8 Best Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs – No More Spills or Mess!

Selection of coffee makers with removable water tanks to prevent the mess in your kitchen.
By
Samanta Fryer
Samanta Fryer
Writer
Samanta Fryer is our senior editor and content writer, at CoffeeVibe. Apart from writing and reading, she’s fond of the coffee brewing process and enjoys tasting new coffe read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Ryan Hendricks
Ryan Hendricks
Expert
Ryan Hendricks is our tester, who puts products through their paces. He used to be a barista and is now a full-time coffee enthusiast. He’s always testing out new gadgets, read more
Last updated: September 13, 2023
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According to Harvard Health Publishing, drinking at least three cups of coffee per day is linked to a longer life span and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. If you want to make your health better, you’ll need high-quality equipment. Our comprehensive guide will show you the best coffee makers with removable water reservoirs and help you choose the right alternative.

We’ve looked at 38 different coffee makers and picked the 8 best ones, out of which, in our opinion, the Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew is the best option for most people. We focused on the most important features of these machines. We analyzed capacity, and whether they can serve small or large parties with a single brewing process. Our team also focused on different ways of brewing coffee, including K-cups and ground coffee.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew
    "An incredible coffee maker with a removable water reservoir with a stylish and sturdy carafe. It is fully programmable and has a water filter."
  • Customer’s Choice: Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine
    "With this machine, you will be able to customize your coffee for any drink you prefer."
  • Best Brewing Options:
    "When regular coffee is not what you want, consider this coffee maker with multiple brewing options, including “Over Ice”."
  • The Most Durable Coffee Maker: Capresso MT 900 10-Cup Rapid Brew Coffee Maker
    "This durable coffee maker with programmable timer is convenient because it shuts off automatically as soon as the brewing process is over."
  • Best Carafe-Free Coffee Maker: Cuisinart Coffee On Demand DCC-3000
    "An amazing coffee machine, which can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once and keep it fresh in a special reservoir."
  • The Smallest Unit Out There: Zojirushi Zutto Coffee Maker EC-DAC50
    "A compact but very capable unit with a keep-warm function that can make up to five cups of coffee at a time and fit in any kitchen."
  • Excellent for Strong Coffee: KitchenAid 12-Cup Coffee Maker KCM1202OB
    "A wonderful coffee maker with a removable water reservoir and programmable timer. It can brew the strong, bold coffee to give you more energy."
  • "If you don’t want to invest much in the coffee maker, this unit with multiple settings is for you."

Top 8 Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs Review 202

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7371 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
1
Editor's Choice

Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew

Features
  • Capacity: 10-cup
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 14.1 x 11 x 9 in.
  • Weight: 5.1 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

 More features: programmable, Gold-Tone permanent filter, Delay Brew, Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause, 2-hour auto shut-off, self-cleaning function

Mr. Coffee designed an appliance that offers a fine balance between a simple approach to making coffee and modern features. The reason why many believe this is the best coffee maker with a removable water tank is that it is easy to use.

You do not need to spend minutes customizing everything. Setting up the machine takes several clicks, and the appliance does its magic. You can use the programmable timer to ensure hot coffee is waiting for you in the morning.

The water reservoir is detachable to enable easy refills, and the machine has an integrated water filter system. That will reduce chlorine in water, and improve coffee flavor and quality.

You can use the Pause ‘n Serve function to pour the first cup while the machine is still brewing. If you forget to turn it off, the safety turnoff switch will do that for you two hours after starting the appliance.

Some users mentioned that it is prone to dripping due to condensation after continuous use.

    What do we love it for?
  • Programmable timer
  • Durable and attractive carafe design
  • Integrated water filtration reduces chlorine
  • Pause ‘n Serve function
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Hot water can drip after months of usage.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4025 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
2
Features
  • Capacity: 10 cups
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 13 x 7.1 x 15 inches
  • Weight: 10 lb.
  • Warranty: no warranty

 More features: exact brew system; customizable; temperature sensor system

Mueller is a German brand that offers reliable appliances. You can choose between multiple brew sizes from six to 12-ounce cups. The brewing process is quick, so the coffee is hot when you take a cup. Additionally, using this coffee maker is simple. All you need to do is to insert a cup and activate the appliance.

