10 Best High-End Coffee Makers of 2025
We tested dozens of pricey coffee makers to find which ones are really worth the splurge.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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.
There’s no getting around the fact that high-end coffee machines are an investment. The best machines can make a cup of coffee that rivals your favorite coffeehouse and there are several options, from drip coffee makers and espresso machines to French presses and more, that do the job exceptionally well.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been testing coffee makers and related items for decades and continuously tests them throughout the year. We’ve brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee and have tested over 40 espresso makers to find the best ones that suit your needs. You can get a good coffee maker for under $100, but you can also get an excellent coffee maker starting at $150 like the ones on our list. Ahead, find the best high-end coffee makers that were top-performers in our tests that are worth the hefty price tag.
Wolf Gourmet Programmable Coffee Maker
Pros
- Makes a flavorful cup of coffee
- Built-in scale weighs coffee for a consistent cup every time
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee warm
Cons
- Carafe is hand wash only
You may be wondering if a high-end coffee maker is worth the steep price. When we tested this Wolf drip coffee machine, it was a top performer in our tests. In fact, not only was it a top performer, but it earned a Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Award for being so innovative. In our tests, it had top scores for brew time, temperature and most importantly, making a flavorful cup of coffee. The thermal carafe kept the coffee warm for a full two-hour time period.
It has other unique features that also helps set it apart. The Accubrew mode uses a built-in scale to weigh the coffee and then displays whether you need to add more or remove coffee grounds based on the desired strength and number of cups, so you’ll get the same tasty cup of coffee every time. The digital control panel is easy to read and use.
The carafe is not dishwasher safe, but our pros appreciate the wide opening so it’s easy to fit your hand inside to clean. And, of course, Wolf fans will love the signature red knobs, but if you prefer black knobs, you can buy those separately.
Brew type: Drip | Capacity: 10 cups | Size: 10.5" x 11.5" x 14.5" | Built-in grinder: No
Breville Precision Brewer Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Additional options for cold brew, coffee over ice and pour over
- Adjustable bloom time
- Comes with both cone-shaped and flat baskets
Cons
- Does not come with the pour over attachment
The Breville Precision Brew continues to be one of our favorite drip coffee makers for its top performance, customizable options and sleek design. In addition to choosing settings like “fast,” “gold” and “strong,” there are options for over ice and cold brew. The machine also does single-serve pour-over coffee with the purchase of an attachment kit.
Taking the customization even further than most coffee makers, this machine allows you to adjust the bloom time (how long the dampened grounds sit before brewing) and brew temperature. Plus, this coffee maker comes with both a cone-shaped basket and a flat basket, which each bring out different tasting notes in the coffee.
In our Lab test, the coffee brewed a full 12-cup pot in 8 ½ minutes, which was one of the quickest times among the coffee makers. The coffee came out hot and full bodied. The thermal carafe also kept the coffee warm during the entire two-hour test. Like most other thermal carafes, this one is not dishwasher safe.
Brew type: Drip | Capacity: 12 cups | Size: 6.7" x 12.7" x 15.7" | Built-in grinder: No
De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Makes an espresso-like shot for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos
- Can brew single-serve or 40-oz carafe
- Built-in grinder
Cons
- Best not to use with oily beans
At first glance, you may mistake this for an automatic espresso machine, but it’s a drip coffee maker with a grinder. It can make a 40-ounce carafe of coffee, but the single-serve options are where it shines. Choose from four sizes including 8-, 12-, 16- and 24-ounce cups. Strength settings include light, gold and bold as well as over ice.
Our pros were impressed with the 3-ounce option, which uses more pressure than a drip coffee maker so it’s similar to an espresso. Even though it’s not a true espresso shot, our Lab experts found it still made a tasty latte. Tasters found the drip coffee delicious and loved the convenience.
The hopper holds 8.8 ounces of coffee beans and has a large opening so it’s easy to pour the beans in without spilling. The water reservoir is easy to fill and the control panel is intuitive to use. One thing to note: One of our consumer testers found that oily beans with a very fine grind can clog the machine.
Brew type: Drip and "espresso style" | Capacity: 3-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20-, 24-oz single serve | Size: 12" x 15" x 15.8" | Built-in grinder: Yes
Cuisinart Coffee Center 4-In-1 Coffee Machine
Pros
- Compatible with K-cups and Nespresso capsules
- Brews tasty, hot coffee
- Makes 12-cup carafe and single-serve coffee
Cons
- Control panel is not intuitive
This Cuisinart coffee maker has a distinct feature that makes it stand out among other pod coffee makers. It's compatible with both K-cups and Nespresso capsules, so you don’t have to choose one over the other or buy two separate machines. Besides this handy feature, it was also a top performer in our tests, which is why it earned a spot in our latest Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards.
You can make up to 12 cups of coffee in a carafe or choose between 6-, 8- and 10-ounce single-serve sizes. We appreciate that this coffee maker is also compatible with a single-serve reusable filter cup to use pre-ground coffee. It also has a steam wand which makes frothed or steamed milk for cappuccinos and lattes, and it can also make hot water for tea. Our pros found it brewed a piping hot cup of coffee and testers commented that the coffee was balanced and flavorful.
