Whether you’re brand new to coffee or have found yourself sipping on the brewed drink for years, we can all agree on certain aspects of the coffee world that can be a bit daunting. Like choosing a coffee maker, for example.
Brewing coffee isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Maybe you lead a busy life with a hectic schedule and need a machine that can brew quickly. Or maybe you have a big family and need a coffee maker with a pot big enough to serve everyone in the household. Perhaps you love slow, easy mornings and are searching for a brewer that takes a bit more time.
Wherever you find yourself in life, there is a coffee maker that’s best for you. And because we at Roasty care about you and your brew, we’ve compiled a list of 8 different types of coffee makers to see which ones fit best with your lifestyle.
At a Glance: Best Coffee Makers
So Many Options, So Little Time
Before we get into our picks for the best coffee makers, we feel it’s important for you to understand why so many varying makers exist. Wouldn’t it just be easier if everyone could just use one kind of machine for everything? Of course, it would…but for the sake of high quality and great taste, it just doesn’t work that way.
Certain questions must be considered when searching for a quality brewer, and keeping these in mind will help you choose the best coffee maker for your home use.
Quick Summary: The Best Coffee Makers
 | Our Top Choice NINJA HOT AND COLD BREW SYSTEM |
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 | CUISINART DCC-3200P1 PERFECTEMP |
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 | YAMA GLASS 6-CUP COFFEE/TEA FRENCH PRESS |
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 | BODUM CHAMBORD FRENCH PRESS |
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 | CHEMEX POUR-OVER GLASS COFFEE MAKER |
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 | YAMA GLASS POUR-OVER COFFEE MAKER |
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| No products found. | SBOLY SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKER |
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 | BLACK + DECKER BREW ‘N GO PERSONAL COFFEE MAKER |
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 | KEURIG K-ELITE |
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 | NESPRESSO VERTUOPLUS COFFEE AND ESPRESSO MAKER |
| Check on Amazon → |
How much space will it occupy?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget to consider your space before purchasing a coffee maker.
How much counter space do you have to accommodate your machine? Will it need to be stored in a cabinet between uses? Are you constantly on the go and in need of something easily portable? These questions are important to consider before making a purchase.
How much should it brew?
Knowing how many people your machine will serve and how much coffee they’re likely to drink is perhaps the most important factor in determining what kind of coffee maker you should use.
A single-serve maker might be perfect if you live alone and only need one cup of coffee to kickstart your day, but may not be the best buy for a five-person household, as running the machine five times every morning isn’t exactly the most efficient way to get the job done.
Espresso or coffee?
All espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso. With this slight distinction between the two in mind, it’s important to note that a good coffee maker may not necessarily be able to produce a good shot of espresso, and a machine made for espresso won’t give you the strong cup of drip coffee you crave in the morning.
This is because espresso beans are ground more finely than regular coffee, and these tiny grounds can easily clog any automatic brewer that’s not designed to handle them.
Pod or ground coffee?
We’ve made it clear time and time again that here at Roasty, we prefer the smooth taste of a freshly ground coffee, and maybe you do, too! But for some, popping a pod into a machine and hitting a button is the best fit into their routines.
If you find yourself favoring ease and convenience and find yourself on Team Coffee Pod, you’ll want to choose a coffee maker that’s pod-accessible.
What features are necessary?
Nowadays, coffee makers come with all sorts of impressive features, and while living without these may be a dealbreaker for some, they are just fun add-ons for others.
For example, if you can barely keep your eyes open without caffeine and struggle to prepare a machine for brewing in the morning, you may want to consider looking into a product with an automatic timer you can set the night before. Or if you often find yourself forgetting to turn off appliances before you leave your house, a coffee maker with an auto-off feature may be a good fit.
How much time can I spend on coffee?
While we’re sure many passionate coffee drinkers would love to devote a large portion of their mornings to making coffee, we know that because of life’s many responsibilities, that’s not always possible. So when buying a coffee maker, it’s important to consider how much time each morning you can dedicate to your brew.
If your mornings are easy and packed with spare time, you may want to consider a slower brewing method, like a French press or pour-over. But if your mornings are so hectic that getting out the door on time is often a struggle, you’ll want to opt for some kind of automatic machine with a faster brew time.
How much am I willing to spend?
Is a high price the mark of the best coffee maker? No.
