Top 5 Best Coffee Makers in 2024

The greatest coffee makers come in a variety of designs, including classic brewers, pod-based devices, and artisan pour-overs. What unites these workhorses of the kitchen? You’ll be able to create delicious, high-quality coffee at home, which will enable you to break the habit of going to coffee shops every day and save money. We came to the conclusion that the OXO Brew 9-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker is the best option for the majority of home users based on our editors’ personal experience with a number of coffee makers. Our tester discovered that the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer, which includes a warming plate and a shower head-style water dispenser, is a programmable choice that is better than others at its price point.

To find out which coffee makers are worthwhile, we consulted our own editors’ daily coffee-making routines, statistics from past product testing, and advice from a number of coffee specialists. We took care to take into account factors like construction quality, extraction techniques, heat retention, and most importantly, the various needs of various home coffee consumers. We also offer round-ups on our top espresso machines, French presses, and more, as well as a comprehensive, tested guide on drip coffee makers, in case you’re dead set on a certain model.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

1.OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker is without a doubt our number one choice for 2024. It is a drip maker that provides excellent functionality at a fair price. Most home users will find its simple design and straightforward display appealing. A useful “brew pause” feature and a freshness timer that indicates how long the brewed coffee has been in the carafe are also included. Additionally, cleaning it with just dish soap and hot water is not too difficult. Additionally, the machine alerts users when it has to be descaled. Because of its size—it stands 15 inches tall and 17 inches wide—smaller kitchens may not find this to be the ideal choice. However, it’s a reliable, strong device that’s bound to last years.

There are numerous components involved in brewing a wonderful cup of coffee, but aside from the coffee beans, the two most important ones you can control are the water’s temperature and distribution technique. The OXO coffee machine wets the grounds at predetermined intervals and distributes the water evenly over the grind basket as opposed to concentrating it in the center.

Over the years, we’ve tested the OXO brewer against other models with a variety of coffee experts, and they’ve always ranked it as one of their favorites. It can also brew a pot before you even get out of bed because it is the only one of our selections with an auto-brew timer.

Appliances are not as well-known as XO’s tools and gadgets. Actually, this coffee maker was the company’s first electronic product, having undergone a three-year development phase before its 2015 release. Additionally, it was among the first coffee makers at home to receive certification from the Specialty Coffee Association for meeting its brewing standards.

2.Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

There are just enough customizing options available on the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable CE251 to make it stand out from other drip coffee makers. This one raises the standard with its preinfusion setting, programmable auto brew setting, and practical, user-friendly UI. The Ninja 12-Cup produces a decent cup of coffee, has a detachable water tank, and has efficient water distribution. The Ninja 12-Cup is incredibly user-friendly and produces consistently excellent flavor extraction thanks to its ideal brewing temperatures. Check out our assessment of the best drip coffee maker to see how it compares to the competition.

Look no farther than the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Brewer—another one of our tried and true favorites—if you’re looking for an automatic coffee maker that brews excellent coffee, has the perfect amount of adjustable settings, and is incredibly simple to operate and clean. A showerhead-style water dispenser is used in this reasonably priced machine to flow water more uniformly across the coffee bed for a smoother brew. Along with two brew strengths, a 24-hour brewing delay, brew pause, a keep warm function, and a small-batch functionality, it also has other useful options. There is an easily filled and cleaned detachable reservoir, and the warming plate remains in place for two hours after the brew. We also suggest the Pro XL 14-Cup model if you’re searching for a more modern-looking, higher-capacity device with a thinner profile.

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable prepares coffee in increments of one cup up to a full 12-cup pot using a cone filter. Pre-infusion is one of the most significant programmable features that it has. It also does an excellent job of brewing a perfectly fine cup of coffee at a fair price. See how other models fared by reading our assessment of drip coffee makers.

We adore that nearly every component and portion of the Ninja line is dishwasher safe. Compared to some other versions, cleaning is considerably simpler because the glass carafe, permanent filter, removable filter holder, brew-through lid, water reservoir, lid, and scoop are all dishwasher safe. It was also easy to wash the carafe by hand every day. We could easily fit our hands inside to wash it because of how big the entrance is.

