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The best coffee makers 2024 – a barista's complete guide

We've tested the bold, the beautiful, and the bitter to give you everything you need to know

De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro at home with freshly brewed coffee
(Image credit: De'Longhi)

The most common question people ask me is 'What's the best coffee maker?' It's a simple enough question, but the answers are different depending on what kind of coffee you like to drink.

I trained as a barista back in 2016, and ever since then, I’ve held a special place on my countertop for the best espresso machines. While espressos are my daily driver, I've come to love coffee in every form.

In the last nine months, I've tested over sixty of the best coffee makers on the market. From premium espresso machines all the way through to designer Moka pots and personal pour-overs. My overall winner is the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker for simple, delicious coffee

In this guide, I deep dive into the different brewing styles and coffee makers, highlighting the key features you should look for when choosing the perfect one for you. Just tell me your coffee order or brewing method and I'll have covered it.

Quick List

If you're here for the TLDR, here's a roundup of the six best coffee makers on the market. Everyone from beginners to baristas could brew a delicious cup of coffee in one of these. I'll give you more information further down.


What are the different types of coffee makers?

An espresso machine brewing a shot of coffee into a white mug

(Image credit: Westend61 via GettyImages)

Before we dive deep into my reviews of the best coffee makers, you might want some help choosing the type of coffee maker you want. This table will give you a quick insight into each brewing style.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
TypeBuy it if:Cons
Drip coffeeYou want large quantities of light coffeeShould be brewed in big batches
Espresso machineYou want professional-level speciality coffee, espresso and lattesTime-consuming; fiddly; easy to get wrong
Bean to cupYou want quality coffee at the touch of a buttonExpensive
Single-serveYou want fast, cheap, automatic coffeePlastic waste, lower quality
French PressYou want strong, quality coffeeBrew time and clean up
Pour-overYou want light, fast, cheap coffeePrep time and clean up
Moka potYou want high-quality, strong espresso-like coffeeNeed a gas range
PercolatorYou want straightforward coffeeEasy to over-extract
Cold brewYou want strong, smooth, cheap coffeeBrew time

Best drip coffee makers

Zwilling drip coffee maker in black on the countertop

(Image credit: Zwilling)

Drip coffee, also known as filter coffee, is the nation's favorite brewing style. The smooth, light, delicate flavors are easy to sip all day long.

One of the pros of drip coffee makers is their sheer simplicity. It's easy to learn how to use a drip coffee maker, so it is perfect for beginners and those who don't want to have to complete a PhD to use their machine. They are a breeze to rinse and maintain, too.

If you want to get full flavors from your filter coffee maker, you need to pair it with one of the best coffee grinders. This can bump up the price, but if you care about specialty coffee, it's worth it.

One downside of drip coffee makers is that they are often big and they make singular, very simple coffee. There's no intense espresso or creamy cappuccinos here. If that's your style, scroll down to see the best espresso machines.

I've tested the best drip coffee machines and these are my three favorites.

Best espresso machines

A portafilter being filled with coffee grinds

(Image credit: GettyImages)

If you've ever admired the set-up in your local café, you've probably been looking at one of the best espresso machines. These elite machines, once reserved for baristas and coffee connoisseurs, now grace homes around the world. They make rich, intense shots of coffee, and they're paired with steam wands for café-quality lattes and cappuccinos.

Espresso machines are fairly large and they can get expensive, ranging from $500-1,500 in price. They can also be a little complicated to operate, but there are varying degrees of automation depending on how much control you'd like over your brew.

Models are becoming increasingly simple and user-friendly, but if you're a total beginner and want coffee at the touch of a button, scroll down to the best automatic coffee machines instead.

I've tested the best espresso machines and these are my three favorites.

Best bean to cup

The Philips 3200 LatterGo control panel close up

(Image credit: Philips)

If you like the finer things in life, a bean-to-cup coffee maker might be just what you're looking for. These super-automatic and automatic espresso machines are designed for especially for beginners or anyone who wants a quick cup of coffee without much effort. Simply add beans, place a cup underneath, and let the machine handle the rest, offering a variety of drinks from espresso to cappuccino.

However, this convenience comes at a cost. A quality bean-to-cup machine usually starts around $700 and can go up to $2,000. While the upfront price may seem high, they’re durable and can save you money in the long run, especially with reputable brands like De'Longhi.

I've tested the best bean-to-cup machines and these are my three favorites.