A lot of high-end coffee makers are indeed worth the higher price point, but a lot of simple, cost-effective machines get the job done just as well as those manufactured by the big brands. It’s probably a good idea to compare prices and read up on a machine’s features before you make a purchase so you know that no matter how much you spend, you’re getting the bang for your buck.
A coffee maker isn’t really a one-time expense, either, and the cost of the extras you’ll need to get the most out of your machine — like coffee pods and paper filters — is worth putting some thought into.
Our Top Coffee Makers
Best Drip Maker
We think everyone needs a good drip coffee maker. Just add ground beans to a filter and water to the machine’s reservoir, and in a matter of minutes, you’ll be sipping a good and hot cup of Joe.
Yep. It really is as simple as pushing a button.
Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System
A brewer we absolutely adore is the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew system. We have a full review of this product here, but in case you’re not really feeling like reading, here are the highlights: this dual coffee machine gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to brew both hot and cold coffee.
This system is armed with six brew sizes, ranging from a single cup to a full 50-ounce carafe, so whether you’re just making coffee for yourself or your whole family, you know there will be plenty to go around. There are also five brew settings — classic, rich, over ice, cold brew, or specialty — so this machine can shift just as quickly as your mood and cravings do.
The Ninja has all the bells and whistles, from a fold-away milk frother to separate coffee and tea baskets (to avoid compromising flavor profiles), and if you’re looking for a machine that does everything, this one is for you.
Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp
We know not everyone wants a machine with all the bells and whistles, and that’s okay. If you’re looking for simple at a more affordable price point, we recommend the Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp machine.
This user-friendly machine has a 14-cup glass carafe, and its state-of-the-art thermal technology is designed to keep your coffee hotter longer. Even though it’s a relatively simple and straightforward coffee maker, Cuisinart’s product is equipped with a few customizable features, like a strength control button that offers the choice of a regular or bold brew and 24-hour programmability for those of us who like to wake up to a freshly made full pot.
Best French Press
Though it’s a bit more time consuming than simply adding ground coffee to a drip machine, one of our favorite brewing methods is the classic French press.
Rather than using a paper filter to separate the grounds from the coffee, a French press uses a metal screen to push grounds down to the bottom of a beaker or pitcher. This way, grounds are filtered from the coffee, but all of the natural flavors of your favorite java remain intact, producing a richer and fuller taste.
Yama Glass 6-Cup Coffee/Tea French Press
First up on our list of French presses is the Yama 6-Cup French press. This particular press holds 28 ounces of liquid, so it’s a better option for those who need to serve fewer people.
The carafe is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which is perfect for protecting hands from being burned while still giving you a front row seat to the action. The large chrome handle and sturdy base make pressing great tasting coffee an easier process, which is why we think the Yama press makes a wise choice for a beginner coffee presser.
Bodum Chambord French Press
If you know much about trustworthy brands in the coffee industry, this isn’t the first you’ve heard of Bodum.
Known as the original French press, the Bodum Chambord press is inspired by France’s Chateau de Chambord and is made of chrome-plated stainless steel and heat-resistant, non-stain borosilicate glass that won’t alter any of the coffee’s natural flavors while brewing. The press’s beaker, plunger, and stainless steel filter are all dishwasher-safe, too, so the Bodum Chambord is not only easy to use but also easy to clean.
Best Pour Over
For a simple brewing method that’s sure to produce some of the best tasting coffee you’ve ever had, try the pour-over. Now, learning to brew the perfect pour-over is something that’s going to take a bit of time and practice, but once you master it, you’ll wonder how you ever made it through life without it.
A pour-over gives you the freedom to control the coffee-extraction process as the hot water filters through the grounds, so you decide just how strong the flavors of your beverage are. The process is a lot of fun, and the end result is delicious, too!
CHEMEX Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker
The CHEMEX coffee maker is designed to be aesthetically pleasing enough to be displayed on any kitchen counter, but when chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm introduced the product in 1941, he had functionality in mind as well.
The hourglass-shaped carafe is made of non-porous borosilicate glass and wrapped in a polished wood collar — a feature that not only adds style but also protects fingers from getting burned.
When paired with a gooseneck kettle and thick paper filters, the CHEMEX can be used to brew both hot and cold beverages. And just in case you can’t finish all of your coffee in one sitting, the glass carafe can be covered with a lid; all the rich flavors you enjoyed earlier will remain intact.
