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)

1. The list in brief
2. Best overall: Breville Barista Express Impress
3. Best single serve coffee maker: Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker
4. Best pour over coffee maker: Moccamaster KBGV Select
5. Best premium: Breville Barista Touch Impress
6. Best combination: Ninja Dual Brew Pro
7. Best Nespresso Vertuo: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
8. Best large capacity: KitchenAid 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
9. Best value coffee maker: Hamilton Beach 49980A
10. Best retro: Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker
11. Best compact coffee maker: Keurig K-Mini Plus
12. How we test
13. How to choose
14. FAQs

The best coffee makers are wonderful things, creating incredible espressos, amazing Americanos and creamy cappucinos that are just as good as you'd get from 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. In this guide we're going to focus primarily on all-in-one machines that do pretty much everything for you, but if you're really 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 – so 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, and that means we can show you the best coffee makers for every kind of coffee and every kind of 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)
Our #1 coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Brew time: 40-50 seconds
Frother?: Yes
Noise: 57 dB
Dimensions: 14.9" x 12.9" x 16.1"

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 Barista Express Impress is a great espresso machine for coffee pros who like a milky drink, but it's also easy to use for beginners.

The Breville Barista Express Impress is a professional-standard espresso-making machine that can make a wide range of drinks thanks to the steam wand.

Price: There's no doubt that this machine is on the expensive end, but you get your money's worth. It delivers professional-grade espressos and milk drinks, so the high price will be worth it. 

Design: It's not just the drinks it makes that are professional-quality; the machine looks like a smaller version of what you'd find in a coffee shop. As well as looking good, the design is also very thoughtfully done so that the coffee-making process is intuitive and moves from left to right across the machine from grinding and tamping to brewing and, finally, milk frothing.

The components have a nice feel – for example, the tamper arm moves smoothly and feels high quality. Even the buttons are nice to press, with a reassuring click, and the LEDs are bright even in strong sunlight. It's worth noting that this machine is quite large, however, so it won't suit you if you've got limited countertop space. 

Performance: The Express Impress is a semi-automatic machine that suits coffee amateurs and novices. Using the machine is impressively easy, and it has all the features of professional espresso machines, like a tamper, steam wand, and more. There are a few issues when switching between one and two-cup filter baskets, but otherwise, the experience is seamless, and the resulting coffee is incredible. 

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 single serve coffee maker

Best single serve coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Pod coffee maker
Frother?: No
Dimensions: 12.2” x 7.9” x 12”
Noise: Not stated

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 if you want a highly customizable brew. This newcomer is quite 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.

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.

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. Needless to say, it recognizes K-Cups.

Our reviewer found that the app is a little limited, as it would be just as quick to insert a pod yourself and press start rather than pre-loading the pod. 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. 

Read our full Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker review

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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 pour over coffee maker

Moccamaster KBGV Select

(Image credit: Future)
Best pour over coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Drip
Brew time: 4-6 minutes
Frother?: No
Noise: 39dB
Dimensions: 114" x 12.75" x 6.50"

Reasons to buy

+
Great quality coffee
+
Easy to set-up and use with simple settings
+
21 color options

Reasons to avoid

-
Not cheap
-
But looks cheap
Buy it if

✅ You're serious about your coffee: this machine produces great coffee.

✅ You want a simple machine: this one is super simple to set up.

✅ You want a mess-free machine: paper filters make it easy to clean up after use. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want lots of features: this machine is simple and has no functions or alerts.

❌ You want a sturdy machine: the quality of the build is lackluster.

❌ You want a timeless machine: the design is a bit trendy. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Moccamaster KGBV is a unique-looking machine that produces barista-standard coffee. It's simple to use but comes with a high price tag.

It stands out with its retro look, but it also makes a very decent cup of coffee. The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium, trendy coffee maker that comes with everything you need to make a carafe of coffee.

Price: The Moccamaster comes with quite a high price tag for the lack of features, but it does produce excellent coffee. 

Design: The Moccamaster KBGV Select coffee machine is a great choice for those who prefer a simple and classic design without compromising on the quality of the coffee produced. While the build quality may not be impressive, the machine's brushed brass finish is trendy and can complement warm metallic kitchen decor.

The machine's paper filters make it more convenient and less messy than reusable filters. The Moccamaster KBGV Select has two buttons for on/off and half/full jug settings and is incredibly quiet. The anti-drip mechanism works flawlessly, preventing any spills or messes. However, the machine lacks a timer or audible alert, which may be a turn-off for some users.

Performance: The machine's temperature control ensures that the coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature, and the hotplate keeps the coffee warm without altering its taste. Despite the lack of advanced features, the machine is easy to set up and use, producing coffee that can rival that of a professional barista.

