The best coffee maker is the one that fits your routine, whether that’s a quick Nespresso machine, a classic drip coffee maker, a model with a built-in grinder, a budget-friendly option, or a cold brew maker. Our top picks are for those looking for traditional drip coffee or single-serve. If you prefer a more hands-on brewing experience, check out our separate section on specialty coffee makers.
Our top picks:
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, we’ve tested coffee makers for decades. For over five years, I’ve tested the latest coffee and espresso machines year-round, evaluating each one for performance and ease of use. Together, my colleagues and I have brewed and tasted more than 1,000 cups of coffee to find the best picks for every type of coffee drinker.
| Cup capacity | 12 cups |
| Type of carafe | Thermal carafe |
| Dimensions | 14″ x 9″ x 16″ |
BEST FOR: Drip coffee lovers who want lots of customization | SKIP IF: You want a simple, no-fuss coffee maker
This drip coffee maker earned our top spot because it brews coffee at the ideal temperature and speed to meet Specialty Coffee Association standards. It’s also incredibly versatile, with settings for up to 12 cups, a single serving, iced coffee, and even cold brew. Plus, it’s available in stylish colors like matte navy and olive, with a glass carafe option if you prefer.
I love that it comes with both cone-shaped and flat-bottom filter baskets, so you can customize the flavor of your coffee. Coffee perfectionists can also fine-tune the water flow, brew temperature, and bloom time (the amount of time you let the wet coffee grounds sit to release carbon dioxide before pouring the rest of your water) for a more customized cup.
The coffee basket fully pulls out for easy filling and even easier emptying, and the water reservoir has a wide opening and easy-to-read measurement markings. The display features a count-up timer that shows how long the coffee has been kept warm.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I was impressed that it made 12 cups of hot coffee in about seven minutes, which was quick compared to the others we tested.
TASTE TESTING: The coffee brewed was among the highest scoring for taste in our tests, producing a full-bodied and hot cup of coffee.
TAKE NOTE: The Luxe control panel isn’t as intuitive as other coffee makers, and I found there is a learning curve. I don’t love washing the carafe by hand, but most thermal carafes are hand-wash only. However, the carafe is also relatively easy to clean, with a moderately sized opening that you can fit your sponge in.
Pros
- Top scorer for making tasty coffee
- Option to brew over ice
- Compact footprint
Cons
- May not fit well under cupboards
| Cup capacity | 14 cups |
| Type of carafe | Glass |
| Dimensions | 14.8″ x 9.3″ x 8.7″ |
BEST FOR: Budget shoppers who want great-tasting drip coffee | SKIP IF: You have limited space under your cabinets
The Braun Pure Flavor lives up to its name, brewing rich, flavorful coffee with a responsive control panel and easy-to-read water markings. It’s easy to use, with a responsive control panel and clear water markings, and “fast”, “regular”, and “bold” coffee. Plus, it also makes a stronger “over ice” brew, so it doesn’t get diluted when poured over ice.
This 14-cup coffee maker brews quickly, and I appreciate its smaller footprint, which saves counter space. This is a straightforward coffee machine that brews tasty coffee for around $100 (or less if it’s on sale), making it one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers I’ve tested.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our tests, the Braun Pure Flavor brewed hot coffee in the optimal temperature range, and it kept the coffee hot for our full two-hour testing period. In addition to brewing delicious coffee, I found it exceptionally easy to use.
TASTE TESTING: The Braun was one of the top-scoring drip coffee machines for making extra-tasty coffee.
TAKE NOTE: One drawback is that it stands almost 20 inches tall when fully opened, so you’ll want to ensure there’s sufficient space beneath your cabinets if you plan to keep it there.
Pros
- Built-in grinder with multiple settings
- Digital display shows the amount of water added
- Can also brew a single cup
Cons
- Oily beans may clog grinder
| Cup capacity | 12 cups |
| Carafe type | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 12.5″ x 18.5″ x 16.3″ |
BEST FOR: Those who want freshly ground beans with minimal effort | SKIP IF: You don’t want to deal with grinder maintenance
It’s hard to beat the convenience of a coffee maker with a built-in grinder that lets you skip grinding beans separately and easily make a tasty cup of coffee from whole beans.
