The 14 Best Coffee Makers, Whether You Like Espresso, Drip, Pour-Over, or French Press

One of the things I love about testing kitchen equipment at Serious Eats is how meticulous we are. Nowhere is that more evident than in our coffee gear reviews. We’re not just reviewing coffee makers for their looks and user experience—we’re using thermocouples to test water brewing temperature and scrutinizing the showerheads. We also really love coffee, so if you thought it was a passion project, you wouldn’t be wrong.

As a result, we’ve reviewed hundreds of pieces of coffee gear, including over one hundred coffee makers. So we know what makes the best ones—whether it’s an automatic drip machine, a pour-over setup, a French press, or some other cool, obscure way to brew coffee. (Been there, brewed that.) I’ve written a few of our coffee maker reviews myself, and combed through my colleagues’ testing to come up with an exhaustive, non-negotiable list of the very best coffee makers you can buy right now. Now all you need is the perfect coffee cake recipe.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Coffee Maker

First, choose whether you want to make coffee with a manual or automatic setup. Automatic coffee makers are convenient and deliver reliable results. Manual setups, like pour-over drippers, require more hands-on time, but are more customizable. Automatic drip machines must be able to brew between 195˚ and 205˚F, and have showerheads with lots of well-dispersed holes. Pour-over coffee makers need to have good flow control, and French presses should have fine mesh filters and stellar insulation. 

Our Favorite Coffee Makers

What we liked: This coffee maker cannot be beat. Trust me, other machines have tried. It’s been the reigning champ of our drip coffee makers review for years. When I retested all of our winners earlier this year, I was stunned at how much better the Ratio Six’s coffee tasted. And while you probably don’t need to know much beyond that, I will tell you that it’s also pleasantly simple to use—there’s just one button—and the carafe keeps brewed coffee hot, hot, hot. It reliably brews at around 200ºF, and the showerhead gets the entire brewbed evenly wet. I own an embarrassing amount of coffee-making apparatus, but this is the one I come back to time after time. 

What we didn’t like: This coffee maker doesn’t brew into the carafe’s lid, so you have to disassemble a gasket and twist on the lid once it’s done brewing. It’s a little annoying, but I’ve made peace with it, and I’m sure you will too.

Key Specs

• Stated capacity: 40 ounces (8 cups)
• Dimensions: 6.75 x 13.5 x 14.25 inches
• Built-in bloom cycle: Yes
• Weight: 8 pounds 
• Warranty: 5 years

What we liked: This drip coffee maker checks all the boxes: sufficiently hot brewing temperature, good showerhead, thermal carafe. It’s also programmable, so you can set it up the night before and wake up to the scent of freshly brewed coffee. When I tested it, I particularly liked how easy it was to use, even without reading the instruction manual. Load it up with water and grounds, then scroll through the dial to set your brew time. Its sleek, stainless steel body is well made and will look good in just about any kitchen.

What we didn’t like: The brew bed is conical, which is ideal for light roast coffee, not so much for dark. But I’m splitting hairs.

Key Specs

• Stated capacity: 45 ounces (9 cups)
• Dimensions: 8.3 x 15 x 17.2 inches
• Built-in bloom cycle: Yes
• Weight: 11 pounds 
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: If you’re curious which coffee maker kept coffee hottest for the longest in my tests, scroll up. Yep, that’s the OXO Brew 9-Cup. But I’m recommending its smaller sibling, the OXO Brew 8-Cup, as the best coffee maker with a thermal carafe, because the larger the volume of water is, the longer it  retains heat. Because I brewed a full pot of coffee for each test, the OXO 9-cup coffee maker had an advantage over the 8-cup. Plus, the 8-cup is an incredible value. You can brew a single cup directly into your coffee mug (including tall travel mugs). It’s one of the most affordable high-end coffee makers I recommend, and it’s gloriously simple. 

What we didn’t like: The showerhead doesn’t have as many holes as the OXO 9-Cup, so the coffee tastes a little under-extracted. But honestly? Most coffee drinkers won’t notice the difference.

