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Best Coffee Makers of 2024

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Updated December 25, 2023

If you’re a fan of coffee, you’re in good hands. A 2020 study by the National Coffee Association found that a massive 62% of Americans drink coffee daily, with the average coffee drinker consuming three cups per day. If you rely on a chain like Starbucks or a local equivalent for your coffee, that adds up to a lot of money spent over a year.

That’s why many Americans choose to brew their own coffee at home. Not only does it save money, but it can also save you time and cut down on disposable cups littering the planet. Choosing a coffee maker can seem intimidating, though, with so many options available on the market.

Our list of the best coffee makers of 2024 is designed to make your choice easier, so you can get started making coffee at home with less hassle. All prices are of the time of writing, but prices change, so be on the lookout for deals!

Types of coffee makers

Before you start shopping for a coffee maker, you need to determine what kind you need. There are many types of coffee makers you can buy, but narrowing down your options is easier than you think. Here’s a little about each type of coffee maker to help you determine which one you need.

Drip coffee maker

A drip coffee maker is perhaps the most easily recognizable kind. To make coffee, you add cold water to the reservoir and ground coffee to the filter. When you turn it on, the machine heats the water and pushes it through the filter, saturating the ground coffee and depositing the brewed coffee into a glass carafe that typically holds 8-12 cups of liquid. The carafe rests on a heating element that keeps the coffee warm so you don’t have to drink it all at once. But don’t leave it sitting for too long, or the coffee will begin to taste bitter.

Pour-over coffee maker

If you don’t have much kitchen space and don’t want to brew multiple cups at a time, consider a pour-over coffee maker. To make pour-over coffee, you’ll place a cone-shaped filter into the pour-over brewer and add your ground coffee (typically a coarser grind than for a drip coffee maker). You’ll then place the pour-over brewer over a cup and pour hot water into it in batches. The brewed coffee then drips into your cup, ready for you to drink. A pour-over brewer is also smaller than a drip coffee maker and can typically fit in a cabinet when not in use.

Single-serve capsule coffee maker

A single-serve capsule coffee maker is an easy way to brew coffee with the touch of a button. The coffee is housed inside a capsule, or pod, which slots into a spot in the coffee maker. When you press the button, hot water is pushed through the pod and into your cup below. This is a really easy way to brew coffee and means you can try multiple different kinds of flavors. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly way to brew coffee as the empty capsules end up in the trash, and eventually, in the landfill.

French press

A French press is another option if you don’t have the counter space for a full-time coffee maker. You’ll combine hot water and ground coffee inside the glass container and allow it to brew for about four minutes. Once it’s ready, you’ll push down on the plunger to force the coffee grounds to the bottom, and then pour the brewed coffee into your cup. A French press produces a full-bodied cup of coffee and may not be to everyone’s taste.

Cold brew coffee maker

Cold brew coffee is all the rage right now, and you can make your own at home with a cold brew coffee maker. Using this type of coffee maker, you’ll steep coarsely ground beans in cold water for a few hours, or ideally, overnight. Once it’s brewed, you can drink it immediately or store it in the fridge in a separate container.

Espresso maker

For those who like a strong shot of coffee in the mornings to wake them up quickly, an espresso maker is a good option. Like a drip coffee maker, an espresso machine heats water and pours it over ground coffee beans. An espresso machine does so at a higher pressure, resulting in a stronger coffee that’s typically served in a small cup or used as the base for a mixed coffee drink, like a latte.

Stovetop coffee maker

A stovetop coffee maker does exactly what you would expect — makes coffee on the stovetop. This type of coffee maker consists of two parts. The bottom part sits on the stove and is where you add the cold water. The top part sits above the water and contains the ground coffee. When you turn on the stove and the water heats, steam creates pressure that forces the water through the top part and through the beans. The resulting coffee is strong and resembles espresso.

