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.
Our editor's choice, this makes simply delicious coffee. Whether you want a single serving or enough for eight, the OXO delivers flavorful filter coffee in a matter of minutes. We'd give it best for beginners, best value, best drip, and more if we could. The only accolade it's not winning is the most beautiful.
If you're looking for a coffee machine that will last a lifetime, look no further. This is a little more technical than the OXO, a lot quieter, and comes in a range of colors too. It's the expert's take on OXO.
Read more about the best drip coffee makers below.
I've never tested an espresso machine that is as versatile as this (it can even make cold brew). We did customer tests, handing this to absolute beginners and they made barista-quality lattes and cappuccinos without breaking a sweat or dropping a bean. It's still technical and quite fiddly, so good for aspiring coffee nerds.
Read more about the best espresso makers below.
All you have to do is tap a screen to gain access to over 52 different and delicious coffees. It might sound like overkill, but each and every one is top quality, from cortado to cold brew. It's a versatile option for busy, hands-off coffee snobs.
Read more about the best automatic machines below.
Single-serve coffee might not score top marks for full flavors, but it will for speed. This can make quick, delicious coffee in seconds, but you'll have to buy a milk frother separately if you want to make milky coffees too.
Read more about quick, single-serve coffee makers below.
For tea and coffee drinkers alike, this fast cold brew machine is a brilliant buy. It's quick, creates a smooth brew, and you can easily store the glass carafe in the refrigerator, too.
Read more about the best cold brew makers below.
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This boasts a substantial, stylish design. It will make the best French press coffee and cold brew you'll ever taste. It's well insulated and durable, thanks to the stainless steel.
Read more about the best French presses below.
Chic and trusted, the Kalita Wave has established itself as one of the best pour-overs available. The design is traditional and it produces a really smooth cup of joe.
Read more about the best pour overs below.
This moka pot is about as authentic as it comes. It sits easily on the stovetop and comes in a range of sizes for various different households. You can see this in museums it's that iconic.
Read more about the best moka pots below.
What are the different types of coffee makers?
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.
| Type | Buy it if: | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drip coffee | You want large quantities of light coffee | Should be brewed in big batches |
| Espresso machine | You want professional-level speciality coffee, espresso and lattes | Time-consuming; fiddly; easy to get wrong |
| Bean to cup | You want quality coffee at the touch of a button | Expensive |
| Single-serve | You want fast, cheap, automatic coffee | Plastic waste, lower quality |
| French Press | You want strong, quality coffee | Brew time and clean up |
| Pour-over | You want light, fast, cheap coffee | Prep time and clean up |
| Moka pot | You want high-quality, strong espresso-like coffee | Need a gas range |
| Percolator | You want straightforward coffee | Easy to over-extract |
| Cold brew | You want strong, smooth, cheap coffee | Brew time |
Best drip coffee makers
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.
This is our favorite drip coffee maker, because it makes straightforward, great coffee. It meets the Speciality Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard for its quality, so we know we're drinking the good stuff.
Our OXO 8-Cup Coffee Maker review more details.
This Moccamaster is all about luxury. It's extremely quiet and crafted to meet the qualifications set by the Specialty Coffee Association and the European Coffee Brewing Center. Trust us, you can taste it.
Our Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker review has more details.
Best espresso machines
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.
As an espresso machine, this is hard to fault. It's intuitive to use, but has the technical ability to cater to a sensitive coffee drinkers palette. It might be big and at the top end price wise, but it's worth it.
You can find out more in our Breville Barista Pro review.
The TikTok famous Casabrews wins when it comes to value. I found the steam wand really intuitive. It's a little slow, but amazing value when you considering the has an integrated grinder, replacement grinder, and a host of other useful accessories too.
You can find out more in our Casabrews 5700 Pro review.
Looks don't deceive with this luxury machine. Alongside incredible espressos, this can make a range of coffees, including cold brew. It has incredible capacity, but a large price tag.
You can find out more in our De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review.
Best bean to cup
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.
De'longhi produce some of the best automatic coffee machines we've tested. This sleek, Italian-made model has over 52 coffee styles to choose from, a colorful touchscreen, and an excellent milk frother. With self-cleaning features and friendly instructions, it's a joy to use.