The water tank has a 10-cups capacity, which is quite large, especially if you consider the compact design of the machine. The ExactBrew System is a unique feature that helps to make a perfect cup of coffee by regulating water flow and temperature.

When it comes to design, the appliance has a small footprint, and it can fit even in limited countertop spaces.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Modern design
  • Large water reservoir
  • Multiple brew sizes available
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Has no frother
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9316 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
3
Best Brewing Options

Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker

Features
  • Capacity: 10-cup
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 11.99 x 8.75 x 15.04 in.
  • Weight: 3.13 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year

 More features: thermal carafe, programmable, brew type selection including over ice brew, serving size selection, built-in frother

Ninja Coffee Maker gives you total control over the brewing process, which enables you to make the most of it.

You can choose between six brew sizes from a standard cup to a full carafe that fits ten cups. The carafe is made of stainless steel, and it can keep your coffee hot for a couple of hours.

It is the brew selection feature that impressed us. You can pick a classic brew, or go with the “Rich” option if you like the strong taste. “Café Forte” will also allow you to enjoy your coffee to the max, as well as you can go with the “Over Ice” if you prefer your drinks to be cooled.

This Ninja coffee bar with a side mount water reservoir also comes with an integrated frother. It will make foamy milk that is the perfect addition to your coffee. Please note that it won’t heat the milk, though, which means you will need a microwave.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Multiple brewing options and sizes
  • Thermal carafe ensures your coffee stays hot for hours
  • Long-lasting and durable construction
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The frother doesn’t heat the milk
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6131 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
4
The Most Durable Coffee Maker

Capresso MT 900 10-Cup Rapid Brew Coffee Maker

Features
  • Capacity: 10-cup
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 9 x 8.5 x 14 in.
  • Weight: 8 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

 More features: Gold-Tone filter, programmable, auto shut-off, easy to use, fast and convenient

The manufacturer went with the stainless-steel coil heating system to deliver hot coffee every time. You can choose between thermal and glass carafe, but the former is what will keep your coffee warm for longer.

The machine uses the Gold-Tone filter, which means you don’t have to spend money on paper filters. The showerhead design does a great job of coffee extraction and delivers a great taste.

The maximum capacity of the appliance is ten cups per brew. The coffee maker is quite fast, and it can finish the whole process in approximately seven minutes. If you want to speed things up, or don’t need as much coffee, you can pick the small cup setting (three to five cups).

The tank is detachable and easy to fill, but it also looks cool. This unit is programmable, so you can set the time when you want your coffee to be ready. The problem can be that the buttons are not that responsive, and adjusting everything might take some patience. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker since the unit is very durable and reliable.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Brews full 10-cup pot in 7 minutes
  • Durable and long-lasting components
  • Programmable timer and automatic shut-off feature
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • The buttons are not that responsive
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2863 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.1
5
Best Carafe-Free Coffee Maker

Cuisinart Coffee On Demand DCC-3000

Features
  • Capacity: 1-4 cup, 12-cup water tank
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.75 x 14.70 in.
  • Weight: 9 lb.
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

 More features: programmable, easy to clean, Coffee on Demand, BPA-free, self-cleaning function

Cuisinart wanted to take the convenience of a coffee maker with a removable water tank to the next level. That is why they designed a carafe-free unit that can make up to 12 cups of coffee at once. The machine will put all the coffee in the special reservoir, and you can pour one cup of fresh coffee at a time when you need it.

The reservoir does a good job of keeping coffee warm, and it comes with a gauge indicator to monitor how much coffee is still in the tank. The problem is that this gauge is not always accurate, which is why you shouldn’t rely on it that much.

As for the quality of your beverage, this Cuisinart coffee maker uses only ground coffee. The charcoal water filter eliminates contaminants and the taste of tap water, and BPA-free materials ensure that there are no harmful compounds.

You can pick a small-cup setting for up to four cups, as well as program the machine to ensure you have a hot, fresh cup of coffee in the next 24 hours.

