Dreaming of black coffee and cherry pie? You’re not alone. Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks enjoyed his coffee this way. Thanks to the recent revival of the show, the caffeine-and-pie combo is having a moment. The fans have been flocking to Twin Peaks-themed pop-ups to get their hands on a cup of “Dale Cooper coffee” — and we don’t blame them. The drink sounds delicious. Not lucky enough to live near a Twin Peaks pop-up? Don’t worry. You can still make the Dale Cooper coffee at home. All you need is a high-ended coffee maker.
We’ve researched 34 models and compiled a list of the 15 best coffee makers. The Editor’s Choice won the BUNN Heat N Brew Programmable Coffee Maker, which Agent Cooper would approve. Mostly you’ll find carafe-styled machines to make a full pot of coffee, but there are also a few pod machines for those who prefer single cups.
More features: programmable brew start time; auto warmer plate; drip-free carafe; travel mug or carafe brew volume
The BUNN Heat N Brew Programmable Coffee Maker is a carafe coffee machine that promises a strong and quick coffee fix. It has a sturdy stainless-steel exterior and a glass carafe, with a whopping 10-cup capacity! The dimensions of this coffee maker are 9.7 x 8.7 x 16.3 inches, so it will make for a great statement appliance in your kitchen, without taking up too much space. This programmable coffee maker by BUNN Heat N Brew uses pre-ground coffee beans, delivering maximum extraction and strength! You get a 3-year warranty, making it a safe purchase.
This new coffee maker differs from previous models in one notable aspect. It has a digital clock and display! This means that you can automatically brew your coffee any time, while the screen displays every step of brewing your coffee goes through. This is an excellent addition because you can monitor your coffee easily and the displays are also easy to read, making it a highly user-friendly machine, unlike other coffee makers.
More features: double-wall vacuum insulated thermal carafe; single-serve capability; cleaning mode; meets the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup standard
The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker one of the best coffee makers at an affordable price. It is a two-in-one single-serve and carafe machine that comes with a thermal carafe for temperature maintenance. This coffee machine has a capacity of 8 cups, preparing coffee for the whole family at once! It uses pre-ground coffee that is easy to find and convenient. The 13.5 x 10.5 x 7-inch dimensions of this coffee maker make it very sleek and compact, saving space and reducing clutter in your kitchen. You receive a 2-year warranty with this coffee machine.
The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker does something that most high-performance drip coffee makers do, but at an excellent price value. It allows you to customize flavors to serve as many coffee drinkers as it can. It also meets the SCA certification for gold standard coffee, with a superior brew precision that enables an optima water temperature and manages brew cycles. The design of this coffee machine is aesthetically appealing, convenient and high-functioning, with a heating unit and water tank. It also features a removable well cover that assists short mugs to avoid spills and provides plenty of room for taller mugs to avoid spills.
More features: 6 brew sizes; fold-away frother; Ninja Smart Scoop included; Gold-tone permanent filter; comes with recipe guide
The Ninja CM40110-Cup Specialty Coffee Maker is a very versatile coffee maker that provides a range of brewing styles for all kinds of coffee drinkers. This is yet another stainless-steel model that will be a great addition to your sleek countertop appliance range. This coffee maker includes a glass carafe with a 10-cup capacity, as well as a single serve option. Like most top-of-the-line coffee makers, this one also uses pre-ground coffee. It is a slightly chunky model, with 11.99 x 8.75 x 15.04-inch dimensions. You get a year-long warranty with this model.
This model differs from other coffee makers by Ninja in its price range. What makes this model special is that it delivers superior results and has multiple options to choose from, all at a very affordable price! Moreover, it is smaller and less wide compared to other models, like the Hot and Cold, giving you a little more countertop space. Another distinguishing feature of this coffee maker is the iced coffee option that lets you brew over ice for a creamy cup of iced coffee. The gold tone permanent filter saves you from changing filters all the time!
