Finding the perfect coffee maker can significantly enhance your daily routine. With a diverse range of machines available across different price points, there’s something for everyone’s coffee preferences.
If you prefer hassle-free mornings with a reliable cup of coffee, a drip filter machine is an excellent choice. Alternatively, pod machines offer convenience with a variety of coffee options. For those who enjoy exploring their barista skills, bean-to-cup or espresso machines provide a more hands-on experience, albeit with varying costs and capabilities.
All coffee makers featured in this guide have undergone rigorous testing in real-world settings by passionate coffee enthusiasts. We’ve evaluated not only the quality of coffee they produce but also their ease of use, cleaning convenience, noise levels, and versatility in making different types of drinks. Whether you crave espresso perfection, crave frothy delights, or simply need a quick pick-me-up, you’ll find a recommendation tailored to your needs here.
THE BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR HOME USE
1. Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster KBGV Select, also known as the Moccamaster KBG Select in Europe, stands out as our top choice for coffee makers at the moment. It excels in brewing excellent coffee, boasts a stylish design, and is incredibly user-friendly.
During testing, we found this handcrafted European coffee maker impressively simple to operate with its dual-switch system. The removable filter holder allows for precise coffee measurement on scales, while the carafe ensures drip-free pouring. Its robust build and retro-style design, available in 21 different colors, appeal to those with an eye for aesthetics.
One thing to note is that the hotplate remains active for only 40 minutes. However, keeping coffee on a hotplate for extended periods can potentially affect its flavor, making this limitation less significant.
While it’s more affordable than many top-tier coffee machines on the market, there are even cheaper drip filter options available, such as the Smeg model at #7 or KitchenAid at #9. For more alternatives, check out our comprehensive ranking of the best drip coffee makers.
THE BEST BUDGET COFFEE MAKER
2. Nespresso Vertuo Next
For those seeking a convenient way to brew their morning coffee, look no further than the Nespresso Vertuo Next. It’s our top pick for single-serve pod coffee makers due to its simplicity – just insert a capsule and press a button, and the Nespresso does the rest.
During testing, the Nespresso Vertuo Next consistently produced smooth coffee with a rich crema that remained intact even after stirring in sugar. It offers five different drink sizes, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to its pod system.
However, using pods can be more costly compared to ground coffee. Additionally, if you enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, note that the Nespresso Vertuo Next doesn’t froth milk. You can opt for a separate milk frother from Nespresso if you’re attracted to the other features of the Vertuo Next. If Nespresso is your preferred brand but this model isn’t quite right for you, check out our guide to the best Nespresso machines for more options.
THE BEST PREMIUM COFFEE MAKER
3. Breville The Barista Touch Impress
The Barista Touch Impress stands out by combining a compact integrated grinder, user-friendly assisted tamping, and auto-dosing with an intuitive touchscreen and automatic milk frothing. It’s hailed as the most user-friendly manual coffee machine available today and is our top recommendation for those seeking a premium coffee experience.
This Breville model accommodates two distinct approaches to coffee making: for busy Monday mornings, simply press a button for your caffeine fix, while on leisurely Sundays, indulge in adjusting manual settings to unleash your inner barista. It excels in both roles, although its automatic programs, while impressive, may not match the finesse of a completely hands-on approach to brewing.
While it represents a significant investment (albeit not the most expensive on the market), the Barista Touch Impress is worth every penny, standing among the finest bean-to-cup coffee makers available. If you prefer more manual control over auto features, consider exploring the Express Impress (#5), which shares many of the same manual capabilities.
THE BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR LATTE
4. Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello
The Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello has secured the top position in our best espresso machine guide. We believe it’s the ideal coffee maker for enthusiasts willing to invest effort into crafting their espresso. It sits above basic home models yet isn’t quite as industrial as those found in professional coffee shops.
Operated largely manually, this espresso machine lacks buttons or programmable dials. Instead, achieving the perfect pour requires mastering the lever and skillfully frothing milk, stopping just in time to prevent overflow.
If your ideal espresso machine automates everything with a single touch, especially on groggy mornings, this might not be the best fit. However, for those passionate about the art of coffee preparation and seeking precise manual control, the Diletta Bello offers much to appreciate – including a competitive price compared to other high-quality manual machines. Our reviewer noted a steep learning curve initially, but once mastered, operation becomes straightforward, delivering consistently excellent coffee.
