Best Coffee Makers

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 4, 2024
Brewing coffee may be just an ordinary morning ritual or a sacred action with precise technology. Both ways can be done with the right coffee maker which will meet all your requirements. We have gathered for you the best coffee makers available on the market. ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Brewing options
Programmable options
Filter
Capacity Per Brew
Carafe
Power
Controls
Additional Options
Warranty
 
PROS

The Brew Pause™ option will let you have your cup of hot goodness before the brewing cycle is over, and the 60-second reset function will allow you to check the brewing settings in case of an accidental power outage.

CONS

The pot is pretty heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

Built-around an expert coffee-making technology, the DCC-3400P1 coffee machine from Cuisinart is a real find for true coffee connoisseurs who are big on the exquisite coffee taste and want their cup of Joe perfectly hot every time. The brew strength control will enable you to tailor the flavor profile to your liking while a thermal carafe will keep the drink hot for hours.

detailed parameters
Type

Drip

Brewing options

Brew strength control (Regular or Bold)

Programmable options

24-hour programmability, Self-cleaning, 1–4 cup setting

Filter

Gold-tone coffee filter and charcoal water filter

Capacity Per Brew

12 cups

Carafe

Thermal сarafe with a decorative stainless steel handle

Power

1050 watts 

Controls

Digital control, Pushbuttons, Display

Additional Options

Optional ready alert tone, Brew Pause™ feature, 60-second reset, Easy-to-view water window

Warranty

3-year limited

PROS

A special flavor straw, which comes with the glass carafe, will ensure consistent coffee circulation while brewing, in order to provide even flavor distribution for a richer and deeper taste profile.

CONS

Brew time is somewhat slow. 

OUR VERDICT

With a though-out design, many programmable functions, smart brewing technology and a reasonable price tag, the  Ninja CE251 coffee maker offers the best value for the money. What's more, it offers  intuitive operating controls that make it easy to make an incredibly tasting cup of Joe. 

detailed parameters
Type

Drip

Brewing options

Brew strength control (Classic, Rich)

Programmable options

24-hour programmable delay brew, Small Batch function for 4 cups or less, Auto-shutoff after 2 hours, Clean feature

Filter

Permanent filter

Capacity Per Brew

12 cups

Carafe

Glass

Power

1100 watts 

Controls

Digital control, Soft-touch control panel, LED display

Additional Options

Adjustable warming pPlate (up to 4 hours), Mid-brew pause, Water gauge, Ninja Scoop with onboard storage

Warranty

1-year limited

PROS

Unit maintenance is as easy as a piece of cake. A permanent filter needs no replacement and is just enough to rinse under the running water while a built-in water reservoir will prevent water drops and stains on the countertop. 

CONS

The unit can move when pushing the button due to light weight. 

OUR VERDICT

A combo of simple design and programmable functions makes the Mueller DC 750 Ultra coffee machine a perfect choice for home use. Even if your kitchen is on the smaller side, thanks to compact dimensions, this appliance won't eat up much space. 

detailed parameters
Type

Drip

Brewing options

Brew strength control (Regular or Bold)

Programmable options

24-hour programmable delay brew, Auto-shutoff after 2 hours

Filter

Permanent filter

Capacity Per Brew

12 cups 

Carafe

Glass

Power

900 watts 

Controls

Digital control, Pushbuttons, Display

Additional Options

Pause and serve function, Water gauge, Cord storage

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This versatile appliance allows you not only to brew coffee but also guarantees hot water on-demand owing to a separate hot water system. To avoid accidental burns, the machine is designed with a safety lock. 

CONS
A bit difficult to refill the water reservoir.
OUR VERDICT

Fitted with added functionality and solidly built, the Cuisinart CHW-12 coffee maker is an excellent choice for a family of coffee lovers. You'll be able to brew coffee and make instant noodles simultaneously without the fuss of boiling water. And there is a design pattern to match any kitchen style. 

detailed parameters
Type
Drip
Brewing options

Coffee strength depends on coffee type and amount

Programmable options
24-hour programming, Adjustable auto shut-off (up to 4 hours), 1-4 cup setting, Self-clean
Filter
Gold-tone coffee filter
Capacity Per Brew
12 cups
Carafe
Glass
Power

1775 watts

Controls
Digital control, Pushbuttons and knobs, Display
Additional Options
Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause, Charcoal water filter, Adjustable keep warm (low/medium/high), Water level indicator window, Removable drip tray, Dispensing lever with safety lock, Separate hot water system
Warranty

3-year limited

PROS

A QuickTouch panel makes setting auto switch on/off an easy and quick task. And a Sneak-A-Cup® option lets you have a cup of coffee whilst the brewing process still runs.

