Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker 2024

Are you looking for a coffee maker that'll brew just the right amount? I've put together a list of the best 5 cup coffee makers on the market. Read on to find out more!

Kaffeemaschinen Test Ueberblick

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

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Finding the best coffee maker for your lifestyle can make you feel like Goldilocks – some brew too many cups, some don’t brew enough. So, isn’t there a size that’s just right? As it happens there is! If you keep reading I’ll help you find the best 5 cup coffee maker for your needs.

Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker on your own or need a machine that’s going to make enough for you and a partner, these handy little machines offer the perfect balance. Later, I’ll get into the nitty gritty details of why I love 5 cup coffee makers below. Plus, I’ll list the best 5 cup coffee makers on the market. Ready? Let’s do this!

Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker at a Glance

Here’s a list of the 5 cup coffee makers we’ll be looking at today:

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Pre infusion function

SCA Golden Cup certified

Thermal carafe

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Ergonomic design and drip free spout

Automatic shutoff

LCD display

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Very portable

Charcoal water filter

Removable water tank

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Auto pause and auto shutoff

Reusable filter

Delay brew function

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Stainless steel design

Glass carafe is dishwasher safe

Extremely easy to operate

Why Do People Buy 5 Cup Coffee Makers?

Five cup coffee makers have definitely got their fans, so what’s all the fuss about? Well, there are a couple of reasons you might want to trade that bulky coffee maker out for a 5 cup coffee machine.

The biggest reasons usually relate to space and portability. Unless you’ve got a big family, 12 cup coffee makers can seem like overkill.

I mean, they can take up a lot of counter space, and most of the time you’ll be making more than you can actually drink. That’s especially true if you’re the only coffee lover around. Single serve coffee makers might seem like a better alternative, but they tend to disappoint more than they impress.

Speaking of single serve machines, many of them use pod coffee. Not only are coffee pods bad for the environment, they’re often hanging around on supermarket shelves for months. Stale coffee anyone?

That isn’t to say 12 cup or single serve coffee machines don’t have their place. However, if you’re looking for a portable machine that still makes great tasting coffee, a 5 cup coffee maker won’t disappoint.

In my experience, a 5 cup coffee maker produces the perfect amount for one or two people. Plus, if you’re trying to save space in an RV, van or just a small apartment, it’ll be the perfect fit. Anyway, just because you’ve got limited space or you’re spending time on the road doesn’t mean you don’t deserve freshly brewed coffee in your ceramic travel mug.

What Makes a Good Coffee Maker?

Try shopping online for a coffee maker and you’ll find endless options. However, not all of them live up to the hype. At this point, I should mention you’d be way better off checking out my guide to the best coffee makers! Anyway, here are some of the biggest factors to consider when looking for a good coffee maker:

  • Carafe: Most drip coffee makers include a carafe, usually made from glass or stainless steel. A glass carafe may be easy to clean, but as long as it’s in your budget, a stainless steel thermal carafe is going to be more durable and better at retaining heat.
  • Budget: It goes without saying that the price tag plays a big role in your buying decision. Keeping to your budget is important, so be on the lookout for manufacturers trying to upsell you on features you don’t really want or need. If you’re just looking for a simple 5 cup machine that’ll make tasty coffee, there’s no reason to waste your time with complex control panels or needless fluff.
  • Extra Features: Not all features are necessary, but some of them can make or break a coffee machine. Brew pause features, for instance, allow you to pour yourself some coffee without watching the rest of your brew drip onto the hot plate. An auto shutoff feature saves energy by turning off the machine after a set amount of time. Lastly, an automatic keep warm function is especially nice if you’re not in a rush to down your coffee.
  • Reusable filter: A permanent coffee filter is always a great alternative to paper filters. Unless you can compost, you’ve got to throw paper filters away after each use, which isn’t great for the environment.

The 5 Best 5 Cup Coffee Makers

Now it’s time to get down to business. Keep reading to find out all about the best 5 cup coffee makers I could find.

Bonavita 5 Cup Coffee Maker

Bonavita: the best 5 cup coffee maker BV1500TS. Buy Now on Amazon

The Bonavita 5 Cup Coffee Maker really stood out from the crowd during my review. In fact, it’s easy to see why I named this the Best Overall 5 Cup Coffee Maker.

For starters, it has a pre infusion function, meaning the grounds are slightly dampened before the brewing process begins. This allows the coffee to bloom, resulting in a more aromatic extraction.

On top of that, Bonavita added a wide shower head to enhance its pour over style brewing. Plus, the Bonavita 5 Cup has an 1100 watt heater that keeps your brew at exactly the right temperature. It’s little wonder this machine has been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

We all like it when we can have our cake and eat it too, which Bonavita made possible by adding a gorgeous stainless steel thermal carafe. Coupled with its black plastic and stainless steel body, this beauty will enhance any kitchen.