Grind and brew coffee maker

Rather than investing in a separate grinder and coffee maker, you can get a grind and brew coffee maker. This type of machine is similar to a drip coffee maker in the way it brews coffee, but instead of adding ground coffee to the filter you add whole coffee beans to a compartment. The machine then grinds the exact amount of beans for the coffee you’re making. This results in a very fresh coffee, as the beans haven’t been pre-ground and retain their richness during the brewing process.

Percolator

A percolator is a good way to ensure your coffee is very hot when you pour it. Using this type of coffee maker, you add coarse coffee grounds to the top of the machine, and hot water is directed to the grounds using a tube. The water repeatedly saturates the ground coffee, resulting in a strong and hot cup.

Siphon coffee maker

Finally, a siphon coffee maker uses water that is at a slightly lower temperature, which creates vapor that passes through the coffee grounds and turns back to water. It’s a more gentle method of brewing than many others, though the resulting cup is still very flavorful.

Our best coffee makers picks for 2024

Now you know the difference between the most popular types of coffee makers, it’s time to look at your options. Here are our recommended coffee makers for 2024 in each of the previously mentioned categories.

Best drip coffee maker: Cuisinart DCC-T20

The Cuisinart DCC-T20 wins our vote for best drip coffee maker due to its stylish looks, ease of use, and large carafe.

  • Price: $129.95.
  • Best for: Serious coffee drinkers.
  • Servings: 14 cups.
  • Why we like it: The Cuisinart DCC-T20 is a great coffee maker if you drink a lot of coffee or have several coffee drinkers in your house, thanks to its 14-cup carafe. It’s also easy to use. You can program the machine to brew at a certain time, or make coffee immediately with the touch of a button. It also has a cleaning indicator so you know when it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning.
  • Cons: The Cuisinart DCC-T20 is a little pricier than other drip coffee makers, but it’s good enough that it should last you for years.
Best for Drip Coffee
Cuisinart DCC-T20

Cuisinart DCC-T20

Best pour-over coffee maker: Melitta Pour-Over Filter Cone Coffeemaker

The Melitta is our pick for best pour-over brewer because it’s affordable and easy to use, even for first-timers.

  • Price: $12.99.
  • Best for: Those who want to try brewing pour-over coffee but don’t want to spend a ton.
  • Servings: 6 cups.
  • Why we like it: While some pour-over brewers fix to the top of a cup, the Melitta has a glass carafe that allows you to brew more coffee at once. That makes it easier if you’re planning to brew more than one cup at once.
  • Cons: The glass carafe won’t keep coffee warm for long, so once you’ve made it plan on drinking it quickly.
Best Affordable
Melitta Pour-Over Filter Cone Coffeemaker

Melitta Pour-Over Filter Cone Coffeemaker

Best single-serve capsule coffee maker: Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker

Keurig is probably the best-known maker of capsule coffee makers, and for good reason. Over the years, Keurig has perfected their technology, which is why the K-Cafe is our top pick.

  • Price: $179.99.
  • Best for: People who like to try different coffee flavors or drinks.
  • Servings: 1 cup.
  • Why we like it: Capsule coffee makers are among the easiest to use, and the Keurig K-Cafe is a good mid-range option that comes with a lot of bells and whistles. Its reservoir holds 6 cups of water so even though you can only brew one cup at a time, so you just need to put a new pod in between brewing cups. It also comes with a milk frother to make it easier to brew fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. 
  • Cons: Coffee pods are not eco-friendly.
Best for Capsule Coffee
Keurig - K-Cafe Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker - Dark Charcoal

Keurig - K-Cafe Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker - Dark Charcoal

Best French press coffee maker: Bodum Chambord

If you’re on a budget but still want a tasty cup of coffee, the Bodum Chambord is a great option.

  • Price: $33.
  • Best for: Those without much kitchen counter space who want to brew a full-bodied cup of coffee.
  • Servings: 1 ½ cups.
  • Why we like it: The Bodum Chambord is small and easy to use. In addition to the 12-ounce (1 ½-cup) version, you can also get it in 17, 34, and 51-ounce versions. It only takes 4 minutes to brew coffee, and you can also use it to brew tea.
  • Cons: You’ll need to invest in an electric kettle or boil water on the stove to make coffee with a French press.