CONS

The water level is hard to see. 

OUR VERDICT

Meeting the needs of the most demanding coffee fans, this model from Black+Decker will also perfectly fit the needs of beginners new to this type of appliance. Automatically adjusting and optimal brewing temperature for a better-tasting coffee without the burnt flavor, it will save you the need to fiddle with settings. 

detailed parameters
Type
Drip
Brewing options
Auto-brew option
Programmable options
24-hour QuickTouch (TM) programming, 2-hour auto shut-off
Filter
Paper filter, Permanent filter
Capacity Per Brew
12 cups
Carafe
Duralife glass
Power

975 watts

Controls

Digital control, Soft-touch control panel, LED display

Additional Options

Sneak-a-Cup feature, Water-level indicator, 2-hour Keep Warm, Power indicator light, Cord storage area, Removable filter basket

Warranty

2 years

X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Cuisinart DCC-3400P1

No-fuss Pro-grade Brewing

While espresso machines give you an opportunity to try your hand at barista-style brewing, drip coffee makers offer exceptional ease of use and get the job done for you. Yet, if you are real big on coffee and want a professional-tasting cup brewed with a push-of-a-button convenience, the DCC-3400P1 coffee can hit the spot.

As this is a drip brewer, you will not need to be guessing the optimal brewing time and settings or messing around compacting ground coffee into a portafilter. There's an ample filter basket that is easy to load with coffee and intuitive controls with an LED display that will let you quickly find the desired setting. So, all you really need to do is just choose between Regular and Bold coffee strength and press the Brew button.

Despite such simplicity, this Cuisinart machine is often compared to more sophisticated and advanced coffee makers. The reason for that is that the ready-made coffee tastes just like a professionally brewed cup and has a very rich and pure flavor profile. This is achieved due to the expert coffee-making technology the machine is built around. Here's how it works: the unit heats the water up to the ideal brewing temperature and a showerhead style spigot evenly pours it over the coffee ground, ensuring maximum flavor extraction. Meanwhile, a charcoal water filter along with a Gold-tone coffee filter which are incorporated in the machine as well ensures the perfect taste purity with no side flavors to it.

Another perk of this machine is that, unlike pro coffee brewers, it allows programming the time you want your coffee to be ready, thus, you can wake up to a freshly brewed cup.

Review of Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker

For a Perfectly Hot Cup

The Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 coffee maker lets you brew 12 cups of coffee per one cycle, which is plenty for a large family. It has a handy Brew-pause option too, so if you want to stop the process, you can do it at any point. There's also an alert tone that can inform you when the brewing cycle is finished. What's also handy is that the DCC-3400P1 has a 1-4 cup setting, thus, if you don't want to make a full pot, you are free to brew just a couple cups.

When it comes to the carafe, it is yet another selling point of the machine. The carafe here is made of thermal glass, therefore it can function as a thermos, keeping the ideal brewing temperature (200°F) for up to 4 hours without breaking down its flavor profile.

All told, the Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 is a no-brainer machine delivering professional brewing results. As such, it’s hands down the best drip coffee maker for true coffee connoisseurs who are not too eager to get into professional brewing tricks and tweaks but want a perferctly hot cup of coffee every day.

Cuisinart DCC-3400P1 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Coffeemaker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N6T5QNO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

We like the option to make 14 cups. Previously when entertaining, we would automatically have had to make 2 pots right away.

Features

The aqua LED color is pleasant, although quite bright.

Size & Weight

Excellent looks and feel - does not feel cheap.
 

Ninja CE251

Brewing Ninja

Just like already legendary Ninja blenders and smoothie makers beat the best out of fruit and veg, this Ninja coffee brewer can extract the most out of coffee goodness into your cup. Nearly as good as premium drip coffee makers, this model strikes a perfect balance between a reasonable price and excellent functionality.

Despite costing less than $100, this machine is able to brew really delicious and flavorful coffee, while ensuring great flexibility and ease of use. It incorporates the Thermal Flavor Extraction® technology which combines the right brewing temperature with pre-infusion to ensure complete extraction. So, in the process of brewing, the coffee beans will be cleaned of all oils and side flavors, turning into delicious and high-quality drink time and again. What's more, the water doesn't tend to cool down fast, so you can enjoy a piping hot coffee after brewing (which is not typical of regular drip machines).