You can read more in our full De'Longhi Eletta Explore review.
Uniting quality and value, this coffee maker can do it all. It's automatic, so grinds, brews, and serves your coffee at the touch of a button. You'll be able to make delicious coffee for all the family, at a lower price than our best choice overall.
With ten different coffees at the press of a button, this quiet coffee machine is seriously impressive. It delivers a consistently premium taste to rival the trendiest baristas. Jura's J8 model features a sweet foam setting for effortless café-style treats.
You can read more in our full Jura ENA 8 review.
Best single-serve coffee makers
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.
With a small footprint, the Nespresso Vertuo line is both petite and perfect for brewing coffee in compact areas. This is made from recycled plastics and offers a versatile range of coffee flavors.
You can read more in our Nespresso Vertuo Next review.
For under $50, you can't go wrong. This will fit in even the smallest bag and makes coffee to rival some of the best models on the market. The only thing this machine lacks is the ability to steam milk. Sometimes, you can even find bundles that include the best milk frother.
You can read more in our Nespresso Vertuo Next review.
When I mentioned luxury, this is what I had in mind. The smart, milk-frothing machine is championed by none other than David Beckham. It's a splurge, so shop it in the sales if you can.
You can read more in our Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review.
Best French press
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.
This boasts a substantial, stylish design. It will make the best French press coffee and cold brew you'll ever taste. It's well insulated and durable, thanks to the stainless steel.
You can read more in our French press buying guide.
Classy and elegant, the Bodum is a beautiful French press. It's easy to use and clean, with double filter that helps to deliver a smooth cup of coffee. It's a very fair price for the quality.
You can read more in our Bodum Chambord review.
Fellow products never fail to deliver on quality and design. The 360-degree pour spout, non-stick interior, and ratio aid lines make this a well-designed, luxurious addition to your coffee collection.
You can read more in our Fellow Clara review.
Best pour over
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.
Chic and trusted, the Kalita Wave has established itself as one of the best pour-overs available. The design is traditional and it produces a really smooth cup of joe.
Read more in our guide to the best pour-over coffee makers.
As eco-conscious as it is wallet and design-conscious, the Bodum is an all-round thoughtful pour-over. There's a knack to using it though.
Read more in our guide to the best pour-over coffee makers.
The Fellow Stagg boasts form, function, and excellent insulation. Everything about it is premium, including the price. I also recommend the Hario V60 as a beautiful, retro-style pick.
Read more in our guide to the best pour-over coffee makers.
Best stovetop or moka pot
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.
This moka pot is about as authentic as it comes. It sits easily on the stovetop and comes in a range of sizes for various different households. You can see this in museums it's that iconic.
Not every moka pot works on induction hobs, which is why Bialetti has made one to work across a range of stoves. It's quiet and quick, but without the traditional silhouette.
Alessi does luxury like no other. Their sleek, premium moka pot is durable and weighty. I love all of their modern designs, but they cost ten times the price of Bialetti's.
Best percolators
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.
Crafted from stainless steel and perfect for batch brews, you can make up to 12 cups of coffee in here. The stay cool bottom means you can sit it on the side without worrying too.
This is the lowest cost recommendation I have for a percolator. Made from glass with a vintage look, I love the elegant style. You can use it on gas or electric ranges.
This stainless steel model is simple and durable, but beautiful too. Once brewing is complete, the kettle automatically switches to its 'keep warm' function. It's one of the most popular models on the market.
Best cold brew
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.
For tea and coffee drinkers alike, this fast cold brew machine is a brilliant buy. I was sceptical that it would be able to achieve the same results as a slow cold brew, but it's brilliant.
You can read more in our Rapid Cold Brew review
Iconic amongst cold brew drinkers, the Toddy system makes cold brews easy. I'm currently testing one, so will be able to update you on the taste results, but so far, so good.
You can read more in our Toddy Cold Brew review
I've struggled to get my hands on one of these, but I'm assured that the KitchenAid Cold Brew coffee maker is incredible. Watch this space for updates, but users say it's easy to use and makes delicious cold brew.
You can read more in our KitchenAid Cold Brew review
How to choose the right coffee maker for you
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.
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