Coffee makers **can completely change your kitchen**. They make fixing your coffee easy and fun, and you can **tweak it exactly how you like**. With so many brands and models out there, choosing the right one feels like hunting for treasure. But it’s worth it for that perfect cup!
The best coffee machine should brew flavorful, rich coffee by effectively extracting the beans’ flavors. It is also essential that it be easy to use, clean, and maintain. Using the wrong coffee machine can result in weak, bitter, or otherwise unappetizing coffee.
When buying a coffee machine, look for features like the type of carafe or dispenser, brewing capacity, programmable features, and durability. More importantly, make sure it is easy to use and can produce your favorite coffee type, be it espresso, cappuccino, or just a simple black coffee.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best coffee machine. We have researched, tested, and identified a range of models from various brands to determine which ones offer the best performance and value. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped with all the information you need to select the ideal coffee machine for your needs.
Best Coffee Machine
Selecting the right coffee machine is critical to ensure you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at home. The machine must produce flavorful, well-extracted coffee, suit your preferred style of beverage, and be easy to operate and clean. The sheer number of options in the market can leave you overwhelmed. To assist with your decision, we have curated a list of the best coffee machines that we have thoroughly researched and tested to help you invest in a satisfying brewing experience.
Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
If you’re looking for a compact coffee maker that can brew a mean cup of joe, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker might be just what you need.
Pros
- Brews up to 5 cups at a time
- Pause and Serve feature lets you pause and pour a cup before brewing is finished
- Removable water reservoir makes it easy to clean
Cons
- A bit noisy during the brewing process
- The carafe might not be as durable as some users would like
- Some users reported issues with the coffee tasting burnt
We’ve used this coffee maker for a few weeks now, and overall, we’re pretty satisfied with its performance. The Pause and Serve feature is a nice touch, especially if you’re the type of person who can’t wait for the coffee to finish brewing before having your first cup.
One thing to keep in mind is that this coffee maker is a bit noisy during the brewing process, so if you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to consider that before making your purchase. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the carafe not being as durable as they would like, so you might want to handle it with a bit of care.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact coffee maker that can brew a good cup of coffee, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker is definitely worth considering.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, CM1160B, Programmable, Washable Basket Filter, Sneak-A-Cup, Auto Brew, Water Window, Keep Hot Plate, Black
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable coffee maker, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker is a great option.
Pros
- The programmable feature allows you to set the time for brewing, ensuring that you have fresh coffee ready when you need it.
- The Sneak-A-Cup feature allows you to take a cup of coffee without disrupting the brewing process, making it perfect for those who need a quick cup before starting their day.
- The washable basket filter makes cleaning up a breeze, eliminating the need to purchase disposable filters.
Cons
- The carafe is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as glass.
- The coffee may not stay hot for long periods of time, making it less suitable for those who need multiple cups throughout the day.
- The water window may be difficult to read, making it challenging to determine the appropriate water level.
We’ve been using the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The programmable feature is a game-changer, allowing us to wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee without having to lift a finger. The Sneak-A-Cup feature is also a nice touch, allowing us to grab a cup without disturbing the brewing process.
One of the things we appreciate most about this coffee maker is the washable basket filter. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in terms of convenience and sustainability. We no longer have to worry about purchasing disposable filters, and cleaning up is a breeze.
However, there are a few downsides to this coffee maker. The carafe is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as glass. Additionally, the coffee may not stay hot for long periods of time, making it less suitable for those who need multiple cups throughout the day. Finally, the water window may be difficult to read, making it challenging to determine the appropriate water level.
Overall, we would recommend the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable coffee maker. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it gets the job done and does so with ease.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that can handle both large batches and single-serve cups, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine is worth considering.
Pros
- The 2-way brewing basket allows you to brew a full 12-cup carafe or a single-serve cup, making it perfect for both small and large gatherings.
- The auto pause and pour feature lets you pour a cup before the brewing process is finished, so you never have to wait for your coffee.
- The machine is programmable, so you can set it to start brewing at a specific time.
Cons
- The coffee may not taste as fresh when brewing a single-serve cup after a full pot.
- The machine may be a bit bulky for those with limited counter space.
- The carafe may be prone to breaking if dropped.
We’ve used this coffee maker for a few weeks now and have found it to be a reliable and convenient option for our morning coffee. The 2-way brewing basket is a standout feature, as it allows us to brew a full pot for guests while still being able to make a single-serve cup for ourselves.
