9 Best Coffee Makers for Home (2023 Reviews)
A coffee maker can refer to any of the wide range of machines used to brew coffee. The type of coffee maker you use will determine the style of coffee you get, including everything from espresso to drip coffee or cold brew.
By using the best coffee maker at home, you can have fresher tasting coffee, customise your drink to your exact taste, and save money on cafe drinks.
At A Glance:
- OUR TOP PICK: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT
- FOR ESPRESSO: Sage BES840XL Infuser
- MANUAL BREWING: Kalita Wave
The Best Coffee Makers in 2023
The best coffee makers are hard to knock down from all the available options. But we hope this list gives you a good idea of the variety available for home machines. Here are our picks for the best models of the main types of coffee makers, along with their brewing capacity, ease of use, and their main advantages.
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Technivorm Moccamaster KBT |
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Sage Precision Brewer |
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Sage BES840XL Infuser |
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Nespresso Pixie |
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Kalita Wave |
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Oxo Good Grips Brewer |
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Frieling Stainless Steel French Press |
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Aeropress Coffee Maker |
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Bialetti Moka Express |
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1. Technivorm Moccamaster KBT – Best Overall
Type of machine: Drip
- Dimensions: 16.1 x 13 x 6.7 inches
- Capacity: 10 cups
- Brews with: Ground coffee
The Moccamaster KBT is an automatic drip coffee machine that can make up to 10 cups of coffee at once. Technivorm, a Dutch brand specialising in premium hand-assembled drip coffee makers, produces this coffee beauty. The Moccamaster KBT features a stainless steel casing, plastic water reservoir, plastic filter basket, and a stainless steel thermal carafe. Thermal coffee makers like this one are designed to keep your coffee hot longer than glass carafes.
Technivorm Moccamaster is very easy to use, like most drip coffee machines. Fill the water reservoir, add coffee grounds to the filter basket, and switch the machine on. The machine will switch off once the brew cycle is complete. You can opt to brew a half carafe by adjusting the setting on the brew basket.
The advantages of the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT coffee maker are its durability and ability to make the best-tasting coffee. It features a copper boiling element for fast heating and pulse brewing for better extraction. The Moccamaster KBT is an SCAA-certified coffee machine, which means it uses the brewing temperature, ratio, and brew time required by the Specialty Coffee Association Golden Cup recommendations.
The downsides to the Moccamaster KBT are that it’s more expensive than most popular coffee makers and takes up more counter space. The Technivorm Moccamaster retails at about $359.
For more details, read our Technivorm Moccamaster review.
2. Sage Precision Brewer – Best Drip Coffee Maker
Type of machine: Drip
- Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 16 inches
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Brews with: Ground coffee
The Sage Precision Brewer is an automatic drip coffee machine with a 12-cup capacity. Sage is the EU brand name of Breville, an Australian brand known for user-friendly kitchen appliances with integrated technology, has manufactured this machine. Sage Precision Brewer has a brushed stainless steel casing, a tough plastic water reservoir, and a stainless steel thermal carafe. There is also the option of a model with a glass carafe.
The Sage Precision Brewer 12-cup coffee maker is easy to use thanks to the intuitive controls, but it does have more settings to adjust than other drip coffee machines. The easiest method is to select one of the presets (Gold Cup, Fast, Strong Brew, Ice Coffee, Cold Brew, My Brew), then press start. You can also adjust the bloom time, water temperature, and flow rate for more customisation. It
This programmable coffee maker has many advantages, including the large capacity coffee pot, PID water temperature control, the level of customisation, choice of flat or cone filter baskets, and the ability to brew to SCA Golden Cup Standards. As well as making drip coffee, the Sage Precision Brewer can make cold brew coffee and brew iced coffee.
The downsides to the Sage Precision Brewer are the high price and the more complex settings. The Sage Precision Brewer retail price starts at $352. You can learn more about this machine in our Sage Precision Brewer review.
3. Sage BES840XL Infuser – Best Espresso Machine
Type of machine: Espresso machine
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 13.7 x 13.3 inches
- Capacity: 61oz
- Brews with: Ground coffee
Sage Infuser is a semi-automatic espresso machine with a 61 oz water reservoir. Sage manufactures it. The majority of this machine is made from stainless steel and aluminium. Still, there is some plastic on the water reservoir and the bottom of the portafilter. All plastic parts are BPA-free.