THE BEST BEAN-TO-CUP COFFEE MAKER
5. Sage The Barista Express Impress
Breville’s Barista Express Impress is, in our opinion, the finest bean-to-cup coffee maker available. It’s engineered to utilize the optimal amount of ground beans, at precise temperatures and water pressures, creating perfect micro-foam for authentic barista-style coffee. Our review confirmed its exceptional performance, making it the top choice for aficionados of rich flat whites and creamy cappuccinos.
Resembling commercial espresso machines, it’s more complex than standard bean-to-cup models, which adds to its allure. Achieving the caliber of coffee found in cafés demands dedication and skill – yet we relished the process of tamping and dosing, finding it almost as satisfying as savoring the final brew. If this seems like the ideal coffee maker for you but you prefer a simpler experience, consider the Touch Impress at #3, which includes automatic features for quicker brewing sessions.
THE BEST PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER
6. De’Longhi Dinamica Plus ECAM370
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus stands out as the ultimate coffee machine for those seeking a fully automated coffee experience tailored to their preferences. Its user-friendly color touch display guides you through every aspect of coffee customization, from grind level and strength to milk froth intensity and temperature. While finding your perfect blend may require some trial and error, once dialed in, consistency is guaranteed.
During testing, this coffee maker consistently delivered intense, smooth coffee with a luxurious crema, complemented by a robust automatic milk frother that produced thick, velvety foam. However, it’s worth noting that its size makes it a substantial addition to any kitchen countertop, and compared to espresso and single-serve coffee makers, it comes with a higher price tag.
THE BEST FILTER COFFEE MAKER
7. Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine
If you prefer drip coffee, the Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine could be your perfect match. It brews multiple cups at once and maintains warmth for up to 40 minutes, ideal for those sluggish mornings when you need refills.
For added convenience, you can program the timer to start brewing before you wake up, ensuring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you. Finished in Smeg’s iconic retro design and available in various colors, it appeals to those who appreciate both style and taste.
During testing, it consistently brewed smooth coffee and offered user-friendly operation. Its two and four cup options allow flexibility in brewing quantities. However, we noticed that the interface of the Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine tended to steam up, and it occupies considerable countertop space.
THE BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR CUSTOMIZATION
8. Breville Bambino Plus
Branded as Sage in the UK rather than Breville, this espresso machine impressed us with its smooth, intense espresso and rapid heating capabilities during testing. It features milk frothing functionality, offering three milk temperature settings and three texture options, ensuring your drink is crafted precisely to your liking.
Compact enough to fit neatly on your countertop, it boasts nearly all the features needed for barista-style coffee. However, it’s important to note that unlike some espresso machines, it brews only one shot at a time and requires thorough cleaning after each use, which may not suit those averse to regular maintenance. Despite not being the most economical option, this Breville (Sage) coffee maker excelled in our tests and justifies its price tag – we consider it among the finest espresso machines available.
THE BEST BUDGET FILTER COFFEE MAKER
9. KitchenAid Classic 5KCM1208 Drip Coffee Maker
For those watching their budget, the KitchenAid Classic 5KCM1208 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking affordable filter coffee. This machine combines the brand’s vintage aesthetic with modern features, capable of brewing up to 10 cups of coffee.
However, we observed that the cups it brews are smaller than standard size, so if you prefer a larger mug, you may not get full 10 servings. One of the standout features of the KitchenAid Drip Filter coffee maker is its ability to keep coffee piping hot for over 30 minutes, though this means allowing time for it to cool to drinking temperature.
Operating quietly, it won’t disrupt your environment while brewing. However, in our tests, it took 12 minutes to fill the carafe, making it less suitable for those needing a quick caffeine fix.
THE BEST COMPACT ESPRESSO MACHINE
10. Smeg ECF01 Espresso Maker
The Smeg ECF01 Espresso Maker is ideal if you prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality in your coffee maker. During our tests, it consistently produced smooth coffee with a rich crema, compatible with both ground coffee and Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods for added versatility.
It’s worth noting that this machine may not suit beginners, requiring patience to achieve your preferred brew. However, once mastered, it ensures consistently excellent coffee. While it comes with a higher price tag compared to some competitors, it’s a worthwhile investment for those looking to refine their barista skills.
We were particularly impressed by its milk frothing capabilities, achieving a perfect level of silkiness. Additionally, the machine heats up in just 40 seconds, ideal for those who prefer not to wait. We’ve also reviewed the newer Smeg ECF02, which, despite being less compact, we feel doesn’t offer the same value for money.
