Everybody likes a good cup of joe in the morning. For coffee enthusiasts such as myself, a coffee maker is the best way to achieve that perfect blend of hot caffeinated beverages in the morning without going to your local coffee shop. If you are interested in adding a coffee maker to your kitchen, it is best to go in armed with the correct information about the best coffee makers.
Why? Well, there are thousands of models to choose from, and it can be pretty overwhelming for coffee drinker newbies. There are several factors that you will need to consider in your decision-making to narrow down your choices.
To help guide you towards the best coffee maker that will suit your personal preferences, we not only compiled a top 5 list – we threw in a buying guide in there as well to cover all necessary bases. Check out our best coffee maker reviews, as well as tips and guidelines as to what makes a coffee maker great.
No matter your preferred coffee taste, we guarantee that there is a coffee maker out there that will provide you with the perfect caffeine morning beverage to jumpstart your day. So, without further ado – let us begin this coffee-infused journey.
Know Your Way Around a Coffee Maker
Let us first take a look at what aspects to consider when choosing a coffee maker. There are three primary factors that you should determine first, as these will help you focus on a particular set of coffee maker categories.
Size and Height
Before heading out to your local appliance store to get a coffee maker, you should first consider how much space you can afford on your kitchen countertop. During storage, does your kitchen cabinet provide enough room for the coffee maker? While coffee makers follow the standard measurements of a kitchen cabinet, you have to remember that you will need to take out the reservoir regularly. Choose a coffee maker that will fit in nicely, whether you put it on top of your counter or in the cabinet.
Programmable or Not?
Generally, there are two types of coffee makers available – programmable and manual. Programmable offers more convenience but may not attain the level of flavor that particular fussy coffee enthusiasts prefer. For beginners, we highly recommend you get the programmable one that focuses on automated functionality. What’s great about this type of coffee maker is that you can even program it to start brewing before you wake up and get out of bed. For those who prefer to brew their coffee in the morning personally, go with the manual ones. You can also experiment more with this type of coffee maker in comparison to programmable models.
Number of Cups and Temperature
Consider how many people will be drinking coffee from the coffee maker. You will see that different coffee makers can produce or prepare several cups at once. On average, a coffee maker can prepare between four to ten cups, which should cover a typical household or even a small office.
There is also the factor of whether you prefer hot or cold coffee. Some coffee makers can prepare ice coffee. Some coffee maker models will have a ‘brew over ice’ feature for those who prefer their coffee chilled. There are also cold-brew coffee maker models for those who prefer a more concentrated iced coffee brew.
Different Types of Coffee Makers – Which is Your Style?
Now that you have a good grasp of the core fundamental factors in choosing a coffee maker, it is time to dive in a bit deeper with the different types available in the market.
Automatic Drip
The automatic drip coffee maker is the most common in the market. The drip coffee maker is pretty rudimentary and straightforward in that you fill the chamber or reservoir with water and load the filler basket with coffee. Turn the coffee maker on and wait for it to finish; the whole process usually takes around 5 minutes.
Pros:
- These are automated and are extremely easy to operate. Offers versatility in terms of models, shapes, sizes, and features.
- Automatic drip coffee makers are relatively affordable.
Cons:
- Can only prepare basic raw coffee—no space to experiment.
- Tends to prepare a considerable amount of coffee at once.
Grind and Brew
Grind and brew coffee makers are pretty self-explanatory. This type of coffee maker features a grinder which means you prepare coffee beans rather than pre-ground coffee. This coffee maker is best suited for those who want their favorite morning beverage as fresh as possible.
Pros:
- Ability to prepare the freshest coffee possible. Features bean storage built into its design.
- Combines the functionalities of both a grinder and a brewer into one unit.
Cons:
- Cleaning must be done regularly, this is good for any kind of coffee makers.
- Built-in coffee grinders are susceptible to jamming issues.
French Press
French press offers the most traditional way of preparing coffee. As such, expect French press models to be quite rudimentary and low-tech. Fortunately, this type of coffee maker is still relatively easy to use. You pour coffee grounds into the chamber, fill it with water, and press the lid to force the grounded coffee to the bottom of the reservoir.
Pros:
- French press coffee makers are the most affordable models on the market.
- Energy-efficient as it does not require electricity to operate. Few moving parts.
