Choosing the best coffee maker is a complex decision. For a start, you'll need to decide on which type of coffee maker you're looking for, be it an espresso machine, drip coffee maker or a single-serve. Then, questions of budget and also design preferences come into play. No matter what you're looking for though, the proof of a good coffee maker is in the end product — a delicious cup of coffee.
We have tested a huge range of coffee makers to compile this guide of our top picks. Of all the machines we tested, only 8 made the cut, so any of the machines featured in this guide come tested and recommended by our expert team.
Our number one top pick is the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select for its quality, timeless design and outstanding quality coffee. Sustainable, attractive and high-quality, we simply have yet to find a machine that can beat it. We have also included options that also made the cut in our guides to the best espresso machine and the best Keurig coffee maker. No matter your coffee preferences, you'll find the perfect option for you in our best coffee maker guide.
The quick list
Best drip coffee maker
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select r is the top drip coffee maker we tested. It offers consistent brewing, looks fantastic, and is designed to last a lifetime.
Best single-serve coffee maker
The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima can do it all. With a smart and convenient milk dispenser and all the flexibility of a Nespresso Vertuo machine, it's our top pick of single-serve machines.
Best espresso machine
The Breville Bambino Plus offers a premium design and an impressive performance. It’s easy to operate and consistently brews a top-notch espresso. There’s a steam wand for milky drinks too.
Best drip coffee makers
Drip coffee makers are the perfect choice for those who prefer a brighter and more subtle coffee flavor. When brewed correctly, a drip coffee maker can really bring out the character of your beans, and they'll give you enough coffee to see you through the day.
When testing, we considered value for money, the flavor quality we were able to achieve from our beans, how well this flavor was maintained when left on a warmer plate, and the quality of construction.
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is the company's latest model, first released in late 2019 as the Moccamaster KBG Select in Europe. The new release continues the Moccamaster's highly respected name as the highest quality and most widely praised coffee maker in this list. It’s been engineered for optimal brew temperatures and water dispersal, with innovative features that have earned it recognition from the Specialty Coffee Association. What’s more, it does all of this while operating exceedingly quickly, which I found out when we tried it out for myself.
Handmade in the Netherlands, this pricey coffee maker has a unique industrial aesthetic that some people love and others hate. This, however, is one for the enthusiasts, and lacks a few of the convenience features you might find in cheaper models. The water tank is fixed onto the system, and you won't find any auto-brew features baked in here. However, what it lacks in the amenities that are typical of today' at-home brewers, it makes up for in producing smooth, balanced coffee, which is why it's one of the best coffee makers in my opinion.
There’s technical brilliance under the hood, however. This machine can reach industry standard temperatures (196°F – 205°F) in under a minute and stay there. The water then moves up a glass tube and into a 9-hole spray arm, where it's evenly dispersed over ground coffee in a cone-shaped basket. Not only that, but the KBGV Select can do all of this in four to six minutes, depending on brew size. It comes at a steep cost, but the superior performance and build quality make it worth it for coffee enthusiasts.
Read our full Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select review.
Offering outstanding design quality for the price, we loved the smarter features on offer with the Zwilling Enfinigy Drip Coffee Maker when we put it to the test in our review kitchen. This coffee maker has a sleek and unobstrusive control panel that can be used to pre-set your morning brew using a timer, and a keep warm setting that will ensure your coffee stays at an optimal temperature for an hour after brewing.
We noticed a quality flavor that was uninterrupted by cheap design features, allowing the flavor of our grounds to shine through. The integrated drip circulator looks akin to a showerhead and ensures that hot water flows evenly through your coffee grounds for an even and balanced taste, and the pre-infusion tech will allow your beans to bloom before the machine begins extracting a carafe-full. The one issue with this that we did find was how long this coffee took to brew, which averaged at a cup a minute or 6 cups in 6 minutes 45 seconds in one of our tests.