Best single-serve coffee makers

Nespresso pod coffee machine on a countertop

(Image credit: Nespresso)

The best single-serve machines use pods or capsules to create simple but delicious coffee. A convenient option for those seeking speed. While the flavor may not be as fresh as espresso machines, they are ideal for small spaces and busy people.

However, you'll need to keep up with your capsule supply, and disposing of them can be a hassle. Eco-conscious users should seek out B-Corp-certified machines that work with compostable capsules, like the illy ESE and Grind One Pod, to minimize waste.

Single-serve machines are affordable, generally priced between $100-300, but most are made from plastic and aren't built to last long. If you're after durability, a drip coffee or bean-to-cup machine might be a better long-term investment.

These are my favorites. There's a wider selection in my guide to the best single-serve coffee machines.

Best French press

French press on countertop

(Image credit: Espro)

As you might have guessed from the name, French presses are very European. You've probably seen them sat on a wooden tray next to a croissant in an Instagram picture. The process is slow and mindful, delivering multiple cups of rich, delicious coffee.

The flavor profile is often described as acidic and bitter, which won't appeal to everyone. It's certainly not very sweet, but the process can draw out more earthy, nuanced notes in your coffee.

Learning how to make a French press coffee is easy, so it's often a method I recommend to beginners. The clean-up is similarly simple. I wouldn't expect to pay much over $100 for a good French press, so it's excellent if you're on a budget. My only word of warning is that these are easier to break. I've smashed more glass carafes than I care to admit, so if you know you're clumsy, make sure to invest in a stainless steel model.

These are my favorites; I explore more options in my roundup of the best French presses.

Best pour over

Kalita coffee maker on counter

(Image credit: Kalita)

If you like delicate, aromatic coffee, a pour-over coffee maker is an excellent option. Simply sit filter paper in the funnel, place your coffee grounds in the funnel, and pour water over it.

As with drip coffee makers, you'll either need to grind your own coffee or buy fresh grounds to enjoy the flavors fully. The brewing process can take up to 15 minutes, – if you need your morning cup of joe quickly, it's not the one for you.

If you're price-conscious, this is an excellent option, since these tend to cost no more than $50. If you're careful, they'll last a lifetime too. If you're clumsy, make sure to opt for a metal pour-over rather than a porcelain or glass option.

These are my three favorites; I've recommended more options in my guide to best pour-over coffee makers.

Best stovetop or moka pot

moka pot on gas

(Image credit: Amazon)

If you enjoy espresso flavors, but don't want to pay the professional price tag: meet the moka pot. This stovetop appliance makes smooth, intense, and rich coffee. I'm convinced that most coffee drinkers wouldn't be able to tell the difference between moka pot and espresso machine coffee if they were blindfolded.

Even the best moka pots are much cheaper than an espresso machine. However, they can only make black coffee and if you have an induction hob, you'll have to choose a model carefully. These are designed for gas stoves normally.

Moka pots tend to cost $30-130, so it's a great entry point for espresso drinkers. These retro pieces actually make great design features. I've written a buying guide to the best moka pots, including some gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana designs. You'll see that they're mostly from Bialetti because the brand has dominated the market since they were founded.

These are my three favorite picks.

Best percolators

Cuisinart Classic Percolator

(Image credit: Amazon)

Percolators are ideal for those who prefer their coffee hot and fresh, offering a deeper, stronger flavor than drip coffee makers while keeping the brew warm longer without going stale. They're perfect for serving a crowd with smooth, robust coffee.

However, the brewing process is more involved. You'll need to use coarse coffee grounds and add a paper filter, then assemble the percolator, similar to a moka pot. It takes about ten minutes, so it's not as quick or hands-off as other methods. Plus, you'll need to watch the stove to avoid over-extraction, which can make the coffee bitter.

On the upside, percolators are durable, with good models costing up to $150. But keep in mind that they can be tricky for beginners, and cleanup is more cumbersome compared to drip or single-serve machines.

These are my top three percolators.

Best cold brew

cold brew coffee on a countertop with milk being poured in

(Image credit: GettyImages)

Cold brew has gained popularity for its smoother, sweeter taste compared to traditional hot brews. Unlike iced coffee (which is just hot coffee cooled down) cold brew is steeped in cold water, creating a velvety, rich drink with minimal bitterness. You can use a dedicated cold brew machine or a French press, though the process can take time – often requiring at least 16 to 24 hours for the coffee to steep.

