The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Coffee Makers

Quick summary

If you just want the sparks notes here you go

Technivorm Moccamaster 79312: Best overall for quality, durability, and coffee flavor.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express: Best for espresso lovers.

Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer: Best budget versatile brewer.

Keurig K-Elite: Best single-serve convenience.

Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker: Best for tech-savvy coffee lovers.

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew: Best for K-Cup and ground coffee compatibility.

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler: Best premium espresso machine.

Oster 10-Cup Coffee Maker: Best budget 10-cup machine.

Moccamaster Cup-One: Best for single-serve lovers who want Moccamaster quality.

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup: Best value for basic coffee needs.

The Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 seems like an exceptional choice for serious coffee lovers. The combination of a copper heating element and the SCA-certified brewing process ensures that you get the most out of your coffee beans in terms of flavor and aroma. Plus, the fact that it’s handmade in the Netherlands with durable materials speaks to its long-lasting quality.

Cons:

• Price: It’s on the pricier side, which might not be for everyone.
• Water Reservoir: The non-removable water reservoir could be a bit of a hassle for daily refills.
• Lack of Programmability: Some people might prefer a machine that allows them to set brew times in advance.

The Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 is designed to brew standard drip coffee, but because of its precise brewing temperature and consistent extraction, it can handle a wide range of coffee styles, from light to dark roasts. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the different types of coffee it can brew:

1. Regular Drip Coffee

2. Pour-Over-Style Coffee

3. Espresso-Like Brews (with Adjustments)

Although it can’t brew true espresso (since it doesn’t have the pressure required for that), some enthusiasts use it to create a stronger brew by using finely ground coffee and adjusting the grind size. The result isn’t espresso, but it can be a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee with similar intensity.

4. Iced Coffee

5. Cold Brew (via alternative methods)

While the Moccamaster itself doesn’t brew cold brew directly (cold brew requires a longer, colder extraction process), you can use it to make a concentrated brew, which could then be diluted and chilled for cold brew-style coffee.

6. Flavored Coffees

What it Doesn’t Do:

• Espresso Shots: Unlike an espresso machine, it doesn’t have the pressure to brew espresso shots.
• Specialty Drinks: It’s not designed for things like cappuccinos, lattes, or macchiatos since it doesn’t froth milk.

So, if you’re looking for versatility, the Moccamaster handles traditional drip coffee with flair, and can do some variations on stronger or iced coffee. It might not have the specialty drink options like an espresso machine, but its focus on quality, flavor extraction, and simplicity makes it a fantastic choice for coffee purists.

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

If you’re serious about making café-quality espresso at home, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express might just be the machine you’re looking for. With its all-in-one design that includes a built-in conical burr grinder, espresso machine, and steam wand, it’s a solid choice for those who want a hands-on, customizable coffee experience. Here’s your complete buyer’s guide to help you understand what to expect and whether this machine is the right fit for your coffee needs.

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Key Features of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express

1. Integrated Burr Grinder
   • Why It’s Important: Freshly ground coffee beans are essential for making quality espresso. The Barista Express features a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds beans just before brewing, preserving the freshness and aroma.
   • Adjustment Options: You can adjust the grind size and dose to suit your taste preferences, which gives you full control over the quality of your espresso.
2. Espresso Machine with Adjustable Features
   • Why It’s Important: The Breville BES870XL offers customizable grind size, shot volume, and tamping pressure, giving you a truly personalized espresso experience.
   • Espresso Shot Quality: The 20-bar pressure pump ensures that your espresso shots are brewed at the ideal pressure for perfect extraction, giving you rich crema and full flavor.
3. Steam Wand for Milk Frothing
   • Why It’s Important: Whether you love lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, the steam wand allows you to froth milk to the perfect consistency, producing creamy foam for your drinks.
   • Versatility: The steam wand can create both silky smooth microfoam (ideal for lattes) and dense foam (great for cappuccinos).
4. User-Friendly Interface
   • Why It’s Important: While the Barista Express offers advanced features, it’s still designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned baristas alike.
   • Simple Controls: The one-touch operation and intuitive dial controls for grind size, shot volume, and steam make it easy to get started and fine-tune your settings.
5. Integrated Water Filter
   • Why It’s Important: Clean water is crucial for making great espresso. The built-in water filter helps to remove impurities, ensuring the water used in brewing is of the highest quality.
6. Compact Design
   • Why It’s Important: Despite being an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, the Barista Express is relatively compact, making it perfect for kitchens with limited counter space.