If we're being picky, we wish the water reservoir was removable. This would allow us to avoid spills and mean that we didn't need to use a separate jug when filling up every morning. In tests though, this is a machine that's hard to find fault with.
Whether you're looking for a budget-oriented machine to fill a gap in your kitchen or you're after a compact machine for a college dorm, the Braun Brew Sense manages to hit a sweet spot between price and quality that secures its top position here.
The Brew Sense KF6050 comes in just under $100 but still manages to brew great tasting coffee with some excellent quality of life features as well. You won't be fiddling around with too many complicated settings here, which may be a blessing if you simply want to make a cup of coffee in the morning. However, you'll still have access to a programmable timer, brew pause settings, and a 1-4 cup setting for smaller brews.
While that compact design certainly looks great, I did find it difficult to access the water tank as it's non-removable — not ideal when I wanted to fill it from the faucet. However, at this price point a little frustration in refilling your machine is an excellent trade-off for performance that beats out the competition.
There are certainly plenty of extra features that I don't usually see in this price bracket; like the charcoal water filter and permanent gold-tone filter. However, it's worth remembering that you won't have access to any strength settings as per that basic, but affordable design ethos. Having said that, the Brew Sense KF6050 is one of the cheaper models in the range, and offers a great performance.
Read our full Braun Brew Sense review.
Best single-serve coffee maker
Single-serve coffee makers are popular for their convenience. With self-contained shots of espresso in every pod, all you need to do is insert your pod into your machine. When testing we looked for consistency, ease of use and cleaning, and considered the ongoing cost of these machines.
If you want a single-serve coffee maker that can truly do it all, you should look no further than the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima. Featuring a separate milk dispenser that offers milk-only drinks and two lengths of milk add-ins to any coffee size you opt for, the beauty of this machine is in its simplicity. You can simply store the milk dispenser in the refrigerator when it's not in use, and you'll get the joys of the entirety of Nespresso's six-size Vertuo system if you prefer a long black coffee or an espresso to start the day.
We enjoyed the thoughtful touches such as an adjustable cup holder to work with any beverage size, and the ability to rinse out the milk dispenser after each use. We did wish that there were more than one milk froth levels available, because if you prefer a more firm layer to make an espresso or a softer latte-style steamed milk, you won't be able to adjust this using the Nespresso.
Because this machine is part of the Vertuo line it will automatically brew the optimum drink length for each drink and you can enjoy an ever-evolving list of capsules to mix up your routine. We even tried a cold-brew capsule, which was impressively realistic.
Part coffeemaker, part milk frother, the K-Cafe combines the best of both worlds between pod machines and countertop espresso appliances. During testing, we found the “strong” brew function provided a deeper, richer flavor of K-Cup coffee, while its “shot” feature, which brews a concentrated, espresso-like 2-ounce pour of coffee, is a terrific recreation of tasty espresso. Its milk frother is an added bonus, with the ability to heat and froth dairy and milk alternatives for lattes and cappuccinos at the push of a button, and in less than two minutes.
After brewing three cups of each serving size, we measured the average time it takes for the K-Cafe to brew a cup at 36 seconds, just behind the slightly faster K-Elite and K-Classic. Meanwhile, the frother is a longer process, averaging about one minute and 35 seconds per pitcher. It must be noted that the K-Cafe cannot brew and froth milk at the same time. The frother is also located on the right side of the machine, which could frustrate those who are left-handed during operation.
Though we enjoyed the taste of the K-Cafe’s coffee, we found the temperatures to be a bit lacking. All of the Keurigs we reviewed were unable to brew coffee at hot temperatures. The hottest cup of coffee we measured from the K-Cafe was only 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Those who prefer piping hot coffee may be disappointed by cooler temperatures.
Though it’s quite pricey, this premium Keurig is a superhero for those mornings when you want a barista experience with little time to spare. If you're in search of a Keurig that can replicate that coffeehouse feel at home, or you just want a bolder flavor of K-Cup in the morning, the K-Cafe is your go-to machine. Its incredibly easy-to-use functionality makes it all the better.
