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Home » Kitchen » Tool » Best » 24 Best Kitchen Appliances: Small, Large, Smart, Energy-efficient » Best Coffee Makers
Several core features denote the best coffee makers. They are a cut above the rest in ease of use, quality of output, and cleanup process. Their functionality will vary, but the outcome is what we judge the top-rated coffee makers on. Use cases of best coffee makers include quick turnaround times to produce a high-quality brew. They turn their preferred coffee input into drinkable coffee.
Some of the best coffee machines will not feature the traditional system that processes from bean to coffee mug. They will use coffee pods or ground coffee beans. There are various brand names to consider when looking for the best coffee machine, including De’Longhi, Smeg, Breville, Bosch, KRUPS, and Philips. Their products are not limited to the best home coffee makers. They also make commercial machines. This article reviews coffee makers in detail.
- 1. Best Cold Coffee Machine - Toddy Cold Brew System
- 2. Best Commercial - Keurig K155 Office Pro
- 3. Best Budget - Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew
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1. Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker
- 60oz Water Capacity
- 12 Cup Brew Capacity
- Ground Coffee or Pod Brewing
This coffee maker boasts a 12-cup glass carafe to retain heat, facilitate reheating and pour the brewed coffee. The coffee can be brewed from either ground coffee or k-cup pods. Above the machine is a simple control panel with an LCD. It allows for the strength of the brew to the adjusted. This is where pod or ground coffee options can be selected. One can also select the number of cups from the panel.
The timer gives the option to automate brewing. This would mean choosing what time the coffee machine would start running. It would be an ideal feature for those who want to awaken to a fresh brew in the morning. This can be set up to 24 hours in advance.
The carafe can be set to 6, 8, 10, or 12 cups. Single cup brewing is an alternative to using the carafe.
The timer gives the option to automate brewing. This would mean choosing what time the coffee machine would start running. It would be an ideal feature for those who want to awaken to a fresh brew in the morning. This can be set up to 24 hours in advance.
Pros
- Brewing can be programed
- Control panel is easy to use
- Single serve has room for travel mugs
- Large water reservoir
- Warms up quickly when started
Cons
- Difficult to pour from the pot without spilling
- Reservoir isn’t accessibly placed.
2. Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center
- 12-Cup Programmable
- Self cleaning
- Reusable Charcoal water filter
The Cuisinart SS-15P1 boasts of a self-cleaning system on both single serve and carafe. A stainless steel handle on the carafe adds durability to what is often the weakest part. The controls are split between single serve and carafe. On the single serve, one can choose between 6, 8, and 10 oz. This leaves room to add milk separately. It also has an option to add water to the brew.
The Cuisinart SS-15P1 boasts of a self-cleaning system on both single serve and carafe. A stainless steel handle on the carafe adds durability to what is often the weakest part. The controls are split between single serve and carafe. On the single serve, one can choose between 6, 8, and 10 oz. This leaves room to add milk separately. It also has an option to add water to the brew.
The Home Barista Reusable Filter Cup makes this an economical machine. One can brew using coffee granules or k-cup pods. The timer allows users to program brewing times within a 24-hour window. This can also be used to choose between warming and brewing mode.
The carafe temperature can be set to Low, Medium, or Hot. It also has an alert feature to signal when the brew is ready.
Pros
- Has an auto-off feature
- Easy to pour from the carafe
- Loud alert feature
- Three heating settings
Cons
- Can be difficult to gauge reservoir filling
- Buttons too brightly lit.
3. Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
- Auto shut off
- 40-oz. Removable water reservoir
- Built-in milk frother.
There are six pouring sizes that this machine can brew for. These include Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, Multi-Serve Travel Mug, Half Carafe & Full Carafe. This makes it a versatile coffee machine.
The Ninja CM401 boasts four brewing features. It can brew Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty coffee. The specialty settings will make lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other brews often made in coffee shops. There are six pouring sizes that this machine can brew for. These include Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, Multi-Serve Travel Mug, Half Carafe & Full Carafe. This makes it a versatile coffee machine.