Key Specs

• Stated capacity: 40 ounces (8 cups)
• Dimensions: 10.5 x 7 x 13.5 inches
• Built-in bloom cycle: Yes
• Weight: 10.3 pounds 
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: The bad news: Most of the inexpensive coffee makers we tested flunked our temperature test. They simply couldn’t get hot enough to brew good coffee. The great news: The Zojirushi did so well, it’s the only recommendation you need. Our reviewer is a sommelier trained to notice subtle flavors, and she was blown away by how good the Zojirushi’s light and dark roasts tasted. It has an iced coffee function, although we haven’t formally tested it. It brews hot coffee right around 200˚F, and it’s even programmable. (This similar model is a little cheaper and isn’t programmable.)

What we didn’t like: It brews slower than ideal, and it’s not the most gorgeous coffee maker I’ve ever seen. The glass carafe is more fragile than thermal carafes. 

Key Specs

• Stated capacity: 96 ounces (12 cups)
• Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.13 x 15.25 inches
• Built-in bloom cycle: Yes
• Weight: 10.25 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year

What we liked: This little espresso machine is speedy! Unlike machines that use traditional boilers, it reaches ideal brewing temperatures in three seconds. (Seriously, wow.) It has a PID sensor (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) that ensures you’re always brewing at exactly 200˚F—no need to temperature surf. The Bambino Plus pre-infuses the espresso puck with lower-pressure water, which helps you pull a better shot. While it’s beloved by espresso experts, it’s not intimidating to beginners because it’s so user-friendly. The steam wand has three temperature and foam options, and the machine tells you when it’s time to empty the drip tray. It’s small and doesn’t cost a gazillion dollars.

What we didn’t like: The shots are measured automatically by volume. They ran too long in our tests, so to get the best results, you should stop them manually. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 8 x 13 x 12 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 54 millimeters
• Included accessories: 54-millimeter tamper, the Razor precision dosing tool, 16-ounce stainless steel milk jug, 1- and 2-cup single wall and dual wall filter baskets, cleaning tool, cleaning disc
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: This is a barista-approved machine, and it’s surprisingly affordable. (Okay, relatively affordable—espresso machines aren’t cheap.) It was one of the first home machines made with commercial-grade parts, so it’s got a long history of high performance. The weighted portafilter and pro-level steam wand give it a very high-end feel; we noted how powerful it was every time we pulled a shot. It’s a gorgeous “hands-on” machine that’s a pleasure to use.  

What we didn’t like: There’s no PID, so you’ll have to temperature surf before pulling your shot. That can be tricky for beginners. And you can’t pull another one immediately after steaming milk because the machine will be too hot.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 inches
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Included accessories: Double and single filter baskets, blank backflushing basket, tamper
• Warranty: 3 years

What we liked: This is a fancy, luxe upgrade from Breville, and it’s an incredible option for people who want the machine to walk them through pulling a shot. Its built-in grinder has 45 settings and Baratza burrs. The Oracle Jet grinds coffee, tamps the puck, and pulls the shot—all with the help of a digital touchscreen.  The machine heats the steam wand to the ideal temperature for milk, and yes, you can even customize how dense you want your foam.

What we didn’t like: The grinder didn’t adjust smoothly, which made it difficult to get the level we wanted. Espresso experts and drinkers who like to tinker will get bored with the Oracle Jet quickly.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 15 x 14.5 x 16.75 inches
• Weight: 27.7 pounds
• Portafilter diameter: 58 millimeters
• Included accessories: 480-milliliter stainless-steel milk jug, 1-cup filter basket, 2-cup filter basket, water-hardness testing strips, cleaning tablets, knockbox, and cleaning tools
• Warranty: 2 years

What we liked: This cone-shaped dripper is a coffee shop staple because it’s perfectly designed for pour-over coffee. The walls are angled 60 degrees and have ridges that allow the water to pass through the grounds quickly. It’s the ideal brewer for pour-over fans who want a fast, well-balanced cup, and it’s very affordable.

What we didn’t like: It’s not the most beginner-friendly pour-over dripper because the bypass style means it brews quickly and has less of a margin for error. Take a look at the Hario V60 Mugen if you want a no-bypass dripper that’s perfect for learning the art of pour-over.