A feature that the impatient and neat freaks alike will love is the anti-drip mechanism, which shuts off the filter basket whenever you grab the carafe off of the hotplate. This means you don't get that sizzling burn/bubbling effect when the coffee drips hit the hotplate, and you can pour your first cup without having to wait for a full brew. 

Read our full Moccamaster KBGV Select review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PricePricey for the lack of features★★★
DesignSleek design,but perhaps too trendy★★★★
PerformanceEasy to use, quality coffee produced★★★★

The best combination coffee maker

Ninja Dual Brew Pro

(Image credit: Future)
It'll make you a coffee from capsules or grounds

Specifications

Type: Combo
Brew Time: 8oz~3 minutes, 55oz~8 minutes
Frother?: Yes
Noise: 55dB
Dimensions: 11.18" x 9.08" x 15.5" (water tank on side), 7.08" x 14.26" x 15.5” (water tank in back)

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 many 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. 

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

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

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

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 to us just like a slightly stronger coffee.

Read our full Ninja Dual Brew Pro review

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

The best premium coffee maker

The best premium coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Brew time: 3s heat-up, 40-50 seconds
Frother?: Yes
Noise: not stated
Dimensions: 16.4" x 14.1" x 13.5"

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 with what goes into the perfect brew, the guided menu and advice here will be a delight

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 the cost of upgrading from something pretty good already.

❌ 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 stunning coffee machine that stands out for its touch screen and ability to froth different types of milk. But it was very expensive.

The Breville (Sage in the UK) Barista Touch Impress aims to simplify the process of creating that flawless coffee, starting with its puck system. Intelligent dosing, assisted tamping, and auto-correction of the next dose help users achieve a more precise grind, and auto MilQ has three new alternative milk settings. These calibrate pressure, temperature, and timing to suit more kinds of milk.

Price: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is priced at $1,499.95 in the US and is currently available to purchase from major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy. It is also available in the UK for £1,199.95. That makes it one of the more expensive coffee machines here, but if money's no object, it'll delight you every day.

Design: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is shockingly compact, considering how much it can do. It looks gorgeous, although we prefer the black and white models to the stainless steel: as with any stainless steel appliance, it shows up every drip, fingerprint, and scratch, so to retain those good looks, you'll need to wipe it down after every use. 

Performance: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is absolutely stuffed with features that any coffee lover will appreciate, and be assured that at the end of it, you'll perhaps get the best coffee you've ever brewed at home.

Read our full Breville Barista Touch review

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AttributesNotesRating
Price and availabilityVery expensive 4/5
DesignCompact and well designed, but steel gets mucky easily4.5/5
PerformanceTouch-screen, amazing customization, delicious coffee5/5

The best Nespresso Vertuo coffee maker

Nespresso Vertuo Creatista viewed from front on

(Image credit: Future)
The best Nespresso Vertuo coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Pod coffee maker
Brew time: 55-75 seconds
Frother?: Yes
Noise: 78
Dimensions: 12.7 x 9.6 x 16.4 in

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.

Price: The Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is the newest and the most expensive Nespresso Vertuo machine. Capsules start at $0.98/£0.48 each, which adds to the overall cost. 

Design: The Vertuo Creatista has a sleek, modern design, but it's worth noting 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 there has been plenty of attention to detail in the design, 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 really 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 large capacity coffee maker

KitchenAid 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker

(Image credit: Future)
Best large capacity coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Drip
Brew time: 5-18 minutes
Frother?: No
Noise: 44dB
Dimensions: 14.3" x 7.1" x 13.4"

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 comes with 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 a bit daunting. 

The bottom line

🔎 The KitchenAid KCM1208 is stylish, sturdy, and produces vast quantities of quality coffee.

The KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker delivers great coffee and a sleek, classic KitchenAid design.

Price: For the high-end brand name and quality of the machine, it's surprisingly good value at just over $100. 

Design: The KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker is great for those who prefer filter coffee over espresso. It is robustly constructed and easy on the eye, with several smart features that make it stand out from other models. The ‘pour and pause’ option is particularly convenient, allowing you to fill a mug the second it’s poured.

The machine is also beautifully packaged and comes with a reusable filter, a built-in dosing gauge, and an instruction manual. The KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker has a retro/vintage look and feels strong and durable. It is big for a drip filter, especially height-wise, so measure before purchasing.

Performance: The machine has a digital display and control panel that can be a little daunting at first, but it is easy to use once you get the hang of it. The brewing process is slow and deliberate and ensures full flavor extraction. The 29-hole spiral showerhead ensures even saturation of the grounds, mimicking an artisan hand-poured brew. The machine has a removable tank, making it easy to fill, and a ‘pause and pour’ feature that allows you to grab a quick mug of coffee before the full cycle has been completed.

