Best coffee makers 2024: get incredible coffee at the push of a button

Best coffee makers 2024: Jump Menu

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(Image credit: Future)

The list in brief
1. Best overall: Breville Barista Express Impress
2. Best budget: KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker
3. Best premium: Breville Barista Touch Impress
4. Best single serve: Tchibo Single Serve Coffee Maker
5. Best pod: The Morning Machine
6. Best Nespresso: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
7. Best mini: Nespresso Essenza Mini
8. Best pour-over: OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker
9. Best K-Cup: Keurig K-Supreme SMART
10. Best dual: Ninja Dual Brew Pro
How we test
How to choose
FAQs

The best coffee makers are wonderful, creating incredible espressos, Americanos, and creamy cappuccinos that are just as good as your favorite coffee shop. But the market is really crowded with all kinds of coffee makers, so it can be hard to find the one that's right for you. That's why we're here.

Whether you prefer super-strong espresso, more delicate decaf, flat whites, or luscious lattes, the best coffee machines here will deliver consistently great coffee. This guide will focus primarily on all-in-one machines that do everything for you. Still, if you're serious about your coffee, you should also check out our guide to the best espresso machines: they're a little more complex, but the coffee they make is worth the extra effort.

Before you venture into our guide, it's worth thinking about what coffee you want to make, who you're going to make it for, and when you're going to make it. For example, it might not be the best idea to get a complex coffee maker if you need a serious caffeine boost first thing in the morning when you're tight for time. And if you're only making coffee for yourself or a partner, you probably don't need a machine with huge capacity either.

We've used a huge range of coffee machines from all the major brands and some less well-known contenders, too, which means we can show you the best coffee makers for every kind of coffee and kitchen. From quick and simple pod coffee makers and filter machines to more powerful barista-style models, these are the best coffee makers you can buy today.

The quick list

The best coffee makers we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best coffee maker overall

Breville Barista Express Impress coffee maker.

(Image credit: Future)
The best coffee maker overall

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Capacity: Single-serve
Grinder?: Yes
Frother?: Yes
Dimensions: H16.5 x W13 x D14.9 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to use
+
Great-tasting coffee
+
Professional design
+
Steam wand

Reasons to avoid

-
Burns through beans fast
-
Hard to switch between filter basket sizes
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You're a beginner: while it's got all the bells and whistles, this machine is easy to use.
✅ You're a latte fan: this machine has a steam wand for frothing milk.
✅ You want a good-looking machine: this one looks like a professional espresso machine.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: this machine is on the expensive side, and it burns through a lot of beans.
❌ You want a faff-free machine: making espresso can be a process.
❌ You're short on space: this machine takes up a lot of space on countertops.

The bottom line

🔎 The Breville Barista Express Impress is a pricey but exceptional espresso machine that produces outstanding coffee. It has a degree of automation while still allowing for customization, and the steam wand is great for frothy coffee. Manual controls will satisfy perfectionists, but the machine requires regular maintenance and won't suit impatient folks. ★★★★★

The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine is a top-of-the-line coffee maker that offers a great balance of automation and customization for coffee enthusiasts. Its sleek design, excellent performance, and many features make it a great choice for those looking to make cafe-quality coffee at home.

Features: The Barista Express and Impress Puck System promises to give you "third-wave specialty coffee" at home. Intelligent dosing, assisted tamping, precision measurement, and powerful steam pressure result in the perfect dose, precise tamp, and silky microfoam milk for latte art in under a minute.

Design: The Express has a solid, stylish, brushed stainless steel build that looks great. While it may be on the large side for those upgrading from a filter or pod coffee machine, it doesn't take up too much space on the countertop and can be tucked under wall cabinets. The design is intuitive, with easy-to-use components, bright LED lights, and a tamper arm that moves smoothly. The water tank is also easy to undock and refill.

Performance: This semi-automatic coffee machine will suit professional coffee lovers and beginners. Making drinks with it is simple - just choose the basket size, select the auto button, slide the portafilter, and press dose. Of course, finding the correct grind size can be challenging, but once you've found your perfect fit, making coffee becomes a breeze.

The auto-dose system means creating creamy lattes and hot chocolates is easy, and the machine comes with a hot water spout that can be used to turn your espresso into an American. The 2-cup option is also great for those who prefer a stronger coffee, but those who want something weaker can use the 1-cup option. 