The Breville built-in grinder has multiple grind settings, so you can tweak the flavor to your liking, and you can choose from eight brew strengths. It even adjusts the brewing time automatically. In addition to brewing a full carafe, you can brew a single-cup or travel mug-size coffee.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: The coffee brewed quickly and hot. The thermal carafe kept the coffee warm for our entire two-hour test time, and one of our pros said when they tested it at home, it stayed hot all day. I appreciated the handy digital display located on the front of the unit that measures the amount of water you add to the reservoir, which makes the whole process a breeze.
TASTE TESTING: This is a favorite in our Lab for its hot, full-bodied tasting coffee.
TAKE NOTE: Coffee makers with grinders have a reputation for clogging easily. It’s best not to grind on the super-fine setting, and don’t use beans that are too oily to avoid clogging.
Pros
- Machine reads barcode and customizes the brew to each particular coffee
- Variety of Vertuo capsules to choose from
- Consistent coffee and espresso
Cons
- Can’t adjust temperature or brewing time since it’s specific to each capsule
| Cup capacity | 1 cup |
| Type of carafe | Brews into a mug of your choice |
| Dimensions | 10.8″ x 14.75″ x 15.5″ |
BEST FOR: Anyone who wants quick, consistently great coffee with almost no effort | SKIP IF: You don’t want to buy pods
Pod coffee makers are ideal when you’re in a rush or want a reliably good cup of coffee. Out of all the pod machines we tested, this one stands out as the most versatile and makes the most delicious coffee.
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a single-serve coffee maker that uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode that tells the machine exactly how to brew it, whether it’s brewing an espresso, a double espresso, or American coffee. You can choose from many different capsules that vary in coffee type, strength, and even origin.
The capsules can be tossed in with your recycling in some states, or put in a Nespresso-supplied bag and dropped off at UPS or a Nespresso boutique for recycling.
The VertuoPlus Coffee Maker comes with a great frother—hello, cappuccinos and lattes!—but the same machine can be purchased without the frother for less money.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This machine is incredibly convenient and easy to use. Each espresso is consistent and hot, and the machine is easy to operate.
TASTE TESTING: The espressos and coffees are full-bodied with a thick and creamy crema.
TAKE NOTE: You can’t adjust the coffee settings on Vertuo machines; each Vertuo pod is designed to brew a specific type of coffee. If you want different drinks, such as an espresso or an 8-ounce coffee, you’ll need to purchase both types of pods.
Specialty Coffee Makers
If you enjoy experimenting with different brewing methods or dialing in the perfect cup, these specialty coffee makers are for you. From pour-over brewers and French presses to cold brew makers and the innovative Fellow Aiden, these picks offer a more hands-on coffee experience.
Pros
- Adjusts brewing to the type of roast
- Can personalize the bloom cycle
- Option for single-serve
Cons
- There’s a learning curve for the customizations
| Cup capacity | 10 cups |
| Type of carafe | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 8 15/16” x 8 15/16” x 12″ |
BEST FOR: Coffee lovers who want to dial in their coffee settings | SKIP IF: You don’t want to customize your coffee
Fellow’s Aiden Precision Coffee Maker earned a GH Kitchen Award thanks to its impressive customization. It automatically adjusts the brew based on your coffee’s roast, and you can fine-tune settings like water temperature and the coffee-to-water ratio.
If you like to experiment, you can also customize the bloom cycle for even more control. Plus, this coffee maker brews both single servings and full carafes, making it as versatile as it is smart.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I was impressed with the level of customization this coffee maker offers. The illuminated control panel is easy to read. In testing, I found it made some of the hottest coffee and had a quick brew time.
TASTE TESTING: This was a favorite among our experts for its ability to produce clean-tasting, flavorful coffee. One of our pros commented that they like the slight acidity and that it is not bitter.
TAKE NOTE: There is a learning curve when it comes to customization.
