10 Best Coffee Makers, According to Lab and Taste Testing
We brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee to find the best coffee maker for you.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
The best coffee maker can vary based on individual preferences. Some may prefer the convenience of a single-serve coffee maker or an automatic espresso machine, while others enjoy the morning ritual of using a French press or stick to good ol' drip coffee.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been rigorously testing coffee makers for decades. Each coffee maker is evaluated for both ease of use and performance. Over the years, we’ve brewed more than 1,000 cups of coffee to identify the best coffee makers that cater to your needs and preferences.
Breville Precision Brewer
Pros
- Comes with cone and flat baskets
- Adjustable bloom time
- Earned one of the highest scores in taste tests
Cons
- Carafe requires hand-washing
Cup capacity: 12 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 14" x 9" x 16"
This drip coffee maker with a thermal carafe lives up to its name as a precision brewer by brewing coffee at exactly the right temperature in the right amount of time, as established by the Specialty Coffee Association. The Breville Precision Brewer is also highly customizable, with the option to brew up to 12 cups at a time, a single cup, iced coffee, cold brew and pour-over with the purchase of a separate attachment.
One standout feature is that it comes with two different baskets, a cone-shaped and a flat basket. These baskets bring out different flavor profiles in the coffee, giving coffee drinkers the flexibility to choose their preferred taste. Coffee fans will also love that there's an option to adjust the water flow and bloom time.
The coffee basket fully pulls out for easy filling and even easier emptying, and the water reservoir has a wide opening and easy-to-read measurement markings. The display features a count-up timer that lets you know how long the coffee has been keeping warm.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This Breville made 12 cups of hot coffee in about eight-and-a-half minutes, which was quick compared to the others we tested.
TASTE TESTING: The coffee brewed was among the highest scoring for taste in our tests producing a full-bodied and hot cup of coffee.
TAKE NOTE: Our only complaint is that we don't love washing the carafe by hand, but most thermal carafes are hand-wash only. However, the carafe is also relatively easy to clean with a moderately sized opening that you can fit your sponge into.
RELATED: How to Clean a Coffee Maker
Braun Pure Flavor
Pros
- Top scorer for making tasty coffee
- Option to brew over ice
- Compact footprint
Cons
- May not fit well under cupboards
Cup capacity: 14 cups | Type of carafe: Glass | Dimensions: 14.8" x 9.3" x 8.7"
The Braun Pure Flavor describes the coffee it brews perfectly, delivering a full-flavored cup of coffee. The control panel is responsive, and we like the clear markings on the water tank, making it easy to see how many cups of water you've poured in.
There are options for "fast," "regular" and "bold" coffee. It has three choices for keep-warm settings: low, medium and high. If you love cold coffee, it also brews "over ice" which is designed to maintain a bold cup of coffee that's not diluted when poured over ice.
This 14-cup coffee maker brews quickly and we appreciate the smaller footprint to save some counter space. The one downside is it's nearly 20 inches tall when fully opened, so you'll want to make sure you have enough clearance if it's going under your cupboards. However, this is a straightforward coffee machine that brews tasty coffee that you can grab for around $100 (or less if it's on sale!), making it one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers we've tested.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our tests, the Braun Pure Flavor brewed hot coffee in the optimal temperature range and it kept the coffee hot for our full two-hour testing period. In addition to brewing delicious coffee, our experts found it exceptionally easy to use.
TASTE TESTING: The Braun was one of the top-scoring drip coffee machines for making extra-tasty coffee.
TAKE NOTE: One drawback is that it stands almost 20 inches tall when fully opened, so ensure there’s sufficient space beneath your cabinets if you plan on keeping it on the countertop.
Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Compact size
- Brews up to 5 cups
- Carafe is dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Coffee does not brew as hot
Cup capacity: 5 cups | Type of carafe: Glass | Dimensions: 8" x 6.25" x 10"
For those who don't need a 12- or even 10-cup coffee maker, this Capresso Mini Drip coffee maker comes in handy, brewing up to five cups and saving counter space with its small design.
It's also programmable so you can set it to make coffee at a later time and can keep coffee warm for two hours with automatic shut-off. The carafe is dishwasher-safe (one of our favorite things about glass carafes) and the flip-top lid is detachable for easy cleaning.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our tests, it brewed five cups of coffee in less than 10 minutes.
