What kind of coffee maker should i buy

Choose a larger automatic drip machine with a carafe or a self-serve reservoir. If you space out your coffee drinking throughout the day, consider buying a model with an insulated mug or carafe.

These units keep coffee hot and fresh-tasting for hours. But thermal carafes are not perfect. Our testers say they tend to dribble and can sometimes be difficult to handle. For some people, filling the coffee machine and turning it on is too much to handle in the morning. If that sounds like you, consider a unit with programming that can automatically brew each morning.

You set up everything the night before. And for the forgetful who rush out of the house in the morning, an automatic shutoff feature is important. Size and Height Considerations Factor in counter space when choosing your model.

Watch our video below for more details on drip coffee makers, self-serve coffee makers, grind-and-brew coffee makers, and more. See our list of the best drip coffee makers. For single-serve pod coffee makers: Our engineers evaluate the temperature and size consistency of individual cups of coffee, as well as the brewing speed. Then our expert coffee taste tester weighs in.

See our list of the best pod coffee makers. For cold-brew coffee makers: Our engineers judge ease of cleaning, and our expert taste tester evaluates the quality of each brew. See our list of the best cold-brew coffee makers. All three types of coffee makers undergo convenience tests to evaluate how easy it is to set timers, fill the reservoir, and generally use the machine. For the drip and pod models, the Overall Score incorporates brand-level data on predicted reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual survey of CR members.

You'll find several varieties of coffee makers at retail, including manual-drip systems, cold-brew coffee makers, and single-serve pod coffee makers that brew individual cups using ready-to-use pods or packets of coffee. Below are the most common types.

With automatic drip machines you fill a chamber with water, load coffee into a filter basket, and flick a switch to heat the water and run it through the grounds and into the pot. Some models feature built-in coffee grinders for whole beans, while others brew into a self-serve reservoir with a tap for filling multiple mugs. These force water through a small packet, either a hard-shelled capsule also called a pod or a soft packet resembling a tea bag.

Some accept an adapter that takes your favorite loose grounds. Head straight to our coffee machine reviews to compare models. These are the main types of machine that make espresso-style coffee — your starting point for making Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and more:.

See below for the pros and cons of each of these machine types. Filter coffee machines make a longer black coffee by slowly dripping hot water through ground coffee into a jug rather than using pressure like an espresso machine.

If you're after this type of machine see our filter coffee machine buying guide. Watch our video for a quick overview of the different types and what to look for to help you decide.

See our full round-up of the best coffee machines to see the models we recommend. Answer a couple of questions in our quick quiz to find out which type of espresso coffee machine you're most suited to:.

Answer three quick questions to find out which type of coffee machine would suit you best. Capsule or pod coffee machines suit those who are looking for a quick and easy way to make coffee. They tend to be very simple — you insert a capsule, press a button and your drink is dispensed. Most machines can only be used with a specific brand of capsule though, and they can be pricey.

The major brands include Dolce Gusto, Tassimo and Nespresso. Some brands offer non-coffee based options like hot chocolates and teas in their capsule range. Capsules don't tend to be recyclable, so if you want something more environmentally friendly, consider a bean to cup or ground coffee machine.

Ground coffee machines let you prepare and extract the coffee manually, so you have complete control over your drink. Ground coffee tends to be quite cheap, making it an affordable way to get your caffeine fix. Some machines also take ESE pods which are more expensive to buy than ground coffee, but less messy. The manual setup means that ground coffee machines can be complicated to use, so they might take some time to get used to. If an automated machine is more appealing to you, consider opting for a capsule or bean-to-cup machine.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines will give you the freshest coffee possible, as they grind beans from scratch for each drink. Bean-to-cup machines offer less flexibility than ground coffee machines, but many still have customisation options that let you adjust things like the strength and size of drinks to suit personal preference. If you are looking for something cheaper, consider a ground coffee or capsule machine.

Which of the following best describes the type of coffee making experience that most appeals to you? Additionally, you may want to look for special features such as the ability to customize brew strength, advanced scheduling and more. With these factors in mind, the following are some of the best coffee makers you can buy today, as recommended by coffee experts. Sometimes simplicity is best, and two of our experts recommended the budget-friendly Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker as one of their favorite options for a great cup of coffee.

Both commented on the simplicity of its design, as well as the thick paper filters. The filters it uses are a bit heavier and more forgiving, and it delivers a really full-flavored cup. I like being able to taste more nuance and clarity. The Cuisinart Brew Central Stainless Steel Coffee Maker is a reliable drip coffee maker with a large cup carafe, making it a go-to option for those who drink multiple cups of coffee each day.

This highly rated coffee pot is also equipped with a variety of useful features, including hour brew programming, adjustable keep-warm temperature control, adjustable automatic shutoff and a time-to-clean indicator light. It might not be the fanciest machine out there, but the Cuisinart Brew Central gets consistently positive reviews from buyers who love its adjustable features and say it lasts for many years.

If you want one of the absolute best coffee makers, the Technivorm Moccamaster is one of the most highly regarded options available—but it comes with a price tag to match. The brew basket has a switch that you can use to close it all the way I've found this helpful for a short "bloom" or degassing time after the first hit of water , and halfway, if you'd like to slow down the flow of water through the coffee bed.

It can make up to five cups, and it delivers the most well-extracted flavor when you use it to its full capacity.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The 11 Best Coffee Makers in Shop for the best coffee makers on the market for all coffee lovers. By Derek Rose. Derek Rose. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. This model has glowing reviews for its design and the delicious coffee it brews. Best Single Serve:. It can make a wide range of drinks, including drip coffee, espresso, and cappuccinos.

Best Pour Over:. The Chemex is one of the most gorgeous coffee makers ever invented and it brews delicious coffee to boot. Best French Press:. Customers give this French press high scores for durability, easiness to clean, and flavor. Best Pod:. Best Espresso Maker:. Best Specialty Brewer:. The best of both words with a drip coffee system and a manual espresso filter.

Best Splurge:. While it's certainly a splurge, this device is equipped with features you won't find elsewhere. Best Professional:. This cup coffee maker is made like a professional machine but designed for home use. Best Large Capacity:. A welcome guest at parties, the item can be used for coffee, hot cider, mulled wine, and more. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. What to Look for. Why Trust The Spruce Eats? Our Ratings. What We Like Programmable up to 24 hours Adjustable brew strength Temperature control keeps coffee hot.

Cuisinart Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review. What Our Testers Say "An investment in this product will transform your morning cup of coffee routine forever. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker Review. What Our Testers Say "I found that the drip coffee this machine makes is excellent.

What Our Editors Say "I love using my Chemex on slow mornings when I have plenty of time to brew and enjoy the coffee's incredible flavor. The 9 Best Coffee Pod Machines in Breville the Barista Express Review. What Our Testers Say "Its high-quality espresso, customizable settings, and convenient design make it well worth the price. What We Like Takes ground coffee and E. What We Don't Like Possible learning curve for beginners Separate water reservoirs for coffee and espresso.

What Our Testers Say "It's made of several parts that can conveniently be broken down to make it more travel-friendly. Cuisinart Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker. Bunn BT Velocity Brew. Hamilton Beach 45 Cup Coffee Urn. Best Non-Electric:.