Cons:
- French presses take the most time to make your coffee out of these coffee makers
- You may encounter some coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup after you finish.
Single-Serve or Self-Serve
The single-serve pod coffee maker is relatively the most current model in the market. This type of coffee maker uses coffee pods which are available in a wide variety of flavors. It is also quite simple to use, similar to the automatic drip coffee maker. While price varies depending on the model, buying coffee pods might get expensive over time as it is usually more expensive than purchasing coffee beans or grounded coffee.
Pros:
- Convenient, easy to use, and easy to clean. Coffee pods are available in a broad range of flavors.
- Can also be used to brew tea, still incredibly good. Best suited for single coffee drinkers, as the name suggests.
Cons:
- Coffee pods can get expensive over time. The disposable K-cups are not environment friendly.
Best Coffee Maker Reviews – Newest Selection for This Year
Now that you are familiar with the types of coffee makers you will encounter in the market, it’s now time to introduce you to a handful of models that we are fond of here in the office. At the moment, we guarantee that this list contains the best coffee maker on the market – for you, specifically. Check out this list if you want our top recommendations, from one coffee lover to the next.
1. Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Coffee Maker
Features:
- Capacity: 14-cups.
- Materials: Solid stainless shell with plastic and glass.
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 9 x 14-inches.
- Weight: 8.75 lbs.
This model from Cuisinart is for you individuals who love a good tasting coffee in the morning with minimal effort. This is a well-built coffee maker with convenient features to make coffee making as easy as 1-2-3. Also, the Cuisinart DCC 3200P1 has a self-cleaning functionality which makes maintenance relatively easy. The Cuisinart DCC 3200P1 is a pretty rudimentary coffee maker that focuses on convenience, appealing to the busy office worker.
Pros:
- Has a 14-cup capacity coffee brewer, making it the right choice for family and office use.
- This coffee maker has a self-cleaning feature which reduces the need for daily clean up.
- This coffee maker is fully programmable, making it both convenient and efficient.
- The unit is made from high-grade material, and the design itself is built to last.
Cons:
- Brewing time can take a bit longer than other coffee makers. The unit does not come with a thermal carafe.
- The energy consumption is slightly higher than most coffee makers in the market.
Our Verdict:
The Cuisinart DCC 3200P1 is a little rough around the edges, in particular to its power consumption, but you cannot deny the fact that it is one of the most convenient coffee makers in the market today. Easy to use, and equally easy to clean – this coffee maker from the well-known Cuisinart is worth checking out.
2. Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker
Features:
- Capacity: Single-serve.
- Materials: Plastic.
- Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.8 x 13-inches.
- Weight: 9 lbs.
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker is a single-serve model, which is best suited for single coffee drinkers. You can also use coffee pods or re-grounded coffee with this unit which circumvents the limitation issues of traditional single-serve coffee makers.
This is a programmable coffee maker as well, which means you can set it to brew before you wake up, leading to a fresh cup of joe waiting for you in the early morn. In terms of taste, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer did not disappoint as we managed to produce a rich-tasting coffee that also nails that delicious aroma.
Pros:
- Incredibly fast brew time means you get your coffee when you want it.
- Thermal carafe managed to maintain the temperature for about 2 hours.
- This coffee maker comes with an energy-efficient auto-shutoff feature.
- The thermal carafe that comes with this unit is also dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- The unit is large and rather bulky. We recommend placing it on top of your counter rather than in the kitchen cabinet.
- Temperature does not hit the optimum brewing level for the best-tasting coffee.
Our Verdict:
The Hamilton 2-Way Brewer is a well-rounded choice for those who prefer a ‘plug and play’ type of coffee maker. It manages to brew coffee fast and has a handy thermal carafe that keeps your coffee hot for 2 hours. It lacks in the power department, which means that coffee lovers with a particular taste may not achieve that flavor they are craving.
3. Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup
Features:
- Capacity: Single-serve.
- Materials: Plastic.
- Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.8 x 13-inches.
- Weight: 9 lbs.
The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker is a reliable and straightforward single-cup coffee maker that gets the job done in a jiffy. This is a perfect companion for an individual who prefers a delicious cup of joe at the ready anytime that craving hits, as this can prepare you a fresh cup in under a minute. The unit is also quite stylish with its modern and sleek black and silver design.