Read our full Keurig K-Cafe review.
Pod coffee makers are the ultimate convenience-led machines. However, that doesn’t have to mean they offer an inferior coffee quality — as the Nespresso Vertuo Plus demonstrates. While it’s one of Nespresso’s pricier machines, the Vertuo Plus does bring out the best in easy to brew pod coffee, making it the best Nespresso machine.
Larger pods allow for a wider range of drink types, leading all the way up to 14oz single brews, however the beauty here lies in how the Nespresso treats each pod. The machine will scan the pod before brewing to determine the drink type being produced and automatically set the appropriate brew time and temperatures for the perfect cup every time. That means that while you are inevitably losing out on some personalization options by trading for the convenience of a pod machine, you’re still getting the perfect settings for each coffee type automatically. Keep in mind that these pods are larger versus the original range though, so they take up more room to store.
Espresso is this machine’s strong point. During testing, I found cups came out with a picture-perfect topping of crema, the frothy head that’s the hallmark of a true espresso. We can thank the Vertuo Plus’s centrifusion technology for that — with multiple holes punched into the pod and a rapid spinning process that produces a creamier quality coffee. Pods are also fully sustainable as well. That's why this is the best single-serve coffee and espresso maker.
Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Plus review.
Best espresso machine
Espresso machines are best for creating either short shots of creamy espresso, or creating lattes or other steamed milk. We have tested a number of leading models over the years, and while our top pick from Breville is a compact option that features smart milk steaming, it doesn't come with an in-built grinder like the Philips. There are a lot of factors to consider when testing an espresso machine, so we make sure to have bonafide coffee experts behind the wheel when taking one for a spin. A good machine should offer a decent amount of pressure, both for optimal extraction and for steaming, and if they have grinders, these should give you an even and clump-free puck that doesn't kick up too much mess.
The Breville Bambino Plus (known as the Sage Bambino Plus in the UK) is the best espresso machine for anyone who wants both the convenience of an easy to use system and the space to experiment and explore on a more sophisticated level. I found excellent consistency between brews here, and a well balanced shot thanks to the customizable pre-infusion techniques.
I could also make the most of premium beans as the Bambino Plus also offers standard professional grade filter baskets alongside easier to use double-walled filters as well. While that will only be a draw for those with a precise grinder and some tamping practice, it's worth noting that all skill levels are catered for here. Plus, unlike all of the other models mentioned so far, the Breville Bambino Plus comes with a built-in steam wand, which makes it a great choice for milky drinks. Being compact, it is a lightweight design though, which means the portafilter can be fiddly to insert and remove at times.
It only takes three seconds to warm this machine up, an impressive feat considering it can be minutes before a cheaper device is ready to start brewing. While you're certainly paying a little extra for this model than you would an entry level device, aforementioned features like customizable pre-infusion times and the array of baskets included with the machine mean you're actually getting some top tier specs at a great price here. Although there's no built-in grinder, so you will need one of the best coffee grinders for a fresh brew.
Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino Plus review.
The Philips 3200 Series doesn’t come cheap, but it brings a lot to the table. This espresso machine lets the user create beverages which would usually require barista-level experience at the push of a button. It comes with several settings, including espresso, hot water, cappuccino, coffee, latte macchiato and americano. Plus there’s the option to customize your selection by strength, size and the amount of steamed milk.
When we tried it out for ourselves, we found the coffee it produced tasted good and was not overly bitter. While we were generally pleased with the results, it could have tasted stronger. This was even the case when we adjusted it to its finest grind setting. The quality of the crema was on the thin side too. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend this machine to anyone who likes their coffee to pack a punch.
We found similar results after steaming milk as well — while it held its form, it wasn’t as dense as it could have been. However, while the overall performance was somewhat average, the operation couldn’t be much more straightforward. And with the attachments being easy to remove and clean (the LatteGo parts can even go in the dishwasher), it’s a nice offering if you value simplicity above all.