TAKE NOTE: It didn't brew quite as hot as other coffee makers in our tests, but small coffee makers often have a hard time reaching high temperatures, so we weren't surprised and it wasn't a deal breaker.
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
Pros
- Adjusts brewing to the type of roast
- Can personalize the bloom cycle
- Option for single-serve
Cons
- There's a learning curve for the customizations
Cup capacity: 10 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 8 15/16'' x 8 15/16'' x 12"
Fellow's Aiden Precision Coffee Maker earned a spot in our Good Housekeeping Kitchen Gear Awards for its detailed and highly customizable features. It automates the brew method based on the type of roast you input, and you can also adjust the settings, such as water temperature and coffee-to-water ratio, to your personal preferences.
Coffee enthusiasts who like to experiment will also appreciate the automatic bloom cycle where water addition frequency, time intervals and temperature can be adjusted. Plus, this coffee maker offers the option for single-serve brewing as well as a full carafe.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our experts were impressed with the level of customization and the easy-to-read, illuminated control panel. In our tests, it made some of the hottest coffee and had a quick brew time.
TASTE TESTING: This was a favorite among our experts for its ability to make clean-tasting and flavorful coffee. One of our experts commented they like that it has a slight acidity and is not bitter.
TAKE NOTE: There is a learning curve when it comes to customization.
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
Pros
- Built-in grinder with multiple settings
- Digital display shows the amount of water added
- Can also brew a single cup
Cons
- Oily beans may clog grinder
Cup capacity: 12 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 12.5" x 18.5" x 16.3"
It's hard to beat the convenience of a coffee maker with a built-in grinder that allows you to skip the step of grinding beans separately and make a tasty cup of coffee from whole beans easily.
This coffee maker with a built-in grinder from Breville stands out for having multiple grind settings, so you can experiment with various-sized grinds to dial in the flavor exactly how you want it. Choose from eight strength settings, plus the machine automatically calculates the brewing time. In addition to brewing a full carafe, you can brew a single-cup or travel mug-size coffee.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: The coffee brewed quickly and hot. The thermal carafe kept the coffee warm for our entire two-hour test time, and when we tested at home, it stayed hot all day. Our pros appreciated the handy digital display located on the front of the unit that measures the amount of water you add to the reservoir, which makes the whole process a breeze.
TASTE TESTING: This is a favorite in our Lab for its hot, full-bodied tasting coffee.
TAKE NOTE: Coffee makers with grinders have a reputation for clogging easily. Our experts recommend not to grind on the super-fine setting and don't use beans that are too oily to avoid clogging.
Breville-Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker
Pros
- Machine reads barcode and customizes the brew to each particular coffee
- Variety of Vertuo capsules to choose from
- Consistent coffee and espresso
Cons
- Can't adjust temperature or brewing time since it's specific to each capsule
Cup capacity: 1 cups | Type of carafe: Brews into mug of your choice | Dimensions: 10.8" x 14.75" x 15.5"
Pod coffee makers are ideal when you're in a rush or want a reliably good cup of coffee. Out of all the pod machines we tested, this one stands out for being the most versatile and making the most delicious coffee.
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is a single-serve coffee maker that uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Each capsule is equipped with a barcode that tells the machine exactly how to brew it, whether it's brewing an espresso, a double espresso or American coffee. You can choose from many different capsules that vary in types of coffee as well as strength and even origin.
The capsules can be tossed in with your recycling in some states or put in a Nespresso-supplied bag and dropped off at UPS or a Nespresso boutique to be sent back to Nespresso for recycling.
The VertuoPlus Coffee Maker comes with a great frother — hello, cappuccinos and lattes! — but the same machine can be purchased without the frother for less money.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Each espresso is consistent and hot, and the machine is easy to operate.
TASTE TESTING: The espressos and coffees are full-bodied with a thick and creamy crema.
TAKE NOTE: You can't adjust the coffee settings on Vertuo machines; each Vertuo pod is designed to brew a specific type of coffee. If you want different drinks, such as an espresso or an 8-ounce coffee, you'll need to purchase both types of pods.
RELATED: Best Coffee and Espresso Makers
Breville Barista Express Impress
Pros
- Makes rich shots of espresso
- Built-in tamper for precise pressure
- Powerful frothing wand
Cons
- Expensive
Cup capacity: One or two shots of espresso | Type of carafe: Brews into mug of your choice | Dimensions: 13.25" x 12.5" x 15.75"
This Breville espresso machine is a favorite of our experts, earning it spot in our Good Housekeeping Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards. It has a unique feature that Breville calls the "intelligent dosing system" that dispenses coffee grounds into the portafilter and lets you know if you need to add or remove coffee grounds.