Sage Infuser requires some skill and experience to use. This is because it’s a semi-automatic machine with a manual milk frother. You need to grind your beans separately, then fill, tamp and insert the portafilter. Press either the 1 shot or 2 shot button to start the extraction. The machine will automatically stop after the preset volume has been extracted. Milk frothing is done manually by operating the dial on the side of the machine.
The advantages of the Sage Infuser espresso machine are:
- The preinfusion feature.
- PID temperature control.
- Programmable shot volume.
- High-pressure steam wand with auto-purge.
The pressure gauge on the front panel helps you monitor the ideal pressure for preinfusion and extraction.
The downsides to the Sage Infuser are the learning curve required to use the machine and the limitations of a single boiler. The Sage Infuser retails at approximately $568.
4. Nespresso Pixie – Best Single Serve Coffee Maker
Types of machine: Single Serve
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 12.8 x 9.6 inches
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Brews with: Nespresso capsules
Nespresso Pixie is a single-serve (pod) machine with a 24 oz water reservoir. Pixie machine is designed by Nespresso but is manufactured and sold by both Sage and De’Longhi. There may be some design differences between these two, but the brewing mechanisms are identical. Nespresso Pixie is made of predominantly plastic but features aluminium siding.
The Pixie is straightforward to use. You insert a Nespresso capsule to make coffee, then press the single-shot or lungo button. The espresso button is preset for 1.35oz, while the lungo button is set for 3.7oz, but you can adjust these volumes. The machine will automatically switch off after 9 minutes.
The advantages of the Nespresso Pixie are its ease of use, compact size, and fast start-up time. It’s ready to brew within 25 seconds of switching on the machine. The ability to program shot volume also gives you some control over the strength of your coffee.
There aren’t any downsides to the Nespresso Pixie, but it doesn’t include a way to heat or froth milk, so it’s not suitable for someone who wants cafe-style drinks such as lattes or cappuccinos. The Nespresso Pixie is priced at $199 for De’Longhi models or $220 for Sage models.
5. Kalita Wave – Best Pour Over
Type of machine: Pour over
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches (4 cup model)
- Capacity: 2 cups, 4 cups
- Brews with: Ground coffee
Kalita Wave is a manual pour-over brewer. Kalita Wave is available in 1-2 cups or 2-4 cups. Kalita, a Japanese brand specialising in manual drip brewers, manufactures the Kalita Wave. This coffee maker is available in glass, ceramic, copper, or stainless steel. The glass models feature a lass dripper cone with a plastic brim.
Kalita Wave is considered to be much easier to use than other pour-over brewers. To make a coffee, you need to place a paper filter in the brewer and add freshly ground coffee. With the brewer sitting over a cup, slowly pour water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion. Total brew time will be approximately 3 minutes.
The main advantage of the Kalita Wave is that it’s much more forgiving than other popular pour over coffee drippers, and, therefore, easier to get a good cup of coffee. The wave design helps to slow down the water flow to the ideal rate needed for brewing. The flat-bottom filter with three holes reduces channeling and creates a more even extraction.
The downside to the Kalita Wave is that it doesn’t give you as much control over the brew as some drip brewers. It’s also limited to use with Kalita brand filters, which are not as cheap or as readily available as standard filters. The price of the Kalita Wave starts at approximately $24 for a glass 1-2 cup model. Read our Kalita Wave review to learn more. Or, watch Home Grounds’ video review below.
6. Oxo Good Grips Brewer – Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Type of machine: Cold brew
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.7 inches
- Capacity: 32 oz
- Brews with: Ground coffee
Oxo Good Grips Brewer is a cold brew coffee maker with a 32 oz capacity. Good Grips Brewer’s brewing process is automated, but it’s a non-electric machine. Oxo, an American brand that produces kitchenware and appliances emphasising Universal Design, manufactures this coffee maker. Oxo Good Grips Brewer has mainly plastic construction, a stainless steel filter, and a borosilicate glass carafe.
The Oxo Good Grips brewer is very simple to use. Add coarsely ground coffee to the coffee chamber to make cold brew coffee, then fill the lid with cold or room temperature water. Leave the grounds to steep for 12-24 hours. After the coffee brews, press the release button to drain the cold coffee into the glass carafe.
The advantages of using the Good Grips Brewer are the compact size and rainmaker lid, which helps provide more even extraction. Compared to making cold brew coffee without a coffee maker, this machine makes it easier to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.
The downside to Oxo Good Grips Brewer is that it has a smaller capacity than other cold brewers, and it’s also more expensive than making cold brew coffee with a mason jar. The Oxo Good Grips Brewer is priced at $52. Read our full review of the Oxo Good Grips cold brewer.