Read our full Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo review.
If you want a high-end semi-automatic coffee maker, the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is a brilliant choice. Featuring cold brew technology to make fresh and uplifting cool espresso or long black cold brews in a matter of minutes, this summer-ready machine wowed our homes editor when she put it to the test for a month at home.
This machine may look manual, but it has a number of automatic features designed to shortcut the brewing process and create as few margins for error as possible. It has a tidy in-built tamping arm that applies even pressure to your puck for a more balanced extraction, and you can choose between an automatic milk disenser or manual steaming with a wand to the right side of the machine.
We did think this machine could have used some more finesse in testing. For one, the automatic milk dispenser didn't make the smoothest milk we've ever tested, and we found it fiddly to add more grounds to our portafilter if we wanted to create a bit more pressure when brewing. Overall though, it can't be denied that you get a lot of machine for your money with this semi-automatic machine.
Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro Review review.
How we test the best coffee makers
We test each coffee maker by assessing how intuitive it is to operate and how user-friendly the overall design is. We take into account the number of programs on offer and how customizable the results are — from strength settings to the types of drinks available.
We also consider the brewing time and that all-important flavor of the coffee produced — it should be smooth and rich, with no burnt notes. If it comes with a milk frother, we consider how well that performs as well. We look at the overall value for money on top of this; we have found that the best performers really do range widely in price.
Special functions are assessed, such as smart features and cold brew options. As a result, we can say which machines are worth your consideration with confidence.
Which type of coffee maker should you buy? Check out our guide if you're unsure.
Our testers
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Millie has been reviewing coffee makers for nearly five years and a range of leading review publications including TopTenReviews, Homes&Gardens, Real Homes, Livingetc, and Ideal Home.
Her interest in coffee first started when she worked as a barista at university, but she has since learned all about the art of a good cup of joe through a lot of taste testing and trips to the De'Longhi factory in Treviso, Italy, and a coffee tour of Naples with Sage.
Kevin Cortez has been a culture and product journalist for over nine years. He also has seven years of professional hands-on experience with coffee roasting, tasting, and brewing, as well as hand-crafting espresso drinks, and has tested a wide range of capsule coffee makers for Tom's Guide.
Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site, and has a particular interest in home cooking and coffee. Mike has tested a number of espresso machines for Tom's Guide, including models from Philps and De'Longhi.
Coffee maker FAQ
How to choose the best coffee maker for you
There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning, so if you’re looking to invest in a new coffee maker, you’ll want one that makes the ideal brew, provides the functionality and practicality you desire and comes in on budget. Here are a few things you’ll need to think about.
Will it fit?
A coffee maker sits on the countertop, so measure the space where you plan to keep the machine before you buy one. Be sure to determine the clearance between the countertop and the bottom of your cabinets. Most, but not all coffee makers will fit under a cabinet.
Coffee quality
If you're passionate about coffee, look for a brewer that says it meets the Specialty Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard. This means the coffee brews at what is regarded as the perfect time and temperature for the best cup of Joe. But be aware that this standard calls for using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each 5-ounce cup, which produces a very full-bodied, strong cup of coffee that is not to everyone's taste.
Check out 7 surprising ways you can reuse old coffee grounds.
Cup size
Keep in mind that coffee-maker cups are the equivalent of 5 ounces, or an old-fashioned teacup that isn't filled to the brim, leaving room for milk. Most coffee mugs in use today hold upward of 8 ounces. Therefore, a typical 12-cup coffee maker brews enough coffee for about seven mugs at the most.
What kind of carafe?
Models with thermal carafes tend to be more expensive than those with glass carafes. You can bring thermal carafes to the table, where they'll keep coffee hot for refills. However, these carafes have narrow openings that are difficult to hand-wash, and most can't be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, thermal carafes are beneficial if you drink coffee throughout the day.