Read our full Breville Barista Express Impress review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePricey, but worth every penny.★★★★★
DesignBeautiful, professional design and smooth handling experience. ★★★★★
PerformanceOnce you set up, you get great coffee every time.★★★★★

The best coffee maker on a budget

KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker

(Image credit: Future)
The best coffee maker on a budget

Specifications

Type: Drip
Capacity: 12 cups
Frother?: No
Grinder?: No
Dimensions: H14.3 x W7.2 x D13.4 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Retro/vintage look that's strong and durable
+
Convenient 'pour and pause' option
+
29-hole spiral showerhead for even saturation of grounds

Reasons to avoid

-
Slow brewing process
-
The machine is quite large and tall
-
Digital display and control panel a little daunting at first
Buy it if

✅ You want a stylish machine: the retro look is very pleasing.
✅ You want good features: this machine has a 'pour and pause' function.
✅ You want to make large quantities of coffee: you can make up to 12 cups in this machine.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want coffee fast: the brewing process is a bit slow.
❌ You're short on space: the machine is large and tall.
❌ You're a beginner: the digital display can be daunting. 

The bottom line

🔎 The KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker is a well-constructed and attractive machine with unique features such as "pour and pause" and a spiral showerhead that delivers delicious coffee. It's a great choice for those who enjoy convenience and have a classic KitchenAid Stand Mixer, but it's not ideal for hosting large coffee mornings or those with limited counter space. ★★★★½

The KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker is a sleek machine with a retro design and unique features such as 'pour and pause'. It's a great blend of convenience and quality on a budget.

Features: The 12-cup KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker has a unique 29-hole spiral showerhead that evenly saturates coffee grounds for optimal extraction, convenient measurement marks, and a clear, removable water tank. It also features a warming plate, two brew buttons, and a unique spout design for easy pouring.

Design: The coffee maker boasts a sleek retro design perfect for anyone who appreciates a cohesive look among appliances on their countertops, and while it may be taller than other drip filter machines, it's still a lightweight unit with a removable water tank for easy refilling. The digital display and control panel may initially seem complicated, with nine push buttons and a clean icon that flashes after 100 cycles, but our reviewer quickly got used to it. 

Performance: The KitchenAid KCM1208OB is user-friendly and easy to operate, with coffee grounds added by lifting the lid, filling the water tank to the required volume, and pressing the 'on' button. The reusable filter contains a stepped gauge that indicates the fill line for coffee grounds according to the number of cups required, and the extra 'on/off' switch at the front is easy to reach.

The water tank has a total capacity of 57 fluid ounces, and the brewing process takes around ten minutes for a 12-cup carafe. If you choose the 'bold' brew strength, it will take much longer, but you can use the 'pause and poor' feature to interrupt the process when you're in a hurry. The auto-start timers can set brewing times to twice daily or weekly, and you can save energy using the hotplate temperature adjustment.

Read our full KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceDecent value for the quality★★★★★
Design Sleek design and good features★★★★
PerformanceSlow brewing process but great coffee★★★★

The best premium coffee maker

The best premium coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Capacity: Single-serve
Frother?: Yes
Grinder?: Yes
Dimensions: H16.4 x W12.9 x D14.1 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Guided menu with touch screen
+
Grinder and puck system remembers your settings
+
Ability to froth different types of milk

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
May be overkill for coffee experts
Buy it if

You want barista-quality coffee: You'll never need to pop into your local coffee shop again.
You want some expert guidance: If you're not totally confident about what goes into the perfect brew, the guided menu and advice here will delight you.
You don't drink dairy: The Breville machine does a great job of getting creamy results from alternative plant-based milk.

Don't buy it if

❌ You already have a decent coffee maker: It's too expensive to justify upgrading from something pretty good.
❌ You're on a budget: There are other options at a cheaper price, but with only slightly fewer features.

The bottom line

🔎 The Breville Barista Touch Impress is a pricey but impressive coffee machine with a touch screen, guided menu, grinder, and puck system. It's great for beginners and experts, delivers creamy results from alternative plant-based milks, and is a good choice for those who spend a lot on coffee shops. However, those with a decent coffee maker or on a budget may want to consider other options. ★★★★★

The Breville Barista Touch's Impress Puck System provides step-by-step barista guidance with real-time feedback, intelligent dosing, tamping assistance, and auto-correction. It promises to simplify the coffee-making process and features a touchscreen element. Auto-MilQ provides three alternative milk settings to ensure a silky smooth microfoam, which is essential for latte art.