3.Breville Precision Brewer Drip

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

“The Breville Precision Brewer is one automatic drip coffee machine I like a lot if you want a lot of granular control over your brewing,” says Yes Plz Coffee founder Tony “Tonx” Konecny. The six brewing settings on this premium model include Gold Cup, Fast, Strong Brew, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew, and My Brew, a custom setting that allows you to adjust bloom, water temperature, brew duration, and more. It also has a gorgeous stainless steel appearance. The machine comes with a 12-cup stainless steel carafe that keeps your coffee hot until you’re ready to drink it, and it contains filter baskets that are flat-bottom and cone-style.

For coffee enthusiasts, there is the Breville Precision Brewer, which is also referred to as the Sage Precision Brewer outside of the United States. It has an extensive variety of controls to assist you in achieving the ideal cup, as well as several presets that yield coffee that meets Gold Cup standards.

Owing to its advanced technology and an abundance of configurable features, this Breville coffee maker is highly sought after. Undoubtedly, a device that guarantees the optimal cup of coffee’regardless of its origin, age, or roast’ justifies its price, doesn’t it? That’s where we get involved, though.

We have been extensively testing the Breville Precision Brewer with glass carafe for the past month. We’re here after several cups of coffee (made in numerous ways, mind you).

I had to get acclimated to the several functions of the Breville Precision Brewer. But if you’re the kind of person who enjoys experimenting with your coffee, getting to know the Breville maker could be a fun experience for you.

Setting up entails flushing the reservoir and measuring the hardness of the water using the paper test strip that comes with it. In spite of my meticulous attention to detail, the machine failed to fully flush the water from the tank into the carafe during my setup, leaving behind roughly 20 ounces of liquid. I even contacted Breville customer service in an attempt to find out what might be causing this, but to no effect. (Thankfully, it hasn’t occurred once more.)

It’s easy to operate the Breville Precision Brewer. The quick-start tutorials and directions work well.

Presets have different brew times. The Breville took almost five minutes to make four cups of coffee on the Gold setting, but in Fast mode, it only took about three minutes and forty seconds. (Take note that the entire procedure, from the beginning of the brewing to the last drop of coffee to reach the carafe, was timed.) With a 40-ounce coffee brewing time of less than six minutes, the Technivorm Moccamaster Select KBGV Select remains the fastest machine I’ve seen so far, but the Breville isn’t far behind.

Breville suggests using warm, soapy water to clean the glass carafe, mesh basket filter, and plastic brew basket. A gentle, moist cloth can be used to wipe the outside housing itself. You can remove the showerhead and clean it.

4.Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Chemex Classic boasts an attractive shape, non-porous, heat-resistant glass construction, and thick, unbleached filters that produce clear coffee free of grit. It is the epitome of design, quality, and functionality. James McCarthy, a teacher at Driftaway Coffee, says, “When I want more control, I use a Chemex.” “I really like the super light body it produces because it has the thickest paper filter of all pour-over methods,” he says, adding that he can taste more complexity and clarity in his coffee when he uses the device.

When you mention Chemex, nobody can help but prick their ears. This cult favorite is deserving of its top spot in the lineup of coffee makers. When Chemex was first designed in 1941, it was an innovative design that combined recently tested ideas with previously researched approaches. Chemex eventually figured out the formula for the greatest cup of coffee imaginable via perseverance and persistence. With its recognizable hourglass design, this pourover coffee maker offers you complete control over the brewing process.

Because the Chemex looks intimidating and takes more time and work than an electronic coffee maker, many people would steer clear of it. The first statement is accurate: I usually need at least five minutes from the moment I turn on the kettle until the first cup of coffee. The most inconvenience is having to repeatedly pour tiny amounts of water into the filter to prevent overflow and mess. It’s difficult to clean the Chemex by hand without a bottle brush, but after removing the wooden collar, you may put it in the dishwasher.

Regarding the last point, which is how intimidating the Chemex looks, I haven’t found it to be problematic. It might take a little longer for those who are new to using non-electric coffee makers to figure out what works for them, but after I worked out what works with the Chemex, I’ve never made a bad batch. The Chemex has become an essential part of my daily routine because it’s a user-friendly, reasonably priced, and café-quality coffee maker at home.