The built-in tamping lever also ensures the proper amount of pressure is applied for the perfect shot of espresso every time. One of our pros has had this machine for a few years and said it's still one of their favorites and produces great shots of espresso.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our Lab tests, this was a top performer and easily produced delicious shots of espresso. The milk frothing wand is powerful enough to create a hefty amount of froth, something that other built-in frothing wands can struggle with.
TASTE TESTING: The machine produced tasty, rich shots of espresso with a thick layer of crema.
TAKE NOTE: Our expert noticed that drier coffee bean types can get staticky and stick to the counter. However, cleaning out the grinder thoroughly and spritzing a few drops of water on the beans in the hopper before grinding solves this issue.
Pros
- Taste testers rated this highly for making smooth and balanced cold brew
- Easy to use
- Parts nest together for compact storage
Cons
- Main body parts must be washed by hand
Cup capacity: 40 oz | Type of carafe: Glass | Dimensions: 9.5" x 9.5" x 14.7"
Making cold brew doesn't get easier than with this Oxo Cold Brew coffee maker: Simply add in coffee grounds and water, then in 12 to 24 hours, the coffee is ready to dispense into the glass carafe by pushing a lever.
It's very easy to customize the flavor to your liking by letting the cold brew steep for shorter or longer amounts of time. While this machine is on the larger side, the parts nest together for compact storage.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our experts found the Oxo Cold Brew Coffee Maker extremely easy to use by adding coarsely ground coffee and water through the “rainmaker” lid, which distributes water evenly over the grounds.
TASTE TESTING: Our taste testers said it made excellent cold brew with a smooth and balanced flavor.
TAKE NOTE: The glass carafe is dishwasher-safe, but the other parts must be hand-washed. That said, we found the parts a breeze to clean.
Pros
- Pour over drips directly into a thermal carafe
- Carafe is double-walled and vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep coffee hot
- Stainless steel design is durable
Cons
- Water level not visible
Cup capacity: 33 ounces | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 6.2" x 10"
Pour-over coffee is nothing new, but MiiR took it a step further with this combined pour-over and thermal carafe. The top features a pour-over cone where you place the filter and brew as usual, allowing the coffee to drip directly into the thermal carafe below.
The carafe is made of double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep coffee hot. It also comes with a stopper to help retain heat once the brewing is complete.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: We found this just as easy to use as other pour over devices with a simple pour-over top that screws into the carafe below. One of our testers also commented on the sturdy stainless steel design that they could take on a trip without worrying about it breaking.
TASTE TESTING: Our consumer testers liked the strong, full-bodied coffee from this pour over.
TAKE NOTE: Those who prefer to eyeball the amount of water when pouring over may need to measure it beforehand since the stainless steel body doesn't allow you to see the water level.
Pros
- Coffee has a less gritty taste than other French presses
- Double-wall stainless steel design keeps coffee hot
- Available in multiple colors and finishes
Cons
- Some colors are hand wash
Cup capacity: 32 oz | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 4.5" x 9.5"
Espro has consistently been one of our top picks for French presses. In fact, we like this one so much that it earned a spot in our Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards. What makes this coffee maker stand out are the double fine-mesh strainers, which remove as much sediment as possible.
The double-walled stainless steel coffee maker helps keep your coffee hot and the oversize handle makes it easy to pour. It also comes in an 18-ounce size and both sizes are available in brushed or polished stainless steel, matte white, black, blue or red.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our pros were impressed with the double fine-mesh strainers and noticed that the coffee had a less gritty taste than other French presses they've tested. We found it easy to assemble, and within minutes, you're on your way to full-flavored French press coffee.
TASTE TESTING: This French press made a delicious cup of coffee with a less gritty taste than other French presses we tried. One of our taste testers said, "The product makes consistent and delicious coffee within a few minutes."
TAKE NOTE: The brushed and polished stainless steel models are top-rack dishwasher-safe but the other colors are hand-wash only.