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Pros of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express

1. All-in-One Functionality
   • The Barista Express combines a high-quality espresso machine with a built-in grinder, which saves counter space and eliminates the need for a separate grinder.
2. Customizable Settings
   • With adjustable grind size, shot volume, and tamping pressure, this machine gives you full control over the brewing process, allowing you to experiment with different styles of espresso.
3. High-Quality Espresso
   • With the 20-bar pressure pump and PID temperature control, the Breville Barista Express consistently brews espresso with rich flavor and perfect crema.
4. Great for Latte Art and Milk Frothing
   • The steam wand lets you froth milk to perfection, making it easy to create professional-quality lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks.
5. Durable and Long-Lasting
   • The machine is made with high-quality materials and is built to last. It’s a solid investment for coffee enthusiasts who want a reliable, long-term machine.
6. Sleek and Stylish Design
   • With its modern, stainless steel design, the Barista Express looks great on any kitchen counter. It combines function with aesthetics.

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Cons of the Breville BES870XL Barista Express

1. Learning Curve
   • While the machine is designed for ease of use, getting the perfect shot of espresso can take some time and experimentation, especially if you’re new to espresso-making.
2. No Pre-Infusion Timer
   • The machine doesn’t feature an adjustable pre-infusion timer, which is common on higher-end machines. However, this is a small detail for most home users.
3. Requires Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
   • Like all espresso machines, the Barista Express requires regular cleaning and maintenance, particularly the steam wand and the grinder, to ensure optimal performance.
4. No Automatic Milk Frother
   • The steam wand is manual, meaning you need to froth the milk yourself. If you’re looking for an automatic frothing experience, this may not be ideal.
5. Can Be Noisy
   • The grinder can be a bit noisy, especially when grinding beans at a coarse setting.

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Who Should Buy the Breville BES870XL Barista Express?

1. Coffee Enthusiasts and Home Baristas
   • If you’re passionate about making high-quality espresso and want full control over the brewing process, the Barista Express is a great fit. It’s perfect for people who want to experiment with their espresso shots and perfect their skills.
2. Those Who Want an All-in-One Machine
   • If you want the convenience of a built-in grinder and espresso machine in one compact unit, the Barista Express saves you from needing separate grinders and machines.
3. Beginners Willing to Learn
   • While there’s a learning curve, the Barista Express is still beginner-friendly and provides the tools necessary for you to grow as a home barista.
4. Espresso Lovers Who Want Milk Frothing Capabilities
   • If you love lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, the steam wand will allow you to make these drinks with ease, giving you the flexibility to create café-style drinks at home.
5. People with Limited Counter Space
   • The compact design of the Barista Express makes it an excellent choice for people who want a professional-grade espresso machine without taking up too much room.

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Who Shouldn’t Buy the Breville BES870XL Barista Express?

1. People on a Tight Budget
   • The Barista Express is an investment, and while it offers excellent value for the price, it may be outside the budget for someone looking for a more affordable machine.
2. Those Looking for Fully Automatic Machines
   • If you’re looking for an espresso machine that does everything for you (including milk frothing), the Barista Express might not be ideal since it requires manual frothing.
3. Anyone Who Needs a Simple, Quick Coffee Maker
   • If you’re just looking for a quick and easy cup of coffee or espresso without much effort, you may want to opt for a simpler, fully automatic coffee maker.

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Final Verdict:

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who want high-quality espresso and the ability to experiment with different settings and milk frothing techniques. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but its versatility and quality make it worth the investment if you’re committed to perfecting your espresso-making skills.

If you’re looking for a machine that gives you full control over the brewing process and love the idea of making professional-quality drinks at home, the Barista Express is a fantastic choice.

