The 11 Best Coffee Makers of 2021
Photo: Bodum
Getting your daily caffeine dose does not have to be a big hassle or an expensive affair as all you need to do is invest in the best coffee maker.
Although the term "best" is subjective when describing coffee makers, there are still some models that will work well for any coffee aficionado, and so they can be rightfully described as the best.
These coffee makers are the kinds that will have a good capacity, make rich and flavorful coffee and are also easy to use and maintain.
Because there are many coffee makers in the market that meet these conditions, finding the ideal one for you will require you to understand what defines a good coffee maker.
In this piece, we explain this in detail with our buying guide but first, check out our detailed reviews of 11 top-rated coffee makers as they will come in handy for recommendations.
11 Best Coffee Makers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Coffee Gator Large French Press Coffee Maker (Best from French) | ||
 | 2. Hario VDC-02W (Best Pour Over) | ||
 | 3. Takeya 10310 (Best Cold Brew) | ||
 | 4. Hario Technica Siphon Coffee Maker (Best Siphon) | ||
 | 5. AdirChef 800-01-BLK (Best Single Cup) | ||
 | 6. Bialetti 6801 (Best Stovetop Espresso Maker) | ||
 | 7. Hamilton Beach 49980A (Best Drip) | ||
 | 8. Bodum 1924-16US4 (Best 4-Cup) | ||
 | 9. Keurig K-Elite (Best Keurig) | ||
 | 10. Bunn CSB1B (Best Bunn) | ||
 | 11. DeLonghi ESAM3300 (Best Grind & Brew) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Coffee Gator Large French Press Coffee Maker (Best from French) |
2. Hario VDC-02W (Best Pour Over) |
3. Takeya 10310 (Best Cold Brew) |
4. Hario Technica Siphon Coffee Maker (Best Siphon) |
5. AdirChef 800-01-BLK (Best Single Cup) |
6. Bialetti 6801 (Best Stovetop Espresso Maker) |
7. Hamilton Beach 49980A (Best Drip) |
8. Bodum 1924-16US4 (Best 4-Cup) |
9. Keurig K-Elite (Best Keurig) 10. Bunn CSB1B (Best Bunn) 11. DeLonghi ESAM3300 (Best Grind & Brew) |
1. Coffee Gator Large French Press Coffee Maker – Best French Press Coffee Maker
Photo: Coffee Gator
- Capacity: 34 fluid ounces
With this French press coffee maker by Coffee Gator, you get a greater capacity to brew coffee for several people at a go as it has a 34-ounce capacity and a more hands-on coffee making.
The top rated coffee maker features a durable 304 stainless steel construction that is thicker than typical French press coffee makers and is vacuum-insulated to keep coffee hot for up to an hour.
Also, it uses a uniquely designed plunger to ensure that the cup of coffee will be sediments free and with double filtration for a full-bodied flavor.
Its cool touch handle makes it easy to use even when hot and when you buy it, you will also get a small canister for storing your coffee grounds.
Some measuring marks on the carafe would have been very helpful, but once you get used to this coffee maker, you will probably not even need them as you can easily tell the amount of water to use.
More detailed: click here
Pros:
Cons:
2. Hario VDC-02W – Best Pour Over Coffee Maker
Photo: Hario
- Capacity: 4-cup
For an aficionado, looking for a more hands-on coffee making experience, this manual pour-over coffee maker by Hario will be perfect.
It is a well-built coffee maker that features a ceramic body that is designed to retain heat so that you get a constant brewing temperature throughout the process.
Also, the coffee maker comes in a cone shape to help make it easy to accentuate your coffee with different notes and spiral ribs that will allow maximum expansion of the coffee grounds.
With the larger single hole on this pour over coffee maker, it is also much easier to change the taste of the coffee by altering the pour speed. And this is also the cheapest option among our coffee maker reviews.
Read More: Best Pour Over Coffee Makers
Pros:
Cons:
3. Takeya 10310 – Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Photo: Takeya
- Capacity: 32 fluid ounces
Cold brew coffee makers make it possible to brew less acidic coffee, and this more affordable one by Takeya is one of the best that you can get out there.
Read More: 7 Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
It is also a well-built coffee maker designed to last for ages, and it features a BPA-free pitcher that is resistant to stains and odors and can also withstand both boiling hot and ice cold water.
