For our editors (and many others), there’s nothing better than waking up and enjoying freshly brewed coffee — our staffers are also big fans of the midday caffeine run. Finding the best coffee maker for your routine will ensure your mornings go smoothly and your afternoons don’t drag on. But what makes a great coffee machine, and how do you know what style will fit your needs? Is it worth it to spend $450, or can you get a good model for less than $200?
We spoke to experts about the different types of coffee makers available — including single-serve brewers to programmable coffee makers — and how to shop for them. We included the recommendations from them and the ones that our coffee-loving staffers tested and loved.
SKIP AHEAD Best coffee makers of 2024 | Best drip coffee makers and brewers | Best single-serve coffee makers | Best manual coffee makers and brewers | What are the different types of coffee makers?
Generally, it would be best to choose a coffee maker that fits your routine and won’t end up in a pile collecting dust. Our experts recommend first consulting the Specialty Coffee Association Certified (SCA) Home Brewer Program, which tests a range of coffee makers based on requirements like brewing temperature and brewing time.
When shopping for a coffee maker — whether it be an espresso machine or French press — our experts recommend also keeping the following factors in mind:
The following coffee makers are recommended by an expert or an NBC Select staff member. Unless otherwise noted, all of the automatic and programmable brewers have thermal carafes and are certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCA).
This automatic drip brewer comes recommended by Hughes, who says it’s great for those looking for larger capacity brewers. “A consistent 12-cup brew is perfect for larger groups and offices who are looking for a more specialty cup,” she says. It has a double-wall carafe that ensures your coffee stays hot for longer, too, says Jessica Easto, author of “How to Taste Coffee and “Craft Coffee: A Manual.” The machine also has a single-serve function that doesn’t require a pod like most other single-serve machines, making it a great option if you want to brew coffee for one.
Brewer type: Automatic drip | Brewing capacity: 12 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
We love this Breville coffee maker because it makes making coffee easy — it has six preset modes, including an option that automatically adjusts water temperature and brew times to meet the standards set by the SCA, according to the brand. The coffee maker’s steep-and-release valve can also automatically brew small cups without the carafe in place, according to the brand. It has a 4.3-star average rating from more than 2,300 reviews on Amazon.
Brewer type: Programmable | Brewing capacity: 12 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
Something to note
Compared to the other automatic coffee makers out there, this one is a pretty good budget-friendly option. Bonavita’s automatic coffee maker can brew eight cups’ worth of coffee in about six minutes. “The Bonavita brewer does a great job retaining a steady temperature during the entire brew cycle, [and] its shower head evenly distributes water on the whole bed of coffee grounds,” says Marco Suarez, co-owner of Methodical Coffee in Greenville, South Carolina. The carafe lid and filter basket are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup too, according to the brand.
Brewer type: Automatic drip | Brewing capacity: 8 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
Something to note
This Cuisinart Coffee Brewer is meant to mimic the pour-over approach in an easy-to-use machine. It does so by pre-wetting the grounds before it pours, allowing the coffee flavors to “bloom,” a process that provokes the grounds to release carbon dioxide, allowing the water to interact more with the coffee, according to the experts we spoke to. You can choose between mild, medium and bold flavor strengths and hot or extra hot temperature control and you can program it to brew your coffee up to 24 hours in advance. The coffee maker also has a self-clean feature.
Brewer type: Programmable | Brewing capacity: 8 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
Easto uses the Technivorm Moccamaster 53937 KBGV in her home, but also recommends this model because it has a thermal carafe, which she says maintains the hot temperature of coffee the best. “If you are looking to preserve coffee flavor quality, it’s better to never let the coffee get cold in the first place, such as with a thermal carafe,” she says. This is a better option than a hot plate or microwave.This automatic drip, eight-cup coffee maker is pricey, but it has all of the features our experts recommended looking for including proper and sustained brew temperature and a thermal carafe made from stainless steel and aluminum. (A glass carafe version is also available). The machine has a nine-hole spray arm that disperses water over your ground coffee evenly, and the copper lining along the spray arm helps keep the water temperature consistent, according to the brand. With the press of a button, the Moccamaster can brew 40 ounces in under six minutes, according to Technivorm.
Brewer type: Automatic drip | Brewing capacity: 8 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
Something to note
This smart coffee maker can brew up to 10 cups of coffee and has a water filter feature, which can save you the extra step of using a Brita, for example, says Easto. You can connect the coffee maker to the SmartHQ app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home using Wi-Fi, which allows you to schedule it to brew at your preferred time, adjust the brew strength and more. You can also set the temperature anywhere between 185 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brewer type: Programmable | Brewing capacity: 10 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
Though the Ninja brewer is not SCA-certified, we think it’s worth considering due to its high ratings — it has a 4.6-star average rating from over 14,200 reviews on Amazon — and its customizable features. You can choose from five custom brew styles — classic, rich, over ice, cold brew or specialty — and you can brew both hot coffee and iced coffee. It also comes with a thermal carafe and a fold-away milk frother to heat your milk.