Best cold brew coffee maker: Primula Burke Glass Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

Love the idea of having ice coffee ready to go in your fridge? The Primula Burke Deluxe cold brew coffee maker is a good time-saving option.

  • Price: $17.99.
  • Best for: People who don’t want to brew coffee daily.
  • Servings: 6 cups.
  • Why we like it: The Primula Burke Deluxe has a solid filter that allows the water to permeate the coffee grounds without any grounds escaping into the coffee itself. It’s easy to use; you just need to add the coffee grounds to the filter, pour cold water over it, and leave it overnight to brew. You can make a full container and, depending on how much coffee you drink each day, it can last for several days in the fridge. It’s also easy to clean; just pop the filter out, throw away the spent grounds, and rinse.
  • Cons: Some users have accidentally broken the glass while washing. It’s a good idea to be gentle with the glass when washing as it’s not as thick as you expect.
Best Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
Primula Burke Glass Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

Primula Burke Glass Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

Best espresso coffee maker: Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine With Steam Wand

Espresso machines are designed to create a tasty, strong brew, but in general they are much more expensive than other types of coffee machines. But if you’ll use it, it’s worth the hefty price tag.

  • Price: $679.99.
  • Best for: Wannabe baristas who want a beginner-friendly espresso machine.
  • Servings: 1 shot.
  • Why we like it: Sure, it’s expensive, but if you really want to be able to make amazing espresso at home, the Calphalon is a great investment. It comes with a built-in grinder to ensure fresh coffee every time. You can choose to make a single shot at a time, or you can brew two at once. It also comes with a steam wand to make foam for espresso-based coffee drinks.
  • Cons: It’s expensive.
Best for Beginners (Friendly Espresso Machine)
Temp iQ Espresso Machine With Steam Wand, Stainless

Temp iQ Espresso Machine With Steam Wand, Stainless

Best stovetop coffee maker: Bialetti New Venus Induction

Making coffee on the stovetop is easy and efficient, and the Bialetti Venus Induction is a good beginner option if you’re thinking of trying it out.

  • Price: $34.01.
  • Best for: Making strong espresso without the expensive espresso machine.
  • Servings: 4 cups.
  • Why we like it: The Bialetti Venus Induction stovetop espresso maker produces strong coffee in a short amount of time without a bunch of effort from you. It also doesn’t take up a bunch of space in the kitchen like automatic espresso makers do. It’s ideal if you’re not quite committed to making espresso at home but want to give it a whirl.
  • Cons: The 4-cup size is best suited to households with one or two coffee drinkers; any more than that and you’ll have to make multiple batches.
Best for Making Strong Espresso
Bialetti New Venus Induction

Bialetti New Venus Induction

Best grind and brew coffee maker: Cuisinart DGB-800 Burr Grind

Unless you buy your coffee pre-ground, you’ll need a way to grind the beans. The Cuisinart DGB-800 grinds on demand and brews coffee all in one machine.

  • Price: $199.95.
  • Best for: Those who want an efficient machine that does it all.
  • Servings: 12 cups.
  • Why we like it: The Cuisinart DGB-800 makes it easy to produce a fresh cup of coffee every day. It grinds the exact amount of coffee you need for the size of the pot you’re brewing, minimizing waste and keeping your beans fresh. It also has a permanent filter and auto-shutoff in case you forget to do it yourself. Like other automatic coffee makers, you can program it to start brewing so you have a fresh pot of coffee when you come downstairs in the morning.
  • Cons: The built-in grinder is loud, and the machine can be hard to clean due to its numerous different components.
Best Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
Cuisinart DGB-800 Burr Grind

Cuisinart DGB-800 Burr Grind

Best percolator coffee maker: Farberware Yosemite Percolator Coffee Maker

A percolator is a good option if you want a tasty cup of coffee but without the bulk of an automatic brewer.