In addition to top-notch brewing performance, the Ninja CE251 impresses with its programmable functions. First off, it allows you to choose from several brew options - Classic and Rich, so you can customize the final drink flavor to your tase. Classic brew is used when you want to make a delicate dink infused with oils and having a full flavor profile with aromas at the same time. Rich setting is used for a stronger flavor with some bitterness but without burnt smell. Aside from these two settings, the Ninja CE251 has a 24-hour delay brew that allows you to set the exact time when you want your cup to be ready. And a Small batch function will come in handy when you want to brew just a cup or two. Finally, there's also a smart Keep warm function that will let you keep your beverage hot for up to 4 hours.

Review of Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer

Though out to the Last Detail

Functionality aside, the Ninja CE251 coffee maker is also distinguished by a well-thought design. Not only does it look modern and expressly stylish but also it is highly practical and wise in terms of maintenance. In contrast to models with built-in water reservoirs, this machine has a removable water tank. Admittedly, it does add a bit of weight to it, making it bulkier, but the benefits it brings are well worth it. By removing the tank, you’ll be able to wash it thoroughly, thus, preventing mold and bacterial buildup. Besides, this feature makes it much easier to fill with water.

Other than that, a glass carafe is dishwasher safe, so, coffee stains won’t be a hassle. It features a spill-free spout for no-mess pouring and has a flavor straw that agitates coffee while brewing to prevent sedimentation and ensure even flavor distribution.

To cut a long story short, if you keep your coffee simple and want it to be brewed quickly yet come out infused with deeper and more subtle flavors, the Ninja CE251 drip coffee maker will get you covered.

Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07S98411N

 

Mueller DC 750 Ultra

When Simplicity Meets Functionality

When they say the appliance is simple and functional, it sounds a bit dubious and many of us feel skeptical about it. Yet, this coffee machine from Mueller will prove that functional simplicity is not a mere marketing trick.

Starting off, the model features a simple design with intuitive controls. A panel with clearly marked push buttons and a blue-lit LED display is so easy to use it is very likely you will not even need to take out the included instruction manual. The visible measure marks on the water tank will show the water level, so you will be able to see how many cups there're left to brew. As for the amount of ground coffee to put into a filter basket, this totally depends on the coffee type, grind size and flavor richness you want to achieve. Hence, deciding how much coffee to put primarily comes down to your personal preferences.

Cleaning the unit is not a hassle as well since both a removable filter basket and a glass carafe are a breeze to rinse under the running water, and the body of the unit that is made of steel and plastic just needs wiping from time to time.

Coming down to the functionality, once the water reservoir is filled and the ground coffee is loaded, you can leave the rest to the machine. No pre-brew or fancy “bloom” is required, and there is no need to watch the brewing time and temperature. The coffee maker will do all that automatically. In the meantime, you can choose either Regular or Bold setting to get a milder or stronger coffee flavor accordingly. Besides, you can program the machine to brew you a cup of Joe at a certain time of the day, for example, when you wake up or return home after a jog. You are also free to pause a brewing cycle.

Review of Mueller DC 750 Ultra Programmable Coffee Maker

A Brewing Pal for Smaller Kitchens

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, chances are great a coffee brewer is not on the top of your to-buy list. However, if you really want a coffee maker and the size of your countertop is the only limitation, the Mueller machine will do the thing. Distinguished by a smaller footprint and overall very compact design, it won’t eat up too much space on your countertop. As such, it can also be placed right on the kitchen table or even on a window sill. Thanks to a slim profile and a contemporary design, it won’t stick out like a sore thumb and perfectly blend with any modern interior. Though compact, the unit still accommodates a 12-cup carafe and will suit large family needs.

In a word, the Mueller coffee maker is a quality machine that offers smart coffee brewing functionality and will fit kitchens of any size.

Mueller DC 750 Ultra Programmable Coffee Maker in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.97
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0833FGJJN

 

Cuisinart CHW-12

A Exceptionally Powerful Brewer

Following pretty much the same operating principle, drip coffee brewers still differ in brewing performance. For some machines, it takes quite a while to brew a pot of coffee while others can do it in mere minutes. So, if you want a machine that will get you set with coffee fast, the Cuisinart CHW-12 coffee maker is definitely worth your attention.

What makes this model stand out straight away is its impressive power of 1775 watts, which is considerably higher than that of many other models. Packing a powerful heating punch, this machine will brew a carafe of your favorite aromatic hot drink in less than 10 minutes. And it's 12 cups of coffee, to be precise, which is more than enough for a family breakfast or a meeting with friends. In the meantime, if necessary, you can adjust the brewer to make from 1 to 4 cups of coffee at a time, which is a great option when you don't actually need a whole pot.