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 value coffee maker

Best value coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Drip
Frother?: No
Dimensions: 10.63" x 12.2" x 13.7"
Noise: Not stated

Reasons to buy

+
Produces great-tasting coffee
+
Fits a travel mug
+
Make a 12-cup pot or one mug

Reasons to avoid

-
Not many features
-
No smart capabilities
Buy it if

✅ You want great-tasting coffee: While our taste panel decided that the Hamilton Beach 49980A coffee came out strong, the general consensus is that this machine produces great-tasting coffee.

✅ You want coffee to go: There’s space to dispense coffee into a 14-ounce travel mug, making this coffee maker a great choice if you regularly take your coffee on the go.

✅You have a large family or group: The Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker can make up a 12-cup pot of coffee, perfect if you have a family or a group of coffee lovers to cater to.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want lots of features: This coffee maker doesn’t have an endless list of features like some, although it does have a convenient warming plate.

❌ You’re after something premium: This is an affordable coffee maker costing only $109.99, so if it’s premium features you’re after, you might want to look elsewhere.

You’re looking for a smart appliance: The Keurig K-Supreme does not have any smart or Wi-Fi features if you’re looking to control your coffee strength from your smartphone.

The bottom line

🔎 The Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer will brew you a pot or a cup of coffee with no problem, making it a great option for families or groups of coffee lovers. ★★★★

Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer can brew you one of two things, or both if you wish: a 12-cup pot of coffee or a single cup. This makes it a particularly excellent pick for a family or group of coffee aficionados or, indeed, someone who can easily make their way through a pot in one sitting.

Price: Available around the $70 mark, this coffee maker is not at all expensive when you consider that it can deliver both a single serve and a pot of coffee and lets you schedule the pot 24 hours in advance. Still, it does lack smart features. In fact, features, in general, are limited aside from the handy warming plate.

Design: When it comes to single-serve coffees, the machine provides a mesh filter or the option to use your own pre-packaged soft pods of ground coffee. The mesh brew basket filter handily doubles up as a measuring scoop, and the area for pouring the coffee is also large enough for a 14-ounce travel mug of your own, making it great for coffee on the go.

The carafe side, on the other hand, has paper coffee filters and can brew a pot of drip coffee at a set time 24 hours in the future (regular or bold-strength). It's backed by a handy two-hour shut-off function for safety.

We also liked the machine’s other features, which, although limited, include a warming plate to keep drinks at a hot temperature for longer.

Performance: Our taste testing panel approved of the taste of the Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer’s coffee, although two found the flavor a little too strong or ‘bitter’. It produced hot coffee at a good 171 degrees Fahrenheit, only cooling by four degrees after 30 minutes on the warming plate.

Read our full Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceDecent value for money but lacks features.★★★★
DesignLacks features but has a handy warming plate.★★★★
PerformanceDelivers hot, good-tasting coffee with no issues.★★★★★

The best retro coffee maker

Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker

(Image credit: Future)
Best retro coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Drip
Brew time: 2-8 minutes
Frother?: No
Noise: 43dB
Dimensions: 14.2" x 9.6" x 10"

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design
+
Good intensity control and automatic timer
+
Easy to set up and use with reusable coffee filter

Reasons to avoid

-
Inconvenient placement of water tank at the back
-
Ratio of coffee scoops to water may take a little experimentation
-
Not as many advanced features as other models
Buy it if

✅ You want a stylish machine: the classic Smeg design is very pleasing.

✅ You want to control your coffee: there's good intensity control and an automatic timer.

✅ You want a simple machine: this one is super easy to set up and use. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want convenience: the placement of the tank at the back is not the easiest.

❌ You want clear instructions: the ratio of coffee to water takes a little bit of experimentation.

❌ You want all the bells and whistles: this machine doesn't have as many advanced features as others.

The bottom line

🔎 The Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker will look good on your countertops and produce decent-tasting coffee quietly and without mess or stress. 

If you care about the looks, the Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker has that classic, retro design that all Smeg appliances boast - and it makes a decent cup of coffee, too.

Price: The Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker is a premium product that commands quite a high price tag for a drip filter machine without too many features.

Design: The Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker is a traditional filter appliance with useful features like intensity control and an automatic timer, perfect for old-school filter coffee fans. It also looks very aesthetically pleasing on countertops.

The water tank, which holds 1.4L, is located at the back under the lid, which can be inconvenient, but the gauge on the outside ensures that you won't overfill. The coffee maker is undeniably good-looking and coordinates well with other steel kitchen appliances. The packaging is nicely done, with no plastic, and the set-up process is simple.

Performance: It takes some experimentation to determine the best ratio of coffee scoops to water volume, but once you've got it, the coffee is consistently good. The machine is also nice and quiet, emitting only the relaxing burble of percolating water. The reusable coffee filter makes it easy to empty the coffee grounds, and the machine is far more hygienic than some fancier coffee machines.