5.Nespresso VertuoPlus

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

After testing every Nespresso machine available, we found that the Nespresso VertuoPlus was the best option. (It also took first place in our ranking of the top single-serve coffee makers.) You can have your preferred coffee beverage—either an espresso or double espresso—in 5 or 8 ounces with only a touch of a button. (The device starts the brewing process automatically after scanning the embedded instructions in each capsule.) Cleaning it is also really simple; all you need to do is periodically empty the capsules and wash out the water tank. Additionally, it produces a variety of coffees, including double and espresso espressos.

The VertuoPlus has a number of features that made it a winning model for me. First and foremost, it’s incredibly low maintenance, with its single button and automatic lever to replace old capsules with new ones. I tested the machine with a large handful of different Vertuo capsules, and each one was equally simple to load and brew. The machine brews four drink sizes: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo and 7.7 ounces of coffee. Its barcode-scanning technology really sets the VertuoPlus apart from the original line of Nespresso machines. The only thing you have to do is select a capsule that meets your needs in the first place—be it a capsule for a cup of coffee or a capsule for a single or double espresso shot. The machine then does the rest, automatically scanning the barcode and feeding in the correct amount of water to match your choice.

It’s important to note that the Vertuo family of Nespresso machines uses a unique extraction method, which involves puncturing the capsule, injecting it with water, and spinning it around inside the machine while it brews. This results in smoother, velvetier crema than an original Nespresso machine. However, regardless of the brewing method, the majority of Nespresso shots within the same flavor families taste almost the same.

With a 40-ounce water tank, the VertuoPlus has a larger capacity than the other machines, so you can create a substantial number of drinks before needing to replenish it. Additionally, it holds 10 used capsules, so if you have two cups of coffee a day, you will only need to empty the used capsule drawer once every five days.

The absence of an integrated milk steamer in the VertuoPlus, despite its ease of use and speedy production of espresso and coffee drinks, could be a disadvantage for those looking for a Nespresso machine that can also make cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos in addition to regular coffee drinks.

If you’re seeking for a compact Nespresso machine and have space restrictions, the VertuoPlus might not be the right choice for you. It takes up some counter space, measuring 12.8 inches in height and 12.7 inches in depth. If you’re short on room, consider the Essenza Mini, which is about the same height as the VertuoPlus but only 8 inches deep, making it easier to fit in a cabinet or to sit on.

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How We Chose The Best Coffee Makers

In order to find the best coffee makers, our editors first cast a wide net to find the newest and greatest models from the most well-known manufacturers. Among them are Breville, Technivorm, OXO, Ninja, and Chemex.

We gave preference to models that Forbes Vetted employees had personally used, and we supplemented those selections with advice from the educators and coffee specialists we spoke with.

We narrowed down our choices to coffee machines with good overall value, user-friendly designs, and control and customization features. The water-dispensing mechanism, temperature management, heat retention, capacity to add flavor to the brew, durability, long-term maintenance, and, of course, the flavor and quality of the final coffee were all areas our team concentrated on.
Lastly, we looked at a machine’s certification from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a strict certification body comprised of experts in coffee chemistry and tasting.

What To Consider When Choosing A Coffee Maker

If you’re looking to upgrade your caffeine routine, here are a few key points to consider.

Method

The degree of user interaction needed throughout the brewing process is the main distinction between the coffee makers that we suggest. “Automated methods, like auto drip coffee makers or auto espresso machines, handle various steps automatically, such as water temperature and extraction time,” says Jiyoon Han of Bean & Bean Roasters. Pour-over and French press are examples of manual procedures that give the user more direct control and customization over the brewing process, but they also need user control over these variables.

The quality of your brew is also influenced by the method you choose to make coffee, as Terra Kaffe’s George Lubitz states. “In terms of flavor, consistency, or even caffeine levels, espresso and drip coffee are nothing alike,” he states. “A shot of espresso contains about twice as much as drip coffee.”