Ninja CE251 12‑Cup Programmable Brewer

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Overview

The Ninja CE251 12‑Cup Programmable Brewer is a budget-friendly drip coffee maker known for delivering consistently hot and flavorful coffee. With a full 12-cup capacity, simple programmable features, and a removable water reservoir, it’s a strong contender in the under-$100 category.

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Key Features

• 12-cup capacity: Brews a full pot or a smaller 1–4 cup batch with proper extraction.
• Brew strength control: Choose between Classic and Rich for flavor intensity.
• 24-hour programmable delay: Set your brew time in advance for mornings or guests.
• Hotter brewing technology: Reaches ideal brew temperatures (195–205°F) for better flavor extraction.
• Removable 60 oz water reservoir: Makes filling and cleaning more convenient than fixed tanks.
• Mid-brew pause: Lets you grab a cup before the brew finishes.
• Adjustable warming plate: Keeps coffee hot for up to 4 hours without burning.
• Self-cleaning cycle: Descale at the press of a button when needed.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Consistently brews hot, flavorful coffee across batch sizes.
• User-friendly control panel with simple programming.
• Removable reservoir makes maintenance easier.
• Excellent value for the price—often under $100.
• Compact design fits well in most kitchens.

Cons

• Mostly plastic build may feel less premium.
• No thermal carafe option; warming plate is the only heat retention method.
• Carafe lid slides open (not hinged), which may be awkward for one-handed use.
• Occasional reports of leaking after extended use.

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Who It’s For

• Coffee drinkers who want a no-fuss machine that delivers consistent results.
• Families or offices needing to brew multiple cups at once.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want programmable features without overspending.
• Anyone looking for a reliable backup or daily-use brewer with simple controls.

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Setup and Maintenance Tips

• Initial Setup: Run two full water-only cycles before your first brew to clean internal parts.
• Cleaning: Use the clean cycle with a descaling solution monthly to maintain performance.
• Filter Options: Comes with a reusable gold-tone filter, but you can also use standard #4 cone paper filters.
• Brewing: Use medium-grind coffee for best results; avoid overfilling the reservoir.

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Buying Information

• Model: Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer
• Capacity: 12 cups
• Material: BPA-free plastic with stainless steel accents
• Dimensions: 8.74″ W x 9.94″ D x 14.61″ H
• Typical Price: $80–$100
• Warranty: 1-year limited

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Final Verdict

The Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer is a top-tier budget drip coffee maker. With programmable features, a removable reservoir, and solid brewing performance, it’s well-suited for everyday users who want a simple and reliable machine. While it lacks premium build materials or advanced brewing profiles, it outperforms many competitors in its price range.

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Keurig K-Elite

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Overview

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Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker

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Overview

The Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker is a high-end, SCA-certified machine that combines smart features, precision brewing, and upscale design. With app connectivity, multiple strength settings, and a thermal carafe, it’s tailored for coffee lovers who want both performance and style in one package.

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Key Features

• SCA Gold-Cup Certified: Brews to the Specialty Coffee Association’s strict standards for temperature, time, and flavor.
• Adjustable Temperature: Set water temperature precisely between 185–205 °F.
• Four Brew Strength Options: Choose from Light, Medium, Bold, or Gold (SCA standard).
• Wi‑Fi Enabled: Use the SmartHQ app or voice assistants (Alexa, Google Home) to control brewing remotely.
• Thermal Carafe: Double-walled stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot without the need for a warming plate.
• Digital Interface: Clean design with a central knob and dedicated buttons for strength, temperature, and scheduling.
• Sleek Design: Available in stainless steel, matte black, or matte white with rose-gold accents.
• Built-in Filtration: Includes permanent gold-tone filter and charcoal water filter.
• Auto-Brew & Alerts: Schedule brews and receive maintenance alerts like descaling reminders.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Brews excellent, SCA-certified coffee.
• Smart controls via app and voice.
• Beautiful design and premium finishes.
• Thermal carafe maintains temperature without reheating.
• Quiet brewing and easy to set up.
• Includes both gold-tone and charcoal filters.

Cons

• Higher price point than most drip brewers.
• Some users may need trial and error to find their perfect settings.
• Water reservoir is not removable.
• No mid-brew pause option.
• Hand-wash only; not dishwasher safe.