7. Frieling Stainless Steel French Press – Best French Press
Type of machine: French press
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 8 inches (17 oz size)
- Capacity: 8oz, 17oz, 23oz, 36oz, 44oz
- Brews with: Ground coffee
Frieling French Press is a manual French press coffee maker available in 8oz, 17oz, 23oz, 36oz, and 44oz sizes. Frieling, an American brand that produces a wide range of kitchenware and catering supplies, manufactures this french press. Frieling French press is made entirely of stainless steel, including a stainless steel filter and a double-walled construction to keep your coffee warm.
All french presses are straightforward but can take some practice and experimenting with making the perfect coffee. You add coarsely ground coffee to the beaker, then fill it with hot water. Leave to steep for 4 minutes, then press the plunger and serve immediately.
The advantages of the Frieling French press are its high-quality build, aesthetic appeal, and heat retention. The dual-screen filter reduces sediment in your cup, and it is more durable than a glass French press, and all parts can be placed in the dishwasher.
The downside to the Frieling French press is the high price. Due to the stainless steel construction, you won’t see the extraction process in the way that you can with glass French presses. The price of the Frieling French press starts at $72 for the 17oz model. You can learn more about the Frieling French Press in this review.
8. Aeropress Coffee Maker – Best Portable Coffee Maker
Type of machine: Immersion
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 9.5 inches
- Capacity: 8 oz
- Brews with: Ground coffee
AeroPress is a manual portable coffee maker that combines immersion and pressure brewing elements. It has a capacity of 8 oz. The AeroPress brand was founded by the makers of the Aerobie sports equipment. The chamber and plunger of the AeroPress are made from polypropylene plastic, while the seal is made of silicone. All parts of the brewer are BPA-free.
The AeroPress coffee maker is very quick and easy to use, though you can use more advanced brewing techniques. For the basic method, you add ground coffee and water to the chamber, place the brewer over a cup and depress the plunger.
The AeroPress coffee maker has many advantages, including ease of use, quick brewing time, portability, and affordability. It’s very flexible and can make different styles of coffee depending on the method you use. It’s also one of the few coffee makers made in the USA.
The downside to the AeroPress coffee maker is that it has a limited capacity, so it’s not suitable for making large amounts of coffee. It also requires AeroPress paper filters or a reusable metal filter for brewing. The AeroPress is priced at $35.
For more information, read our full AeroPress coffee maker review.
9. Bialetti Moka Express – Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
Type of machine: Stovetop espresso
- Dimensions: n/a
- Capacity: 1-18 cups
- Brews with: Ground coffee
The Bialetti Moka Express is a stovetop espresso maker available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18 cup sizes. Bialetti is an Italian brand credited with inventing the Moka pot in 1933, making a range of stovetop espresso makers. The Moka Express is made mainly of aluminium, with a BPA-free plastic handle and knob on the lid. (If materials are important to you, check out our guide to the best BPA-free coffee makers.)
The Bialetti Moka Express is very easy to use, but you can burn coffee if you don’t monitor it. To make coffee, you add water to the bottom chamber and ground coffee to the filter basket, then screw the coffee maker together. Place over medium heat, then remove it once the coffee gurgles into the top chamber.
The advantages of the Bialetti Moka Express are the durable build and value for money. Stovetop espresso makers are famous because they are affordable, easy to use, and make strong, espresso-style coffee.
The downside to the Moka Express is that it is not suitable for use on induction stovetops. However, the Bialetti brand does make other induction-compatible stovetop espresso makers. The price of a Bialetti Moka Express starts at $26 for the 1-cup coffee maker.
What are the Things to Consider Before Buying a Coffee Maker?
Whether it’s your first foray into making coffee at home or you want to change up your existing coffee maker, you’re sure to find a machine that fits your needs and your budget. Before you decide on your purchase, here are a few things you need to consider.
The type of coffee maker
The main decision you have to make when choosing the best coffee maker is the kind of coffee you want to be drinking. Espresso, drip coffee, pour over, and French press all have different brewing methods and require different coffee makers.
Espresso
If you’re a fan of the strong, concentrated espresso, you should know that you can only achieve this with an espresso machine. Espresso machines can range from semi-automatic, which requires a good deal of skill and experience, to bean-to-cup brewers that will do everything at the touch of a button, including grinding the coffee beans.
Drip coffee
Drip coffee is what many people know as regular coffee, made in an automatic drip coffee machine. Automatic coffee makers can vary significantly in coffee quality, and features like espresso machines. Drip coffee makers are straightforward and can make large batches of hot coffee at once. Even smaller coffee makers can make up to 5 cups of coffee.