Key Specs

• Material: Ceramic (also available in plastic, glass, and metal)
• Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Compatible with: Hario V60 Glass Range Coffee Server and Hario V60 Paper Cone Filters

What we liked: French press coffee makers rely on fine filters that trap sediment. The Clara ticks that box and also has a gasket around the mesh, so minimal grounds found their way into our cups during testing. It’s double-walled, so coffee stays sufficiently hot during the brewing process and long after—three hours post-brewing, although from a flavor standpoint, I don’t recommend drinking hours-old coffee. The weighted handle makes pouring smoother. Oh, did I mention that it made some of the best-tasting coffee in our taste tests?

What we didn’t like: It’s on the spendy end of the spectrum. It’s not dishwasher-safe (although, hey, neither is my espresso machine). 

Key Specs

• Capacity: 24 ounces
• Dimensions: 4.53 x 6.69 x 7.87 inches
• Materials: Stainless steel, plastic
• Insulation: Double-wall insulated
• Filter type: Single screen

What we liked: I have four words for you: cold brew on demand. This extra-large (almost 40 ounces) cold brew maker has a stainless steel spigot so you can pour yourself a cold cup of productivity any time you want. The hefty stainless steel handle made carting it from counter to fridge easy. In our tests, it made a smooth, bright-tasting cold brew that was delicious on its own or with milk. It’s the cold brew maker for people who shudder at the thought of hot coffee.

What we didn’t like: The filter is cumbersome and can be messy when changing.

Key Specs

• Materials: Stainless steel, glass
• Filter type: Reusable stainless steel 
• Capacity: 38 ounces
• Care instructions: Hand-wash all components

What we liked: This is one sturdy moka pot. It’s heavier than many others we tested, which means it has great heat retention. That’s important! (Remember how crucial hot water was when evaluating automatic drip coffee makers?) The octagonal base threads together with the top easily. The wide top and silver interior help you quickly check the brewing process. It makes a really rich cup of coffee. It’s a classic and simply the best.

What we didn’t like: It can’t be used on induction cooktops.

Key Specs

• Materials: Aluminum, plastic
• Dimensions: 4 x 8.5 inches
• Capacity: 9 ounces
• Induction-safe: No
• Care instructions: Wash with warm water, allow to air dry before reassembling; clean with coffee detergent when coffee residue becomes visible

What we liked: The Serious Eats team doesn’t think coffee makers with built-in grinders are the best deal. The grinders are never as precise as standalone ones, and they’re usually more expensive than buying a good coffee maker and grinder separately. But! We do (with some reservations) recommend the Breville The Grind Control coffee maker. It makes a decent cup of coffee and has some cool upgrades. The smart water reservoir is one of our favorite features: It automatically measures out the perfect amount, so you don’t have to fill it every time. There are plenty of grind settings, and it features a calibration reset if your coffee doesn’t taste right. For what it’s worth, this is the only coffee maker with a grinder we tested that has that feature.

What we didn’t like: The Grind Control didn’t get hot enough to brew really good coffee. Plus, with so many mechanical components, it’s more likely to get glitchy and break over time.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 17 inches
• Weight: 16 pounds
• Water reservoir capacity: 60 ounces
• Grinder hopper capacity: 1 pound
• Number of brew strength settings: 8
• Number of grind settings: 6
• Warranty: 1 year 

What we liked: This portable brewer makes coffee lickety-split—whether it's hot coffee or cold. It uses a pressurized immersion chamber to quickly infuse the water with coffee grounds, and it's easy to use without a scale (although weighing your beans and water will get you better results). The result is a strong coffee concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk, or drunk as-is for an espresso-adjacent taste. I think it does a better job than the similar yet pricier Aeropress.

What we didn’t like: It's not the prettiest piece of coffee gear—but its thick plastic is durable.

Key Specs

• Materials: Tritan plastic
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.4 x 3.3 inches
• Weight: 1.27 pounds
• Capacity: Makes about 5 ounces of coffee concentrate; add 4 to 6 ounces of water or milk to 2 ounces of concentrate for one serving

What we liked: Nespresso machines are easy to use, and we particularly liked how simple the process was when testing the Vertuo Plus. All we had to do was insert the Nespresso pod and press start. A scanner in the machine reads the information printed on the pod’s packaging and brews with the ideal amount of water. It’s pretty versatile, and we appreciated that it could make brewed coffee and espresso. It’s a great option for households with coffee drinkers who have different preferences.