The Keurig K-Classic is also incredibly easy to clean and maintain and is ideal for those who are just starting to expand on their coffee repertoire. Overall, the Keurig K-Classic is as robust as they come and is also equipped with a wealth of features to make coffee, making it a breeze.
Pros:
- The Keurig K-Classic comes with a built-in descaler which eliminates the common problem in single-serve coffee makers.
- Incredibly fast brew time that only takes under a minute. Quick & Precise!
- The K-Classic comes with two water filters that help segregate hard or soft water which can affect the flavor of your coffee.
- The unit comes with a removable drip tray which makes cleaning far more accessible and faster.
- This coffee maker also has an auto-off feature to help you save energy in the event that you forget to shut down the unit.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the unit does not allow for users to tweak the temperature.
- The cup sizes that the Keurig K-Classic uses are relatively small. You should notice to adjust for the suitable amount.
Our Verdict:
Stylish and functional, Keurig never disappoints with their products. The K-Classic, in particular, offers coffee lovers with a great way to prep their favorite morning beverage in a flash. It also produces a pretty good cup of rich-tasting coffee. Also, since Black Friday is right around the corner, you best make sure to check your local stores as Keurig is known to deliver some of the deals during this occasion.
4. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
Features:
- Capacity: 10-cups.
- Materials: Stainless steel, glass, and plastic.
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.7 x 15-inches.
- Weight: 3.12 lbs.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM407 focuses on simplicity and ease of use while providing users with many brew styles from which to choose. We get the standard brew styles such as classic and rich, the specialty one – iced coffee, and last but not least, the specialty brew option for those who prefer cappuccino and macchiato style coffee.
This coffee maker also comes with a fold-away frother and gives coffee lovers up to six brew sizes from which to choose. This is a pretty simple coffee maker with a relatively limited feature list – but it does what it set out to do, no doubt about that.
Pros:
- Offers a variety of brew styles for those who prefer different kinds of coffee.
- It can brew iced coffee while avoiding that toned-down water flavor.
- This coffee maker can prepare your coffee in six different sizes. The frother that comes with the unit is foldable for easy storage.
Cons:
- The glass carafe feels a bit fragile. We advise you to handle it with extra care.
Our Verdict:
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM407 is a robust coffee maker that provides users with a good selection of coffee styles. Because of this feature, we recommend this coffee maker for those who prefer versatility in their coffee options. The glass carafe does feel a bit flimsy, but it can retain heat longer.
5. Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KGB Coffee Maker
Features:
- Capacity: 10-cups.
- Materials: Aluminum.
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 12.7 x 14-inches.
- Weight: 6.26 lbs.
The Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KGB Coffee Maker is one of the most precise coffee brewing we encountered, which pushes this model to the upper echelons of our most recommended. Another notable aspect of this coffee maker is its impeccable build. I can see this lasting for quite some time, and the design captures what you usually see in coffee shops.
Other features that I liked about this coffee maker include its robust brewing options, high temperature level, and ability to brew 10 cups within 6 minutes. The unit also comes with a fantastic five-year warranty, and with up to twenty-seven color variants, aesthetics is not an issue here.
Pros:
- Versatile design with twenty-odd color variants to choose. Will fit your furniture closely.
- Despite the size, it only weighs in at 6.26 lbs. making it surprisingly lightweight.
- Can prepare up to 10 cups (European-size, 40 oz.) between 4 to 6 minutes.
- The unit is equipped with a manual adjust drip basket feature.
Cons:
- You will need to add a couple more heat time if you like your coffee piping hot.
- The glass carafe feels thin and quite fragile. Take extra care when cleaning and handling the carafe.
Our Verdict:
The Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker features a rudimentary and well-rounded design and functionality. Its level of precision in regards to brewing is one of the best we have seen and is an excellent addition to a coffee enthusiast’s kitchen. The amount of color variations also guarantees it will be able to fit into any kitchen aesthetics.
Final Words
Whatever your preferred coffee is, our top 5 list will be able to cover your needs. From your standard black coffee to cappuccinos, you can bet that the right coffee maker will be able to satiate your cravings. Hopefully, this article has helped shed light on the type of coffee maker best suited to your taste. With a little bit of practice and the right coffee maker, you can prepare your favorite caffeinated beverage like a professional barista.