Drip coffee makers will feature either a thermal or glass carafe. Automatic drippers can also vary in price with some coffee maker models costing below £50, and some costing above £400.
Pour over
Pour over coffee makers are often the brewer of choice for lovers of specialty coffee. These manual brewers allow you to control every aspect of the brewing process, allowing you to get the most out of your beans. If you want to get serious about pour over, you might also want to learn more about the best water for coffee.
French press
The French press is a manual coffee maker that uses the immersion brewing method. It’s popular for being very affordable, low-tech, and creating a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.
Single serve
Single-serve machines can include pod coffee machines, which create an espresso-style brew, though many others make drip-style coffee. Although the type of coffee varies, these machines are similar in that they use coffee pods or capsules rather than ground coffee and produce a single cup.
Stovetop espresso and percolators
These two types of coffee makers look very similar, but they do use different brewing methods. Coffee percolators work by continuously cycling hot water through coffee grounds, while stovetop espresso makers use pressure to force hot water through the grounds a single time.
Cold brew
You can easily make cold brew coffee without any special equipment. However, using a cold brew maker can make it easier to filter the coffee grounds and to avoid over-extraction. It’s important to understand that cold brew makers do not make iced coffee. If you’re hoping to make the latter, here are some of the best iced coffee makers we recommend.
Specialty coffee
We haven’t included some more unusual coffee makers on our list, such as Vietnamese coffee makers, Kyoto-style coffee makers, and siphon coffee makers.
Many brands focus on making one type of coffee machine, but other brands make machines for a wide range of brewing methods. See our pick of the best Capresso coffee makers for a good example.
Capacity
Before deciding on the best coffee maker for you, you probably want to think about how many people will be using the machine, and how much coffee you want to brew at a time. The capacity of a coffee maker will determine how much you can brew, as well as how often the water tank needs refilling. Be aware that while coffee mugs can hold up to 8 ounces, a cup of coffee in a coffee maker is often measured as 4 ounces.
For heavy-duty use such as offices, you might want to consider a coffee machine with a plumb line.
Ease of use
A coffee maker’s ease of use depends on how you look at it. For some people, the best coffee makers to use are the ones with the fewest features, either a manual coffee maker or an automatic coffee maker with an auto brew feature or a simple on/off switch. If this sounds like you, take a look at Bunn coffee machines.
Alternatively, you might find it easier to have a machine that does everything for you. For a high-end coffee maker that will grind your coffee beans, brew espresso and create cafe-quality milk foam, check out the best Jura coffee machines.
Other options that might make your life easier are fast coffee makers, or a smart coffee maker, which you can operate from your phone or via voice control.
Versatility
While most coffee lovers have their favourite type of drink, it’s worth considering if you want the option to mix things up a little, or perhaps you live with people who all like different coffee drinks. Dual coffee machines offer a choice of two (or more) styles of coffee, which might include single-serve, drip coffee, or even espresso. Coffee drinkers who want more variety from their coffee drinks should look for a machine that allows you to froth milk as well as brew different styles of coffee. A good option for this is Ninja Specialty coffee makers.
The Verdict
The best coffee makers for your needs will of course depend on the type of coffee you like to drink, how much effort you want to put in, and your budget. A machine that ticks all the boxes as the best overall coffee maker is the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT. It is more expensive than some other coffee makers, but its incredible build quality, ease of use, and ability to brew the highest standard of coffee make it worth the price.
FAQs
The benefits of using coffee makers at home, compared to buying coffee in coffee shops are:
– Reduced cost: making coffee at home is cheaper than buying it in coffee shops
– Convenience: you can have a coffee at any time of day and without leaving the house
– Freshness: using a coffee maker will allow you to drink the freshest coffee, especially if you grind your own coffee beans directly before brewing
– Customisation: you can make the coffee exactly to your tastes
The best coffees to make are the ones that suit your taste and the coffee maker you have. Espresso is best for a concentrated coffee taste and use as a base for many other coffee shop drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee. Drip coffee is probably the easiest coffee to make and is useful when brewing for a crowd. Cold brew coffee is the best coffee to make if you want a great tasting coffee with low acid.
No, you can’t make espresso without an espresso machine, but you can make a solid espresso-style brew. An authentic espresso needs to be brewed at 9 bars of pressure, and Moka pots and the Aeropress only use 1-2 bars of pressure, while a drip machine and French press brewers don’t use pressure to brew.