  • Price: $44.99.
  • Best for: No-nonsense coffee drinkers who don’t want a bulky automatic coffee maker taking up space in their kitchen.
  • Servings: 12 cups.
  • Why we like it: The Faberware 47053 percolator has a glass knob which allows you to watch the brewing process, which is ideal for curious coffee drinkers. It also has a permanent filter basket that’s easy to clean, which means no more buying disposable filters. Best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe, making it super simple to keep clean.
  • Cons: Due to pressure that builds up during the percolating process, it can be a little tricky to get the lid off.
Best Stovetop Coffe Maker
Farberware Yosemite Percolator Coffee Maker

Farberware Yosemite Percolator Coffee Maker

Best siphon coffee maker: Hario

If you’re curious about the coffee brewing process, a siphon coffee maker like the HARIO Technica is a great choice.

  • Price: $80.50.
  • Best for: Science geeks who want to watch their coffee brew in a vacuum.
  • Servings: 3 cups.
  • Why we like it: Not only is the HARIO Technica affordable, but it’s also really intuitive when it comes to making coffee. You may have to do a few trial runs, but once you get it right you’ll have the perfect cup of coffee every morning. And you’ll feel like a scientist brewing coffee this way, making it a fun talking piece with any guests you have at your house.
  • Cons: Brewing coffee in a siphon coffee maker takes longer than many other methods.
Best for Unique Brewing Experience
Hario

What to look for when choosing a coffee maker

The first thing you need to determine when choosing a coffee maker is the type of machine you want. Do you want something easy and fuss-free that does all the work for you? An automatic drip coffee maker or a capsule coffee maker may be your best option. But if you want to be more hands-on with the process, there are many manual options available that produce a variety of coffee strengths.

You also need to consider your budget. For example, if you want to make espresso at home but don’t have a very high budget, you should look at manual machines or stovetop machines rather than more expensive automatic ones. There are many different types of coffee makers on the market and each comes with a different price range. Your budget may help direct you toward one type of coffee maker over another.

Finally, consider the available space you have in your kitchen. If you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, an automatic machine that lives on your counter full-time won’t be a huge deal, but if you’re short on counter space you’ll need to find a smaller model or one you can store in a cabinet when not in use.

When should you replace a coffee maker?

In general, the average coffee maker should last at least five years, if not more. But how do you know when it’s time to replace it with a new model?

The most obvious time to replace your coffee maker is if it stops working. Before buying a new machine, contact the manufacturer to see if yours is within warranty or if they offer any repair services. If the answer is no, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

You might also want to replace your coffee maker if your tastes or your budget have changed. If your current coffee maker is the cheapest one you could find with your first paycheck, you might prefer to get a fancier model now that you have more disposable income. Alternatively, you may have developed a taste for better coffee, and your basic model may no longer brew to your standards.

If you have a capsule coffee maker but want to make the switch to something less wasteful, you may want to try a different type of coffee maker that doesn’t end up with pods in the trash. Pods can also be expensive, so in the long run a different type of machine might be cheaper.

Are expensive coffee makers worth it?

The answer to this question depends on how picky you are about your coffee and how much money you have to spend. If you’re used to expensive coffee-shop brews, you might be disappointed with the flavor that a cheaper machine produces. But many people just aren’t in a position to throw down hundreds of dollars on a coffee maker.

Once you’ve determined what kind of coffee maker you want to buy, take a look at the top-rated options, such as ours above, so you can get an idea of the price range you’re looking at. If you can afford one of the more expensive models with high ratings, it might be worth splurging to get the best of the best. But if your budget is low, there are many high-quality coffee machines on the market that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Do your research and read reviews to determine the best pick for your situation and your budget.

No matter which coffee maker you choose, you need to make sure it checks all your boxes to produce your perfect cup. Consider our recommendations while doing your research.

How we selected the best coffee makers of 2024

A substandard coffee maker can become a daily source of frustration, which is why we heavily researched and put the top appliances to the test. In order to get our list of best coffee makers, we first considered the most common types purchased by consumers. Next, we narrowed down our list by scouring reviews to find an initial list of promising coffee makers. We then compared key factors like price, design, construction, reliability and put the finalists to the test to find the best coffee makers.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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