Cold brew coffee makers simplify this process, allowing you to press a button or let the grounds sit on the countertop. They're relatively affordable, ranging from $30 to $150. If you're looking for versatility, some coffee machines from brands like Nespresso and Breville come with cold brew settings.

Here are three of my favorites, but I've written and tested some of the best cold brew coffee makers, which you can read about here.

How to choose the right coffee maker for you

cold brew coffee on a countertop with milk being poured in

(Image credit: GettyImages)

Personal taste

When you're choosing the perfect coffee maker for you, the best place to start is with the kind of coffee that you enjoy. If you prefer punchy espressos, an espresso machine, moka pot, or AeroPress will give you that full-bodied flavor. For lattes and cappuccinos, espresso machines with steam wands are ideal, while some single-serve machines also offer milk frothing options. If you require larger servings of rich black coffee, a French press, pour-over, or drip coffee maker will suit you. An automatic espresso machine is likely to satisfy all coffee preferences, suiting family households.

Space
If you have lots of space, you can choose almost any coffee maker. However, if your kitchen is compact, you'll probably want to steer clear of espresso machines and automatic coffee makers. These tend to be big appliances. You could still fit them on your countertop, but you'd have to work to do it.

Time
If you don't mind taking your time with coffee, then you'll have the pick of the bunch. However, if you're normally five minutes late for being ten minutes late, you'll want a quick machine: pod machines, pre-set drip coffee makers, and automatic machines will be your best friends. Capacity If you're the only coffee drinker in the house, you might not need a big machine. Pour-overs are an excellent option for single-cup coffee drinkers. However, if there's ten of you in your home, a drip coffee maker will cater to the masses.

Ease
If you normally buy your coffee from a barista, you might not enjoy being very hands-on when making coffee. For that reason, a bean-to-cup machine would suit you really well. It'll be just like your barista, but without the small talk. If you like the idea of becoming a barista yourself, espresso machines are at the other end of the scale. They can be a lot of fun too.

Price
It goes without saying that price has to be factored into things. I've covered how much money you should spend on a coffee maker at the bottom of this article. A French press or pour-over can cost a tenth of the price of a bean-to-cup machine or espresso machine. It's better to start small and work up to a bigger machine. That being said, we've included these machines in our roundup because we think they're good value for what they offer. I've tested machines worth more money and you can't tell the difference.

FAQs

How much should I spend on a coffee maker?

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

This will depend on the coffee maker that you buy. You could spend anything from $30 to $2,000, but I wouldn't spend much more than that. When I say $30, I have pour-overs and French presses in mind. The materials used for these keep the costs low and you definitely shouldn't spend more than $150 on them.

When I'm talking about spending thousands of dollars on a coffee machine, I expect it to be an espresso machine, especially an automatic model. If you're happy to work hard and hands-on, experimenting with your espresso machine, you'll be able to pick up a model for around $600, just don't expect any automation or a grinder.

In the middle of inexpensive French presses and fancy espresso machines, you'll find drip coffee makers. If you've got about $200-$300 to spend, you'll be able to get a quality model. These won't have integrated grinders, so set aside some budget for that (more on grinders below).

As your budget gets bigger, coffee makers will probably become more convenient and versatile. Set expectations for what you want and what you're happy not to pay a premium for and choose carefully.

Do I need to buy a coffee grinder to go with my coffee maker?

Unless your coffee maker has an integrated grinder, yes you do. You can buy pre-ground coffee from the stores, but as soon as the beans have been ground up, the delicious oils in them start breaking down, tasting flatter and less delicious. Freshness plays an immense factor in the flavors of your coffee. Luckily, we have done a roundup of the best coffee grinders on the market, so you don't have to do any searching.

Laura Honey
eCommerce Editor

Laura is our eCommerce editor. As a fully qualified barista, she's our expert in all things coffee and has tested over thirty of the best coffee makers on the market. She has also interviewed Q-Graders and world-leading experts in the coffee industry, so has an intimate knowledge of all things coffee. Before joining Homes & Gardens, she studied English at Oxford University. Whilst studying, she trained as a master perfumer and worked in the luxury fragrance industry for five years. Her collection of home fragrance is extensive and she's met and interviewed five of the world's finest perfumers (also known as 'noses'). As a result of this expansive fragrance knowledge, she always puts quality and style over quantity and fads. Laura looks for products which have been designed simply and with thoughtful finishes.  

With contributions from