As for the coffee strength, it depends on the quantity of preground coffee you add, thus you are free to experiment. With a reusable gold-tone filter, you won't need to constantly buy replacement paper filters and, made of steel, it will in no way impact the taste of your drink. Additionally, the device features a self-cleaning option that can remove calcium from the metal parts of the coffee maker, so, maintaining it won't be a hassle at all.

It is quite easy to control this coffee machine, even though it has lots of buttons and knobs. The indicator lights will let you know when the water is hot and when it’s time to refill the tank. The Adjustable Keep Warm function will keep your coffee hot for some time and will give you an opportunity to choose among low/medium/high temperatures depending on your preferences.

Review of Cuisinart CHW-12 Programmable Coffeemaker

With Added Functionality

Yet another merit of the Cuisinart CHW-12 drip coffee maker is added functionality you won't find in other similar models. Thus, the machine boasts a separate water system that works independently of the coffee maker to ensure effortless hot water dispensing into cups or mugs of different sizes. And, what is important, there is a safety lock on the dispensing lever to secure all your family members and especially kids from accidental burns. Notably, a water dispenser can be used even during the coffee brewing process, which is very convenient in the morning rush when everyone wants their meal as fast as possible as well as for the use in offices since you can brew coffee and toss off scalding oatmeal or instant noodles in close to no time.

To resume, as powerful and versatile as it is, the Cuisinart CHW-12 programmable coffee maker is a perfect choice for families of coffee lovers and for other sorts of applications where brewing speed matters.

Cuisinart CHW-12 Programmable Coffeemaker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $84.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B003KYSLMC

VIDEO
Coffee Plus™ 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Plus Hot Water System (CHW-12)

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Even though it has a twelve cup capacity you can program it to brew 4 cups which works good for me.

Size & Weight

Size is perfect for under cabinet.

Features

Love the double water reservoir, easy to use and program.

Power

The coffee maker is easy to program, has a two-hour automatic shut off, and has a water filter that improves the taste.
 

BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B

Affordable Basics

Not eager to invest in a top-notch coffee machine, yet still want an automatic coffee maker for your home? If so, the DLX1050B coffee maker from Black and Decker will get you covered. At a budget-friendly price, it will let you enjoy your cup of Joe, with no effort and fuss from your side.

The model is a pretty simple machine, with not so many bells and whistles to it. However, it has all the basic functions you'd normally expect from this sort of appliance. The branded QuickTouch programming technology allows you to make your morning coffee in a snap. Just set the desired start time and program auto brew. Speaking of which, the coffee maker sprays water into the pre-ground coffee only when it heats up to the optimal brewing temperature. You can be sure you drink will come out delicious and fragrant, without the burnt taste. And there is no need to fiddle with the settings. The brewer will do it all for you. You only need to remember to load the proper amount of ground coffee beans, depending on how many cups you want to get. More than that, with an auto shut-off feature, you won't need to worry if you ever forget to turn it off.

At 975 watts of power, the Black and Decker coffee maker is energy-wise and won't add too much to your electricity bills. On the other hand, it is decently fast and can brew 12 cups (a full pot) in minutes. If you don't want to wait until the full volume of coffee is brewed, you can easily pour a cup of coffee in the middle of the process. The Sneak-a-Cup option allows for a pause to avoid the spillage on a carafe plate. And the Keep warm option will maintain the temperature of the brewed coffee till the auto-off time (2 hours) is reached.

Review of BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B Programmable Coffeemaker

Created With User Convenience in Mind

Created with every user convenience in mind, the Black and Decekr coffee maker boasts foolproof design and controls. Even if you've never used a coffee machine before, you'll get the hang of it almost immediately. A built-in water tank with handy measure marks will give a hint of how much water to pour and a filter basket will let use both permanent and paper filters so you can use whichever you have at hand. Besides, it is a breeze to remove for a quick clean. Likewise, the all-plastic black body is very easy to maintain - it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth from time to time and the carafe can be rinsed. 

Thanks to the intuitive display and soft-touch panel, you can quickly pre-set the desired options for the next use as well as check the time remained till the end of the brewing process. For extra convenience, this coffee machine has got a special cord storage area so that you can neatly arrange the wire and put the unit away on the shelf.

Summing up, the Black and Decker coffee maker is a simple, yet a quality machine with basic functionality that will find its place in any home kitchen and won't hit your budget too much.

BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B Programmable Coffeemaker in the use
Last updated price $46.43
Stock In stock
ASIN B002LAREDS

VIDEO
Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Review

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

I set the timer and it has my coffee ready to go when I come downstairs.

Size & Weight

This pot is also a great size!

Features

The lid comes off the carafe for ease of fit in the dishwasher; the markings on the pot do not disappear after washing in the dishwasher.

Power

The timer is awesome and the auto shut off gives me peace of mind. It’s easy to clean.
 

How it works:

What Is a Drip Coffee Maker?

In this review, we are going to present the most popular types of coffee maker such as drip coffee maker and single-cup coffee maker. With these machines, the process of coffee-brewing is quite simple and engages no guessing. You just need to fill the reservoir with water, put some coffee into the filter, and finally, turn the coffee maker on. When water heats up to the required temperature, it gradually gets to the filter with ground coffee and drips into the carafe. Most modern models are also set to soak the coffee grinds with some water first to improve further extraction. As a result, you get delicious coffee with a full taste profile and packed with aromas. Brewing coffee from freshly ground coffee beans is a privilege of a bean-to-cup coffee maker. Though, you can always buy a coffee grinder if your coffee maker doesn't feature a built-in grinder.

If you prefer drinking coffee with foamy milk topping, take a look at our review of 5 best milk frothers.

Best Coffee Maker Review 2016-2017

What Features to Compare

The whole idea of having a coffee maker is that you can enjoy delicious coffee, similar to Starbucks, or at least something close, at home. That's why we'd recommend researching the market first and compare the types of coffee machines that exist today. Even though all coffee machines are designed to do the same job, that is - to make coffee, they are not the same. Far from being the same, in fact. On the modern market, you can find a whole load of options varying in design, functions, modes, controls, and other things. Some coffee machines, for example, come with a strength control feature to let you adjust the brew yourself, and there are also models with programmable options that will let you customize the drink automatically, eliminating guesswork.

Type

Consider which type of coffee maker provides the options you'll most likely need. There are two types of brewers available - drip coffee makers and single-serve machines. The drip coffee machines are capable of brewing up to 16-20 ounces of coffee at a time which makes them a perfect fit for big families. On the contrary, single-serve machines can brew only 1-2 cups at a time. These appliances have the same operation principle but differ in the type of coffee they accept. The drip coffee machines, for example, are used for pre-ground coffee and coffee beans while the single-serve machines make coffee from the pods (which is usually more convenient).

Capacity

The next important feature is a capacity of the coffee maker. By this, we mean several things: the amount of the brewed coffee and the capacity of a water reservoir and a carafe. These numbers are interdependent since the size of the reservoir and carafe determine how much filter coffee the machine will be able to fit. Some carafes can hold only two cups of coffee while other bigger models can fit about 50 ounces.

Materials

Carafes can be made either of glass or plastic. Plastic options are perhaps the most popular since they can last for longer than glass. That said, they tend to get scratched over time and they can also crack, therefore, make sure the quality of plastic is good. Speaking of glass, they look absolutely gorgeous. What's more, they are also better overall, having no impact on the taste of the drink. The tradeoff, glass is a fragile material, which is why if you choose it, you'll need to handle it with care.

Filters

When it comes to coffee filters, coffee makers can be fitted either with permanent or paper filters. Which one is better? There's no answer, and many people still argue on this point. What we can tell you is that permanent filters can retain coffee oils sometimes, which is not very good, but they can be cleaned easily and they can be used during the whole service life of the machine. The downside, they aren't cheap. With regards to the paper ones, you won't be able to reuse them, so in order to use the machine you will need to get some in advance. They don't retain oils, but you'll be going through them like crazy.

Power

Not the least important thing to consider is the power of the machine. The average rate is about 1000 Watts. But if you want to spend less time making your morning cup of Joe, it is better to opt for a more powerful unit.

Additional Features

In the race for leadership, manufacturers equip their coffee makers with different additional features including special water filters for enhancing the taste of the drink, a heater plate to keep coffee warm for longer, timers and special "freshness" timers that can inform you if the coffee loaded into a tray is still good for drinking. There's also a Grab-A-Cup option that enables you to pour coffee into the cup right in the middle of the brewing proces. Obviously, we haven't mentioned all of the bells and whistles that can be found on coffee makers but believe us, there's more to this list, and your options are virtually endless.

Sources:

1. Kristen Hicks How to Buy A Coffee Maker, Compact Appliance. September 4, 2015.

2. Charles Crawford A Comprehensive Guide to Pick the Best Coffee Maker, Lifehack.

3. Coffee Maker Buying Guide, Consumer Reports.

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later