Using the over ice feature will brew a lovely cold drink without watering it down. This is done without using coffee pods. The water tank is stationed to the right of the device instead of the traditional position behind the coffee machine. This makes it easier to access for both refill and cleaning.
The control panel is easy to use with several dedicated single press buttons. A drip stop button complements the auto shut off feature. The recipe inspiration guide gives ideas of drinks that one can make beyond a regular coffee.
Pros
- Comes with some accessories
- Frother can be folded away
- Does not require pods
- Quieter than similar machines when brewing
- Easy to program
Cons
- The frother does not steam
- No clear light to show when actively brewing or not.
4. Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Auto pause and pour
- Two separate water reservoirs
The Hamilton Beach 49976 boasts of a three way coffee serving system. The carafe side can also be used to make single serve cups of coffee.
The Hamilton Beach 49976 boasts of a three way coffee serving system. The carafe side can also be used to make single serve cups of coffee. This coffee maker takes both K-Cup pods and ground coffee beans. The LCD and control panel makes it easy to control and figure out what mode the device is in at all times. It is a minimalist panel with only 6 single function buttons.
Once brewed, the carafe keeps the coffee warm for up to two hours. This is when the auto shut off function kicks in. Both the single serve and carafe allow users to customize coffee strength.
The automatic pause function allows for a single cup of coffee to be poured mid-brew. After the carafe is replaced, the brewing will continue. There are two reservoirs on the back of the coffee machines. Levels can be tracked through a clear panel when refilling.
Pros
- Single serve fits a travel mug
- Uses both pods and ground coffee
- Easy to control
- Two hour auto shut off feature
- Good value for money.
Cons
- K-cup pods provided can be defective
- Carafe doesn’t stay warm if single serve is in use.
5. De'Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
- Stainless Steel body
- 1.8 liter capacity
- 75 sec average heat up time.
The control panel is fairly straightforward. Key options include single serve, two cups, or hot water. Additional adjustments such as coffee strength and how full the pour should be are easy to make.
The ESAM3300 is a bean to cup coffee machine. It has a professional burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings. These make it easy to set how thin the granules will be ground. There is an additional chamber for pred-ground coffee. This coffee maker comes with a manual milk frother to add a creamy finish to a brew. Several preset programs for popular brews include a cappuccino, latte macchiato, or flat white. Manual adjustments allow users to get their preferred results.
The control panel is fairly straightforward. Key options include single serve, two cups, or hot water. Additional adjustments such as coffee strength and how full the pour should be are easy to make.
The water tank is located on the left side of the coffee maker. It is easy to access for cleaning and refilling. Underneath the pouring section is a wastewater reservoir. This is also removable for wastewater disposal, as is the drip tray.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Quiet when operating
- Can pour double cups
- Several presets
- The coffee grind is effective
Cons
- Quality control is inconsistent
- Water reservoir could be larger
6. OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker
- Polypropylene body
- 64 Oz capacity
- Double wall thermal carafe
OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker allows users to make a single cup of coffee or a full carafe. The carafe serves 8 cups. These can be switched between using a slider.
OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker allows users to make a single cup of coffee or a full carafe. The carafe serves 8 cups. These can be switched between using a slider. A brew basket accessory is required to get the best result on single serve brews. The water is evenly poured over the granules through a rain maker shower head. It ensures even distribution.
The double walled carafe has heat retention properties. It has a pour through lid that makes it easier to pour without spilling. For longer mugs, you can remove the well cover. This is a requirement for most travel mugs. There are 10 paper coffee filters and a coffee scoop included with this machine.
Pros
- The carafe pours without spillage
- Works for both single-serve and carafe
- Easy to use
- Does not require pods
- Use a rainmaker shower head to pour
Cons
- Will require replacement coffee filters
- Not programmable.
7. Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker
- 175°F - 185°F hotplate temperature
- 40 Oz Capacity
- 5-year warranty
At capacity, it can brew up to 10 cups. There is a brew volume selector to choose whether you would like a full carafe or half. Brewing takes between 4 to 6 minutes.
