Brew Like a Pro with Our Handpicked Coffee Machines

Breville Bambino Plus: The Epitome of Espresso Excellence

The Breville Bambino Plus stands out as one of the best espresso machines we've tested. It effortlessly pulls full-bodied single or double shots with a frothy stream and a rich hazelnut hue. Even for beginners, its user-friendly design is not intimidating. Although it doesn't have a built-in grinder, investing in a high-quality one enhances the brewing experience. The integrated milk frother with three foam settings allows you to create cafe-level cappuccinos and velvety lattes. However, we noticed that the temperatures were not always consistent. All things considered, its thoughtful design and stylish colorways make it a worthy investment.

Type: Espresso machine | Brew Capacity: Double shot | Reservoir Size: 64 ounces | Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 6.75 inches

Amazon's Drip Coffee Maker: Compact and Premium

This drip coffee maker is among the best we've tested. It's lightweight and compact yet exudes a premium quality. The double-walled insulated stainless steel carafe keeps brewed coffee hot for hours, and its minimalist appearance adds a touch of elegance to your countertop. While the brewing capacity of 5 cups is a bit below average, it's sufficient for couples or a few overnight guests. The single-brew setting is convenient for those brewing just one mug. Although it lacks a pause-and-pour feature and more programmable settings, its overall value is hard to beat.

Type: Automatic drip coffee maker | Brew Capacity: 5 cups | Reservoir Size: 40 ounces | Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches

Ninja Coffee Maker: A Versatile Single-Serve Option

Our favorite single-serve coffee maker (excluding Keurig) is the Ninja. Its multipurpose and feature-rich design does it all. It can brew pre-portioned pods or ground coffee, store coffee beans (without grinding), and even froth milk. You can enjoy a cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of iced coffee that is extremely tasty. The machine is highly versatile yet straightforward and easy to use. Its compact size fits easily on the kitchen countertop, and it operates quietly during brewing. Although the price is slightly higher than other single-serve machines, its numerous features make it worth the investment.

Type: Single-serve coffee maker | Brew Capacity: 24 ounces | Reservoir Size: 56 ounces | Dimensions: 13.3 x 13.1 x 5.5 inches

K-Brew + Chill: The Best Keurig Coffee Maker

The K-Brew + Chill is a standout in our tests for the best Keurig coffee maker. It offers the flexibility to brew both hot and cold coffee, making it ideal for iced coffee lovers. The "strong" brew setting enhances the flavor and provides an extra boost of caffeine. The iced coffee feature is user-friendly, producing a perfectly chilled drink without a watery taste. With intuitive controls and quiet operation, it's easy to use. All components are easy to clean, and the water reservoir is dishwasher-safe. Although it may not be as compact as some other Keurig models, its size is still more manageable than many multifunctional coffee machines.

Type: Single-serve coffee maker | Capacity: 4 cups | Reservoir Size: 46 ounces | Dimensions: 15.2 x 12.1 x 4.7 inches

Breville Grind Control: The All-in-One Coffee Maker

The Grind Control from Breville shines among coffee makers with grinders. From grinding the beans to heating the water and brewing, you can have a full pot of freshly brewed coffee in approximately six minutes. The digital display keeps you informed of the brewing process, ensuring you know when your coffee is ready. The coffee comes out super smooth with no residual grounds and a consistent taste. The insulated carafe keeps the coffee hot. While the machine is a bit bulky, it's worth buying if you have the counter space and want an all-in-one machine with an integrated grinder.

Type: Automatic drip coffee maker | Capacity: 12 cups | Reservoir Size: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 16.3 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches

Hario Mizudashi: The Easy-to-Use Cold Brew Maker

If you're partial to cold brew, the Hario Mizudashi is a great choice. It's incredibly easy to use, as long as you follow the brand's instructions. Once the extraction is complete, you can remove the filter and use the pot as a serving and storage pitcher. The fine-mesh filter contains most of the grounds, but there may be some residue at the bottom if you use a finer grind. Although the lid doesn't seal, it's still a convenient option. The low price point makes it an excellent gift or a whim purchase.

Type: Cold brew coffee maker | Brew Capacity: 34 ounces | Dimensions: 13 x 5.4 x 3.7 inches

Cuisinart Coffee Maker: User-Friendly and Reliable

This Cuisinart model stands out among automatic coffee machines. Setting it up and programming it is a breeze. It heats quickly and brews a full pot of coffee with minimal grind residue. The coffee is flavorful and bold but not too strong, with a consistent taste in every pot. The glass carafe gets hot to the touch, but the handle stays cool and is easy to lift and pour. However, the snap-on lid can be a bit challenging to remove when cleaning the carafe. Considering its user-friendly functionality and reliable coffee quality, the price is reasonable.

Type: Automatic drip coffee maker | Brew Capacity: 14 cups | Reservoir Size: 112 ounces | Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 7.75 inches

Types of Coffee Machines

Everyone has their own coffee preferences, and there's a manual or automatic coffee machine to suit every taste. For cold brew lovers, the Hario Mizudashi is unbeatable. If you prefer espresso, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine is a solid choice. And for those who prefer simplicity in the morning, the Cuisinart 14-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker is a great option.

Brew Capacity

When choosing a coffee machine, consider your coffee consumption and the number of users. If you live alone and drink only one or two cups a day, a single-serve machine like the Ninja Pods and Grounds Specialty Coffee Maker may be sufficient. However, households with multiple coffee drinkers will need a larger machine that can brew a full pot, such as the Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker.

Extra Features

Some coffee makers are simple, while others come with all the bells and whistles. If you enjoy lattes, a machine with a built-in frother is ideal. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate milk frother. Those who prefer freshly ground coffee may appreciate a machine with an integrated grinder, like the Breville Grind Control. Other standout features include insulated carafes, warming plates, programmable brew times, adjustable temperature and strength, and pause-and-pour settings.

Price Range

The best coffee machines are available at a wide range of price points. On the lower end, you can find a single-serve brewer or a small drip coffee maker with minimal settings for $100 or less. The most expensive machines can cost up to $1,000 or more and often include elaborate espresso machines or coffee-espresso hybrids with built-in grinders, integrated milk frothers, and multiple settings. Many of our favorites, such as the Oxo 8-Cup Coffee Maker, are priced reasonably and offer great value.