Brewer type: Programmable | Brewing capacity: 10 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
Another SCA-certified recommendation from Hughes, this drip coffee maker has a stainless steel thermal carafe that maintains the temperature of your brew while the exterior stays cool to the touch, according to the brand. If you’re looking for a larger capacity with a glass carafe instead, the brand also has an SCA-certified 12-cup version.
Brewer type: Automatic drip | Brewing capacity: 10 cups | Carafe type: Thermal
What we like
The Keurig K-Mini can brew anywhere between 6 to 12 ounces of coffee. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin says she bought the K-Mini because of its affordable price point and its compact size — the brewer measures less than 5 inches wide, which is helpful if you have limited counter space. It comes with a removable drip tray, so you can fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall, according to the brand. The coffee maker also automatically turns off 90 seconds after your last brew, according to Keurig.
Brewer type: Single-serve | Brewing capacity: 12 ounces | Carafe type: n/a
What we like
Something to note
If you prefer an espresso-based drink, but you’re not ready to invest in a pricey espresso machine, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus might be your best option. It can automatically adjust the amount of coffee, temperature, pressure and brewing time after reading the barcode on the inserted Nespresso capsule. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio says it’s convenient for early morning brews and doesn’t take up too much counter space in her small apartment’s kitchen. It comes with a built-in capsule storage container and has an automatic shut-off function that turns off your machine after nine minutes of inactivity, according to Nespresso. It can make either 5- or 8-ounce cups of coffee, and the removable water reservoir can store up to 40 ounces of water at one time.
Brewer type: Single-serve | Brewing capacity: 8 ounces | Carafe type: n/a
What we like
This Instant coffee maker has dual slots for pods — one for K-Cup pods and one for Nespresso capsules — so you have a wide variety of coffee types and flavors to choose from. One of Malin’s favorites, the coffee maker can brew six different sizes and includes a 68-ounce water reservoir. You can also select the “bold” option if you want to brew a stronger cup, according to the brand. Instant’s coffee maker comes with a removable drip tray that allows you to fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall, and it has a smaller drip tray that flips out to hold espresso or tea cups.
Brewer type: Single-serve | Brewing capacity: 12 ounces | Carafe type: n/a
What we like
This Melitta set is a good starter set for those who want to try pour-over brewing at home, according to our experts. The home brewing kit comes with a six-cup carafe, a pour-over cylinder, a coffee scoop and five coffee filters. Although you may need to invest in an electric kettle to regulate your water temperature, this is one of the more affordable options on this list for those who are serious about brewing their coffee at home. The brand also makes a set that includes a thermal carafe to keep coffee warm over time.
Brewer type: Manual | Brewing capacity: 6 cups | Carafe type: Glass
What we like
Something to note
The Chemex has always been a solid choice for brewing pour-over coffee, according to Easto. The brand suggests buying its branded filters, which are 20-30% thicker than the standard kind, according to the brand. The top of the Chemex is shaped like a cone, which works like a pour-over dripper — a device that directly drips coffee into a carafe after you wet the grounds — so you don’t need to purchase a separate one, says Easto. The wood collar and leather tie serve as an insulated handle that you can remove when you put the container in the dishwasher.
Brewer type: Manual | Brewing capacity: 6 cups | Carafe type: Glass
What we like
The Hario V60 is one of Easto’s favorite pour-over coffee brewers because it brews consistent cups at an entry-level price point. The silicone band, which you can easily remove for cleaning, wraps around the pot keeping it cool to the touch for easy handling, according to Hario. The coffee decanter comes with a glass pot, dripper and a 40-count of filters. The brand recommends pouring water quickly for a delicate body or slowly for a heavier flavor.
Brewer type: Manual | Brewing capacity: 4 cups | Carafe type: Glass
Something to note
When it comes to French press models, Easto recommends this option from Bodum. She likes the look of a glass press but also the fact that you can see everything that’s happening as you use it. “When looking for a French press, I look for one that is made of metal and glass rather than plastic,” she says. “In my experience, metal parts, particularly in the plunger and filter mechanism, are more durable and easier to clean over the long term than plastic.” It comes with a stain- and heat-resistant borosilicate glass carafe and a stainless steel plunger, frame and lid. This French press is dishwasher-safe and comes in multiple sizes, including 12-, 17-, 34- and 51-ounce options.
