Discover the Best Coffee Maker for Every Brew [Coffee Maker Buying Guide]: Top 11 Picks Reviewed for 2025
Choosing the best coffee maker for your needs should be easy. That's why I curated a list of 11 top coffee makers to help you decide. My hope is that it will save you time and enrich your life with great coffee!
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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.
If you’re trying to find the best coffee maker, you’ve come to the right place. After all, it’s my job to test out coffee brewing equipment, and I’m always on the lookout for what I consider to be the best options. In this guide I’ll be reviewing a broad range of coffee makers, including manual brewers, automatic drip machines and even an espresso machine.
So, buckle up and let’s jump right in. I’m super excited to tell you all about the best coffee markets I could find.
Our Top Picks & Quick Comparison: 11 Best Coffee Makers for Every Brew Style
Before we dive into all the coffee maker details, here’s a sneak peek at the machines I’ll be talking about in this guide. Oh, and I’ve personally tested 10 of the 11 coffee makers featured here, so you’re getting insights based on real use, not just specs.
Types of Coffee Makers: Pick One to Match Your Coffee Drinking Habits
Moving on, let’s take a look at the types of coffee maker I’ll be discussing today. That way you can get a slightly better idea of what might be the best coffee maker for your needs.
A drip coffee maker is ideal for those who want to easily brew carafes of filtered coffee. Drip coffee makers range from simple, one-button models to sophisticated, programmable brewers.
A single-serve coffee maker lets you brew one serving of drip or drip-style coffee at a time. You’ll usually have a few cup sizes to choose from as well.
A pour-over coffee maker is for those who enjoy the manual brewing process. Requiring skill, patience and precision, pour-over produces exceptionally clean coffee.
If you want to brew drip coffee using freshly ground coffee beans, but don’t like the idea of a standalone grinder, consider buying a coffee maker with a built-in grinder.
Preparing cold brew at home can be messy and imprecise. Enter the cold brew coffee maker, which has a built-in filter and will easily fit in your fridge.
The humble French press employs the immersion brewing method, which is one of the easiest ways to prepare a carafe of coffee. Available in a range of sizes, opt for a French press if you value simplicity, convenience and full-bodied coffee.
If your absolute favorite brewing method is espresso and you want to learn the fine art of its preparation, a home espresso machine is the only way to go. Depending on the model you buy, you might also need to invest in an espresso grinder too.
A coffee maker and espresso combo maker is ideal for larger families or even offices. It allows you to brew both espresso and drip coffee, as well as steam milk.
If you like to brew drip coffee straight into a travel mug as you’re getting ready to go to work, then enjoy a carafe of coffee at a relaxed pace on the weekend, a dual coffee maker is the way to go.
Top 11 Coffee Maker Reviews
Hopefully you now have a clearer idea of the type of coffee maker you’re interested in. If that’s the case, keep reading to get a more detailed look at each of my best coffee maker picks. Incidentally, I’ve chosen three automatic drip coffee makers, seeing as this type of machine is the most popular choice for the majority of homes. Each of the other categories will just have one model.
I’ve personally tested all but one of the coffee makers on this list, so you can be sure that my choices were based on first-hand experience. Trust me, I’m almost certain you’re about to find a coffee maker that’s perfect for your needs!
Our Top Picks for the 3 Best Drip Coffee Makers
The humble drip coffee maker has come a long way in recent years. And as it happens, there are now tons of really sophisticated machines out there, many of which have been calibrated to produce truly sumptuous coffee. Here are my picks for the best of the best of this new crop of automatic coffee makers.
Available in stainless steel, black or white, the $359.00Ratio Six Coffee Maker comes standard with a thermal carafe. This premium coffee machine is incredibly stylish and well-made. Plus, the Ratio Six has been designed to simulate the pour over process. Water flows through a stainless steel shower head, evenly dampening ground coffee for better extraction. The water tank on the Ratio Six is BPA free and the supply lines are made of hand-blown borosilicate glass.
Why might it be a bad choice?
While I love the Ratio Six Coffee Maker, it is fairly limited in terms of functionality. So, if you’re hoping for a programmable coffee machine with customization options, you might be better off with a different model. What’s more, the Ratio Six is rather expensive for an automatic drip machine.
Why I think it’s worth it:
Thanks to its premium design and minimalist user interface, making consistently excellent coffee with the Ratio Six is a straightforward affair.