Design: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is a compact machine that can do a lot. Measuring H16.4 x W12.9 x D14.1" won't be the smallest appliance in your kitchen, but it can fit nicely in a corner. The machine looks beautiful, but it tends to show every drip, fingerprint, and scratch on the stainless steel model. The only downside is that you may need to remove your mug while steaming milk.

Performance: This is a coffee machine that any coffee lover would appreciate, as it is packed with features that make brewing coffee at home super-easy. The touch screen sets it apart from other similarly-specced machines, and the guided menu makes it easy to choose your preferred drink. The machine's grinder and puck system is intelligent and remembers your preferred settings for next time, making brewing consistent coffee a breeze.

The extraction process is quick and produces creamy, strong coffee, and the milk frothing feature is impressive, with the machine able to froth different types of milk. The steam wand's self-cleaning feature is also a plus.

Read our full Breville Barista Touch review

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AttributesNotesRating
Price and availabilityVery expensive ★★★★★
DesignCompact and well designed, but steel gets mucky easily★★★★½
PerformanceTouch-screen, amazing customization, delicious coffee★★★★★

The best single serve coffee maker

The best single serve coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Capacity: Single-serve
Frother?: No
Grinder?: Yes
Dimensions: H13.4 x W16.7 x D8.1 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Self-maintains with its rinsing feature
+
Brews espresso, regular and large coffee
+
Boost button to make your coffee stronger

Reasons to avoid

-
No function to froth and/or steam milk
Buy it if

✅ You want to try different coffee bean varieties: Since The Tchibo Machine grinds coffee beans and brews them in one go, users have endless possibilities when trying different coffee beans.
✅ You don't want to generate waste: The Tchibo Machine’s bean-to-brew technology eliminates the need for coffee pods, making it a more sustainable option.
✅ You're looking for an easy-to-use machine: The Tchibo Machine’s settings can be adjusted so users can find the best setting for their favorite cup of coffee.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're looking for a brewer that can steam or froth milk: The Tchibo Machine doesn’t incorporate milk frothing or steaming capabilities into its design. 
❌ You don't want to deal with coffee grounds: As the Tchibo Machine uses fresh coffee beans with its built-in grinder, you'll have to empty the used coffee grounds, which can be messy. 
❌ You want to use pods too: This machine uses coffee beans only; if you want one that can use coffee beans and pods, consider a different machine. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Tchibo Machine made our reviewer extremely happy with its ability to brew fresh, delicious coffee and that she could adjust the grind to make her coffee stronger or more aromatic. Its only drawback is the lack of milk frother ★★★★★

The Tchibo Machine seriously impressed our reviewer when she tried it, and she didn't hesitate to give it five stars due to its impressive performance and adjustable elements. 

Features: The Tchibo is a German-engineered coffee machine that grinds and brews coffee in one step. It uses whole beans, resulting in fresh single-serve coffee, and has adjustable settings. The machine is compact and easy to clean, and there is no added waste or pods.

Design: The Tchibo Machine is a stylish, compact coffee maker that can easily fit on most kitchen countertops. Measuring 12.4 x 7 x 15.6in (h x w x l) and weighing only 18.1 lbs, it takes up minimal space. The machine boasts a sleek and elegant design, combining matte and shiny surfaces in a simple black and silver color scheme, which creates a harmonious blend.

One impressive feature is that the buttons are invisible when the machine is turned off, except for the power button, which is discreetly placed on the brewer's side. When turned on, the buttons illuminate in blue, adding to its modern and stylish aesthetic.

Performance: The Tchibo coffee maker is quite versatile as it can prepare three different types of coffee- espresso (2 oz.), regular coffee (6 oz.), and large coffee (8 oz.), thus catering to the individual tastes of every member of the household. The adjustable coffee spout can be modified to accommodate various cup sizes, and the water quantity pre-sets can be changed as per preference.

The Tchibo machine is also easy to clean and notifies you when it needs to be descaled. It also alerts you about other important things such as refilling the water tank, adding more coffee beans, or emptying the coffee ground container.