Pros
- Coffee has a less gritty taste than other French presses
- Double-wall stainless steel design keeps coffee hot
- Available in multiple colors and finishes
Cons
- Some colors are hand-wash only
| Cup capacity | 32 oz |
| Type of carafe | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 4.5″ x 9.5″ |
BEST FOR: Fans of French Press who want a clean tasting cup with no grit | SKIP IF: You’re not into hand washing
The Espro has been one of our favorite French presses for years, even earning a GH Kitchen Award. What makes this stand out are the double fine-mesh filters, which do an excellent job of keeping grit out of your cup. I’ve tested several French presses at home, and this is the one I’ve kept because it consistently brews cleaner-tasting coffee than others I’ve tried.
The double-walled stainless steel coffee maker helps keep your coffee hot, and the oversized handle makes pouring easy. It also comes in an 18-ounce size, and both sizes are available in brushed or polished stainless steel, as well as matte white, black, blue, or red.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I was impressed with the double fine-mesh strainers and noticed that the coffee had a less gritty taste than other French presses they’ve tested. I found it easy to assemble, and within minutes of setting it up, I was brewing coffee.
TASTE TESTING: This French press made a delicious cup of coffee with a less gritty taste than other French presses we tried. One of our taste testers said, “The product makes consistent and delicious coffee within a few minutes.
TAKE NOTE: The brushed and polished stainless steel models are top-rack dishwasher-safe, though I found the larger models are too tall for the top rack. The other colors are hand-wash only.
Pros
- Taste testers rated this highly for making smooth and balanced cold brew
- Easy to use
- Parts nest together for compact storage
Cons
- Main body parts must be washed by hand
| Cup capacity | 40 oz |
| Type of carafe | Glass |
| Dimensions | 9.5″ x 9.5″ x 14.7″ |
BEST FOR: Consistent cold brew drinkers who want easy brewing | SKIP IF: You don’t want to hand wash some parts
Making cold brew doesn’t get easier than with this Oxo Cold Brew coffee maker: Simply add in coffee grounds and water, then in 12 to 24 hours, the coffee is ready to dispense into the glass carafe by pushing a lever.
It’s very easy to customize the flavor to your liking by letting the cold brew steep for a shorter or longer time. While this machine is on the larger side, the parts nest together for compact storage.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This cold brew coffee maker was extremely easy to use in testing by adding coarsely ground coffee. I love that the lid has a “rainmaker” spout that evenly distributes water over the grounds, so I don’t need to stir it to make sure all the grounds are wet.
TASTE TESTING: Our taste testers said it made excellent cold brew, with a smooth, balanced flavor.
TAKE NOTE: The glass carafe is dishwasher-safe, but the other parts must be hand-washed. That said, we found the parts a breeze to clean.
Pros
- Pour-over drips directly into a thermal carafe
- Carafe is double-walled and vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep coffee hot
- Stainless steel design is durable
Cons
- Water level not visible
| Cup capacity | 33 oz |
| Carafe type | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 6.2″ x 10″ |
BEST FOR: Those who want to keep their pour over warm in a carafe | SKIP IF: You tend to drink your pour over immediately
Pour-over coffee is nothing new, but MiiR took it a step further with this combined pour-over and thermal carafe. The top features a pour-over cone where you place the filter and brew as usual, allowing the coffee to drip directly into the thermal carafe below.
The carafe is made of double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep coffee hot. It also comes with a stopper to help retain heat once the brewing is complete.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I found this just as easy to use as other pour-over devices with a simple pour-over top that screws into the carafe below. One of our at-home testers who has used this for a few months said, “I like that it’s simple to use and makes a lot of coffee.” A staff member also commented on the sturdy stainless steel design, noting they could take it on a trip without worrying about it breaking.
TASTE TESTING: Our consumer testers liked the strong, full-bodied coffee from this pour-over.
TAKE NOTE: Those who prefer to eyeball the amount of water when pouring over may need to measure it beforehand since the stainless steel body doesn’t allow you to see the water level.
How we test coffee makers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab has been testing coffee makers for decades and has brewed more than 1,000 cups of coffee to evaluate top-performing models. We assess each coffee maker for performance, ease of use and the quality of the brewed coffee.
✔️ Brew test: We brew at least two full pots of coffee in each machine, recording brew time, brewing temperature, finished coffee temperature and how well the coffee stays warm over a two-hour period.
✔️ Taste test: We conduct sensory evaluations with multiple tasters, who share tasting notes on each brew. We look for coffee that’s balanced, flavorful, and enjoyable to drink.