More features: 60 oz. removable water reservoir; programmable start and shut off; self clean
The Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand is perhaps the most convenient coffee maker for those who live alone and have a busy schedule. This single serve coffee maker is programmable, so you can set it beforehand and get your coffee fix immediately. The brewing capacity is one to four cups at a time, so you can easily prepare coffee when you have friends over. It uses pre-ground beans. The 11.25 x 8.75 x 14.7-inch dimensions make it very compact, so you can also store it inside cabinets. The 3-year warranty speaks for the quality of this machine.
An outstanding feature of this coffee machine is its excellent brew quality and brewing time. It delivers a consistent taste every time and prepares your coffee within 10 minutes! This coffee maker, with its compact design, quick brewing and single serving option is the perfect choice for students and workaholics.
More features: digital controls; 2-hour auto shut-off; Sneak-a-Cup feature
The Black+Decker CM1160 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is an excellent digital coffee maker. It has a plastic body and a glass and plastic carafe, with a 12-cup capacity. This machine expertly brews rich coffee, using pre-ground coffee beans. It is a medium sized coffee machine, with a size of 8.25 x 12.25 x 11 inches. The 2-year warranty makes it a good investment.
The quick touch digital controls and programming features make this coffee machine a convenient and user-friendly pick. It stands out from other coffee machines, with its Sneak-a-Cup feature that lets you pause the flow and get a quick cup of coffee while the rest brews. This feature saves time by allowing you a quick fix and reducing spills, therefore cleanup time as well.
More features: one-touch operation; fits most travel mugs
The Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker provides excellent value for money, with its quick brewing and compact body and easy usage. The plastic construction makes it lightweight and easy to relocate. This single serve coffee maker has a 14 oz. capacity making it perfect for those who live alone. One unique thing about this model is that it uses both pre-ground beans, as well as k-cup pods, offering versatility. The dimensions of 13 x 6 x 4.25 inches are perfect to avoid clutter and reduce storage space. This single serving coffee maker comes with a year-long warranty.
One prominent feature that sets this coffee maker apart from others is its instant coffee brewing features, with a super-fast functioning technology that brews coffee within 30 seconds. This makes it perfect for people who are always in a rush. Another unique feature is the use of k-cups. Regular sized and even reusable k-cups easily fit into this coffee maker!
More features: smart programmable coffee maker compatible with Alexa Voice; cleaning cycle reminder; auto shut-off
The Hamilton Beach Alexa Enabled Smart Coffee Maker is a coffee maker that will make your life simpler! It is a carafe style coffee maker that comes with a 12-cup capacity, brewing several cups at once. You can use pre-ground coffee beans. The dimensions of 7.95 x 13.25 x 13.9 in make this coffee maker slightly chunky but not too big.
This coffee maker is one of the most unique machines for coffee that allows you to control your coffee maker without even being in the room. You can add your coffee maker to the list of smart technology you have at home because this coffee maker starts brewing your coffee at a single voice command to Alexa. You can also use the Alexa app to control your coffee maker from miles away. You can activate the coffee maker from your car and come home to a steaming cup of coffee!
More features: 3 different flow rates; 6 automatic presets; customizable; Gold Cup Standard; Thermocoil Heating System
The Breville BDC450BSS Precision Brewer is a very high functioning and versatile drip coffee maker. It comes with a thermal carafe that has a moderate 60 oz. capacity. You can use easily found pre-ground coffee with this machine. The dimensions of 14 x 9 x 16 in are quite large, making it a space consuming coffee maker. You get a two-year warranty with this coffee maker.
It is called the precision brewer because it offers precise control over the brew time and temperature. This, along with the 6 brewing modes that include Gold, Fast, Strong, Iced, Cold Brew and My Brew allow greater customization and control over your coffee! These excellent features, along with a SCA certification enable you to enjoy specialty coffee that meets the gold cup standards at home! The patented Sleep and Release mode allows you to brew small cup volumes as well.