Other coffee makers we tested and liked (but may not be for everyone)
• OXO 9-Cup Coffee Maker: This coffee machine performed well in our tests, brewing hot, tasty coffee. It's a great machine, but not quite as good as our top pick, the Breville Precision Brewer. However, it's a solid choice for someone who doesn't want to splurge on a Breville but doesn't need as many customizations.
• Ratio Six and Ratio Four: We recently tested the Ratio Six and Ratio Four coffee makers. Both machines are great for automating the pour-over process, but they don't have the versatility of other coffee makers that also do pour-over. However, the Ratio Four is a good alternative for someone looking for a small coffee machine if they're willing to splurge.
• Cuisinart Grind & Brew Plus: This Cuisinart coffee maker offers customization and convenience in one machine. It didn't have the highest score in our taste test, but it's a good option for those who want the option to brew full pots of coffee or pods.
• Nespresso Creatista Pro: Our testers loved that they could save their custom drink preferences with this machine. While we thought this was a great coffee maker, it stopped working after a few years in our long-term testing, making it difficult to justify its $850 price tag.
•Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker: The Ninja Specialty coffee maker offers the ability to brew different sizes and types of coffee drinks and a built-in frother. Those looking for a variety of options will appreciate this machine, but it may not be for someone who wants a coffee-house-style experience with real espresso and a professional frother.
How we test coffee makers
The Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been testing coffee makers for decades, and we've brewed over 1,000 cups to find the best ones. When we test coffee makers, we assess them for performance, ease of use and taste.
To determine the best overall coffee makers, we brew at least two full pots of coffee in each machine and record the brew time, the brew temperature and how well the coffee keeps warm over a two-hour time span.
We also pay attention to consistency, as we do when we test espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers. As part of our brew tests, we also conduct a sensory test and get as many people as possible to taste the results and share their tasting notes.
In addition to performance, we assess ease of use by scoring several factors, including the usefulness of the user guide and how easy it is to use the controls, access the water tank and brew basket, read the markings on the tank and carafe, clean the carafe and more.
What to look for when shopping for a coffee maker
✔️ Type of coffee maker: Coffee makers range from drip to cold brew coffee makers, espresso machines and more. Consider what type of coffee you drink most and if you'd like a coffee machine that can make different styles of coffee, including single-serve sizes, full pots of coffee and sometimes even espresso. It's becoming increasingly popular for coffee makers to offer multiple ways to enjoy your coffee.
✔️ Strength preference: If you prefer your coffee mild or strong, look for a coffee maker that has adjustable strengths. Many of the models we tested have two to three strength options available. Espresso in general also has a stronger flavor as does coffee made in stovetop coffee makers.
✔️ Number of servings: Most drip coffee makers will make 10 to 14 cups of coffee, but if you don’t need that much, consider smaller coffee makers that make four to five cups or single-serve options that can brew one cup at a time. Manual coffee makers are also great for making small amounts of coffee because you can more easily control the brew times.
✔️ Convenience: If you’re pressed for time or don’t want to prep your coffee, a single-serve machine may be a benefit as there’s little-to-no prep or cleaning up. A drip machine takes longer to brew coffee since it’s making a larger quantity, but this also allows for more customization. If you have plenty of time on your hands, pour-overs and French presses take longer to brew and require a more hands-on approach, but the flavor is typically richer, smoother and worth the fuss.
Does the coffee maker really make a difference in flavor?
Yes, coffee makers can affect the flavor of the coffee. Different brewing methods such as drip coffee, espresso, cold brew, French press and more require different coffee and espresso makers to make them properly. These methods of brewing use different grind sizes, water temperature, pressure and contact time with the grinds, all of which influence the coffee's taste.
This is why some prefer the bold taste of cold brew or a concentrated shot of espresso, among other types of coffee. Just keep in mind that the coffee bean itself will impact the coffee flavor, and some beans are better suited for certain methods than others. If you've only tried one brewing method, you may have to experiment to find the best one for you.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab where she oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013 and has worked at kitchen appliance companies where she helped develop some popular coffee makers as well as many recipes for them. She is trained in classic culinary arts and is a professional recipe developer.
Jamie Ueda's first job at the Good Housekeeping Institute was testing a variety of consumer products, and one of her first tests was coffee makers. Since then, she has tested and written about many kitchen-related and cooking tools, especially coffee and espresso makers as well as coffee accessories. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous coffee courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting. She is regularly a judge for the Kitchen Gear and Coffee and Tea Awards.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