THE BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR TRAVEL
11. Wacaco Picopresso
If you worry about finding your favorite coffee while traveling, the Wacaco Picopresso could be your perfect solution. This compact espresso maker fits easily into any bag, making it the ideal choice for camping or travel, especially since it operates without mains power.
Before venturing into the wilderness with it, we recommend familiarizing yourself with its operation. Designed for coffee enthusiasts rather than beginners, it requires experimentation with coffee tamping and water volumes to achieve your preferred espresso. However, our reviewer quickly mastered it and brewed a flavorful espresso with a satisfying crema.
Due to its compact size, it holds a limited amount of water (0.1qt / 80ml), resulting in a smaller serving per brew. Additionally, it doesn’t froth milk. Nevertheless, as a portable coffee maker, it excels in delivering a great cup of coffee wherever you go, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go coffee lovers.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COFFEE MAKER FOR YOU
Navigating the multitude of options on the market can be daunting when choosing the best coffee maker for your needs.
If you prefer a simple americano without milk-based drinks, a drip filter coffee maker is an excellent choice, capable of brewing up to 12 cups at once.
For those who prefer smaller servings, a single-serve coffee maker from brands like Keurig or Nespresso is recommended.
If you enjoy milk-based coffee, several options are available. Some models feature built-in frothers for creating various milk textures, while others have steam wands for manual frothing. Alternatively, standalone milk frothers allow versatility in making lattes and hot chocolates, complementing pod coffee makers.
Coffee enthusiasts seeking customization options should opt for machines that allow adjusting brew strength and size. Premium coffee makers often offer these features, while quality drip filter models also allow control over coffee strength and aroma.
Consider how hands-on you want to be in the coffee-making process and cleanup. Smart-enabled designs can be controlled via smartphone, while others require manual steps like grinding coffee and frothing milk. Self-cleaning systems in some models prevent milk residue build-up in steam wands or within the machine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BEST COFFEE MAKERS
What is the best coffee maker?
After reviewing our top 10 picks, we confidently recommend the Moccamaster KBGV Select as the best coffee machine. It combines elegant design with impeccable coffee brewing and ease of use. While it’s pricier than some all-in-one machines and lacks the manual options of complex espresso makers, it excels in delivering consistently great coffee with minimal effort.
Can espresso machines make regular coffee?
Yes, espresso machines can technically make regular coffee, such as an americano, if they have the capability to add hot water to an espresso shot. Models equipped with a steam arm can froth milk for milk-based drinks like lattes and flat whites. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate milk frother for this purpose.
How do coffee makers work?
Coffee makers operate differently depending on the type. Espresso machines use a pump to force pressurized water through coffee grounds, producing a smooth shot of espresso. Machines with steam wands use steam to froth milk. Pod coffee makers use pre-packaged capsules, where hot water is forced through to create coffee. Advanced pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Next spin capsules for even coffee extraction.
How to clean a coffee maker
Maintaining a clean coffee maker is essential for performance and hygiene. A simple cleaning method involves using a vinegar-water solution in the water tank and running it through the machine to remove buildup. Specific cleaning guides are available for Nespresso and Keurig machines, ensuring thorough maintenance.
What is the best coffee maker for home use?
Choosing the best coffee maker for home depends on your preferences. For espresso enthusiasts, investing in a top-rated espresso machine allows for customization of coffee strength and flavor. Bean-to-cup machines automate brewing processes for consistent results. Single-serve coffee makers, like pod machines, offer convenience with minimal cleanup. Nespresso and Keurig dominate this category, although sustainability concerns exist with pod disposal.
Which type of coffee maker should I choose?
If you enjoy hands-on coffee making, an espresso machine offers control over every aspect of brewing. For a more automated experience, bean-to-cup machines simplify the process. Single-serve coffee makers are ideal for quick, mess-free brewing. Drip coffee makers are suitable for brewing larger quantities. Each type has its advantages depending on your preferences and lifestyle.
HOW WE TEST THE BEST COFFEE MAKERS
Our testing of the best coffee makers is rigorous, ensuring each machine lives up to its promises. We evaluate the crema produced in espressos, ease of setup and use, and consistency across multiple cups.
During testing, we consider the overall design of each coffee maker, assessing its appearance, countertop footprint, and the convenience of features like removable water tanks.
For models with milk frothers, we assess the texture of the frothed milk, aiming for a silky smooth consistency. Of course, tasting plenty of coffee is essential to gauge overall flavor quality.
We evaluate how much control users have over each cup of coffee, whether through simple button presses or more hands-on techniques. Maintenance requirements, including cleaning routines, are also meticulously documented to assess machine upkeep.