What we didn’t like: Although Nespresso enjoys a certain amount of social media fame for its DIY lattes, this machine can’t make milk-based drinks. If you want Nespresso lattes, you’ll have to look elsewhere—the Gran Lattissima is your best option. (Or, of course, a standalone milk frother.)

Key Specs

• Weight: 9.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.75 x 16 x 12.5 inches
• Nespresso line compatibility: Vertuo
• Water reservoir capacity: 40 ounces
• Brewing options: Espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, and coffee
• Other features: Automatic power-off after nine minutes, adjustable cup shelf, adjustable water tank positioning, automated rinse cycle

What we liked: Some of the Keurig machines we tested—the K-Elite and the K-Classic, for example—were bulky. Not so with the K-Supreme. This Keurig is a little over seven inches wide and 11 inches tall. Using it was so simple, we could do it even before our morning coffee. (Ha!) Buttons on the top of the machine list the available brew sizes in ounces, and the machine alerts you when it needs to be refilled or descaled. 

What we didn’t like: It just doesn’t make great coffee, but then, that’s not the point of a Keurig.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 7.75 x 11.5 x 12 inches
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Cord length: 31.5 inches
• Water tank capacity: 66 ounces
• Brewing sizes: 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces
• Additional brewing modes: Over Ice and Strong 

Things to Consider

Automatic vs. Manual Coffee Makers

An automatic coffee maker, like a drip machine, is convenient and largely hands-off. But many struggle to nail the two most important factors in making great coffee: brewing temperature and time. When using a manual coffee maker, like a pour-over setup, you have total control over how hot the water is and how long it takes you to brew. In skilled hands, this can equal a better cup of coffee. But it requires fiddling with grind size, temperature, and timing as you dial in the perfect cup. 

So, unfortunately, I can’t tell you whether an automatic or manual coffee maker is better. They both have pros and cons. If subtle tasting notes matter to you and you enjoy the hands-on process of making coffee, you’ll be happy with a manual setup. If you value convenience and don’t want to mess around with all those details, get an automatic drip coffee maker. That said, all of our favorite drip coffee makers very closely replicate the pour-over experience and brew truly great coffee.

What Equipment Do You Need to Make Great Coffee?

I love that question. The best-tasting coffee takes more than just a coffee maker with good reviews. Here’s everything I recommend for the ultimate at-home coffee bar setup.

• A coffee maker. (Duh!)
• High-quality coffee beans or espresso beans. For the freshest, best flavor, buy them whole and grind them just before each batch you brew.
• A burr coffee grinder or espresso grinder with as many settings as you can budget for. (More settings typically means a higher price.)
• A coffee scale that gives precise measurements for beans and water. Our favorites work way better than a basic kitchen scale.
• A gooseneck kettle (for pour-over) or speedy electric kettle (for French press). Get one that allows you to set specific temperatures, like the Fellow Stagg.
• A coffee mug or espresso cup that marries form and function. It’s more than just preference: The shape and material really affect how you perceive the flavor of the coffee. 
• A milk frother with multiple settings (Skip this if you’re buying an espresso machine with a steam wand.)
• For espresso drinkers: a large-capacity knock box for disposing of pucks.

FAQs

Is there really a difference between drip coffee makers?

Yes! Really, truly. Excellent drip coffee makers have showerheads with lots of holes. This evenly saturates the grounds, which results in better-tasting coffee. They can also brew at optimal temperatures: 195˚ to 205˚F. It’s not worth buying a coffee maker that can’t hit that temperature mark and maintain it throughout the brewing process. Other things that will influence your decision are what type of carafe the coffee maker has, how much it can brew, and if it’s programmable or not.

What’s the best coffee maker for strong coffee?

You can boost the strength of your coffee by adding more grounds or grinding it finer, but if you don’t want to do any math (the ratios matter!), you might want to check out Keurig machines. The best in our review, the Keurig K-Supreme, has a strong-brew mode.

Which coffee maker has the best reviews?

The Ratio Six drip coffee maker has been our favorite for years, and it’s the daily coffee maker of choice for many Serious Eats editors, including our editorial director.

Why We’re the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Serious Eats. She is a culinary school graduate and former editor at Bon Appétit magazine.
• Rochelle reviewed every coffee maker review we’ve published; she has also written our drip coffee makers review and our espresso grinders review.
• She owns and uses the Breville Oracle Dual Boiler and the Ratio Six regularly.