Yama Glass Pour-Over Coffee Maker
For the self-claimed baristas who don’t necessarily care much about purchasing the original pour-over coffee maker, we recommend the Yama Glass Pour Over.
This maker’s borosilicate glass is hand-blown, microwave and dishwasher-safe, and designed with a very modern look in mind. Unlike the CHEMEX, the Yama is equipped with a handle and a reusable stainless steel filter, so you can make your morning mug of Joe without worrying about burning your hand and with minimal waste.
Best Single Serve Coffee Maker
We know what you may be thinking: I don’t necessarily need a large 12 or 14-cup carafe.
We hear you, and we understand. Some may live in small spaces, like dorm rooms or studio apartments, and have minimal counter space to spare, and others may be the only coffee drinkers in their homes. And it’s for those Roasty readers that we decided to share our favorite single-serve drip machines on the market.
Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker
No products found.
Running late? The Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker can brew your beloved morning pick-me-up in just three minutes, so you’ll be on time with a quality cup of coffee in hand. And no need to worry about hitting the off button before you go; the Sboly coffee maker shuts off as soon as your drink is ready.
Sboly’s little brewer is a perfect choice for those who need something that won’t take up too much space; at just 12 inches tall, this machine is compact enough to fit in a cabinet space or into a corner of your counter when not in use.
This machine is also a 2-in-1 brewer, so you can choose to go the traditional route with coffee grounds or opt for convenience with a coffee pod.
Black + Decker Brew ‘N Go Personal Coffee Maker
Black + Decker makes more than just your dad’s favorite tools. The American manufacturer has also made a name for themselves in the world of small kitchen appliances, including the Brew ‘N Go Personal Coffee Maker.
This machine was obviously created with the frequent traveler in mind, and its matching travel mug definitely shows that. But this little coffee maker works for the homebody, too; just add your favorite ground beans to the permanent grounds filter — that’s right; no need for paper filters here! — and activate the one-touch operation system, and your drink will be ready in minutes.
Best Pod Machine
Aren’t pod machines and single-serve brewers the same thing? Not exactly. Unless it’s specified as otherwise, a regular single-serve machine is just a small drip coffee maker and uses loose coffee grounds and a filter. A pod machine, on the other hand, is a single-serve maker that brews pre-packaged pods of ground coffee.
The flavor of coffee brewed from a pod isn’t always the strongest or richest, so we tend to choose other brewing methods over pod coffee machines, but if convenience is your number one priority, these coffee makers just might do the trick for you.
Keurig K-Elite
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
The newest Keurig single serve coffee maker, the Keurig K-Elite brewer blends a premium finish and programmable features to deliver both modern design and the ultimate in beverage customization.
Keurig is undoubtedly the king of convenient coffee, so it should be no surprise that one of the company’s coffee machines made it onto our list.
The K-Elite only serves one cup at a time but gives you the freedom to choose between a 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-ounce cup of a hot or iced coffee. The 75-ounce water tank is removable, so refilling it for brewing is easy, and only has to be done every 8 cups or so.
The biggest downside to this and any other Keurig brewer is that it’s only compatible with K-cup coffee pods, so your coffee selection may be a bit limited, but since K-cups are now available in hundreds of flavors and brands, the odds of you finding a coffee you truly enjoy are pretty high.
Itching to know more? Check out our full review of the K-Elite here!
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker
With a Nespresso VertuoPlus and a bit of practice, you’ll be crafting espresso drinks so delicious they rival those of your local coffee shop. That’s right — this machine not only brews regular coffee but espresso, too, so whichever of the two you’re in the mood for, you can brew a great cup in a few short moments.
This machine is made to be versatile, even more so than other Nespresso models, offering a variety of coffee beverages in a variety of sizes. And while it isn’t built into the machine, a matching milk frother is available for sale separately.
Just as with Keurig, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is only compatible with a specific type of pod — those from the Nespresso VertuoLine — so, as we mentioned before, be prepared for a seriously limited coffee selection should you go with this machine.
Best Dual Machine
A combination of the standard drip coffee machine and the single-serve coffee maker, the dual coffee maker truly gives you the best of both worlds. These machines were created for those of us who need our coffee makers to rise to the occasion, whatever it may be, and no matter how much coffee it requires.
Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is a customer favorite in the dual machine world right now, and when you take a closer look at what this 12-cup carafe and single-serve couple have to offer, it’s easy to understand why.
The first thing coffee fanatics need to know is that this machine brews both ground coffee and K-cup pods, which is great news if you’re searching for a nearly unlimited coffee selection. And the second thing you need to know about this user-friendly 2-in-1 brewer is that it has two automatic brewing options and two separate water reservoirs, guaranteeing maximum versatility.
If you’re still not quite sold on why the FlexBrew is worth considering, check out our full review here. Trust us, you’ll love it.
Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center
Another frontrunner in the dual machine market is the Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center. There’s not much this little machine can’t do!
This coffee maker features a fully automatic drip machine with a 10-cup thermal carafe on one side and a one cup coffee maker on the other. The drip machine half has a 24-hour brew start, self-clean feature, and a brew pause setting that lets you pour a cup of Joe before the carafe is full. The single-serve half, on the other hand, is compatible with any single cup pod brand, including the ever-popular K-cup, and includes a reusable filter cup so you can use your own grounds.
Best Versatile Brewer
Maybe you’re looking to go all-in on a machine right away and want something that truly does it all. And if that’s the case, we’ve got just the coffee maker for you.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
Meet the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, a.k.a., your new favorite home appliance. This machine manages to be sleek and stylish while being sturdy and dependable, and trust us when we say it’s everything any serious coffee drinker ever needed.
This coffee maker’s offerings include 6 brew sizes ranging from a single cup to a full carafe, 4 different brew types, and a built-in fold-away milk frother, so no matter what you crave, whether it’s a simple cup of drip coffee or a strong coffeehouse-style beverage, this machine will get the job done well.
The large water reservoir on the side of this machine holds up to 50 ounces of water and a permanent filter, so there’s no need to add water every day or stock up on paper filters, saving you a few valuable moments in the morning and a couple of extra dollars in the long run.
We know the Ninja’s specialty brewer is a machine you can trust because has the Specialty Coffee Association’s seal of approval, having received the Golden Cup Standard of Brewing Award.
Best Cold Brew Maker
Most of the time, nothing quite hits the spot like a piping hot cup of coffee in the morning, but in the middle of the sweltering summer months, we know a hot beverage is probably the last thing you want. How do you cool down without sacrificing the caffeine boost? Easy — that’s where cold brewed coffee comes in!
But there’s no need to stand in a long line at the coffee shop; you can make a solid cup of cold brew from the comfort of your own home. Can’t you just pour your hot brew over ice? Well…you could, but that wouldn’t quite be cold brew. Cold brew never comes in contact with hot water; the coarse grounds are steeped over cold or room temperature water instead. Generally, this strong, flavor-filled coffee needs to steep for 12 to 24 hours, but we promise, it’s a treat that’s well worth the wait.
Filtron Cold Coffee Concentrate Brewer
The Filtron Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate brewing system makes our list because this kit includes everything you could possibly need to produce a rich, lower acidity brew.
This brewing system includes coffee and water bowls, a felt pad and plastic storage container, rubber stopper, grounds guard, decanter, and 2 paper liners, so the only things you’ll need to provide are water, your favorite ground coffee, and a taste for a flavor-filled cold brew.
And if you happen to tire of drinking cold brew coffee (we seriously doubt you will), the coffee concentrate brewed with this system will last in your fridge for a couple of weeks, so you can save your chilly drink for another day.
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew maker is small enough to fit in an apartment or dorm room space while managing to brew great coffee with big flavor.
This machine boasts a perforated rainmaker top that evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds, a brew release switch to give you control over starting and stopping the filtration process, and a BPA-free borosilicate vessel to hold the coffee concentrate once it’s been brewed.
The glass carafe also comes with a matching stopper to keep your coffee concentrate fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. And when you’re done using it, this little device can be disassembled for easy cleanup and space-saving storage.
Wrapping Up
The world of coffee makers and accessories is vast, but we hope to share a few of our favorites with you makes your research and buying experience as smooth as a good cup of specialty coffee.
Whether your coffee preferences are totally basic or kind of complicated, know there is a machine out there that’s capable of meeting your needs; you’ll just need to do a bit of digging to find it.
Happy Caffeinating!