More features: built-in grinder; LCD display; AutoRinse feature
The Cuisinart DGB-850 Fully Burr Thermal Grind & Brew Automatic Coffee Maker features a thermal carafe that has a 10-cup capacity. You can however choose to brew 4 cups at once or get a 12-cup capacity carafe. Unlike most coffee machines that use pre-ground coffee, this coffee maker uses coffee beans to brew a tasteful mug of steaming hot coffee. It is a moderately sized model, with dimensions of 10.75 x 14.25 x 19.25 in. that can easily find space in your kitchen. It comes with a 3-year warranty.
This coffee machine is better than other models because it has an upgrade feature. The built-in grinder enables this coffee maker to use whole beans. The coffee grounds are directly dispensed, with an auto-rinse function that directs all grounds evenly into the brew basket. The burr grinder also enables a uniform consistency, making rich and tasteful coffee each time.
More features: 2 separate water reservoirs; Easy-Touch programmable; Auto Pause & Pour; hot plate; auto shut-off
The Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is a fairly compact coffee maker that uses both pre-ground coffee and k-cup pods. It is a two-in-one single serve and carafe model, with a plastic carafe that can hold up to 12 cups of coffee and a separate section for single serve that accommodates coffee cups and taller travel mugs as well. The dimensions of 11.4 x 12.2 x 13.7 in make it a large sized coffee maker, but the range of options it provides makes up for the space it takes. It comes with a year-long warranty.
This coffee maker has two separate water reservoirs for brewing carafe and single serve and the single serve section also uses k-pods. The superior design has a pod holder and ground basket that makes handling easier. The three different brewing options are an upgrade that we all didn’t know we needed.
More features: 304 stainless steel; double-wall insulated body; 4-level filtration system; dishwasher-safe
The Mueller French Press Coffee Maker is a manually functioned coffee maker. Many people find it difficult to master the perfect French press and end up paying way too much money to get a good French press. This machine will make your life easier, by delivering a strong and rich French press coffee consistently. It is a very small and user-friendly machine, with dimensions of 8.25 x 7.05 x 4.17 inches. It has a 32 oz. capacity and uses pre-ground coffee for extraction. The 304 stainless steel construction and double-wall-insulated body makes this coffee maker very sturdy and helps keep your coffee hot for extended hours! The Mueller French Press Coffee Maker comes with a 2-year warranty.
There are many ways to hack a French press, however ages of trial and error still result in subpar results. This coffee maker is expertly designed, with a triple layered filter that blocks sediment and delivers a rich, full-bodied brew! It is also different from other coffee makers we have seen because it is travel-friendly! You can take it along on camping trips and enjoy a fresh cup of strong French press on the go!
More features: BPA-free Tritan pitcher; non-slip silicone handle
The TAKEYA Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is yet another easy to use and portable coffee maker that lets you have your coffee fix on the go! This is a very compact coffee maker, with dimensions of 5 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches. It is a cold brew style coffee maker, with a maximum capacity of 34 ounces or 4 cups. The Tritan pitcher is constructed with durable BPA-free plastic and comes with an airtight lid that keeps your coffee fresh. It uses pre-ground coffee and comes with a year-long warranty.
This coffee maker promises a cold brew that is smoother, richer and less acidic than traditional brewing, offering a consistent and rich taste each time.
More features: non-porous Borosilicate glass
The Chemex Classic Series Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker is a manual coffee maker. Pour over is one of the hardest coffees to master and most people give up and buy an expensive automatic pour over coffee machine. However, this pour over coffee maker helps you manually prepare a strong cup of steaming coffee. It has a whopping capacity of 10 cups and uses pre-ground coffee. The dimensions of 9.25 x 5.12 x 5.12 inches make it a fairly large sized manual coffee maker.