Available for $149.99 on Amazon, this is a drip coffee maker that will please even the pickiest of coffee geeks.

PROS

  • Pre infusion function
  • SCA Golden Cup certified
  • Thermal carafe
  • Wide shower head for uniform extraction

CONS

  • Supply chain issues may affect availability

Capresso Mini 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Capresso Mini 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

The Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker is a great choice if you’re tired of shelling out for disposable paper filters.

This cool programmable coffee maker comes with a reusable gold tone filter that’s easy to keep clean. Plus, the Capresso Mini will only set you back $39.99 on Amazon.

Featuring multiple spray nozzles, the Capresso Mini ensures your grounds are getting even, full saturation when you brew. That means you can say goodbye to inconsistent coffee.

Prefer to drink your coffee over a few hours versus a few minutes? That’s not a problem with the Capresso.

Along with keeping your coffee hot and fresh for up to two hours, the control panel gives you the option to schedule a start time. Don’t feel like getting up extra early to start your coffee before work? No big deal  – it only takes the press of a button to change your start time.

The programmable brew time and reusable filter aren’t the only things to love about this coffee maker. The carafe’s design includes a drip free spout and ergonomic handle, both of which reduce the risk of burning hot coffee ending up on your skin rather than in your cup.

PROS

  • Ergonomic design and drip free spout
  • Automatic shutoff
  • LCD panel is bright and easy to read

CONS

  • Reusable filter is prone to overflowing
  • Glass carafe isn’t easy to clean

Zojirushi Zutto 5 Cup Coffee Maker

Zojirushi Zutto 5 Cup Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

At just $79.95 on Amazon, the Zojirushi Zutto 5 Cup Coffee Maker is definitely a stand out option.

What really sets this coffee maker apart is its compact and intelligent design. Clocking in at less than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms), and featuring a neat filter cone that sits inside the decanter, you’ll have no issues fitting this machine onto your kitchen countertop.

You could classify any of the machines on this list as portable, but not all of them would fit as easily in an RV, van or studio apartment as the Zojirushi Zutto.

Let’s also not forget the removable water tank, which makes your life a little easier when you’re preparing your next brew or just cleaning the machine.

The automatic keep warm feature is just as handy, meaning you don’t have to rush through your morning coffee. However, keep in mind there’s no automatic shutoff on this machine. Instead, you’ll have to remember to manually turn it off.

PROS

  • Very portable
  • Charcoal water filter
  • Removable water tank

CONS

  • No automatic shutoff
  • Removing the top lid can be tricky

Mr. Coffee 5 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee 5 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

If you’re looking for a machine that won’t break the bank (but will make delicious coffee), the Mr. Coffee 5 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is a great pick at just $38.97.

Capable of brewing enough for two 12 ounce (354.9 milliliter) cups, this coffee maker weighs less than 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms). Whether you’re a solo coffee drinker or love to enjoy your morning brew with a partner, this 5 cup machine makes the perfect amount.

Some 5 cups may be all about the elaborate control panels, but not everyone wants to read an in depth user manual just to make a cup of coffee. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. The control panel lacks all the fancy bells and whistles, but it still gives you the option to schedule a start time for your brew.

Speaking of prepping your next brew, the easy view water window ensures you won’t put too much (or too little) water into the tank. You might not want a full five cups, and with the transparent water tank, you’ll be able to judge exactly how much water you’re putting in.

Another perk of this Mr. Coffee maker is its auto pause feature. Don’t feel like waiting till the entire pot brews before you get your fix? No problem – you can pull the carafe out and pour without worrying that the rest of the brewing coffee will flood your countertop.

PROS

  • Auto-pause and auto shutoff
  • Reusable filter
  • Delay brew function

CONS

  • Brew basket can overflow
  • Slow to brew

KRUPS 5 Cup Coffee Maker

KRUPS 5 Cup Coffee Maker. Buy Now on Amazon

One of the benefits of purchasing a five cup coffee maker is that it likely won’t break the bank. Priced at just $39.18, that’s certainly the case with the KRUPS 5 Cup Coffee Maker.

Although it’s made of plastic, the stainless steel coloring lends the machine a sleek, modern look. I always prefer to see a thermal carafe, but at least the KRUPS glass carafe is dishwasher safe.

The machine’s keep warm function is a convenient addition, and the auto pause feature won’t leave your countertop a mess if you decide to sneak a mid brew cup.

A couple of other advantages of this machine include the permanent filter, removable filter basket and convenient measuring spoon.

The opening for the filter and the basket is also designed to be a little bit larger than you might expect. One common defect you’ll find in a lot of small coffee makers is tiny openings, which can result in spilled coffee grounds if you’re not careful.

