The right coffee maker could mean you never need to buy an overpriced takeout latte again. Investing in good gear makes all the difference and these days there are countless options for high-quality coffee makers or great tasting coffee beans sent to your door. If you've been searching for a way to cut back on your coffee purchases from a certain Seattle-based coffee chain, read on for our list of the very best coffee makers of 2023.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Coffee Makers of 2023
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
- Best Overall Coffee Maker: Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer
- Best Budget Coffee Maker: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer
- Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve
- Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew
- Best Pour Over Coffee Maker: Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over
- Best Coffee Maker With Grinder: Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1
- Best French Press Coffee Maker: Mueller French Press Double Insulated
- Best Small Coffee Maker: Hario Technica Glass Siphon Coffee Maker
- Best Luxury Coffee Maker: Gevi Espresso Machine Coffee Maker
- Best Versatile Coffee Maker: Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Best Overall Coffee Maker - Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer
SPECS
- Type: Flat-bottom
- Size: 8" x 10" x 14"
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Capacity: 12- and 14-cup varieties available
Our pick for the Best Overall Coffee Maker is the Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer. This machine is technically a flat-bottom coffee maker, but in many ways, it functions like an automated pour-over coffee maker. It brews smooth, delicious-tasting coffee with very little effort. It includes a large water tank, multiple brew strength options, and a reusable coffee filter to cut down on the expenses and waste of disposable coffee filters. But the main feature of this coffee maker is its programmability, which allows you to tell it ahead of time when to brew your coffee and how much to make.
If you like to wake up to freshly brewed coffee, this is your answer. Some users have had problems with durability and the machine's limited warranty, but for most people, this machine is everything you could want in a coffee maker.
What We Like
- Programmable up to 24 hours in advance
- Adjustable brew strength
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Cleaning cycle
- Reusable filter included
- Great tasting coffee
What We Don't Like
- Machine durability questions
- Ninja warranty is poor
BUY: Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer
Best Budget Coffee Maker - Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer
SPECS
- Type: Flat-bottom
- Size: 10.63" x 12.2" x 13.7"
- Weight: Not listed
- Capacity: Single-serve and 12-cup (96 fl. oz.) options
Making your coffee at home can be an easy way to cut back on the expense of fancy takeout coffee. But higher-end coffee makers can themselves cost hundreds of dollars. The best budget option we've found is the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer, so called because the same machine can make either a 12-cup batch or a single cup, depending on your needs. This would be a great option for an office setting or even a home where each coffee drinker has a different preference.
The batch brew side is equipped with a standard flat-bottom coffee maker, including a programmable clock for brewing ahead and a built-in, two-hour safety shutoff. At just under 50 dollars, it's a very affordable option that can save you hundreds on takeout coffee in the long run. Anyone interested in the single-serve coffee function should note that the machine is not compatible with Keurig or off-brand K-Cups.
What We Like
- 2-hour safety shutoff
- Multiple ways to brew on one machine
- Affordable
- Customizable coffee strength options
- Programmable
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with K-Cups
- Some reviewers mention the clock does not keep time accurately
BUY: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker - Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve
SPECS
- Type: Single-serve with milk frother
- Size: 14.17” x 17.32” x 14.41”
- Weight: 13.12 lbs.
- Capacity: Single-serve, 6-12 oz. lattes, 2 oz. espresso shots
If you prefer brewed coffee, this may not be the machine for you — instead, have a look at one of the flat-bottom coffee makers we've selected. But if you love lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso coffee drinks, this is a great way to make them affordably at home. The Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve coffee maker uses K-Cups to brew lattes or espresso in a variety of sizes. It includes a milk frother, which can froth warm or cold. The frother is dishwasher safe, which is very convenient.
Paired with the ease and freshness of K-Cup pods, this machine is hard to beat. Why bother spending the extra money on expensive lattes when you can make something so delicious at home? Reviewers say this coffee maker is easy to use, as well. While some people have had issues with the frother motor being unreliable, others have found that this machine holds up well for long periods of heavy use. The Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve coffee maker is great for anyone looking for a single-serve coffee machine.