Read more: The Tchibo Machine review

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Test results
AttributeNotesRating
DesignFits seamlessly on countertops, occupying minimal space and featuring a harmonious blend of matte and shiny surfaces.★★★★★
PerformanceMakes espresso and two different coffee sizes from bean to brew with one click of a button.★★★★★
ValuePrice is in line with similar brewers on the market and its high quality makes the price worth it too.★★★★★

The best pod coffee maker

The best pod coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Pod
Capacity: Single-serve
Frother?: No
Grinder?: No
Dimensions: H10 x W4 x D15.8 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Settings are customizable
+
Flavours suit coffee snobs
+
Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Small bin for used capsules
-
Not a one-touch model
-
No milk frother
Buy it if

✅ You’re a busy person:  Once you’ve found the perfect brew settings for this machine, it’ll only take a few moments to insert a pod, select a recipe in the app, and get the coffee brewing. You’ll be out of the door and at your desk quickly.
✅ You're interested in speciality coffee: The recipes in the app are informed by speciality coffee roasters, so there are lots of nuanced flavors to explore when you use The Morning Machine.
✅ You like using technology: As the app is the easiest way to brew using the machine, The Morning Machine is not a good gift for parents or grandparents who prefer to use their machine manually.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want coffee at the touch of a button: Pod coffee makers are known for being easy to use, but this coffee maker has several settings.
❌ You drink from tall cups: The machine cannot produce coffees which fill a cup larger than 9.5 oz, so you will need to put your supersized coffee cups aside when using it.
❌ You drink lattes: This coffee maker has many great brewing settings and features, but unfortunately, it does not have a milk frother. If you drink lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll need a separate milk frother.

The bottom line

🔎 The Morning Machine could be just what you need to brew a quick, delicious espresso using a smartphone app. It can't steam milk, but the espressos made by this machine have an elevated flavor and come out hot. ★★★★★

If you're looking for a fast and high-quality espresso, The Morning Machine might just be the perfect solution for you. This pod coffee machine uses capsules with unique brew profiles that are tailored to suit the taste preferences of discerning coffee connoisseurs. Additionally, the accompanying app simplifies the process of adjusting the settings, making it a breeze to customize your coffee just the way you like it.

Features: With its compact design, The Morning Machine offers an elevated coffee experience at home. You can adjust temperature, pressure, and water-to-coffee ratio for the perfect cup, and choose from built-in recipes or the signature Bloom & Brew for maximum extraction and flavor.

Design: In order to use The Morning Machine, it is important to have experience using a smartphone app. While the machine has a rotatable wheel that allows you to browse through ten pre-set brewing recipes, it is much simpler and faster to customize your own recipe using the app. Although this feature may make the machine seem more complex than other single-button coffee makers, it gives you the freedom to make your coffee just the way you like it.

It is worth noting that The Morning Machine does not have a milk frother, so those who enjoy lattes may want to consider other coffee makers or purchase a separate frothing device. If you do decide to use The Morning Machine, be sure to empty the capsule bin every few days, as it can hold up to 8 - 10 capsules.

Performance: The Morning Machine has a quick 20-second lag before pouring coffee, which is impressive when compared to other models we've reviewed. The coffee's temperature and timing depend on the recipe, and our reviewer measured temperatures ranging from 125 - 170 F. Moreover, the machine is incredibly quiet, producing a maximum of 68 dB. If you're a fan of fruity espresso flavors with a thick crema and enjoy trying specialty coffees from smaller roasters, then this is the machine for you. However, if you prefer a more straightforward coffee taste, you might find the nuanced flavor a bit challenging.

Read more: The Morning Machine review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignThe app is packed with great recipes.★★★★★
PerformanceQuiet to brew and the coffee is full of flavor.★★★★★
PriceA bit pricey so it is best suited to those who want varied brew settings.★★★★

The best Nespresso coffee maker

Nespresso Vertuo Creatista viewed from front on

(Image credit: Future)
The best Nespresso coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Pod
Capacity: Single-serve
Grinder?: No
Frother?: Yes
Dimensions: H12.7 x W16.4 x D9 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Very well built
+
Straightforward to use
+
Milk frother

Reasons to avoid

-
Coffee quality can't rival a bean-to-cup machine
-
Expensive
-
Bulky
Buy it if

✅ You want a sturdy machine: this one is very well built.
✅ You're a beginner: this machine is straightforward.
✅ You want a milky drink: this model has an integrated milk frother.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're serious about your coffee: the quality can't rival an espresso machine.
❌ You're on a budget: this one is very expensive.
❌ You're short on space: this machine is bulky.

The bottom line

🔎 The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista offers intuitive one-touch brewing and automatic milk frothing, but it’s expensive and bulky. ★★★★★

If you're a fan of capsule coffee machines, you can't do much better than the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista.