Filtration

The brewing process is impacted by the filter of a coffee maker, although experts we spoke with cautioned consumers not to overthink this. According to Han, “the number of layers in the filter can impact the filtration of finer grounds, and the material of the filter can influence the extraction of flavors.” Paper, ceramic, and thin metal mesh are some examples of filter materials; however, it all boils down to personal preference. Lubitz continues, “You’re in business as long as water can freely pass through the bed of coffee into the cup or reservoir (without that flow being blocked).

Water Dispensation

Unlike filtration, the way water is dispensed over your coffee grounds is one of the biggest considerations in choosing a home coffee maker. “You want a machine that dispenses water across the surface of the coffee bed,” says Craft Coffee Spot owner Marko Lazarevic, pointing to the Technivorm MoccaMaster and the XBloom as examples. “The problem with [some] drip coffee machines is they have one little hole of super-hot water falling in one spot on the coffee,” he adds. “That area gets totally burned, but the rest is not extracted, resulting in coffee that tastes burnt yet thin.” That’s why manual pour-over methods like the Chemex, which allow you to control how water is dispensed, have become popular. But if you want the convenience of drip machines, focus on a shower head-style dispenser, like in the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, to ensure that hot water saturates the coffee evenly.

Capacity

While some coffee makers create up to 12 cups at a time, some only brew one cup at a time (check out pod coffee makers like the Keurig K-Elite and the Nespresso VertuoPlus). Think about how many cups of coffee your family typically has each day, suggests Han. “A single-serve brewer will do if you’re a single person making coffee for yourself, but a larger-capacity brewer might be necessary if you’re brewing for a family of four every morning.

Temperature Control

The ability of a machine to regulate and maintain temperature has a significant impact on how successfully it extracts coffee. “Select a machine that can bring water to temperature and maintain that temperature for the duration of the brew cycle,” advises author and coffee expert Jessica Easto. Because many machines aren’t able to accomplish this, the coffee isn’t extracted to its full potential.

Coffee lovers who would like to have greater control over the quality of their coffee at home might think about getting a coffee maker like the Breville Precision Brewer, which has temperature settings that can be adjusted. According to Han, “you can adjust your brew by using water at a different temperature to accommodate different roast levels or coffee origins and profiles.”

What Is The Best Coffee Maker For Home Use?

Your tastes will determine which model is best for you, but if you want to brew coffeehouse-caliber drinks at home, we recommend the OXO Brew 9-Cup, which is our top choice and least expensive option. On the other hand, if you have more money to spend, consider the sophisticated, professional-backed Technivorm Moccamaster. Alternatively, you may take the manual route with a French press like the Bodum Chambord or a pour-over carafe like the Chemex, both of which our staff members who love coffee highly recommend.

Do Coffee Makers Really Make A Difference In Flavor?

The response is unquestionably “yes.” Whether you use a pour-over or drip coffee maker, you’ll quickly discover that different bean extraction techniques yield distinct flavor profiles. “The coffee maker you pick will definitely change the cup you get,” says Phillips, “from getting the correct temperature to having a pour that consistently saturates the bed of grounds evenly to even the simple aspects of being easy to keep clean.” “Experimenting with various types [of coffee makers] can help you discover your preferred flavor profile,” says Han of Bean & Bean Coffee.

However, it’s crucial to remember that your brew’s flavor and quality come from more than just the machine. Poor quality coffee cannot be made to taste fantastic by a machine, according to Easto. “Your final product won’t be optimized for quality if you’re not using the right grind size, either.”

What Is The Difference Between A Cheap And Expensive Coffee Maker?

Lazarevic of Craft Coffee Spot asserts that using high-quality coffee beans and owning a good grinder are more important than the cost of a coffee maker. Before brewing, grind entire beans fresh in a Baratza Encore. Your coffee will taste much better just from that. Pre-ground coffee and an expensive coffee maker would never compare to an excellent grinder and a low-cost machine, he claims. (For our tried-and-true picks, see our guide to the finest coffee grinders.)

Nevertheless, according to Han of Bean & Bean Coffee, there are instances where a machine’s cost reflects the availability of cutting-edge features, the robustness of its components, and the technical quality of the device. The value of those extra features and your money will determine whether or not they are worthwhile. Well-made, high-quality appliances can improve your everyday cup of coffee, but it’s crucial to weigh the expense against your demands, the speaker continues.