The non-porous Borosilicate glass is of high quality. It is expertly designed to absorb any residue chemicals and odors, helping you maintain it easily. It has a patented design that delivers flavorful coffee and can be refrigerated and reheated without losing any flavor.
More features: 52 oz. removable water reservoir; accommodates up to 7.4-inch-tall mugs; simple button controls
The Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker is a very convenient and easy to use capsule coffee machine. It uses k-cup pods and prepares single serving cups. The plastic construction makes it very lightweight, and the dimensions of 12.5 x 11.6 x 9.2 inches also reduce footprint. It can prepare one 6 oz. or 12 oz. cup coffee at once. This coffee maker comes with a 1-year warranty.
The strong and intense coffee brewing makes this machine better than other capsule style coffee makers. The quiet brewing technology also makes it superior because loud brewing noise in the morning can be quite annoying.
More features: drip-free spout; stay-cool bottom; stainless-steel body; stay-warm mode; boil-dry protection; detachable cord
The Gastrorag 4 Cup Electric Coffee Percolator is one of the toughest coffee makers you can get. With a premium quality stainless steel construction, this electric percolator is very sturdy and durable. This is a compact coffee maker, with the size of 9 x 9.4 x 6.2 inches and a good 4-cup capacity. It uses easily sourced pre-ground coffee. The year-long warranty speaks for its quality.
It has a superior taste because there are no plastic elements which can affect the flavors of your coffee. The stainless-steel filter chamber sets it apart from other machines because you don’t require a paper filter. It is an extremely functional design, precisely constructed for safety. It comes with a detachable cord that makes it portable and easy to store.
In today’s fast paced lifestyle, coffee has become a necessity. Most people find it difficult to start their day without a cup of coffee and the way to get your coffee fix on time every morning is by investing in a good coffee maker. Buying a coffee maker is an investment, so it is important to survey the market carefully and find a machine that suits your unique needs.
Coffee machines can be classified into several categories. One way to classify them is into manual or automatic. Our list contains the best automatic coffee makers for different kinds of coffee drinking requirements. You can also classify them based on the method of coffee brewing they are compatible with, such as espresso, drip, and pour-over. Moreover, coffee machines can come in a carafe style, with glass, thermal and plastic carafes being the most common, or French press, cold brew, and single-serve styles. These types determine the range of activities and type of brew your coffee maker is capable of.
Read more about various coffee maker types and their advantages in the compilations below:
Before you invest in a coffee maker, there are certain defining features that are important to consider. These features include the brewing capacity of the machine, the convenience and ease of use, how long-lasting the machine is, and the size of the machine. You can also look at the special extra features that offer a great deal of options to explore.
One of the main things that you will notice in the specifications of a coffee maker is the capacity. This means the capacity of the carafe. Most carafe-style coffee makers can brew more than a cup of coffee at once, so to check how many cups of coffee you can brew at once, carefully check the carafe capacity. Other single-serve models can also have a capacity of more than one cup, whereby a coffee dispenser holds extra brew for refills. Cuisinart DCC-3000 Coffee-on-Demand is one such example. There are some 2-in-1 coffee makers, like Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker that feature both single-serve and carafe, having interchangeable capacity.
It is notorious for coffee makers to be complicated. If you have ever worked as a barista, you would know how long it takes to get acquainted with the coffee machines. You wouldn’t want to do a crash course on your coffee maker just to be able to operate it, so finding a model that is user-friendly and easy to use is very important. There are some features that translate into ease of use such as simple digital and button controls in the Black+Decker CM1160 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. An LCD screen display also makes things quite easy to monitor. Moreover, programmable coffee makers are very convenient because you can pre-set routines and have your coffee ready in time.
Automation does not always mean ease of use, so make sure you don’t confuse the two.
The size is important to consider because you need space to keep your coffee maker. Not everyone has enough countertop space in their kitchens to accommodate an industrial-sized coffee maker. You can get smaller models that are single serving or a compact coffee maker that has more capacity. Other larger coffee makers are more suitable for those who either need a carafe style coffee maker that is high capacity or have storage space in their kitchen for a statement countertop coffee maker. In general, size is an important consideration if you want to avoid clutter in your kitchen.