Features: With this premium stainless-steel machine, you can get a variety of coffee options. You can create your own milk recipes and select between three milk temperatures and textures. With six-cup sizes, auto milk, and a Breville steam wand for quality froth, the machine also features auto cleaning and alerts for cleaning and descaling.

Design: The Vertuo Creatista has a sleek, modern design. However, it takes up a significant amount of space on your countertops—almost as much as bean-to-cup espresso machines, which says something. The stainless steel finish makes it seem premium and professional, as does the barista-style steam wand. 

It's immediately apparent that the design has paid plenty of attention to detail, from the generous finger loop that allows the steam wand to be tilted upwards to the indent for your hand at the base of the removable water container. Nothing is clunky—everything is smooth, sleek, and well-considered.

Performance: Using the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is effortless. The hardest part of brewing a coffee is choosing your capsule, but then, by sliding the lever on top to the right, the brew head unlocks and lifts. Put a capsule in the slot, push the brew head down on top of it, and slide the lever back into the lock position. All you have to do then is press the button with a cup symbol, and it'll make your coffee. The initial heat-up takes around one minute. After this, it's ready to brew, and it'll make a single espresso in 55 seconds or a double in 75 seconds.

Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery expensive, premium product★★★
Design Sleek design and good features★★★★★
PerformanceGood quality coffee but can't rival an espresso machine★★★★

The best mini coffee maker

The best mini coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Pod
Capacity: Single-serve
Grinder?: No
Frother?: No
Dimensions: H8.1 x W4.3 x D12.8 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Compact but durable
+
Easy to use
+
Produces delicious coffee

Reasons to avoid

-
No milk frother
-
Can’t adjust strength or size
-
More expensive than other brands
Buy it if

You own a milk frother: The Nespresso Essenza only produces espressos, so you will need your milk frother to get the perfect frothy latte or cappuccino.
You are efficient: There’s nothing difficult about using this Nespresso model, as there are two size options, and you only need to press one button to brew yourself an espresso.
You don’t want to spend much: The machine only costs $179 from Amazon and other retailers, making it one of Nespresso’s most affordable pod machines. That means more money for groceries and other luxuries.

Don't buy it if:

You want to impress guests: While the machine is reliable, the design isn't very impressive. It's so compact that it might go unnoticed in your kitchen.
You drink out of a tall glass or mug: There isn’t much space between the drip tray and dispenser, so if you drink out of tall glasses or mugs, you may have to fork out on a new set.
You want more customisable settings: This coffee machine is as simple as it gets, with just two size settings. If you want to experiment with the size and strength of your coffee, look at a different model.

The bottom line

🔎 The Nespresso Essenza Mini is simple, affordable, and good at producing great-tasting coffee at the touch of a button. It’ll slot into a small space very easily, but you’ll need to invest in a separate milk frother if you drink lattes or other milky coffees ★★★★

The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a great option for those looking for a simple, affordable, reliable, and efficient coffee machine. Despite its simplicity, it produces delicious coffee at an impressive speed.

Features: The Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee Machine is a small yet powerful machine with automatic and programmable water quantity control, two cup sizes, and a rapid heating time of just 25 seconds. It's also Nespresso's most compact machine yet, and the removable capsule container and water tank make it easy to use and maintain.

Design: The Essenza Mini is a part of the Original range and boasts a compact design, measuring only 4.3 inches in width and 12.8 inches in depth. While the color options of black, red, and green may not be the most exciting, they offer some discretion if you prefer a machine that blends in with your kitchen décor.

With the Essenza Mini, you can choose to brew either an espresso or lungo (larger cup) by pressing one of two buttons. However, the water tank has a capacity of 20.3 oz and will require frequent refilling if you opt for the latter. The bin can hold around five or six pods before it needs emptying. It's worth noting that milk coffee drinkers will need to steam or froth their milk separately as there is no milk frother attachment.

Tall mugs or glasses may not fit due to the limited space between the drip tray and the dispenser. However, the drip tray and bin are both easy to remove, making general upkeep a breeze.

Performance: Our reviewer used the Essenza Mini coffee maker as their primary machine for many years now, and they consider it capable and straightforward to use. What's more, it's also quite durable, as it has withstood daily use for five years without any issues.