What We Like
- Latte, cappuccino, and espresso options
- Milk frother included
- Highly customizable, easy to use
- Compatible with K-Cups
What We Don't Like
- Mixed reviews about frother’s reliability
- No brewed coffee option
BUY: Keurig K-Cafe Single Serve
Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker - Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
SPECS
- Type: Cold brew maker
- Size: 4.1" x 6.1" x 9.25"
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Capacity: 1 and 2 qt. options
If you are looking for a coffee maker that can help you easily make smooth-tasting ice coffee, consider our pick for best cold brew coffee maker — the Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker. Cold brew is very simple to make and this carafe makes it easy: Just add ground coffee and water and let the cold brew sit in the fridge for 24 hours. This cold brew maker contains a reusable mesh insert, so you don't have the hassle of disposable paper coffee filters. It comes in several color options and the carafe itself is chic enough to use both for brewing and for serving. This is also one of the most affordable options on this list, though you're limited to cold brew. The carafe is BPA-free plastic, which makes it more durable than many glass options. If you want to enjoy delicious cold brew at home without paying an arm and a leg for store bought, bottled coffee, check out the Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker.
What We Like
- No disposable features — cuts down on single-use waste
- Easy to use
- Aesthetically pleasing, several color options
- Affordable
What We Don't Like
- Plastic carafe
- Limited size options
BUY: Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Maker
Best Pour Over Coffee Maker - Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over
SPECS
- Type: Manual pour over
- Size: 4.7” x 5.5” x 4”
- Weight: 1.07 lbs.
- Capacity: 300 mL, 8-12 oz.
You may have heard of pour-over coffee — purportedly the tastiest way to brew your coffee. If you're looking for a pour-over coffee maker, we highly recommend the Hario V60 Ceramic Pour-Over Cone Coffee Maker. This beautiful ceramic pour-over cone will fit most cups and lets you brew one cup of delicious coffee at a time. You'll need to purchase disposable paper pour-over filters separately, as the device on its own does not contain a filter. Pour-over coffee makers don't need too many bells and whistles and this one is no different. Simple and functional, the Hario V60 is a great choice for anyone looking for a way to take their coffee game to the next level.
What We Like
- Sleek, white ceramic has modern aesthetic
- Handmade in Japan
- Produces flavorful coffee
- Simple and portable
- Universal size
What We Don't Like
- Highly breakable
- Requires knowledge of pour-over brewing techniques
- Slow to brew
BUY: Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over
Best Coffee Maker With Grinder - Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1
SPECS
- Type: Flat-bottom with grinder
- Size: 7.48" x 11.2" x 15.16"
- Weight: 10.14 lbs.
- Capacity: 12 cups
Pre-ground coffee may be convenient, but the flavor of your coffee does suffer as a trade-off. If you want the enjoyment of coffee made with freshly-ground beans without needing to grind them manually, we suggest this Cuisinart Grind & Brew coffee maker. It's a standard flat-bottom coffee maker, with the addition of a built-in coffee grinder to grind fresh coffee for you with each new pot you brew. The result is a better-tasting cup of coffee.
The maker has other features you'll love as well—programmability, safety features, and a neat brew-pause feature you can use if you just can't wait until the whole pot is done for a taste. While some reviewers take issue with the sound of the grinder, as a whole this coffee maker is a great machine that provides fresh, delicious coffee with every pot.
What We Like
- Grinder and reusable filter included
- Programmable
- 4-hour safety shutoff
- Brew-pause function
- 3-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- Loud grinder
- Extensive cleaning necessary after every use
Best French Press Coffee Maker - Mueller Double Insulated French Press
SPECS
- Type: French press
- Size: 8.25" x 7.05" x 4.3"
- Weight: 1.7 lbs.
- Capacity: 34 oz.
Like a pour-over coffee maker, a French press is a great low-tech, portable coffee maker option. We like the Mueller Double Insulated French Press because it produces rich, strong coffee every time with minimal effort. It's ideal for camping because all you need is boiling water and coffee grounds—no disposable filters and no electricity needed. The Mueller French Press includes a canister for carrying coffee grounds, which makes traveling with it even more convenient. Even if you're looking for a coffee maker to use at home, we can't recommend this one enough. It's dishwasher-safe, durable, and well-insulated.
What We Like
- Includes travel canister for coffee grounds
- Dishwasher safe, insulated, durable
- No disposable filters necessary
- Produces rich, strong coffee
What We Don't Like
- No measurement markings for water
- Plunger not very durable
BUY: Mueller Double Insulated French Press
Best Small Coffee Maker - Hario Technica Glass Siphon Coffee Maker
SPECS
- Type: Siphon coffee maker
- Size: 16.34" x 4.92" x 6.5"
- Weight: 3.09 lbs.
- Capacity: 5 cups
If you love experimenting with coffee brewing methods but are short on counter space, we recommend the Hario Technica Siphon Coffee Maker. This high-tech brewing set-up originally comes from Japan, but it's now used by coffee fanatics across the world. This is one of the most beautiful brewing set-ups we've seen, though a bit complicated due to the open flame and the extra equipment additions that may be necessary for optimal functioning. Still, we like its portability and relatively small size. The coffee it brews is virtually unmatched.