The auto pause and pour feature is also a nice touch, as it allows us to pour a cup before the brewing process is finished without worrying about making a mess. We appreciate that the machine is programmable, as it allows us to set it to start brewing at a specific time so that our coffee is ready when we are.
While the coffee may not taste as fresh when brewing a single-serve cup after a full pot, we haven’t found this to be a major issue. The machine may be a bit bulky for those with limited counter space, but we find that it fits well on our kitchen counter. The carafe may be prone to breaking if dropped, but we have been careful to handle it with care.
Overall, we would recommend the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine to anyone in the market for a coffee maker that can handle both large batches and single-serve cups.
Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, 2 Brew Styles, Adjustable Warm Plate, 60oz Water Reservoir, Delay Brew – Black/Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that can make rich, full-bodied coffee, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer is a great option.
Pros
- The Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology ensures that the coffee is rich and full-bodied.
- The 24-hour programmability and delayed brewing features make it easy to set up your coffee for the morning.
- The 60-ounce water reservoir and 12-cup carafe make it easy to brew a large amount of coffee at once.
Cons
- The carafe can be a bit difficult to clean, as it has a lot of crevices and nooks.
- The coffee can get a bit cold if you don’t drink it right away, as the warming plate isn’t very effective.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other coffee makers on the market.
We’ve been using the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology ensures that the coffee is rich and full-bodied, which is great if you like your coffee to have a lot of flavor. The 24-hour programmability and delayed brewing features are also really convenient, as they make it easy to set up your coffee for the morning without having to worry about it.
One thing to keep in mind is that the carafe can be a bit difficult to clean, as it has a lot of crevices and nooks. However, this is a minor issue, and it’s not enough to detract from the overall performance of the coffee maker. Another thing to keep in mind is that the coffee can get a bit cold if you don’t drink it right away, as the warming plate isn’t very effective. However, this is a common issue with most coffee makers, and it’s not a deal-breaker.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer to anyone who is looking for a high-quality coffee maker that can make rich, full-bodied coffee. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re a serious coffee drinker.
Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Black
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that is easy to use and clean, the Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker is a great option.
Pros
- The K-Cup pod holder brews a 10-12oz brew default, but you can fill the 12oz mug up to 15oz. This allows you to have a stronger coffee taste.
- The 2900 mAh water reservoir is removable and can make 3-4 cups before needing a refill.
- The coffee maker is easy to use with a single button to brew. Just place a K-Cup pod into the pod holder, close the lever, select your cup size, and brew.
Cons
- The coffee maker is not programmable.
- The drip tray is small and may require you to use a mug that is shorter than 7 inches.
- The water reservoir may leak if not properly closed.
The Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker is a great choice for those who want a simple and easy-to-use coffee maker. The K-Cup pod holder allows for a stronger coffee taste, and the removable water reservoir makes it easy to clean. However, the coffee maker is not programmable, and the drip tray may require the use of shorter mugs. Additionally, the water reservoir may leak if not properly closed.
Overall, the Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker is a reliable and efficient coffee maker that is perfect for those who want a quick and easy cup of coffee.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a coffee machine, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. We have used and tested various coffee machines, and we have identified the following factors that you should consider when choosing a coffee machine.
Brewing Capacity
The brewing capacity of a coffee machine is an important factor to consider. It determines the amount of coffee that the machine can brew at once. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, you may want to consider a machine with a larger brewing capacity. However, if you have limited counter space, a smaller machine may be more suitable.
Type of Coffee Machine
There are several types of coffee machines available in the market, including drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and single-serve coffee makers. Each type has its own unique features and benefits. Drip coffee makers are suitable for those who prefer a large pot of coffee, while espresso machines are ideal for those who prefer a strong, concentrated shot of coffee. Single-serve coffee makers are perfect for those who want a quick and easy cup of coffee.
Ease of Use
The ease of use of a coffee machine is another important factor to consider. Look for a machine that is easy to operate and clean. Some machines come with built-in grinders, which can make the process of making coffee more convenient. However, these machines may require more maintenance than others.
Price
The price of a coffee machine is also an important consideration. Coffee machines can range in price from under $20 to over $500. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when choosing a coffee machine.
In summary, when choosing a coffee machine, consider the brewing capacity, type of machine, ease of use, and price. By considering these factors, you can find a coffee machine that meets your needs and preferences.