    Why is it special?
  • BPA-free materials
  • Charcoal water filter
  • Coffee reservoir will keep your coffee hot for hours
    What are the flaws?
  • The gauge indicator may not be accurate all the time
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7134 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
6
The Smallest Unit Out There

Zojirushi Zutto Coffee Maker EC-DAC50

Features
  • Capacity: 5-cup
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 11 in.
  • Weight: 4.65 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

 More features: replaceable water filter, keep-warm function, measuring spoon and user manual included

Some people like to play with extra features, while others prefer a machine that relies on simplicity. Zojirushi tends to the last category with this drip coffee maker with a removable water reservoir.

The first thing you will notice is the compact size of the product. It will fit virtually anywhere, but it is quite capable for the size. The water reservoir is hidden in the unit, but you can monitor the level with the scale on the side. The tank capacity is enough to provide five cups of coffee.

The product doesn’t have any fancy features. That means you shouldn’t expect brew size or type selection, or a programmable timer. The good news is that the manufacturer added the keep-warm function, which can be quite useful.

It is the quality and taste of coffee that are the selling points of this unit. The charcoal water filter does a great job of purifying water, and it is also long-lasting. The company claims it will last for years.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Small, but capable coffee-making machine
  • Keep-warm function Charcoal water filter
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Doesn’t have a programmable timer or auto shut-off function
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5438 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.9
7
Excellent for Strong Coffee

KitchenAid 12-Cup Coffee Maker KCM1202OB

Features
  • Capacity: 12-cup
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.9 x 13.8 in.
  • Weight: 6.2 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

 More features: programmable, automatic shut-off, brew-strength selector, pause and serve function,1-4 cup mode, cleaning indicator, Gold-Tone filter included

KitchenAid has managed to design a user-friendly coffee maker with a removable water tank. At first glance, you can understand how to operate this machine. The digital display indicates the current time, and all the control buttons are around it.

You can adjust the brew strength, and if you go with the strongest, you will get coffee with an intense taste. The machine uses a permanent Gold-Tone filter, which is very convenient and provides great extraction.

The additional bells and whistles are there too. First of all, you can program the appliance when you want it to brew your coffee in the next 24 hours. Next, during the brewing process, you can pause it to pour a cup, which makes it really convenient since you don’t have to wait until it is over.

The maximum capacity of the glass carafe is 12 cups. Although the carafe looks neat, it tapers towards the top. That means you need to tip it way over to pour the last cup of coffee, and that causes the steam to rise, so be careful not to burn your hand.

    What do we love it for?
  • Can make really strong coffee
  • Easy to control and adjust the settings
  • Large capacity
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Must be careful with carafe while pouring
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6034 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.7
Features
  • Capacity: 12-cup
  • Coffee type: ground coffee
  • Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 14.8 in.
  • Weight: 5.29 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

 More features: automatic pause and serve function, programmable, keep-warm, 2-hour automatic shut-off, 3 brew strength options

If you are looking for a budget-friendly coffee maker brand, you will find it in Hamilton Beach. The manufacturer has been providing affordable products for a long time now, and this machine is no exception.

The base is rotatable, and that is how you access the water tank in the back. The reservoir is spacious, and you can make up to 12 cups of coffee at once. However, beware of overflowing on maximum capacity. Fortunately, you can easily resolve this by making ten instead of 12 cups.

You will find numerous customization options in this coffee maker with a removable water tank. You can pick between three different brew-strength variations, and pour a cup while the brewing process is in progress.

The machine also has a programmable timer, as well as an automatic shut-off feature. The warming plate will keep your coffee hot for a longer period. As for the cleaning process, it is relatively simple and doesn’t take a lot of effort.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Affordable price
  • Generous capacity to make up to 12 cups at once
  • Multiple brewing settings and other functions
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Overflowing might happen on maximum capacity

Things to Consider

What do you want from a coffee maker? The answer is simple – the best coffee taste ever and a simpler preparation process. However, many factors can affect your final buying decision. That is why we are preparing a guide that will tell you more about coffee makers with detachable water tanks. Once you learn every detail about these units, it will be easier to determine, which machine is right for you to ensure that you drink fantastic coffee each time you are using it!