How it performed in my tests:
During my test I noted that the heat collar worked very well. The Ratio Six consistently performed according to SCA Gold Cup standards, repeatedly brewing delicious coffee batches at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) and within the requisite time parameters. I noticed that the machine used all the water in its reservoir, resulting in next to no dripping and condensation after the brewing process was complete.
Costing a very reasonable (for what you get) $399.95, the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is a truly astonishing machine. Designed for true coffee nerds, you’re able to adjust pretty much any brewing parameter you can think of. Heck, there are three adjustable settings just for the bloom function! With all that said, you can use the manufacturer’s settings for roast profile to keep things simple, or just use Bypass Brew Mode to keep things simple.
Why might it be a bad choice?
If you just want a simple automatic drip machine, the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker is not for you. Rather, this model will appeal to those who want to experiment with brew ratios, bloom times and roast profiles.
Why I think it’s worth it:
If you’re excited by the idea of pursuing the perfect cup of coffee, the Fellow Aiden’s versatility and programmability make it the ideal machine.
How it performed in my tests:
During my tests, the Fellow Aiden blew me away. Seriously, there is just so much you can do with this drip coffee maker. I paid special attention to the Guided Brew Mode, wherein the machine offers instructions for brewing. I was very impressed by the way the Fellow Aiden kept me up to date on everything that was happening during the brew cycle. Plus, the coffee tasted excellent.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM401 was designed with advanced users in mind, and is another SCA-certified home brewer. You can choose between 4 brew styles, allowing coffee drinkers to whip up a variety of drinks, depending on what they are in the mood for that day. A built-in milk frother adds to the innovative design, making it possible to add some pizzazz to milk-based coffee drinks. Available for $179.99, this programmable machine offers several cup size options and also comes with a glass carafe.
Why might it be a bad choice?
The Ninja CM401 has more cup size options and brew styles than you can shake a stick at, which might feel like overkill for some users. What’s more, the Ninja’s size and design might not be suitable for smaller kitchens. Finally, $179.99 is quite a lot of money to invest in a drip coffee maker.
Why I think it’s worth it:
The Ninja CM401 packs a lot of functionality into one machine, making it ideal for anyone who wants a superb programmable coffee maker.
How it performed in my tests:
I was impressed by how the Ninja CM401 performed, noting its consistent brewing temperature and brew times. In fact, the machine brewed a full carafe of coffee in under eight minutes. I also enjoyed experimenting with different brew sizes and styles, as well as with the built-in frother.
Costing $599.95, the DeLonghi TrueBrew is unique in that it’s a fully automatic coffee maker. That means it has an internal brew group and doesn’t require coffee filters. Heck, it can even produce a delicious “espresso style” drink. The DeLonghi TrueBrew may be large and bulky, but it offers the ultimate in convenience and ease of use. Thanks to its built-in burr grinder and intuitive touchscreen controls, whipping up a tasty cup of coffee is a piece of cake. Plus, there are plenty of adjustable settings for cup size, brew style and strength, so you can quickly tailor your coffee to your liking.
Why might it be a bad choice?
The DeLonghi TrueBrew is far from a compact coffee maker. In fact, it rises to 16 inches (41 centimeters) in height, which won’t be ideal for those with limited kitchen space. Plus, at $599.95, this isn’t a casual investment. Seeing as the TrueBrew is a single serve coffee maker, it might be a bad choice if you like to enjoy a carafe of drip coffee over the course of a morning.
Why we think it’s worth it:
The DeLonghi Truebrew’s built-in grinder, internal brew group and ease of use make it one of the best single serve coffee makers I’ve ever seen.
How it performed in my tests:
While I was disappointed by the absence of grinder settings and a hot water option, the DeLonghi TrueBrew provided a seamless user experience. What’s more, I was particularly impressed by the coffee taste when using the Bold and Espresso Style settings.
There are tons of great drippers in my best pour over coffee maker guide. Still, I love the Chemex 8-Cup Coffeemaker most of all. At, $48.93, the Chemex offers an affordable way to make exceptional pour over coffee. What’s more, its proprietary filters help you achieve a cleaner, more complex cup. Finally, the Chemex Coffeemaker features a timeless design that will enhance any kitchen.
Why might it be a bad choice?