Also, the coffee maker includes an airtight lid that will be very useful when you want to store the coffee for later consumption or shake it to mix everything up. And there is also a comfortable silicone handle that will provide a non-slip grip.
Filtration is also made more efficient and effective by the fine mesh filter, and besides ensuring that your coffee will be coffee grinds free, it will also allow you to use any coffee grounds.
Although the coffee is still not as strong as some people might like, and it does not seem to use up all the grounds, these are still not deal breakers as they are issues that you can easily solve.
More detailed: click here
Pros:
Cons:
4. Hario Technica Siphon Coffee Maker – Best Siphon Coffee Maker
Photo: Hario
- Capacity: 20 fluid ounces
At first, this siphon coffee maker will look like an apparatus meant for experiments in the lab, but once you set it up, you can be sure that coffee making will be a fun and easy process.
What makes it one of the siphon coffee makers out there is the fact that it is made to last as it features heat-resistant borosilicate glass bowls and burner and stainless steel stand, filter and burner cover
Being a product by one of the best coffee maker brands, you can also be sure that it will provide some nice coffee and the smooth and flavorful coffee that it makes proves this.
Brewing is a relatively slower process. Unlike other coffee makers like the automatic ones, there is more to it than just pushing a button, but you will hardly notice the extra time it takes as the process is quite fun.
More detailed: click here
Pros:
Cons:
5. AdirChef 800-01-BLK – Best Single Cup Coffee Maker
Photo: AdirChef
- Capacity: 15 fluid ounces
If you do not take a lot of coffee, this 15-ounce coffee maker by AdirChef will be a perfect choice, and the good thing is that it still makes some rich and flavorful coffee.
One of the key elements that make it one of the best small coffee makers out there is that it is made with some high-quality material. These materials include the tough plastic overall construction of the coffee maker and the insulated stainless steel mug.
The coffee maker uses a permanent filter that will make it more eco-friendly and eliminate the need to keep buying paper filters.
Because this is a small and lightweight coffee maker, it is also one of the most portable models in our list, and it will also come with a power-saving automatic shut off function.
The smaller capacity and the fact that the water does not get as hot as what you get with other top models are the only notable shortcomings. But, the capacity is more than enough for a single cup coffee maker, and the water still gets to the right temperature for excellent extraction.
Read More: Best Single Cup Coffee Makers
Pros:
Cons:
6. Bialetti 6801 – Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
Photo: Bialetti
- Capacity: 14.2 fluid ounces
Bialetti’s Original Moka pot is the best coffee maker for the money because given its construction and brew quality and the relatively affordable price tag, it is hard to get anything better without spending more cash.
The coffee maker is made with a high-quality polished aluminum material and comes in the classic octagon shape. And it will always provide a strong and rich brew in less than 5 minutes.
To ensure ease of use and user convenience, the manufacturer also makes it with a side-pour spout, easy-grip knob and stay cool handle.
The stovetop coffee maker is also easy to disassemble to make clean up quicker and easier, and it will also come with a patented safety valve.
Because this is not a dishwasher safe product, doing a deep cleanup can be a little tough, but you will rarely need to do any deep cleaning because a simple hand washing with warm water is often enough.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Hamilton Beach 49980A – Best Drip Coffee Maker
Photo: Hamilton Beach
- Capacity: 12-cup
Hamilton Beach is one of the top brands that you should consider when shopping for the best drip coffee maker as they have some of the best-performing ones like their 49980A model.
This coffee maker is also highly versatile as it will allow you to make both a single cup and 12-cup carafe. And it also has an automatic pause-and-serve function that is also very handy.
The fully programmable coffee maker also allows you to fine-tune the brewing experience and with an energy saving automatic shut off function. Coffee lovers also get to chose between two brew strength options which are bold and regular.
Brewing is also a quicker and easier process as the machine also includes some user-friendly button controls with a lighted display. And you can keep the coffee hot for hours with the built-in warming plate.
Like most other glass carafes, the one that comes with this machine is quite fragile, but a little extra care is all it takes to ensure it serves you long enough.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Bodum 1924-16US4 – Best 4-Cup Coffee Maker
Photo: Bodum
- Capacity: 17 fluid ounces
The rich and bold coffee that you get from a French press is hard to get with any other coffee maker. If you are on the market for a small capacity one, this 4-cup model by Bodum will work well for you.
Despite its smaller size, it is still a well-built coffee maker that comes with a durable stainless steel frame and a large enough and comfortable handle to enhance the ease of use.