This is a pump-free coffee maker. It uses a heating element for coffee extraction as part of the brewing process. The water tank to the left gives a clear indication of how much one can brew. At capacity, it can brew up to 10 cups. There is a brew volume selector to choose whether you would like a full carafe or half. Brewing takes between 4 to 6 minutes.
Once the coffee is brewed, the hotplate will keep it warm. It keeps going for 100 minutes before automatically shutting off. The brew slowly drips into the carafe while the reservoir and brew basket are still in use. The auto pause feature allows for pouring during the brewing process.
Pros
- Drip automatically stops when carafe is lifted
- Takes little time to brew
- Two button control system
Cons
- The carafe feels flimsy
- Drip bar always has water in it.
8. KitchenAid KCM1209OB Drip Coffee Maker
- 12 cup capacity
- Programmable Warming Plate
- Gold Tone Filter
The pause and pour features make it easy to get a single cup of coffee before the whole pot is ready. Using the warming plate keeps the coffee warm for up to 4 hours.
The KCM1209OB boasts a Spiral Showerhead for evenly spread saturated coffee when brewing. Using the variable brew strength selector gives you an even greater degree of control. The options range from a regular strength brew to something bolder. There is 24-hour programming window for a fresh brew to be ready at a specific time.
The pause and pour features make it easy to get a single cup of coffee before the whole pot is ready. Using the warming plate keeps the coffee warm for up to 4 hours. This can be adjusted between high and low temperatures. The two brew button system makes it easy to control the machine.
On the right side of the coffee machine is an easy-to-remove water tank. It slides right off for emptying and refilling. The opening is perfect for a reduced chance of spillage. Using the Dosage Chart on both the water tank and the coffee basket ensures precision.
Pros
- Easily removable water tank
- Does not require pods
- Easily programmable
- Can set two timers
- Keeps coffee warm for up to 4 hours
Cons
- The warming feature only works for a fresh brew
- Cannot remove the carafe lid
9. Keurig K155 Office Pro Commercial Coffee Maker
- Adjustable temperature
- Auto On/Off feature
- 90oz Capacity
It brews 4 different cup sizes ranging from 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz. The strength of the brew can also be adjusted from strong to mild.
The K155 is a single-serve k-cup pod coffee machine. It brews 4 different cup sizes ranging from 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz. The strength of the brew can also be adjusted from strong to mild. This is a design commonly found in hotel buffets due to its ease of use. The front of the machine features a single button. Other selections can be made through the full color LCD. It takes less than a minute to brew and pour a fresh cup of coffee.
Underneath the pouring spout is a drainage system. This is vital for instances of overpouring. It is easily detached from the machine for emptying. One can also detach it to make room for larger coffee cups such as travel mugs.
Other beverages that this versatile machine can produce include tea, hot cocoa, or iced drinks. There are over 500 k-cup pod options to choose from.
Pros
- Straightforward controls
- Brews in under a minute
- Easy to drain the tank
- Hundreds of drink options
- Programmable
Cons
- May have a plastic odor on initial use
- Does not take k-cup filters
10. Braun KF6050WH BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker
- 12 Oz capacity
- 1000 Watts
- 24-hour programmable timer
The carafe design is sealed to ensure minimum air exposure. This is a great way to retain the flavor of the brew. The water level indicator is vital for brewing just enough coffee. It helps avoid overflow.
The KF6050WH is a drip coffee machine. It features a set of 7 buttons. Each one has a single purpose, making it easy to control the machine. The 24-hour programmable timer ensures that the brew is ready at a set time. There is an auto shut off feature. This can be toggled on and off with the click of a button. An LED light underneath the LCD, near the button, gives a clear indication of the mode.
The carafe design is sealed to ensure minimum air exposure. This is a great way to retain the flavor of the brew. The water level indicator is vital for brewing just enough coffee. It helps avoid overflow.
Using the gold-tone filter means not needing to purchase the paper ones. It features a charcoal filtering system to purify the water. This ties in well with the coffee maker’s inbuilt cleaning system.
Pros
- The carafe is fully made of glass
- Softens the water when cleaning
- Easy to control single-function buttons
- Has a reusable carbon filter