Making pour-over coffee involves time and patience. Plus, you’ll need a good coffee grinder and a gooseneck kettle to get good coffee. So, if you’d prefer a one-touch coffee maker, avoid buying the Chemex. Moreover, the proprietary Chemex filters are very expensive and you might not find them in your local grocery store.
Why I think it’s worth it:
The Chemex Coffeemaker is a classic design icon that’s capable of producing truly delicious pour-over coffee.
How it performed in my tests:
I’ve been using the Chemex Coffeemaker for years. During my testing in the Coffeeness kitchen, I got the best results using 48 grams of coffee with a medium grind size. I also used 3.3 ounces (100 milliliters) of water at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) per cup. This brew ratio provided the most well-balanced cup results.
The name says it all: the Breville Grind Control offers six grinder settings as well as eight strength settings, so you’re in charge of perfecting your drip coffee. Costing $399.95, the Breville Grind Control features an LCD screen interface as well as multiple brew size options. Finally, the Grind Control comes with a stainless steel thermal carafe and a reusable coffee filter.
Why might it be a bad choice?
If you already own a burr coffee grinder, then buying a coffee maker with grinder like the Breville Grind Control won’t make any sense. What’s more, serious coffee connoisseurs might feel limited in their ability to experiment, seeing as the Grind Control has a limited number of grind settings.
Why I think it’s worth it:
The Breville Grind Control offers versatility, high performance and user friendliness in a sleek, attractive package.
How it performed in my tests:
Finding satisfactory settings took some time, but I eventually settled on a grind setting of 2 and a strength setting of 8. With these settings, the Grind Control did a great job of highlighting the single origin coffee from El Salvador. The machine is very intuitive, and I found it easy to calibrate the grinder and navigate the menu.
If you’re a cold coffee fanatic, you might want to upgrade from a Mason jar to an actual cold brew coffee maker. If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with the Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Coffee Maker. Retailing for $47.99, the RJ3 is a thing of beauty that wouldn’t look out of place in a science lab. Featuring high-quality borosilicate glass and medical-grade stainless steel construction, the Ovalware RJ3 offers a reassuringly classy way to prepare cold brew concentrate at home.
Why might it be a bad choice?
Unless you make cold brew on a regular basis, it won’t make sense to spend almost $50 on a cold brew coffee maker. And although the RJ3 is made from extra-thick borosilicate glass, it’ll still shatter if you accidentally drop it.
Why I think it’s worth it:
Not only does the Ovalware RJ3 look fantastic, it provides an easy, no-mess way to whip up delicious batches of cold brew concentrate.
Few coffee makers are as instantly recognizable as the . Available in a variety of sizes, the 34-ounce (1-liter) model is my go-to, and costs $39.95. Featuring a durable borosilicate glass beaker and polished stainless steel accents, this no-frills French press is stylish and easy to use. And if you like drinking French press coffee, you’ll find the Bodum Chambord super easy to clean.
Why might it be a bad choice?
French press coffee is bold, full-bodied and you’ll find a little sediment at the bottom of the cup. So, lovers of delicate, clean cup profiles should try a different brew method. However, French press aficionados who want to keep their coffee hot for longer should check out the insulated models in my best French press guide.
Why I think it’s worth it:
The Bodum Chambord is a timeless classic that’s straightforward and affordable, making it a great choice for French press coffee lovers.
How it performed in my tests:
The 34-ounce Bodum Chambord is a fixture in the Coffeeness kitchen. I get the best results using 55 grams of medium roast coffee beans and grinding them coarsely. Using water at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius) and steeping for 3-4 minutes has been my go-to method for the best-tasting results.
For those seeking an outstanding home espresso machine, the Rocket Appartamento ticks all the boxes. And while it costs a not insubstantial $2,050.00, the investment is worth it if you’re serious about espresso. Featuring a stunning retro-industrial design and commercial-grade components, the Appartamento has a heat exchanger boiler too. Most importantly, this powerful machine can make world-class espresso and milk foam and is actually very user friendly.
Why might it be a bad choice?
You’ll need a very high-quality espresso grinder to get good results with the Rocket Appartamento. So, if your budget doesn’t stretch to that, consider a more affordable model from my guide to the best home espresso machines.
Why I think it’s worth it:
The Rocket Appartamento doesn’t just look good, it also has the build quality and performance to make it an enduring classic.