What We Like
- Small counter space footprint
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Makes a richly flavored brew
- Customizable
What We Don't Like
- Very tall at 16"
- Complicated set-up and use
- May need additional equipment to function at peak performance
BUY: Hario Technica Glass Siphon Coffee Maker
Best Luxury Coffee Maker - Gevi Espresso Machine Coffee Maker
SPECS
- Type: Espresso machine with milk frother
- Size: 12.67” x 13.66” x 16.14”
- Weight: 26.2 lbs.
- Capacity: 1.2 L water tank
Looking for a coffee maker that is the best of the best? If you're willing to spend a nice chunk of money, we recommend the Gevi Espresso Machine Coffee Maker. It's a barista-quality coffee maker that includes a built-in coffee grinder, espresso maker, and milk frother. Unlike the Keurig K-Cafe, this machine uses freshly ground coffee beans rather than disposable pods, which makes a fresher cup of coffee. The frother allows you to warm and froth all kinds of milk for use in lattes, cappuccinos, and other warm coffee drinks. This coffee maker has everything you need to make delicious espresso-based beverages at home. Please note that it doesn't have a function for brewed coffee, so unless an Americano suits you, check out one of our other coffee makers if brewed coffee is important to you.
What We Like
- Espresso grinder built-in
- Milk frother is easy to use
- Adjustable grind size
- Built-in water filter
- Espresso tamper included
What We Don't Like
- Does not make brewed coffee
- Expensive
BUY: Gevi Espresso Machine Coffee Maker
Best Versatile Coffee Maker - Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
SPECS
- Type: Multi-use
- Size: 8.75" x 11.99" x 15.04"
- Weight: 9.24 lbs.
- Capacity: Up to 10 cups
If you are interested in the Gevi Espresso Machine but want something more affordable that includes a brewed coffee option, this is the coffee maker for you. This Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker has multiple options and a fold-away milk frother. Use your own coffee grounds—not pods—to brew coffee in single servings or large batches for iced coffee or as specialty concentrated coffee, similar to espresso. Most components are dishwasher safe and the 1-hour safety shutoff ensures that this machine isn't a safety hazard. If you're looking for one machine that offers multiple coffee options at a reasonable price, this is a great choice! Just take note that it does not include a coffee grinder, so if you don't already have one, you'll need to purchase that separately.
What We Like
- 1-hour safety shutoff
- Easy to clean, most pieces dishwasher safe
- Frother included
- Options for single-serve, brewed coffee, iced coffee, or large batch
What We Don't Like
- No coffee grinder included
- Does not brew espresso
BUY: Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
How To Choose the Best Coffee Maker
Capacity
The best coffee maker for you will have the capacity to make the amount of coffee you need. Some people prefer a single-serve coffee maker so users can have a fresh cup every time. Others, such as those in a large household with multiple coffee drinkers, may find that a flat-bottom coffee maker capable of brewing 12 or 14 cups at a time works best. Consider when and how you'll be using your coffee maker when choosing one.
Type
Different types of coffee makers produce different types of coffee. A cold brew coffee maker makes cold brew, which is a highly concentrated, smooth-tasting iced coffee. A French press makes strong, hot coffee, while a pour-over coffee maker makes single cups of flavorful, delicate brew. Choose the type of coffee maker that fits your preferences.
Counter Space
There's no sense in purchasing a coffee maker you don't have space for. Some of the more expensive coffee makers in particular can take up a significant amount of counter space. French press or pour-over coffee makers, in comparison, are small enough to fit in a cabinet and therefore don't require counter space at all.
FAQs About Coffee Makers
Is a more expensive coffee maker worth it?
Whether an expensive coffee maker is worth the money will depend on your coffee preferences. If you are very particular about your beans or you like to make espresso drinks like cappuccinos, a more expensive coffee maker is probably worth it. If you are happy with simple brewed coffee, though, a standard flat-bottom coffee maker should serve you well.
How long does a coffee maker last?
A coffee maker should last several years at least, perhaps longer if you clean it well and often. Coffee makers without mechanical parts, such as a French press or a pour-over coffee maker tend to last longer.
Do coffee makers make a difference in flavor?
Yes, the coffee maker you purchase will make a difference in flavor. Different brew methods bring out different flavors in the coffee and in general, the more money you spend, the better-tasting coffee you'll get.
Discuss This Article