Read our full Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Maker review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceFor a drip filter, it's a bit expensive★★★
DesignBoasting the classic Smeg style, this is well-designed★★★★★
PerformanceProduces good coffee, and lots of it★★★★★

The best compact coffee maker

This is the best compact coffee maker for great coffee even if you're limited on space.

Specifications

Type: Pod
Frother?: No
Dimensions: 12.1" x 4.5" x 11.3"
Noise: Not stated

Reasons to buy

+
Bright colors available
+
Simple and compact design
+
Regular or strong brew settings

Reasons to avoid

-
Only brews one mug at a time
-
Warms up slowly
-
Splatters water
Buy it if:

✅ You’re on a budget: Costing just $109.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers in our round-up and provides even more savings when it's on sale.

✅ You drink one cup at a time: This coffee maker's water tank is only big enough to fill one cup of coffee at a time, making it great if that's your go-to.

✅ You live in an apartment or dorm room: As a compact coffee maker that comes in a number of bright colors, the model fits well into an apartment or dorm room.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You’re often in a rush: It takes several minutes for the water to warm up and the Keurig K-Mini Plus to pour your cup of coffee, so you need to be willing to pause and wait.

❌ You don't want water on the counter: Unless you use a tall mug or travel mug, the machine has a bad habit of splattering water over your kitchen counter.

You're a large family: If you have a large family, expect a queue to use the coffee machine in the morning because this product can only produce one hot brew at a time.

Short on space? Then, we think that the Keurig K-Mini Plus will be a great match. Small and suitable for a single serving of coffee at a time, this coffee maker is a handy addition to any apartment or dorm room. It only has two brew settings and takes a while to brew, but it gets the job done with just a few minor quirks.

Price: This model is very budget-friendly, available at just $109.99. It's often put on sale through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, adding more savings. That being said, it is a very basic model, so unless you’re very budget-focused, there are better options available for just a little more money.

Features: At just 4.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall, the Keurig K-Mini Plus coffee maker is very compact and lightweight and will fit snugly into a small apartment or similar. The storage container can hold up to nine K-cups, so you will need some storage space for more pods if necessary. 

It’s also bright, coming in shades like minty green and red. The plastic exterior and colorful design may not fit well into a more ‘sophisticated’ kitchen, but it would be a great fit for a dorm room or apartment. 

We found that it is basic and produces single-serve coffee only rather than drip coffee. It can only deal with one cup of coffee at a time, as the water tank is tiny and requires a refill before you move on to the next. There’s a handy 10-ounce line in the tank so that you can accurately measure out enough water for a large cup. You can also press ‘strong’ for a stronger cup of coffee.

Performance: The Keurig K-Mini Plus takes around two minutes to heat up the water and pour your coffee, so if you’re in a rush, this can prove bothersome. It’s also best to use a tall mug, as we found that it’s prone to splattering water on the counters. A travel mug would be ideal, as the removable drip tray makes this possible. These details are just quirks, as the coffee itself is hot and tastes good.

Read our full Keurig K-Mini Plus review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
PriceVery affordable even if it only makes one serve.★★★★
DesignBasic design which splatters water at times.★★★
PerformanceSlow to brew a cup of coffee but coffee tastes good.★★★

How we test coffee makers

We love getting to test coffee makers; the Top Ten Reviews team enjoys an americano, espresso, cappuccino, or latte on the regular, so we know what tastes like a good coffee. 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 of the coffee makers that we review. This gives us enough time to set up the machine, clean it before first use, and make a selection of coffees. 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 then test for longevity, like how easy it is to de-scale the machine if it needs it - the ultimate value-for-money test.

Find out more about how we test coffee makers, plus other 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 - other than the price - there are many features you may want to think about to find the best deal.

The type of coffee you want is of great importance. Do you want a simple drip filter-style coffee that you can 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 it can cater to the needs of more people, making it 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 make sure 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.

Best coffee makers FAQs

How much do the best coffee makers cost?

Good quality home coffee makers can range in price 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 thinking about 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 machines with built-in grinders for use with 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 and 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, as this can make your life much easier in the long term. It can also ensure you have the best-tasting coffee from a machine with only fresh coffee coming through each time.

Caroline Preece
Deputy Editor

Caroline is the Deputy Editor of Top Ten Reviews. Joining Future at the start of 2021, she has since served her time across all of the company’s home titles, including Real Homes, Ideal Home, Livingetc, and Homes & Gardens. Caroline has spent years testing out products for the home, which she trials in her cozy one-bedroom basement apartment in Suffolk, UK. She’s passionate about helping people choose the very best appliances, tech, and anything else that might make their lives easier, more cost-efficient, or just more fun.

With contributions from