How it performed in my tests:
The Rocket Appartamento takes around 20 minutes to heat up, which I felt was a reasonable amount of time. When the machine was ready to go, I found that it offered a really user-friendly experience and produced sublime shots of espresso. What’s more, with regular cooling flushes, I found that the Appartamento didn’t struggle with temperature stability whatsoever.
If you’re looking for a space-saving way to enjoy both drip coffee and espresso, the DeLonghi All-in-One could solve your problems. For $389.99, you’ll be getting both an espresso machine with a steam wand and a drip coffee maker in one elegant package. What’s more, the DeLonghi All-in-One has a dual hearting system, so you can whip up an espresso drink while you’re brewing a pot of coffee.
Why might it be a bad choice?
I wouldn’t recommend buying the DeLonghi All-in-One unless you plan on regularly making both espresso and coffee. After all, that would be a waste of money. On the other hand, espresso aficionados or drip coffee connoisseurs should look elsewhere. While the All-in-One performs admirably, its espresso and coffee won’t satisfy refined palates.
Why I think it’s worth it:
The DeLonghi All-in-One is a fantastic option if you want a versatile machine that can do it all.
How it performed in my tests:
I was rather impressed by the drip coffee maker side of the machine during my testing. The coffee tasted good, and the machine brewed at the ideal temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). As for the espresso side, the portafilter only has pressurized baskets, so my espresso was drinkable but lacked complexity.
At $269.99, the Cuisinart Coffee Center 12 cup coffeemaker and single serve brewer sure makes a lot of sense. When you need to brew coffee for several people, you can use the pot function. Likewise, when you only need one cup, you have the option to brew a single serving. One thing I really like about this machine is that it comes equipped with a reusable coffee pod filter which, if used, will have a positive environmental impact. K cups, with their single use plastic, are horrible for our planet, and I urge you to avoid them.
Why might it be a bad choice?
The Cuisinart Coffee Center isn’t exactly cheap, so if you don’t take advantage of both sides of the machine it’ll feel like a waste of money. What’s more, you may be tempted to use real coffee pods in the single serve side, which would compromise the whole “pod-free brewer” idea.
Why I think it’s worth it:
One of the best dual coffee makers I’ve tested, the Cuisinart Coffee Center is a versatile and user-friendly machine.
How it performed in my tests:
The Cuisinart Coffee Center performed well during my testing, although I felt like it was overly noisy as it was brewing. That said, the drip brewer results were very tasty. As for the single-serve side, I got the best single cup of coffee using a darker coffee roast profile and a finer grind size.
How to Pick the Best Coffee Beans for Any Brew Style
When it comes to choosing coffee beans, everyone has different tastes and opinions. While some folks prefer brewing up super dark roast beans in their French press, others prefer a lighter, more floral coffee. Still, one thing always applies: you should try to buy high-quality, freshly roasted beans from a local, independent roaster. Of course, that isn’t possible for everyone, so you’ll find some great options in my guide to the best coffee beans on Amazon.
If you really don’t know which coffee beans will be best for your brew style, here are some things to consider:
Roast Level
In general, light roast beans produce coffee with more acidity, sweetness and complexity, making them ideal for pour over and drip. As for dark roast coffee beans, you can expect a lot less acidity and more bold, smoky notes. A lot of folks love to make drip, French press and espresso with dark roast beans. I find that a medium coffee roast profile is the ideal middle ground for most brew methods, and works particularly well for espresso.
Coffee origin
It’s impossible to make sweeping statements about how coffee from a certain country tastes. However, as you taste more coffee, you’ll start noticing trends. For example, it’s common for Kenya coffee to be bright and fruity, while coffee from Brazil will often display hazelnut and chocolate notes
Single origin vs blend
Single origin coffees, especially those with lighter roast profiles, will display the tasting notes associated with their terroir. This makes them ideal for manual brewing, although single origin espresso is now very popular. On the other hand, a coffee blend has been crafted by the roaster with a specific profile in mind. That’s why I prefer pulling shots with an espresso blend, because you need different beans to provide body, sweetness and complexity
Processing method
Coffee processing is what happens to beans after they’ve been harvested. And the processing method can have a huge impact on how the coffee will taste. For example, fully washed coffee will usually be cleaner and brighter than natural process coffee, which often displays intense strawberry or blueberry notes.