Picking the best coffee maker with a removable water reservoir

8 Best Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs - No More Spills or Mess!You should never buy a coffee maker only because it looks nice. While the design is among the factors to consider, you should keep in mind other features too. In this section, we are focusing on capacity, ways to brew coffee, and other functions that make a particular unit stand out from the competitors. Let’s take a closer look at those characteristics of the coffee makers with detachable water tanks to ensure that they suit your needs.

Capacity

Since we are focusing on coffee makers with removable water tanks, let’s discuss their capacity first. You will find some of them on the backside of the unit, while the others can be on sides. The water reservoir capacity can vary, and largely depends on the unit. Some tanks can only fit enough water for up to four cups of coffee per single brew.

On the other hand, you can consider machines like KitchenAid 12-Cup Coffee Maker that can deliver up to 12 cups per brew. These appliances usually come with a carafe so that you can easily pour fresh coffee.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your preference. If you are the only one drinking coffee, and you are not a passionate drinker, a compact-sized reservoir will do the trick. But if multiple members of your household love freshly brewed coffee, or you have friends coming over frequently, you may want to consider a larger water tank.

Ways to brew coffee

Although you can choose from a wide range of capsules, many users prefer ground coffee. They believe it is the only way of getting an optimal coffee taste and quality. These appliances may be a bit trickier to clean, but it will be worth the effort. Additionally, using ground coffee allows you to try numerous brands to ensure you find the favorite one.

Design

8 Best Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs - No More Spills or Mess!How does your coffee-making machine look like? Is it a coffee maker with a side mount water reservoir, and does it come in your favorite color? Do you prefer classic silver or black units, or you want the other color that fits your kitchen?

Apart from the actual appearance, design may also contribute to the convenience of using the appliance. For example, some coffee makers require using a carafe that holds up to 12 cups at once. Other units, such as Cuisinart Coffee On Demand DCC-3000, can pour a coffee directly into the cup.

Size

If you are living in a small apartment, the chances are you do not have plenty of room on your countertop. That is why you want to consider the footprint of your coffee maker with a removable water tank.

Make sure to compare the measurements of the designated location and the dimensions of the appliance you want to buy. If you want a smaller unit, you can’t go wrong with Zojirushi Zutto Coffee Maker.

Nevertheless, you must think about whether you often brew your coffee to take it to work. If you use travel mugs, you need to ensure they can fit below the spout. Otherwise, the machine will be unusable for travel cups.

Weight

You might prefer getting the lightest coffee maker out there. But how often will you move the machine? The water reservoir is detachable, which means the only time when you might move it is during the cleaning process.

Another factor to consider is that the added weight might result in extra stability. That may keep the unit in place and prevent “walking” while brewing. Ultimately, weight might not be the decisive factor.

Programmable timer and useful functions

8 Best Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs - No More Spills or Mess!It is time to talk all those bells and whistles that a drip coffee maker with a removable water reservoir might have. Take a look at some of the useful features below:

  • Brew strength selection – do you like your coffee intense, or you prefer pouring it over ice? The more adjustments, the better. Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker is a machine that gives you total control over brew strength.
  • Serve size selection – if you like strong coffee, you should select a smaller size, such as six ounces. The option to adjust the desired cup size can be convenient for multiple household members.
  • Pause and serve – if you are making a full carafe, it will probably take 7-15 minutes for the machine to finish the process. But if you find a coffee maker with Pause and Serve feature, such as Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, you can pour yourself cup while brewing is still in progress.
  • Self-cleaning system – it’s not easy to clean a coffee-making machine, but this feature can make it more manageable. Premium-quality appliances like Coffee Optimal Brew have a self-cleaning function added.
  • Keep warm – thanks to this feature, your coffee will remain hot for an hour or two.
  • Automatic shut-off – this function is great for forgetful users. It enables the machine to switch off after a while, or once the brewing process is done.

User-friendliness

8 Best Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs - No More Spills or Mess!Drinking coffee might be one of your favorite things to do during the day, and the brewing process shouldn’t complicate things either. That is why you want to look for an appliance with user-friendly controls.

Many users like when they can adjust the coffee maker to the smallest detail. That is why it is vital for the manufacturer to find and easy and convenient way of controlling numerous functions.

The majority of companies place a digital display with the current time and settings on the screen. The buttons are near the display, and you use them to adjust all the details.