However, it's worth noting that to get a full regular-sized cup of coffee, you need to press the Lungo button twice, and even then, the coffee may require additional hot water or milk to reach the desired strength. This can be a bit inconvenient for some users, as it may weaken the coffee's flavor. Nonetheless, the Essenza Mini remains a great choice for those looking for a reliable and straightforward coffee maker that can withstand daily use.

Read more: Nespresso Essenza Mini review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignCompact design with just two size options.★★★★
PerformanceA capable machine for espressos but the water tank needs refilling regularly.★★★★
ValueInexpensive and good value for a simpler design.★★★★★

The best pour over coffee maker

Best pour over coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Drip
Capacity: 12 cups
Frother?: No
Grinder?: No
Dimensions: H14 x W12 x D8 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish and modern design
+
Offers both single-serve and carafe options
+
Relatively quiet operation
+
Easy to clean

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires a fresh fill for each brew cycle
-
Water tank not removable for cleaning
Buy it if

✅ You want more than one brewing method: The OXO Brew 12 Cup Coffee Maker offers single-serve and carafe options.
✅ You want a stylish machine: The coffee maker is sleek and modern.
✅ You want something easy to clean: The large and small brew baskets, carafe lid, rainmaker shower head, and drip tray are all removable and dishwasher safe.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You value convenience: The coffee maker doesn't allow water storage, meaning the user must fill the water tank for every brew cycle.
❌ You're on a budget: The OXO Brew 12 Cup Coffee Maker is $299.99.
❌ You want something easy: The coffee maker requires careful attention to details during setup, and the user must adjust the quantity selection accordingly to avoid wasting all the water in the tank for every brew cycle. 

The bottom line

🔎 The OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker is perfect for those who want variety in their coffee options. It can brew a single cup or a full 12-cup carafe of coffee and uses regular ground coffee. However, it doesn't allow for water storage and requires precise measurements for each brew. ★★★★½

The OXO Brew 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a stylish appliance with stainless-steel components and a conically shaped water tank. It offers single-serve and carafe options but requires careful attention to details during setup and doesn't allow for water storage. It costs $299.99 and offers good value for those who want variety in their coffee options.

Features: The OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker brews SCA gold-standard coffee for one cup or a carafe, with a fully programmable option up to 24 hours in advance. It has a podless single-serve option, two filter baskets, and a double-wall, vacuum-insulated thermal carafe. The BetterBrew Precision technology controls water temperature and brew cycles for a smooth, consistent taste.

Design: The OXO Brew 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a compact and stylish appliance that weighs 15.32 pounds. It features stainless-steel components on the top and bottom surrounding the conically-shaped water tank, which is not removable. However, the large and small brew baskets, carafe lid, rainmaker shower head, and drip tray are all removable for easy cleaning. The coffee maker has a descaler notification to remove mineral deposits but no water filter. It has two controls on the top front panel and an informative display panel for selecting and adjusting its features.

Performance

The OXO Brew 12 Cup Coffee Maker requires careful attention to details during setup. After unpacking, cleaning, and washing all the parts, the user must fill the water tank and select the brew cycle, which can be either a carafe or a single-serve mug. Remember that the coffee maker uses all the water in the tank for every brew cycle, so adjusting the quantity selection is important.

Once the brewing cycle starts, the machine is relatively quiet, with a beep signaling when the cycle is complete. Cleaning is also relatively easy, with most parts being dishwasher safe. The machine also has a descaling indicator that will appear on the display panel when it's time to clean the machine.

Read more: OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceExpensive, but worth it. Easily available.★★★★
DesignLooks good, but water tank isn't removable.★★★★½
PerformanceMakes the perfect cup/carafe of coffee.★★★★★

The best K-Cup coffee maker

The best K-Cup coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Pod
Capacity: Single-serve
Grinder?: No
Frother?: No
Dimensions: H12.2 x W7.9 x D12.4 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Detects K-Cups
+
Brews quickly
+
Adjustable temperature and strength settings

Reasons to avoid

-
Must be connected to Wi-Fi
Buy it if

✅ You’re short on space: With a water tank that can be placed either on the back or the side, the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker doesn’t take up much room.
✅ You’re particular about temperature or taste: This coffee maker has five strengths and six temperature settings, making it easy to get your brew exactly how you like it.
✅You want your machine to deal with the guesswork: The BrewID feature automatically recognizes K-cups and adjusts the settings to ensure you get the optimal brew.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don’t want to connect it to the Wi-Fi: The app won’t work if you don’t hook the coffee machine to your home’s Wi-Fi connection.
❌ You need more than a single serve: This Keurig model can only deal with one hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at a time, so if you have plans to make two or more at once, this won’t be a match.
You want it to look premium: This coffee maker has a plastic exterior and comes in black, white, and gray. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is quick to brew a drink and makes it easy to adjust the temperature and strength of your coffee, but it must be connected to Wi-Fi for the smart features to work. ★★★★