The control panel has a learning curve initially, but it’s easy to use after you get used to it.
Brew type: Drip, pods or capsules | Capacity: 6-, 8-, 10-oz single serve or 12-cup carafe | Size: 11.88" x 12.88" x 16.75" | Built-in grinder: No
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
Pros
- Excellent built-in grinder
- Digital display shows water level
- Adjustable grind size
Cons
- Need to clean basket holder often
Breville’s coffee makers consistently test well in our Lab tests, so it’s no surprise their Grind Control coffee maker was a top performer. Our Lab pros and taste testers found it to be one of the tastiest cups of coffee among the machines in our tests with a smooth and not bitter taste.
The built-in grinder impressed our experts, producing fine, medium and coarse grinds that you would get from the best standalone coffee grinders, which is not something often seen with built-in grinders. The grinder knob allows you to choose the ground size you prefer and the hopper holds a half-pound of beans so you won’t need to refill it frequently.
Our pros appreciate that the digital display is easy to read, showing coffee settings such as the number of cups to brew and the strength setting. We love that the water level is also digitally displayed so you don’t have to lean over to look at the back water tank like many coffee makers. Be sure to clean the basket holder often so it doesn't clog.
Brew type: Drip | Capacity: 12 cups | Size: 8.5" x 12.5" x 16.3" | Built-in grinder: Yes
Nespresso by Breville Creatista Plus
Pros
- Can customize milk froth texture and temperature
- Easy to use
- Lots of drink options
Cons
- Louder than VertuoLine machines
This Nespresso by Breville machine looks high-end with its sleek stainless steel design and it has impressive features to match. Its options for drinks include ristretto, espresso, lungo, latte, cappuccino, flat white or latte macchiato.
The built-in frothing wand makes steaming or frothing milk effortless. The LCD menu allows you to select from 11 different milk temperatures and eight milk froth textures to customize your drink.
Our pros found the machine consistently makes delicious espresso. The intuitive buttons and easy-to-read LCD screen make this machine surprisingly easy to use, despite so many options for drinks.
One thing to keep in mind is that this machine uses 19 bars of pressure to make espresso drinks, so it's louder than other Nespresso machines like those in the VertuoLine. It also isn't compatible with VertuoLine pods and doesn't make regular coffee.
Brew type: Nespresso capsules | Capacity: Single serve | Size: 15.5" x 6.7" x 12.1" | Built-in grinder: No
Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT Coffee Maker
Pros
- Makes hot, full-bodied coffee
- Carafe is lined with glass to prevent metal taste
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Doesn't have many features
The first Technivorm Moccamaster was introduced in 1969 and has stuck around ever since then, thanks to its top performance. I tested my first Technivorm Moccamater nearly two decades ago and was thoroughly impressed with its ability to brew at the proper temperature throughout the entire cycle, which at the time was something many coffee machines couldn’t do.
While many machines have since caught up, the Moccamaster remains a classic. The quality of the machine hasn’t deteriorated over time and in our tests, it made a steaming, full-bodied cup of coffee. Tasters enjoyed the flavor with one who said it was “outstanding.”
We gave this particular model a spot in our Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards for its innovative carafe design. Our pros found the glass-lined thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot and prevents it from tasting like metal, a common complaint among those who do not like thermal carafes. It’s not dishwasher safe, but we found it’s easy to hand wash.
This machine is very basic with a simple flip switch to turn it on and off, which is good for those who prefer a no-frills coffee maker.
Brew type: Drip | Capacity: 10 cups | Size: 11" x 6.75" x 15" | Built-in grinder: No
Miele CM5510 Silence Fully Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine
Pros
- Many drink options
- Can make two drinks at once
- Additional coffee chute for ground coffee
Cons
- Expensive
If you’re looking for a high-end coffee and espresso machine that will do it all, then look no further than this Miele machine. It’s a favorite of our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director,
Nicole Papantoniou, because it makes such a delicious cup of coffee and some of the frothiest milk she’s seen.
With its hefty price tag, you'll get nine drink options including latte macchiatos, cappuccinos, espresso and many more. There are also options for hot water, milk froth and making a full pot of coffee. You can make a single or double drink and adjust the serving size to your liking. Not only that, the quantity of coffee grounds, water quantity and temperature, milk and froth can be tailored to your preferences as well, so you can truly personalize your coffee drink.
It’s easy to use by pushing a few buttons and it has something not many espresso machines have: the ability to make two drinks at once. Our experts like that coffee grounds can be added via the coffee chute without changing the beans, so you don't have to stick to the same coffee until the beans run out. It's also handy for decaf drinkers who want to enjoy a cup.
Brew type: Coffee and espresso | Capacity: Single-serve and 8-cup carafe | Size: 18" x 9.5" x 14.25" | Built-in grinder: Yes
Pros
- Unique brewing method
- Makes flavorful, smooth coffee with no sediment
- Doesn't take up as much space
Cons
- Only brews up to 3 cups
Balmuda recently launched The Brew coffee maker and it does not disappoint. What sets this brewer apart is the way the coffee is brewed. It uses a pour-over style technique, letting the coffee bloom initially.