✔️ Ease of use: In addition to performance, we assess ease of use by scoring several factors, including the usefulness of the user guide and how easy it is to use the controls, access the water tank and brew basket, read the markings on the tank and carafe, clean the carafe, and more.
What to look for when shopping for a coffee maker
✔️ Types of coffee makers: Consider what type of coffee you drink most and whether you’d like a coffee machine that can make different styles of coffee, including single-serve sizes, full pots of coffee, and sometimes even espresso. It’s becoming increasingly popular for coffee makers to offer multiple ways to enjoy your coffee. Coffee makers range from drip to cold brew coffee makers, espresso machines, and more:
- Drip: One of the most common types, this drips hot water through grounds to make a full pot. It’s great for daily coffee drinkers who want a traditional cup.
- Grind and brew: Some coffee machines have built-in grinders that grind beans right before brewing, giving you fresher flavor without needing a separate grinder.
- Single-serve: You’re likely familiar with this category thanks to popular Nespresso and Keurig coffee makers, though more brands offer single-serve options with some that even grind beans for you. These are perfect if you want one quick cup. If you also want to brew a full pot, a dual coffee maker is a good choice.
- Cold brew: This method uses a long, cold steep to create a smooth, cold coffee, which is also lower in acidity. They come in both non-electric and electric designs, and some coffee makers even include a cold brew setting as an added feature.
- French press: The grounds are steeped in hot water and pressed with a plunger to get a rich, full-bodied cup with minimal fuss.
- Espresso machines that also make coffee: Some machines can brew both coffee and espresso, and others can make one and mimic the other, such as an espresso maker that also produces a drip-style coffee drink or an Americano.
✔️ Strength preference: If you prefer your coffee mild or strong, look for a coffee maker that has adjustable strengths. Many of the models we tested offer two to three strength options. Espresso, in general, also has a stronger flavor, as does coffee made in stovetop coffee makers.
✔️ Number of servings: Most drip coffee makers will make 10 to 14 cups of coffee, but if you don’t need that much, consider smaller coffee makers that make four to five cups or single-serve options that can brew one cup at a time.
✔️ Convenience: If you’re pressed for time or don’t want to prep your coffee, a single-serve machine may be a benefit as there’s little-to-no prep or cleaning up. A drip machine also takes longer to brew coffee because it makes a larger quantity. If you have plenty of time on your hands, pour-overs and French presses take longer to brew and require a more hands-on approach, but the flavor is typically richer, smoother, and worth the fuss.
Does the coffee maker really make a difference in flavor?
Yes, coffee makers can affect the flavor of the coffee. Different brewing methods, such as drip coffee, espresso, cold brew, French press, and more, require different coffee and espresso makers to make them properly. These brewing methods use different grind sizes, water temperature, pressure, and contact time with the grinds, all of which influence the coffee’s taste.
This is why some prefer the bold taste of cold brew or a concentrated shot of espresso, among other types of coffee. Just keep in mind that the coffee bean itself will impact the coffee flavor, and some beans are better suited for certain methods than others. If you’ve only tried one brewing method, you may have to experiment to find the best one for you.
More top-tested coffee makers
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda has tested and written about dozens upon dozens of coffee and espresso makers. She tests and writes about everything coffee-related throughout the year. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) courses in coffee brewing, barista skills, and sensory tasting. She regularly tests and contributes her knowledge as a judge in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Awards.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she oversees all of Good Housekeeping’s content and testing related to kitchen appliances, including coffee makers. Over the years, she’s tested numerous coffee makers and continues to road-test them daily.
Jamie Ueda is a contributing writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has tested coffee makers, espresso machines, water filters, bakeware, dinnerware, and more in the Kitchen and Cooking Lab since 2021. She has completed Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) coursework to further her expertise in coffee evaluation and brewing science.
With an engineering and design background, and more than 20 years in product development and manufacturing, she brings both deep technical knowledge and a designer’s perspective to her testing and reporting. She has evaluated products and written reviews for multiple GH Institute Labs, as well as for publications including Forbes and CNN. Prior to joining GH, she held senior roles at both mid-size and global consumer product companies.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute‘s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