Check out the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker for a highly customizable brew. This newcomer is impressive because it follows a line of very basic Keurig models. You can fiddle with the settings for brew strength and water temperature and even connect to your Wi-Fi network to adjust your coffee settings from the sofa.

Features: The Keurig K-Supreme SMART brewer uses BrewID technology to customize brew settings for a specific K-Cup pod, with five strength and six temperature settings to personalize your cup. Multistream technology and brew-over-ice features enhance the flavor, and Wi-Fi connectivity enables scheduling and customization via the Keurig app.

Design: This coffee maker is a single-serve design with a dual-position water tank and raised screen, which makes it quite compact and worthy of even a cramped kitchen. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to transport around. We also found it easy to use, as there's a handle attached to the 66-ounce plastic water tank and a detailed digital control panel and menu.

This menu will let you select from five strength and six temperature settings, making it highly customizable. For those who take their coffee over ice, there’s an option for that, too. It recognizes K-Cups.

Our reviewer found that the app is a little limited. It would be just as quick to insert a pod and press start rather than pre-loading it. The coffee maker must also be connected to Wi-Fi.

Performance: During our tests, the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker quickly selected the best settings using its BrewID feature and delivered hot, flavorful coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and chai lattes. It's hard to fault its performance, although the app was lackluster. 

Price: At $180, this Keurig model is one of the most expensive single-serve machines made by the brand. However, it offers far more than those that came before it, and it performs very well, even if the app leaves a little to be desired.

Read our full Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker review

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceExpensive for a Keurig model but good compared to others.★★★★★
DesignA great bunch of features and adjustable settings.★★★★★
PerformancePerforms well but the app is just as quick as pressing start.★★★★

The best dual coffee maker

Ninja Dual Brew Pro

(Image credit: Future)
The best dual coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Combo
Capacity: 12 cups
Grinder?: No
Frother?: Yes
Dimensions: H15.5 x W9.1 x D11.4 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Variety of brewing options - e.g. filter, K-cup pod
+
Easy to use LCD dial and control panel
+
Milk frother, warming plate, and separate hot water line included

Reasons to avoid

-
Specialty espresso-type brew didn't quite meet our expectations
-
Stainless steel portion attracts fingerprints
-
Slightly bulkier than some basic coffee machines
Buy it if

✅ You like options: this machine lets you brew different sizes and styles.
✅ You want a sleek machine: the LCD panel and dial are impressive.
✅ You use coffee pods: there's an easy-to-install adapter.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: this machine is much pricier than basic ones.
❌ You want specialty coffee: rich brew styles are underwhelming.
❌ You want a small machine: this one is a bit bulky. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Ninja Dual Brew Pro makes a rich, flavorful cup of coffee with plenty of variety in how you brew it, and it comes with a milk frother. ★★★★½

The Ninja DualBrew Pro is a versatile coffee machine with a pleasing design and sleek features.

Design: The LCD dial and control panel make it easy to select the size and style of your brew. The machine also has a separate hot water line and a warming plate. It is slightly bulkier than basic coffee machines, but it fits most kitchens well. 

The movable water reservoir base is a unique feature that allows you to place the machine depending on the space on your countertop. We found that the Ninja Dual Brew Pro coffee maker is also easy to clean, with many parts being removable for an easier process. 

Performance: The machine offers various brewing options, such as classic, rich, over-ice, and specialty, with the added convenience of a K-cup pod adapter and a milk frother. The over-ice brew style was the most impressive, always delivering a rich, refreshing cup of iced coffee. However, the specialty brew was less robust than espresso and tasted like a slightly stronger coffee.

Price: The Ninja DualBrew Pro coffee maker is an excellent investment for coffee lovers who like to have options for brewing styles. 

Read our full Ninja Dual Brew Pro review

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePricey but has good features★★★★
Design Sleek design and good ergonomics★★★★
PerformanceGreat range of styles and drink styles★★★★★

How we test the best coffee makers

We love testing coffee makers. The Top Ten Reviews team enjoys an Americano, espresso, cappuccino, or latte on the regular, so we know what tastes good. With our extensive testing, we know the key things to look out for when choosing a decent coffee maker.