With the heat-resistant borosilicate glass beaker, it will also be easy for you to maintain a consistent temperature when brewing for richer and great tasting coffee.
Cleaning this coffee maker will not take a lot of effort as the parts are easy to take apart and clean with some warm water on the sink.
17-ounce is relatively small when compared to what others in our coffee maker reviews have to offer but for light coffee drinkers, this coffee maker will make enough coffee for 4 people.
Read More: Best 4-cup Coffee Makers
Pros:
Cons:
9. Keurig K-Elite – Best Keurig Coffee Maker
Photo: Keurig
- Capacity: 75 fluid ounces
Keurig is one of the best coffee maker brands, and this is more so when it comes to the single serve market and their K-Elite is a popular, feature-rich and high-performing model.
The coffee maker use of a quiet brew technology that will ensure that coffee making is a less noisy affair for you and it will allow you to choose from 5 brew size options.
There is also a strong brew function that will be perfect for those that prefer stronger and bolder coffee. And the coffee machine also has other programmable features that include temperature control and auto shut off function.
The 75-ounce water reservoir is the largest on our list, and so this is the perfect machine for you if you hate having to refill the water tank frequently. Because the drip tray is removable, it will also accommodate larger travel mugs which can be quite convenient.
Despite being one of the priciest models on our list, this coffee maker is still quite affordable given the quality, features and brand reputation.
Read More: Best Keurig Coffee Makers
Pros:
Cons:
10. Bunn CSB1B – Best Bunn Coffee Maker
Photo: Bunn
- Capacity: 50 fluid ounces
Bunn is another brand that you can expect to have some of the best tasting coffee makers as they have been in business for many years and know exactly what customers are looking for.
Their CSB1B model seems to have an edge over many others out there when it comes to the brewing speed as it makes use of speed brew technology to make coffee in less than 4 minutes.
It can make both a large travel mug and full pot and it uses a unique spray head designed to ensure optimal extraction for the best coffee flavors.
The 50-ounce water tank is not only large enough for most users but is also made from a durable stainless steel material and will maintain the water at the ideal brewing temperature to ensure you always get coffee on demand.
This is one of the priciest models on our list and it also does not have the convenient automatic shut off function. However, its pros outweigh these minor shortcomings by far, and so it will still be a great buy.
Read More: Best Bunn Coffee Makers
Pros:
Cons:
11. DeLonghi ESAM3300 – Best Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
Photo: DeLonghi
- Capacity: 60 fluid ounces
Many true coffee aficionados prefer to use fresh beans when making their coffee as it always leads to better tasting and richer brews. DeLonghi's ESAM3300 is made exactly for this.
The top-notch quality coffee maker features a built-burr grinder that will allow you to choose your preferred grind settings for more custom brews. But, you can also use coffee grounds with this machine.
Its control panel is designed for ease of use as it comes with rotary and push-button controls that are intuitive and straightforward to use and master. And there are also some programmable settings to allow you to customize your brews.
The super automatic coffee maker also has a patented cappuccino system that will make it easy to steam and froth milk for your lattes, cappuccinos and other milk beverages.
With the instant reheat capability, you can make cup after cup with zero waiting between them. And because the reservoirs are removable, clean up should be quick and easy.
The high price tag of this coffee maker is probably the only thing that might put off some coffee lovers, but given its performance and features and the fact that it is a super automatic machine, it is worth every buck.
Read More: Best Grind and Brew Coffee Makers
Pros:
Cons:
How to Buy the Best Coffee Makers
Photo: Hario
There are many types and models of coffee makers in the market and new ones are always coming out. But, the coffee you get from these coffee makers will not be the same in quality, flavor or taste.
To ensure you get a coffee maker that suits your needs, here are some important factors that you need to watch out for as you shop for a new coffee making appliance.
1. Types of Coffee Makers
Before you get to the nitty-gritty details of picking the best home coffee maker from the many models available, one of the most important things that you need to understand is the different types available.
Different types of coffee makers will be ideal for different kinds of users because they will use different brewing methods and hence everything from the taste to the kinds of beverages they will make will not be the same.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of coffee makers based on the brewing technique and capacity.
Based on Brewing Technique
Different coffee makers will make use of different techniques to brew the coffee, and so it is important to understand this to ensure you choose one that suits your specific needs.
