffee makers is that it also has a built-in frothing arm that folds out. You can craft the perfect latte or cappuccino with this feature.

There's also a 60-ounce water reservoir that can be installed at the back of the machine or off to the side. This flexible configuration allows you to save counter space if you need the coffee maker to fit into a narrow space.

The hot water system is separate from the coffee dispenser so there's no cross-contamination of coffee grounds making it into your hot tea. There are two temperature settings for the hot water dispenser. This allows for boiling water to be used for oatmeal or instant soups.

Product Details: Size: 9.13 x 11.39 x 15.54 inches | Brewing Capacity: 6-12 ounces | Tank Capacity: 60 ounces | Ground or Pods: Both

Best Single Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker

$190 $150 at Amazon $150 at Target $159 at Walmart

Convenience is what makes the Keurig Elite our top choice for a single-serve coffee maker. It's perfect for quickly filling your travel mug before running out the door in the morning. There are no beans to grind.

And, there's no wait for the water to heat up to brew a full pot of coffee—just pop in a coffee pod, and in less than a minute you can be on your way.

There are five cup size settings and options, so you'll be able to make a stronger brew, hot water, or an iced beverage. The water reservoir holds 75 ounces, making it possible to serve up several servings before needing to be refilled.

This coffee maker works with K-cups or the universal My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter. Although it's sold separately, the reusable filters allow you to brew any brand of coffee you prefer.

Product Details: Size: 9.9 x 12.7 x 13.1 inches | Brewing Capacity: 4-12 ounces | Tank Capacity: 75 ounces | Grounds or Pods: Pods

Best Pour Over Coffee Maker

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper

$30 $27 at Amazon View on Webstaurantstore.com View on Lacolombe.com

The Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper is the best coffee machine if you want an experience to savor. The pour-over style is offered in two sizes and colors and includes the essentials to make it a part of your morning ritual.

The Hario V60 pour-over coffee maker is made of ceramic, which helps hold the coffee's temperature while brewing. The rippled design and open single hole at the bottom allow you to select what type of coffee flavor you want.

This coffee dripper requires a cone shape filter instead of a flat-bottom filter. You can pour it directly into your mug or opt for a small carafe. For best results, you may also want to purchase a good hot water kettle and a coffee grinder to accompany this pour-over coffee maker.

Product Details: Size: 5.5 x 4.7 x 4 inches | Brewing Capacity: 5-10 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground

Best Cold Brew Maker

KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker

$140 at Amazon $140 at Home Depot $110 at Tractor Supply Co.

Fans of coffee shop cold brew will love having cold brew on tap in the fridge. This cold brew coffee maker has a reusable stainless steel steeper.

To use it, all you have to do is fill the steeper to the indicator line with your favorite coffee grounds, fill it with water, and allow it to steep for 12 hours. The slow infusion of water with the coffee grounds pulls out all the great flavors of the roast and leaves behind the stuff that can make coffee taste bitter.

Once it's done brewing, you'll have up to 28 ounces of cold brew that'll stay fresh for up to two weeks. The built-in tapper makes it convenient to grab a cold brew from the fridge anytime you want.

There is also a built-in handle that makes it simple to transport the coffee maker from the countertop to the refrigerator. It's worth noting, however, that, unlike other coffee makers, this model is meant to be refrigerated so be sure to have enough space to store it.

Product Details: Size: 7 x 8 x 6.9 inches | Brewing Capacity: 28 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground