Find the best coffee maker for your budget, whether you’re making a cup for yourself or brewing for a crowd.
If you need a pick-me-up in the morning, one of the best coffee makers can suffice. This market is flooded with a variety of brands and models, but the greatest one is one that creates a perfect mix of flavors while also having a user-friendly design. The coffee you make should have a thick crema and a delicious aroma that entices you into the kitchen. The design, on the other hand, should prioritize convenience by providing a range of hot beverage alternatives that may be customized to suit your preferences. If you want your coffee with milk, you’ll also need a milk frother, which should heat the milk at the touch of a button.
However, as previously stated, there is a wide variety of coffee makers available on the market. Furthermore, there are numerous things to consider, ranging from smart capabilities to cold brew possibilities. So, how can you figure out which one is best for you? Fortunately, we’ve done the homework and put a variety of coffee makers to the test to assist you in making your decision. The best coffee makers are listed below.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 12 cupsSize: 14.2 x 7.9 x 7.9 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: NoMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Sleek, modern design
+Makes consistently good coffee
+Excellent price point
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Water tank and filter basket are difficult to access
Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly machine to cover a gap in your kitchen or a tiny machine for a college dorm, the Braun Brew Sense hits a sweet spot between price and quality, earning it first place.
The Brew Sense KF6050 costs less than $100 and brews great-tasting coffee while also providing superb quality of life features. There aren’t many intricate options to fiddle with here, which may be a blessing if all you want to do is make a cup of coffee in the morning. A programmable timer, brew-pause options, and a 1-4 cup setting for lesser brews are still available.
While the compact form is appealing, we found the water and coffee reservoirs to be difficult to reach. However, at this pricing range, a little aggravation with machine refills is a great trade-off for performance that outperforms the competition.
There are a lot of added features that we don’t see in this price range, such as the charcoal water filter and the permanent gold-tone filter. However, keep in mind that, in keeping with the basic yet economical design approach, you won’t have access to any strength settings. The Brew Sense KF6050 is one of the more affordable versions in the lineup, with prices ranging from $80 to $100 on a regular basis.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 10 cupsSize: 14 x 12.5 x 6.5 inchesProgrammable: NoBrew controls: NoMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Straightforward controls
+Innovative technology
+5-year warranty and lifetime repairs
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Lacks convenience features
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is the company’s most recent model, which debuted in Europe in late 2019 as the Moccamaster KBG Select. The Moccamaster’s reputation as the finest quality and most well-praised coffee maker on our list is maintained with the current edition. It’s been designed with innovative features that have gained recognition from the Specialty Coffee Association for optimal brew temperatures and water dispersal. Furthermore, it accomplishes all of this while functioning at a breakneck speed.
This costly coffee machine is handcrafted in the Netherlands and has a unique industrial appearance that some people love and others despise. This, on the other hand, is a model for enthusiasts, and it misses a couple of the convenience features seen in less expensive models. The water tank is permanently attached to the machine, and there are no built-in auto-brew capabilities. What it lacks in features found in today’s at-home brewers, it makes up for in smooth, balanced coffee.
However, there is technical brilliance under the hood. This machine can attain and maintain industry-standard temperatures (196°F – 205°F) in less than a minute. Water then passes through a glass tube and into a 9-hole spray arm, where it is uniformly distributed over ground coffee in a cone-shaped basket. Not only that, but depending on the brew size, the KBGV Select can achieve all of this in four to six minutes. It comes at a high price, but for coffee lovers, the greater performance and build quality make it worthwhile.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 10 capsize: 11.8 x 15 x 10 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: YesMilk frother: YesRemovable water reservoir: YesAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Makes a range of coffees and teas
+Cold brew setting
+Useful smart features
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Overkill for casual drinkers
-Some brew controls are limited
Your kitchen becomes a full-fledged cafe with the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System. Casual drinkers may find it daunting, but coffee and tea connoisseurs will appreciate the freedom to make their beverages as basic or as elaborate as they desire directly at home. Temperature and brew times are automatically changed based on your choice of drink, and it can produce a wide assortment of coffees, teas, and cold brews (selected from the display panel).
Ninja says that you can prepare coffee-bar cocktails at home using the specialty coffee setting and the accompanying milk frother on the machine’s side. That’s true if you don’t care too much about the quality of the coffee in your ‘casinos, because the machine prepares strong coffee rather than espresso, like at coffee shops.
We were particularly pleased with a medium-roast coffee brewed on the Classic option, which produced a smooth and well-balanced cup, though the Rich setting also served our dark roast well.
In our testing, we discovered that, while the cold brew setting was incredibly fast, it didn’t provide a very smooth taste. However, an XL cup of perfectly fine cold brew was whipped up in about ten minutes, which is a huge plus for anyone looking for a quick fix.
The ability to generate more complicated coffee brews at home makes for a very adaptable machine, especially when tea drinkers are taken into account. The smart basket system will recognize the brew basket you’re using and make drink recommendations.
Not only was the Delay Brew function a blessing, but we also loved how quiet the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System was, with only a small whirring noise when the brewing process began.
If you have both single-serve and multi-cup brewers in your home, this gadget can replace both and make a single cup without the usage of coffee pods. If you don’t plan on using the Ninja Specialty for cold brew or tea, you can save money by going to the Ninja Specialty further down the page.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 64 fluid ouncesDimensions: 12.6 x 11.8 x 7.7 inchesProgrammable: NoBrew controls: YesMilk frother: YesRemovable water reservoir: YesAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Compact size
+Good-looking design
+Easy to use
+Consistently good espresso
REASONS TO AVOID:
-No hot water spout
-No grinder
-Filter basket has a tendency to stick
The Breville Bambino Plus (also known as the Sage Bambino Plus in the United Kingdom) is an excellent espresso machine for anyone who desires the convenience of an easy-to-use system as well as the space to experiment and explore on a more advanced level. Thanks to the configurable pre-infusion processes, we found excellent consistency between brews and a well-balanced shot.
We were also able to get the most out of some premium beans because the Bambino Plus comes with both conventional professional-grade filter baskets and easier-to-use double-walled filters. While that will only be a lure for those with a fine grinder and some tamping experience, it’s important to note that all skill levels are provided for here.
Warming up this machine takes only three seconds, which is impressive since it can take minutes for a lesser unit to be ready to start brewing. While you’ll pay a little more for this model than you would for an entry-level device, features like configurable pre-infusion times and the variety of baskets supplied with the machine mean you’re getting top-tier capabilities at a terrific price.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 12 cupsSize: 13 x 9 x 16 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: YesMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Brew temperature customization
+Gold Cup brewing mode
+Pour over dripper can be attached
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Not as everyday friendly
The Breville Precision Brewer is not your typical coffee machine. If you’re prepared to put in the effort and fiddle with all of its remarkable controls, it’s a powerful machine capable of creating your perfect cup of coffee. During our testing, we found the first setup to be a little intimidating, but the simple instructions (and Gold standard presets for everyday use) gave us confidence in customizing specific variables to match the brew tastes we desired.
While there were a few difficulties with the machine’s volume, they were minor in comparison to the high-quality coffee that came out. You’ll be able to play about with the brew times and temperatures, as well as the flow rate and bloom time. For added control, a pour-over dripper is also offered.
There’s a lot of technology packed into this game, and while it took us a bit to figure it all out, it was well worth it at the conclusion of our testing. Nonetheless, this is for people who consider coffee to be a science.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: Single cup, 57.5-ounce water tank size: 12.8 x 12.7 x 8.7 inchesProgrammable: NoBrew controls: NoMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Makes espresso and coffee
+Reservoir is easy to fill
+Brews quickly
+Automatic shut-off
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Machine and capsules are expensive
The ultimate convenience-driven machine is the pod, coffee maker. However, as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus indicates, this does not have to imply that they provide poorer coffee quality. While the Vertuo Plus is one of Nespresso’s more expensive machines, it does bring out the finest in easy-to-brew pod coffee.
Larger pods offer a greater variety of drink varieties, up to 14oz single brews, but the brilliance here is in how the Nespresso treats each capsule. Before brewing, the machine will scan the pod to detect the drink type and will automatically adjust the brew time and temperature for the perfect cup every time. While you will certainly lose some customization possibilities in exchange for the convenience of a pod machine, you will still get the optimal settings for each coffee kind automatically.