Type of carafe

The carafe is useful when you are preparing many portions of coffee at once. The type of carafe can affect how long your coffee can remain hot and keep all the flavors.

You can choose between glass and stainless-steel carafe. We can’t deny that a glass carafes look nice, but they are prone to breaking and not as efficient in keeping coffee warm.

That is why you will often find carafes with stainless steel design, such as the one used for the Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker. They can hold your coffee hot for up to two hours.

You can also think about using a vacuum-sealed carafe. Since it is airtight, this carafe will ensure your coffee remains fresh and flavorful.

Warranty

It is not that often that a manufacturer gives a generous warranty on coffee-making machines. Some companies may offer a lifetime-limited warranty on defects. But in most cases, the guarantee provided will go anywhere from one to three years. For example, Cuisinart Coffee on Demand DCC-3000 comes with a three-year warranty.

The good news is that coffee makers might last for a long time, regardless of the guarantee you receive. However, you should remember to replace filters and other parts that may have a shorter lifespan than the machine itself.

Prices

8 Best Coffee Makers with Removable Water Reservoirs - No More Spills or Mess!Is price a major factor when considering a coffee maker with a removable water tank? We would say yes, especially because the cost of these units may significantly vary.

For example, if you are looking for a budget pick, Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker can be a great choice. The appliance can do a good job of making coffee, and it even includes extra functions that may suit your needs.

If you want a decent coffee maker, that doesn’t have to cost you more than $100. For example, check the Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew that costs around $60. You will find that this durable appliance comes with extra functions, such as a programmable timer and keep warm feature. The important thing is that the unit has everything that can be useful for you and that it can deliver a good return on your investment.

FAQ

How should I clean the water reservoir?

Although the water tank doesn’t require everyday cleaning, all the other replaceable parts do. If you want to maximize the lifespan of the coffee maker, it is vital to clean it after every use. Since the tank is detachable, remove it and wash it with lukewarm water and soap when needed. Apart from the regular cleaning, you should deep-clean the unit once a month. Fill the tank with water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Activate the brewing process, but only brew halfway, and then stop the machine. Allow it to rest for half an hour and complete the brewing process. Remove the content of the reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with water. Return the component to the machine, and start another brewing process with clean water to rinse the appliance. It is best to use paper filters for each of these two processes. Deep cleaning will make your water reservoir clean, but also will prolong the lifespan of the device.

Can I damage the water reservoir when removing it from the coffee maker?

We are reviewing coffee makers with removable water tanks in this article. That means the reservoirs were designed to be detached. It minimizes the chances of any danger occurring during the process. However, make sure to follow the instructions. Some appliances will require you to rotate the base to access the reservoir. Other units have a release button for simple detaching. The manual will explain the best way of removing the reservoir without damaging it. The tank is probably plastic, but you should pay attention not to hit it on the countertop, or any other surface. Please be careful while washing it, too.

How often do I need to refill my water tank?

That will depend on the coffee maker you choose because water reservoirs can have different capacities. Some machines can only make for a single cup. Others can fit enough water in the tank to deliver up to five cups of coffee. But most appliances are big enough to fill an entire 10-cup or 12-cup carafe. Some machines will come with an indicator of how much water is left in the tank. In some cases, the reservoir will be transparent so that you can monitor the water level yourself. Either way, the frequency of refilling the water reservoir will depend on how quickly it gets empty.

Our verdict

We’ve come to the end of our comparison, and we still haven’t changed our opinion about Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew. It is one of the easiest to use coffee makers out there. The product reduces chlorine and tap water odor and taste with the water filter. It features a programmable delay brew, and it allows you to take the first cup while brewing is in progress.

You may also like the Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine. It brews quickly, and you can adjust coffee strength and choose the appropriate cup size.

Finally, Ninja CM407 Specialty Coffee Maker is a great candidate for the best coffee maker with a removable water reservoir. The product is exceptionally durable, and it features numerous brewing options. Those include “Classic” and “Rich” coffee flavors, as well as “Over Ice” brewing and other settings.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. The best advice we can give you is to consider your requirements and choose a coffee maker accordingly!

9,8
Total Score
Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew - Editor's Choice
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