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Ideal For

• Coffee enthusiasts who want total control over temperature and strength.
• Households with varying brew preferences.
• Those who value both form and function.
• Users seeking app-based convenience or smart-home integration.

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Final Verdict

The Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker is a premium machine for those who appreciate precision, beauty, and smart functionality. If you’re looking for SCA-level brewing quality, sleek aesthetics, and app-controlled convenience in a drip machine, this one is a top contender—especially for modern kitchens and tech-savvy coffee lovers.

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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew (Trio / Advanced)

Overview

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is a versatile all-in-one coffee maker that combines single-serve and full-pot brewing. It supports both K-Cup pods and ground coffee, making it perfect for households with multiple coffee preferences.

Key Features

• Brews a single cup or a full 12-cup carafe
• Compatible with K-Cup pods and ground coffee
• Brew-strength settings, programmable start time, auto-pause (carafe side)
• Separate water reservoir for single-serve side
• Reusable filter included

Pros

• Dual functionality in one machine
• Affordable and widely available
• Great for families or shared households
• Programmable and easy to use

Cons

• No brew delay on single-serve side
• Carafe side can take up more counter space
• Long-term durability varies

Best For

Anyone looking for a flexible, budget-friendly machine that serves both single cups and full pots.

Final Summary

A cost-effective, dual-purpose brewer for households with varying coffee needs. Ideal if you want both convenience and flexibility without breaking the bank.

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Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler

Overview

A premium machine for serious espresso enthusiasts, the Breville BES920XL offers commercial-grade performance with dual boilers and precise temperature control. It’s designed for home baristas who want total command over espresso extraction.

Pros

• Excellent temperature and pressure control
• Great for milk-based espresso drinks
• Durable, high-quality build
• Strong customization options

Cons

• Expensive
• Large countertop footprint
• Not beginner-friendly

Best For

Home baristas seeking commercial-level espresso performance.

Final Summary

A powerhouse machine best suited for those ready to elevate their espresso game at home. Not ideal for casual users, but unbeatable for coffee connoisseurs. The hefty price tag is hard to justify but it can be worth if for the right person but for most this is not something that I can recommend.

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Oster 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker

Overview

The Oster 10-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker is a straightforward brewer featuring a thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm without a heating plate. It’s ideal for everyday coffee drinkers who want simplicity and insulation.

Pros

• Keeps coffee hot for hours
• Easy to use and clean
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Inconsistent brew temperature
• Reports of occasional dripping
• Build may feel a bit light

Best For

Budget-conscious drinkers who want a thermal carafe and basic programmability.

Final Summary

A no-fuss coffee maker that delivers decent performance with a thermal carafe — ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and keeping coffee hot. I coudn’t find a link for those looking to buy as it was out of stock but I’m sure its in stock when you are reading this. If not I know 9 other coffee makers you might like ;).

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Technivorm Moccamaster Cup-One

Overview

The Moccamaster Cup-One is a single-cup brewer built to high industry standards. Known for its precision and build quality, it’s perfect for solo coffee drinkers who don’t need a full pot.

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Consistent, high-quality brew
• Fast and efficient

Cons

• Premium price for a single-cup unit
• No brew strength control
• Not suited for groups or families

Best For

Solo coffee lovers or purists who want a great cup every time. its lower on the list not because of quality but its a fairly pricey coffee maker that lacks versatility. However if you just one this kind of coffee its perfect for you.

Final Summary

A minimalist, high-end choice for the coffee purist who values consistency and quality in every single cup.

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Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Overview

The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup is a reliable, no-frills drip coffee maker. With features like programmable brewing and a brew strength selector, it’s a long-standing favorite for morning routines.

Pros

• Inexpensive and easy to use
• Large capacity
• Great for households with multiple drinkers

Cons

• Basic construction
• May not reach optimal brew temperature
• Shorter lifespan with heavy use

Best For

Anyone who wants an affordable, everyday drip coffee maker with simple programmability.

Final Summary

A classic, reliable coffee maker that gets the job done without extras. Perfect for those who just want their morning brew fast and easy. If you just care about having decent coffee every day but don’t need great quality this is for you!

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