The KRUPS 5 Cup Coffee Maker is probably the simplest coffee pot to operate on the list. There’s no control panel or complicated user manual  – with just the touch of a button, you’ll be ready to brew coffee.

PROS

  • Stainless steel design
  • Glass carafe is dishwasher safe
  • Extremely easy to operate

CONS

  • No auto shutoff
  • Glass carafe lid tricky to open

See Also: KRUPS 5 Cup Coffee Maker Review 2024

5 Cup Coffee Maker Comparison Chart

Bonavita 5 Cup Coffee MakerCapresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee MakerZojirushi Zutto 5 Cup Coffee MakerMr. Coffee 5 Cup Programmable Coffee MakerKRUPS 5 Cup Coffee Maker
ManufacturerBonavitaCapressoZojirushiMr. CoffeeKRUPS
Name5 Cup Coffee Maker BV1500TS5 Cup Mini Coffee MakerEC-DAC50 Zutto 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker5 Cup Programmable Coffee MakerSimply Brew Compact Filter Drip Coffee Maker
Product categoryDrip coffee makerDrip coffee makerDrip coffee makerDrip coffee makerDrip coffee maker
Housing materialStainless steelPlastic / stainless steelPlasticPlasticPlastic
Carafe materialStainless steelGlass / plasticGlass / plasticGlass / plasticGlass / plastic
Brew capacity25.0 oz / 0.7 l25.0 oz / 0.7 l25.0 oz / 0.7 l25.0 oz / 0.7 l25.0 oz / 0.7 l
Serving size options3-5 cups2-5 cups2-5 cups2-5 cups2-5 cups
Reusable coffee filterNoYesNoYesYes
Coffee pod compatibleNoNoNoNoNo
Removable water reservoirNoNoYesNoNo
Water filterNoNoYesYesNo
Hot water dispenserNoNoNoNoNo
Brew styles11111
Milk frotherNoNoNoNoNo
Adjustable brewing temperatureNoNoNoNoNo
ProgrammableNoYesNoYesNo
Warmer plateNoYesYesYesYes
Weight5.0 lb / 2.3 kg2.0 lb / 0.9 kg3.5 lb / 1.6 kg1.6 lb / 0.7 kg2.8 lb / 1.3 kg
Dimensions (H x W x D)12.3 x 6.2 x 10.6 in / 31.2 x 15.7 x 30.0 cm10.0 x 6.2 x 8.0 in / 25.4 x 15.7 x 20.3 cm10.6 x 5.9 x 8.9 in / 27.0 x 15.0 x 22.6 cm10.6 x 7.1 x 9.6 in / 27.0 cm x 18.0 cm x 24.3 cm10.1 x 5.7 x 8.1 in / 25.6 x 14.5 x 20.6 cm
SCA Certified Home BrewerYesNoNoNoNo
ExtrasInstruction manualInstruction manual, reusable filterInstruction manual, coffee scoopInstruction manual, reusable filterInstruction manual, reusable filter, coffee scoop
Current price on Amazon$149.99$39.99$79.95$38.97$39.18

Decision Time

A delicious cup of hot steaming coffee.

What’s the best 5 cup coffee maker? How much money should I spend? Overthinking your next coffee maker purchase is all too easy, but there’s no reason to spend hours puzzling and stressing!

I’ve already done the hard part for you, so check out any of the top picks to find the best 5 cup coffee maker for you. Alternatively, check out my guide to the best 4 cup coffee maker for even more compact options. Either way, it won’t be long before you’re relaxing with a cup of joe while congratulating yourself on a job well done!

What’s your favorite compact coffee maker? Is there a different one you believe should make our list of the best 5 cup coffee makers? Let me know in the comments!

Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker FAQ

Although we’re used to thinking of a cup as measuring 8 ounces, coffee makers produce 5 ounce cups of coffee.

As with any other drip coffee machine, you should start with a medium grind size in your 5 cup coffee maker. Feel free to make small adjustments to the grind size, depending on your taste and the type of coffee beans you’re using.

Stainless steel and glass carafes stain more easily than you think, but with a little baking soda and water, it’ll be good as new. Just sprinkle a dash of baking soda onto the bottom of your carafe, add water until it has a paste-like consistency, and scrub.

It’s a good idea to rinse and wipe down your 5 cup coffee maker at the end of each day. Ideally, you should also give your simple coffee maker a deep clean every three to six months, depending on how regularly you’re using it.

I don’t recommend this for your five cup coffee maker or coffee pot. Instead of a delicious cup of brewed coffee, your final result will probably be potent coffee with a mushy consistency. Not to mention, jamming too much instant ground coffee into your paper filters or reusable coffee filter has the potential to clog the machine since instant coffee hardens as it dries.

Your coffee expert
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Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

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