Afterwards, .2 mL doses of water are released in timed intervals which are designed to extract the most flavor from the coffee. Another unique feature is how it pours hot water directly into the carafe after brewing to give it a clean taste with no grittiness.
We tested this at home and found it produced one of the cleanest and smoothest cups of coffee. The regular setting produced coffee similar in taste to an americano and the strong option produced a more intense cuppa without a burnt taste. There was a noticeable difference between the regular and strong setting with the latter emphasizing the berry notes heavily.
Although we didn’t take the exact temperature at home, we can confidently say the brewed coffee was very hot. We were also delighted with the small footprint and sleek design that would make anyone proud to display it on their counter. However, since it only makes up to 3 cups, this isn’t a coffee maker for a household that needs a full 10- or 12-cup pot of coffee.
Brew type: Pour over | Capacity: 17 oz | Size: 5.5" x 11.7" x 14.9" | Built-in grinder: No
Pros
- Has two filters to reduce the amount of sediment
- Simple to put together and use
- Sleek design
Cons
- Only makes up to 32 oz
Over the years, Espro has been one of our top picks to make French press coffee. It even earned a spot in our Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards. It’s simple to put together and easy to use. Testers found assembling the French press a breeze and said it made delicious coffee in minutes.
Our pros liked the double set of fine-mesh strainers to filter out as much sediment as possible leading to a smooth cup. It’s only available in 18- or 32-ounce sizes, but it's made with double-walled stainless steel to keep the coffee hot. The large handle makes pouring easy and you can choose from six color options.
Brew type: French press | Capacity: 18 or 32 oz | Size: 5.3" x 4.2" x 9.5" | Built-in grinder: No
How we test high-end coffee makers
When we test high-end coffee makers, we evaluate ease of use and performance. The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has a team of analysts, engineers, food editors and coffee buffs who are passionate about coffee.
We even launched our Coffee Awards program so we could have another reason to test the latest and greatest coffee makers and innovations. We’ve spent decades testing coffee and espresso machines and have brewed more than 1,000 cups of coffee and pulled hundreds of espresso shots.
To test the performance of coffee makers, we brew at least two full pots of coffee and record the brew time, temperature and how well the coffee stays warm over two hours. We also have a panel of taste testers to rate and share tasting notes on the coffee. If the coffee machine has a built-in grinder, we assess how easy it is to fill the hopper and note the capacity of the hopper.
For espresso, we make at least 3 cups and score the consistency of the timing, temperature and volume. We rate how the crema looks, and similar to coffee maker testing, we have taste testers try the espresso and give feedback.
If the machine includes a milk frother, we test it with skim or whole milk and oat milk. We note the quality of the froth and how well it produces froth for each type of milk.
What to look for when shopping for the best high-end coffee makers
✔️ Type of machine and coffee: Consider what types of coffee your household needs. Some machines only make drip coffee and others can make multiple types of coffee in addition to drip coffee such as pour over, espresso and more. Single-serve pods or capsules are convenient for those in a rush or who don't need a full pot of coffee. Typically, the more options and features a machine has, the higher the price tag.
✔️ Capacity: Some coffee makers brew full 10- or 12-cup pots. Others may only brew smaller single-serve sizes and some machines may offer both functions for full pots and single-serve. Machines that have both usually take up more space and are often higher in price.
✔️ Size: Check the dimensions of the coffee maker to ensure there's enough space for it. Machines that have a lot of drink options tend to take up a lot of counter space. Coffee makers that are lightweight come in handy if you plan on storing it and taking it out each time you use it.
✔️ Built-in grinder: Having a coffee machine with a built-in grinder brews fresher-tasting coffee than pre-ground coffee that's been sitting around. Most high-end coffee makers with built-in grinders also have a hopper to store the beans and keep them fresh.
A built-in grinder may save extra space since you don't need a separate dedicated coffee grinder, but the machine may be more bulky as a result. Another advantage of a coffee maker with a built-in grinder: It eliminates the step of grinding your beans separately. These types of coffee makers tend to be more expensive than coffee makers without grinders.
Are fancy coffee makers worth it?
Yes, high-end coffee makers can be worth the higher price tag for some individuals. Those who like having multiple types of coffee drinks to choose from, such as a latte, cold brew or drip coffee, will find a high-end coffee maker useful. If you want extra items like a dedicated milk-frothing container or features that make it easier and more convenient to brew your favorite drink, you will appreciate a fancy coffee maker.
Other factors that tend to drive up the prices of high-end coffee makers are things like being able to brew at the proper temperature, blooming the coffee, adjustable temperature time and temperature, and more. Generally speaking, when there are more features and coffee options that are added on, you can expect to pay more.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing relating to cooking and drinking equipment. She tested many coffee and espresso makers and continues to road-test coffee makers throughout the year. She's been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013 and is trained in classic culinary arts.
One of Jamie (Kim) Ueda's first jobs at the Good Housekeeping Institute was testing coffee makers. Since then, she has tested and written about many coffee and espresso makers, and coffee-related accessories such as coffee grinders. 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 also a judge for GH's annual Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards.
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.
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.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