Brewer type: Manual | Capacity: 8 cups | Carafe type: n/a
What we like
Stanley is known for making popular reusable water bottles, though the brand also makes this versatile French press mug, which it sent to the NBC Select offices to try. You can use it to prepare your coffee as you would with a traditional French press, but you can also drink directly from it. All you have to do is add ground coffee and hot water. The press on the inside pushes the grounds downward and pushes freshly brewed coffee upward. “This is the all in one package for a coffee lover on the go,” says NBC Select video producer Josh Rios. “All you need is some hot water and ground coffee to make a solid 16 ounces of hot coffee in one container.”
Brewer type: Manual | Capacity: 16 ounces | Carafe type: n/a
What we like
Aeropress’ multipurpose coffee and espresso maker brings together three functions — immersion, pressure and aeration — to make a flavorful cup of coffee, according to the brand. To use the device, you add coffee grounds to the container on top, pour hot water through it and then use the stirrer and “plunger” (included with the maker) to help press the brewed coffee through the paper micro-filter. The coffee drains through the device and into your coffee mug. Rios likes how easy it is to make the perfectly portioned cup of coffee with the Aeropress. “The Areopress is a godsend when you don’t want to make just a single cup of coffee whenever you want,” he says. “Oftentimes you need so much equipment to make more coffee than you need.” While the device comes with multiple paper filters, Rios recommends getting the reusable metal filter if you plan on using it consistently.
Brewer type: Manual | Capacity: 16 ounces | Carafe type: n/a
Coffee makers come in many shapes and sizes. They also vary widely in price, you can find a basic automatic brewer for less than $20, while smart, programmable ones can go for upwards of $300. Generally, there are four main types of coffee makers, according to our experts: automatic, single-cup, programmable and manual, which we describe in more detail below
Automatic drip coffee makers are one of the most common: They heat water and disperse it evenly across a basket of coffee grounds at the touch of a button. They also come with a coffee pot — or carafe — that coffee drips directly into. This type of brewer can be great for making several cups of coffee at a time (usually as much as 8 to 12 cups), according to experts.
As its name suggests, single-serve coffee makers let you brew a single cup at a time — typically in seconds — using pods or reusable filter baskets. These are typically most convenient and designed for single-cup drinkers new to coffee who might be intimidated by the manual brewing process, according to Suarez. However, the limited coffee options and overall wastefulness of pods are some of the downsides, though there are several reusable options on the market that can be more sustainable, he says.
Since the brewing time is so quick, these machines usually have a hard time reaching the appropriate brew temperature that’s essential for a good extraction, says Hughes. That means the coffee typically tastes weaker compared to other types of coffee makers, she says.
Programmable coffee makers are a type of automatic drip coffee maker that’s equipped with several smart features, including the ability to schedule your coffee maker to start at a certain time and customize the strength and temperature of the brewed coffee.
Manual coffee makers give you a more personalized brewing experience by requiring you to physically steep or pour water over your coffee grounds. How you brew the coffee depends on which machine you buy: Some require you to steep and then strain your coffee grounds, while others rely on a vertical system that mimics a drip coffee maker except you pour the hot water over the coffee grounds yourself.
“If you’re someone who enjoys the process of making your own cup and being able to control different variables to personalize your coffee profile, a manual brewer might be a better choice,” says Kaleena Teoh, director of education at Coffee Project NY. “It’s usually a little cheaper, too.”
One popular style is the pour-over, which gives you more of a hands-on experience. “Most pour-over devices are shaped like cones, which are set over a cup or carafe,” says Easto. “You add a filter and the coffee, and then pour water over it — hence the name.”
Pour-over coffee makers require a bit more technique and work best with gooseneck kettles, which have a longer spout to help control the water when saturating your coffee grounds, according to Easto. If you enjoy the ritual of making coffee and have some time to spare, a pour-over brewer can be a great choice.
People who drink both coffee and tea will be more familiar with the full immersion style of manual brewing. “Full immersion devices let the coffee steep in the water for the whole brew cycle, like tea,” says Easto. The most popular example of this technique is the French press. “It’s super easy, and you don’t really need special equipment to use it, so I always recommend it to people trying to dip their toe into manual coffee,” she says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Mili Godio is an editor at Select who has covered a range of kitchen topics, including stand mixers, meal delivery services and rice cookers. For this article, Godio spoke to five coffee experts about how to shop for the best coffee maker, and rounded up their picks for the best options to consider.
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select who contributed to this story.
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