This machine excels in espresso, with cups that have a picture-perfect topping of crema, and the frothy head that distinguishes a great espresso. That’s because of Vertuo Plus’s centrifugation technology, which features many holes punched into the pod and a fast spinning process that results in a creamier coffee. Pods are also completely sustainable.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 10 capsize: 12 x 8.8 x 15 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: YesMilk frother: YesRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Makes a wide range of specialty drinks
+Cheaper than Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
+Personalized brew strength, type, and size
REASONS TO AVOID:
-No cold brew or tea functionality
If you like the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System but want a little more from your espresso, the Ninja Speciality focuses more on specialty brews at the sacrifice of cold brew and tea functions. You’ll also pay less for this more specialized equipment, which is ideal if all you want is high-quality specialty coffee.
With six brew size settings and four brew kinds for classic, rice, iced, and specialty coffees, you’ll keep the built-in milk frother and strength controls. Overall, it’s a versatile machine that comes with everything you need to prepare a wide variety of specialized beverages, with plenty of flexibility in terms of strength, size, and kind.
Because the Ninja Specialty only comes with a glass carafe, you’ll need to use the warming plate to keep things heated. Thankfully, we discovered that the plate kept our coffee warm for an extended period of time without affecting the flavor.
If you’re not going to experiment with teas or cold brews, this cheaper solution will save you a lot of money.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 14 cupsSize: 14 x 8.5 x 7.5 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: YesMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Large capacity
+Adjustable brew strength
+Can turn off the ready tone
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Water tank is difficult to access
Do you need to brew a pot for a large group? The best coffee maker for the task is the Cuisinart touchscreen 14-cup programmable coffee maker. For a home machine in this price bracket, that’s an amazing volume of coffee, making it suitable for larger households or individuals who return to the machine frequently in the mornings.
You can also modify the water temperature and brew-strength here, which are things you shouldn’t expect from a coffee maker in this price bracket, and which are especially useful given the larger brew size. There’s also a permanent filter and a 24-hour programmable auto-brewing feature, as well as a drip-free stop button for stealing a cup before everyone else comes to the pot.
Essentially, you’re getting all of the features you’d expect from a higher-priced coffee maker for regular use, plus a big 14-cup capacity for added value.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: Single cup, 48-ounce water tank size: 13.3 x 13 x x 9.8 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: NoMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: YesAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Makes hot and cold coffee and tea and other drinks
+Reservoir is easy to fill
+Brews quickly
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Pods are bad for the environment
The Keurig K-Classic is one of the most practical coffee makers on the market right now, and it’s the ideal middle child in the Keurig lineup if you want to take advantage of the wide selection of K-Pods available. You’ll be making six, eight, or ten-ounce K-Pod sizes for every serving, and the enormous 48-ounce water reservoir will last for six cups before needing to be refilled.
The K-appeal classic is mostly due to its speed, as it can make a single cup in under a minute and can also use ground coffee. While there are many reasons to dislike a single-serve machine, from subpar coffee to expensive pods that end up in the garbage (unless you buy a reusable, refillable K-Cup alternative), there’s no denying Keurig’s convenience. Furthermore, you only brew as much as you require, avoiding the waste of half-pots.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Cup Capacity: 12 cupsSize: 7.4 x 11.2 x 15.6 inchesProgrammable: YesBrew controls: NoMilk frother: NoRemovable water reservoir: NoAuto shut off: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
+Can grind your own beans
+Cheap for a coffee maker with a grinder
+Permanent filters
REASONS TO AVOID:
-Not a burr grinder
-Requires more cleaning
The Cuisinart Grind and Brew is one of the most affordable coffee makers with a grinder, although it does so at the expense of the more expensive burr grinder. However, several users have observed that merely adding a few more beans than usual results in a well-balanced grind, saving you $150 to $200 on the more expensive construction.
Plus, Burr grinders are often less expensive than the premium paid for coffee makers with built-in Burr grinders.
The coffee maker itself has permanent filters and a programmable interface, but it has the same cleaning issue as to any other coffee maker with a grinder. Keeping the grinder clean and fresh can be a bother, and with so many small moving parts, things can get complicated quickly.
However, affordable machines with integrated grinding are hard to come by, but this one is under $100 and its shortcuts are readily addressed – ideal if you’re seeking to get started with an all-in-one machine without picking up a separate grinder just yet.