Safety is extremely important, especially with electrical appliances that are more prone to hazards. One safety option that most coffee makers have is an automatic shut-off feature that automatically turns off the coffee machine within one or two hours. Other models like the Hamilton Beach Alexa Enabled Smart Coffee Maker, which is a smart machine that you control from your smartphone from miles away. It lets you check whether your coffee maker is on and allows you to turn it off.
Durability comes with construction. Most models that are constructed with stainless steel are bound to last for long. Plastic coffee makers are also reliable but more prone to breakage and damages than steel ones. The carafe is another component that can break easily. You should be more careful with glass carafes. Thermal carafes keep your coffee warm for longer, without it tasting burnt, and they aren’t delicate like glass ones.
Extra features can include a range of things that make a coffee machine unique and give users additional options to customize and control their beverages. These features can include automation, digital control, multiple brewing modes and temperatures, and even smart control options. Some examples of extra features can include a hot plate to keep coffee in a glass carafe warm, a self-cleaning or built-in filter that reduces maintenance, and even drip-free pouring to reduce spills.
There are different coffee makers for different purposes, such as industrial and commercial grade coffee makers that are larger and include extra functions to cater to a wide range of coffee drinkers. You can get a large-sized coffee maker for your home if you like to have multiple options and fancy appliances in your home; however, smaller models like the Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker are more suitable for office use.
Some coffee makers are portable and can be used while traveling as well, such as the TAKEYA Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker that is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.
Check out the articles below for more information about picking coffee makers depending on your specific purpose:
You cannot invest in a coffee maker before checking out all the options you have in different price ranges. Smart shopping always includes keeping a budget and finding the best option within that range. Our list includes coffee makers that fall into both affordable as well as expensive categories. If you have a limited budget, you can still get a coffee maker that brews excellent coffee and also offers some amazing extra features, like the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker. Larger models and those that are highly digitized are usually more expensive than others.
When you are spending your hard-earned money on a coffee maker, you will want it to last. Investing in considerably expensive appliances without getting a warranty for them would be foolish. Most coffee makers come with a year to 3-year warranty. The warranty is also important to check because it acts as the manufacturer’s guarantee and trust in their product. You can get your money back or get your coffee maker fixed for free if it malfunctions or gets damaged within the warranty time period.
The coffee industry is filled with several competing brands. This makes it difficult to choose a coffee maker because you don’t know which ones are reliable. The best way to check is the ones that have an SCA certification. However, there are some great coffee maker brands that don’t have an SCAA certificate. Cuisinart, Ninja, Black+Decker, Breville, and BUNN are some of the top leading coffee brands in the business.
It is very important to clean and maintain your coffee maker the right way if you want it to last longer. Like any expensive long-term investment, coffee makers last for quite a while if kept and cleaned properly. The most important thing to do is wash the carafe after use to avoid build-up, change the filter often, unless it is a permanent one, in which case you need to clean it after every use.
Even self-cleaning coffee machines require maintenance, so be careful to properly wipe down and clean your coffee maker.
Learn more about keeping your coffee maker in good condition, as well as other useful tips and interesting facts:
Our top favorite three coffee makers that win the show include BUNN Heat N Brew Programmable Coffee Maker, OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker, and Ninja CM40110-Cup Specialty Coffee Maker. The one from BUNN is our most favorite because it is an all-rounder, with automation, style, versatility and consistent taste. OXO is a very reputable brand, and we like this model because it does what all other good coffee makers do, but at an affordable price. Lastly, the Ninja CM40110 is SCAA certified, with a gold-tone permanent filter, six different brewing styles and a froth feature that makes it a one-of-a-kind coffee maker. Our list of the best coffee makers has something for everyone, so take your pick!