Every brewing method is different, so I won’t try to give you instructions for making coffee with all the coffee makers on my list. However, I can offer some advice for getting the best results out of any coffee maker. After all, there are a few important things that always apply.
We already established that you’ll get the best tasting coffee if you brew with high-quality coffee beans. Still, it’s worth pointing out that you’ll need to take measures to keep those bOvalware RJ3eans at their best. In saying that, I’m referring to how you store your coffee, which is of the utmost importance. So, if you don’t already have one, check out my guide to the best coffee storage containers.
As you may already know, making coffee with freshly ground beans will always yield the best results. And for this, you’ll need a good burr coffee grinder. Listen, you can get away with a more budget-friendly model if you’re using it to grind for drip or French press. However, owning the best espresso grinder you can afford is vital if you want to achieve perfection with your home espresso machine.
In my reviews I always advocate for using fresh, filtered water for coffee brewing. Trust me, you’ll get better results no matter which coffee maker you’re using. At the same time, using filtered water won’t get you off the descaling hook. So if your coffee machine requires regular descaling, make sure you actually do it! Oh, and make sure to keep everything else clean, too. Your coffee will taste better, I promise.
Finally, you should seriously consider buying the best coffee scale you can find. Believe me, having a way to accurately measure out your coffee beans, weigh your espresso shots and monitor your pour-over will change your life!
Verdict: Coffee Maker Reviews
Have you ever over-researched a purchase to the point where the only decision you can make is to not make a decision? Don’t do that to yourself! It’s counterproductive and accomplishes nothing.
At the end of the day, this purchase is just a coffee maker. That is, unless you’re considering the Rocket Appartamento, which is a big, expensive espresso machine! But you know what I’m saying – there are great options on my list, most of which won’t break the bank.
I really hope you’ve found this best coffee maker guide useful – I had a great time putting it together. And whether you need a new pour over coffee maker or an updated drip machine, I bet there’s something here that’s taken your fancy.
So, go with your gut and get to making some coffee!
Methodology & Criteria: How We Tested the Best Coffee Makers
I personally tested all the coffee makers on my list, apart from the Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Coffee Maker. During my testing, I spent several sessions with each coffee maker, assessing its value and performance.I also paid special attention to SCA coffee standards. After all, I want to gather as much information as possible before I recommend a product. And if I feel like a coffee maker doesn’t perform as well as expected, I’ll always let you know.
Here are the criteria I adhere to whenever I’m testing out a coffee maker:
Coffee quality: Whenever I put a coffee maker through its paces, I use 100% Arabica coffee beans. I also prepare dozens of brews, evaluating the coffee in terms of body, complexity and balance. And if a coffee maker offers adjustable settings and special features, I make sure to check whether they are worth using.
Ease of use: An espresso machine is vastly different from a French press. Still, both should offer a user-friendly experience. This is always in the front of my mind as I’m evaluating any coffee maker.
Consistency: Seeing as I test coffee makers over several days, I’m able to gather a good sense of any given coffee maker’s consistency.
Build quality/design: A coffee maker’s quality is usually immediately apparent, but I still check for design flaws and build quality. I also assess each coffee maker’s suitability for home kitchens.
Price/performance ratio: I’m well aware that a consumer’s budget is one of their biggest considerations when shopping for any product. With that in mind, I always weigh up a coffee maker’s price/performance ratio, deducting points if I feel like it’s too expensive.
Best Coffee Maker in 2025 FAQs
Choosing the best coffee maker really comes down to your needs and preferences. So, if you want a simple way to prepare larger batches of coffee, opt for an automatic drip coffee maker. On the other hand, if you want a meditative way to prepare single cups of delicate and complex coffee, consider a pour-over dripper.
I believe the best drip coffee maker for home use is the Ratio Six. That said, there are tons of exceptional models out there, including the Fellow Aiden, Breville Precision Brewer and Technivorm Moccamaster.
Choosing the best kind of coffee maker for travel really comes down to the type of travel you’ll be doing. For example, backpackers will need something lightweight and easy to clean, such as a pour-over dripper. Alternatively, if you’ll be staying in hotel rooms, consider something like the AeroPress or Wacaco Nanopresso.
Updated: 20. September 2025
We rewrote the article to give our readers an overview of the best coffee makers from a wide variety of categories.
More updates
12. September 2024
11. July 2024
We switched out a couple of machines on our top 12 list
16. March 2024
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Your coffee expert
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.
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.