Percolator – Percolators are some of the oldest types of coffee makers still in use today as they have been making coffee in American homes since the 19th century.
The coffee makers will have two chambers, one for the grounds and the other for water. And you only need a heat source which can either be stovetop or electric to start brewing.
Stovetop espresso maker – Some percolators can also fall into this category if they use stovetop as the heat source. However, this category often describes the Moka pots which will consist of three chambers that include a bottom one for water, a middle one for grounds and a top one for the brewed coffee.
To start brewing you only need to place the pot over the stove and the heated water will flow through the grounds to make coffee that then collects at the top chamber.
French press coffee makers – For those that prefer a strong and flavorful coffee and want a more hands-on approach to coffee making, the French press is the best choice for you. French press coffee makers will feature a beaker, mesh filter and plunger.
With these coffee makers, you only need to pour grounds and hot water and allow it to steep for a few minutes before pushing down the plunger to make your cup of coffee.
Vacuum coffee maker – Also known as the Vac Pot or siphon coffee maker, the vacuum coffee maker has been in use in France since 1840 and is also commonly used in Japan. This unique coffee maker looks like a science experiment and is mostly made of glass.
These coffee makers will make coffee using a simple suction process created by vacuum and it will consist of three sections which are a filter and the lower and upper chambers. Water is placed on the bottom chamber and grounds on the filter and then the apparatus is put on a fire source to start brewing.
Drip coffee maker – Drip coffee makers are the most commonly used coffee making machines in the USA, and this is despite the fact that they originated from Germany in the 1950s. The machines can either be manual or automatic but the latter is the most popular type.
The drip coffee makers will have either paper or the permanent metal or plastic filters. And to use them you need to place grounds on the filter and then pour hot water over the grounds to make coffee that then drips into a carafe.
Based on Capacity
Although the right capacity for you will depend on your preferences, it is important to know the different options available in the market.
You can get coffee makers in small single cup models that use pods or capsules and some can be super large with multiple group heads and built-in grinders and capacity to make dozens of cups.
However, for home users, a machine with a maximum capacity of 12 cups is often good enough for a typical family and for the heavy drinkers.
2. Your Preferred Coffee Type
As you shop for the best coffee maker, you will also need to decide on the coffee type that you like because they will not make the same brews.
Whether you are a regular Americano guy, prefer bold and rich espressos or milk-based beverages like cappuccinos, you need to find an appropriate coffee maker.
You can make regular coffee with almost any coffee maker, but if you want fancier beverages like lattes you need a machine with a steam wand or milk frother.
3. Capacity
How many people will the coffee maker serve? If you are buying a coffee maker for an office or a home with many coffee drinkers, it needs to have a large enough capacity.
You can use the number of cups that the coffee maker can brew or the water reservoir capacity to determine whether it will have a large enough capacity for you.
Single serve coffee makers are often good enough for individual and small families while the larger 12-cup models are the best for heavy-drinkers and large families.
4. Brand
Another important consideration you need to take into account when shopping for a coffee maker is the reputation of the brand because not all companies will make good coffee makers.
To ensure that you get a machine that will work well for you, it is important to go for reputable brands like Bunn, Gaggia, DeLonghi, Krups, and Keurig.
And as you choose the brand, it will be important to also note that different companies are famous for making particular types of coffee makers.
For example, Keurig is the industry leader when it comes to single serve coffee makers while DeLonghi seems to excel in making espresso machines and drip coffee makers.
5. Budget
Because you cannot buy a coffee maker that you cannot afford, it is important to consider your budget and the price of the machine you want to buy.
As you consider the price, it is important to note that a coffee maker with a larger capacity and lots of special features will cost way much more than the basic models.
And as you try to come up with a budget that suits you, it is important to note that while you can get a good model for under $100, the fancier and feature-rich ones will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Also, keep in mind that the type of coffee maker also determines the price because Moka pots are way cheaper than super automatic espresso machines. And for some like the pod machines, the initial cost might be low but they will be pricier to own in the long run as you have to buy special pods.
Conclusion
Whether you are an espresso, latte or cappuccino person or you are happy enough with a simple black coffee, you need to make sure that you have the best coffee maker.
The right coffee maker for you is out there and you only need to find it from the many models available by considering factors like the type, capacity, brand, and your budget.
And because we understand that there are hundreds if not thousands of models to pick from, we make things a lot easier for you by narrowing down your choices with our top 11 coffee maker reviews.