Milk frother
If you prefer your coffee straight, you won’t be concerned about the milk frother option, although do consider that other household members or guests may prefer their coffee served with a smooth froth. Having a milk frother combined will also save you the issue of having a separate appliance on the countertop, taking up space.
Paper or permanent filters?
Decide if you want to use a permanent filter or paper, disposable ones. Permanent filters are better for the environment, and you don't have to constantly replace them, but they do need to be thoroughly washed by hand and they tend to stain. Also, it's easier to toss paper filters in the trash than knock grounds out of a metal filter. You may also find that the taste of the coffee produced differs depending on filter type and that you prefer one over the other.
Do you want to set it and forget it?
With many machines, you can program them ahead of time to brew in the morning or right before you get home, and you can even set them to brew at the same time every day. But such features add to the price and work only if you take the time to read the manual and figure out how to use the setting.
Want your coffee to-go? We've tested the best travel coffee mugs.
When should you replace a coffee maker?
In general, coffee makers come with a one year warranty, but big brands like Cuisinart can offer up to three years of protection. The average lifespan of a coffee maker is about 5 years, we don’t recommend buying an extended warranty since repairs within that timeframe will usually cost less. Plus, rather than repair your coffee maker, you’ll likely want to replace it when it fails.
Issues that signal it’s time to buy a new machine include failure to brew, coffee that isn’t hot enough or leaks. If the brewing process starts to slow down or the java develops an off taste, be sure to descale your unit before you decide to buy a new one; it could just be clogged with mineral deposits.
Are expensive coffee makers worth it?
Some of the best coffee maker brands charge incredibly premium prices for their creations. It should be noted, though, that some expensive coffee makers might not necessarily be worth it for the everyday consumer. Prices that range up to $600 or $700 often focus on flexibility and precise control over aspects of brewing like temperature, steeping times and intensities, bloom and grind density.
If you're looking for a pro barista grade experience, these more expensive coffee maker options can be well worth their price. However, if you just need a quick shot to get you up in the mornings, we'd recommend steering clear of these more premium devices.
How to care for and maintain your coffee maker
It's essential that you know how to clean a coffee maker so that all your brews can taste as fresh as the first one. You'll find a quick rundown here, but if you need to know how to clean a Keurig we've got even more tips for you as well.
- To avoid a stale-tasting brew, start with cold water and fresh-ground coffee.
- Don't overfill the basket with coffee grounds. If you add too much, the grounds can overflow and clog the machine.
- Regularly clean all the parts of the coffee maker that come into contact with coffee grinds. The grinds leave behind an oily residue that builds up over time and affects the taste of the coffee.
- Run a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water through the machine to descale it, or prevent build-up of mineral deposits that can clog the device and slow the brewing time. If you're waiting longer than usual for your Java to be ready, your brewer is overdue for a descaling.
How to clean and care for your coffee maker
Coffee makers are built with more than practicality in mind. The aesthetics are just as important as the performance these days — after all, this machine will be on display in your kitchen for some years. Some feature a timeless brushed steel finish, while others are much more bold with a glossy, painted exterior. Before you choose your favorite, make sure that its size is suitable for your countertop; some are much bigger than they appear.
The latest models come with plenty of useful features. One to look out for is the ability to grind coffee beans and then automatically transfer the grounds to the filter basket. In doing this, you’re getting the freshest coffee possible. Some machines also come with settings that let you control the strength of the brew as well as the temperature of the coffee. Controls such as these are a brilliant addition as you can try out different combinations until you find your favorite setting. Size selection is another important factor; some designs let you choose from a single-serve coffee up to an entire pot, which can save waste.
Coffee makers have come a long way in terms of tech as well. Some feature touchscreens rather than manual controls, while others can connect to your Wi-Fi or use Bluetooth. In doing this, you can control the coffee maker handsfree through your smartphone or even using voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant.
If you want to perfect your coffee, this $30 gadget may transform your coffee routine.
For the summer, you can also follow our tips on how to make iced coffee in 4 simple steps.