Our experts take a few weeks to test each coffee maker we review. This gives us enough time to set up the machine, clean it before first use, and select a coffee. The factors that we look out for during testing include the ease of set-up, the design and functions of the machine, cleaning, and maintenance, and (most importantly) how the coffee tastes.

In some instances where we can continue to use the coffee maker for longer than a few weeks, we can test for longevity, like how easy it is to descale the machine if it needs it—the ultimate value-for-money test.

Learn more about how we test coffee makers, appliances, and yard tools.

testing the moccamaster, sage barista impress express, kitchenaid coffee maker and smeg drip filter coffee maker

(Image credit: Future / Linda Clayton)

How to choose the best coffee maker

When buying a coffee maker, you should consider many features in addition to the price to find the best deal.

The type of coffee you want is of great importance. Do you want a simple drip filter-style coffee to pour from the jug when needed? Or do you also need a machine that offers the option to use pods for quick espresso-style coffee? You'll pay more for multi-feature models that can do both, but then they can cater to the needs of more people, making them ideal for guests and family, too. It's amazing what modern coffee makers are capable of. 

Do you want to make your coffee from grounds or beans? A built-in grinder model is a great idea if you prefer to buy whole beans and grind them yourself. Sure, you may save money by buying a separate grinder, but take into account transferring the coffee and the mess and clean-up that could mean, too. Pre-ground coffee can also go stale in its packaging much quicker than grinding the beans freshly each time. 

Size is important, as you may want a carafe that lets you share with others; in that case, be sure you also have a good heating plate to ensure as little coffee goes to waste as possible by going cold. If you want coffee fast, you may want a smaller option that gets you a single cup quickest.

Other features you may want to look out for include a timer for early morning coffee ready when you wake, auto-pause to get you coffee mid-brew, a steam wand to froth hot milk, strength controls, easy clean features, and audible signals so you know when your coffee is ready.

Coffee maker FAQs

How much do the best coffee makers cost?

Good-quality home coffee makers can cost from $20 to more than $200, but price alone does not guarantee exceptional quality. Even modestly priced coffee makers intended for home use can produce excellent coffee and offer enough features to satisfy the most discerning coffee aficionado.

It's worth considering costs when choosing between a pod machine and one that uses ground coffee or whole beans. Pods can be quite pricey over time, and buying them becomes an ongoing purchase, so it all mounts up. Plus, there's the fuss of recycling the empty coffee capsules afterwards, whereas coffee grounds can be easily thrown into the garden for composting - another green bonus. 

How do coffee makers work?

Making coffee is fairly straightforward when it comes to filter-based drip coffee machines. You either begin with ground coffee or use machines with built-in grinders for coffee beans. 

You will also need to add water to the reservoir, which is then heated by the coffee maker before slowly being fed through the ground coffee. Some machines let you vary this drip rate, going slower to create a stronger blend.

You see the coffee liquid coming out into your jug/carafe, which usually sits on a hot plate, to ensure your coffee stays warm for as long as possible.

In the case of pod machines, it's a similar process only at high pressure, with the espresso-style coffee shots coming from the disposable pod, which will be discarded into a built-in compartment that also needs emptying. Most coffee companies nowadays offer subscription-style services for you to easily re-order your pods. 

Some machines also feature steam wands that fire out hot pressurized steam, which can heat milk and froth it as needed to create milky drinks like lattes.

How to clean a coffee maker

The main areas that need cleaning on your coffee maker are the jug, the coffee compartment, and the water reservoir. While the jug and the water reservoir can usually be removed, and a soapy wash in the sink is enough, the coffee area can be different.

Some machines let you remove the coffee feed area so you can tap the grounds out into a bin or compost before giving it a rinse and placing it back in. Some machines are less simple and use disposable filters that need to be removed, often meaning the machine may need a clean-out with a brush, too.

Some of the best coffee makers feature easy-clean options worth looking out for. These can make your life much easier in the long term and ensure you have the best-tasting coffee from a machine, with only fresh coffee coming through each time.

Helen McCue
Contributor

Helen is a freelance writer who specializes in kitchen appliances and has written for some of the biggest home-related titles around. Helen likes to keep busy and is always thinking about her next DIY project or digging up the garden.

With contributions from