The Best Coffee Maker for Every Kind of Java Drinker

For many, it’s hard to imagine starting the morning without a cup of coffee. Three out of four Americans have at least one cup of coffee a day, and 49% of people drink three to five cups of coffee a day. Talk about a caffeine rush.

With the ever-growing prices of coffee, many are making their java at home instead of visiting a coffee shop. Whether you prefer to brew a simple pot of drip coffee or take a more refined approach with a French press, here are our top picks for the best coffee makers.

_{Prices are accurate as of September 28, 2023. Subject to change. All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Better Report may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.}

Drip Coffee Maker — Best For Beginners

Drip coffee makers have been a go-to coffee maker for years and are perfect for people who enjoy the simplicity of a cup of Joe without the hassle. Drip coffee makers have a tank that heats water, which is slowly released into a brew basket with coffee grounds, eventually dripping into a coffee pot.

BETTER PICK
OXO Brew 9-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

Pros	Cons
Freshness timer	Price point
Double-wall thermal carafe	Larger than other coffee makers
Small-batch feature	Not dishwasher safe

BUDGET PICK
Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Pros	Cons
Programmable brew feature	No frills
Two-hour auto shutoff	Need ample space above it so water reservoir lid can open
Good price point	Made from plastic

Espresso Coffee Maker — Best For Experienced Baristas

While many think an “espresso” is a type of bean or roast, it’s actually a drink. Espresso is brewed using high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee in under 30 seconds. Espresso generally has a nutty or chocolate flavor, and people enjoy it on its own or mixed with milk in drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

BETTER PICK
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine

Pros	Cons
Intelligent dosing	Machine gets very hot
Precision measurement	Too "beginner" for experienced baristas
25 grind settings	Limited steam power

BUDGET PICK
De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine

Pros	Cons
Compact size	Learning curve
Two level cup holder	Heats up slowly
Stainless steel	Uses pressurized filter baskets

French Press Coffee Maker — Best For Black Coffee Drinkers

French presses are also known as coffee plungers, cafetiéres, press pots, and plunger pots. Regardless of what you call it, this simple way to make coffee involves steeping coffee grounds directly in water. The mixture is then “plunged” to separate the brewed coffee from the grounds, providing a full-bodied flavor perfect for people who love their coffee pure, without any extra add-ins.

BETTER PICK
ESPRO P7 French Press

Pros	Cons
Double micro-mesh filter system	Carafe gets very hot
Simple to disassemble and clean	Pricier than most presses
Insulated	Last few drops are difficult to pour

BUDGET PICK
Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee and Tea Maker

Pros	Cons
Comes in various sizes	Doesn’t retain heat
Carafe is made from non-stain, heat-resistant glass	Coffee grounds are hard to clean out
Also brews loose-leaf tea	Made from plastic

Single-Serve Coffee Pod Machine — Best For People on the Go

Capsule coffee makers first hit the market in 1986 with the Nespresso. The popularity of this convenience product grew throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, with the first Keurig hitting shelves in 1990. Today, the coffee pods market is valued at over $1.3 billion. Coffee pods come in various flavors and are perfect for those who don't have time to spare in the morning.

BETTER PICK
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi

Pros	Cons
Machine senses pod size for the perfect brew	Only uses Nespresso Vertuo pods
Internal receptacle for used pods	Doesn’t work with irregularly shaped mugs
Brews coffee and espresso drinks	Large price jump for added features

BUDGET PICK
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Pros	Cons
Compact design	Have to fill water tank each time
Lots of color options	Not speedy
Brews various cup sizes	Coffee is moderately hot

Cold Brew Coffee Maker — Best For Iced Coffee Lovers

Cold brew has skyrocketed in popularity in the past 10 years. While it may seem like the new caffeinated kid on the block, cold brew dates back to the 1600s in Japan. Making a batch of cold brew is easy but requires time for the grounds to soak. People often enjoy cold brew because it is less acidic than brewed coffee, with a sweeter, less bitter taste.

BETTER PICK
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Pros	Cons
Simple assembly	Larger than other cold brew makers
Minimal sediment	Carafe is delicate
Easy to clean	Requires paper filter for extra filtration

BUDGET PICK
Hario Mizudashi Cold-Brew Coffee Pot

Pros	Cons
Slender design	Too tall for some refrigerators
Reusable filter	Coffee is sometimes weak
Dishwasher safe	Instructions come in Japanese

_{Featured Image Credit: Pinkybird/ iStock}