We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Food and Kitchen Reviews Small Kitchen Appliance Reviews These 10 Coffee Makers and Espresso Machines Are the Best Way to Start Your Morning Upgrade your daily coffee with the DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine and KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker. By Megan Boettcher Megan Boettcher Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience writing for home design, DIY, and holiday titles. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on July 20, 2022 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know about Coffee Makers Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are BHG / Lecia Landis Say goodbye to your favorite barista. You won't be back for a while once you upgrade your at-home coffee routine. Whether you're looking for a programmable coffee maker or you're interested in perfecting the perfect cup of pour-over coffee, we found the best coffee makers and espresso machines you'll be glad you have every morning. With so many styles out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best coffee maker and espresso machine for your home. To help, we researched a variety of styles, including cold brew makers, pour-over styles, and standard designs. We also consulted Scott Nakamoto, a coffee curator at Bean Box. Here, the best coffee machines and espresso makers. Our Top Picks Best Drip Coffee Machine: Breville Precision Coffee Maker at Amazon ($300) Jump to Review Best Espresso Machine: De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine at Amazon ($690) Jump to Review Best French Press: Fellow Clara French Press at Amazon ($99) Jump to Review Best Stovetop Espresso Pot: Bialetti Moka Express at Amazon ($41) Jump to Review Best Combination Coffee Maker: Ninja DualBrew Pro System Coffee Maker at Amazon ($149) Jump to Review Best Single Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker at Amazon ($149) Jump to Review Best Pour Over Coffee Maker: Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Cold Brew Maker: KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker at Amazon ($140) Jump to Review Best Programmable Coffee Maker: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker at Amazon ($220) Jump to Review Best Budget: Black+Decker 12-Cup Coffee Maker at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best Drip Coffee Machine Breville Precision Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon $300 View On Target $80 View On Walmart $330 Why You Should Get It It offers the convenience of a large-capacity drip coffee maker with specialty brew features that deliver the right temperature and flow rates for specific types of coffee. Keep in Mind It's more expensive than other options. If you're considering an automatic coffee maker, this drip coffee machine is worth considering because it's simple to use and you can change the brewing settings depending on what type of coffee you're making. With multiple brewing modes, like gold, fast, strong, iced, and cold brew, as well as a customizable setting, this drip coffee machine offers a lot of flexibility for users. Plus, the coffee machine has a large 12-cup capacity and a thermal carafe that will keep your coffee warm between refills. "If you're someone who needs a constant pick-me-up, then you should consider looking for coffee makers that can hold up to 12 cups," says Nakamoto. Dual filter baskets allow you to choose if you want a flat-bottom filter or a cone-shaped filter. It's even compatible with pour-over coffee drippers, so you can enjoy the quality of a pour-over coffee with the convenience of a machine-brewed cup of coffee. This flexibility is nice for coffee connoisseurs who want to experiment with different brew styles, but don't want to have multiple coffee makers on their countertops. Product Details: Size: 6.7 x 12.7 x 15.7 inches | Brewing Capacity: 60 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground Best Espresso Machine De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine Amazon View On Amazon $690 View On Wayfair $900 View On Williams-Sonoma $900 Why You Should Get It It has a built-in grinder and smart tamping and temperature controls. Plus, some parts are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. Keep in Mind It's larger than some other traditional coffee makers, so you'll need to ensure you have enough counter space for it. If you prefer espresso drinks over traditionally brewed coffees, the best espresso machine is the La Specialista Prestigio by DeLonghi. Although it's an investment, this model makes it simple to grind, brew, and steam your way to a perfect cappuccino. With three temperature settings, an even infusion of water, and more control over extraction, this machine delivers a quality espresso. It's due in part to its built-in technology, which ensures the optimal dose and grind size are being released. There's also a steam wand that'll produce the proper milk texture for cafe-like cappuccinos and flat whites. The espresso machine features a dual heat system, so there's no wait time between brewing the espresso and frothing your milk. Plus, the stainless steel design and dishwasher-safe parts make it easy to clean, so it'll always look nice on your countertop. Product Details: Size: 14.48 x 15 x 17.5 inches | Brewing Capacity: 2 ounces | Tank Capacity: 67 ounces | Ground or Pods: Ground Best French Press Fellow Clara French Press Amazon View On Amazon $99 View On Walmart $149 View On Williams-Sonoma $100 Why You Should Get It With an insulated design, it will keep your coffee warmer longer. Keep in Mind It only brews up to 24 ounces, which may not be enough if there are multiple coffee drinkers in your house. If you crave quality and convenience, the best coffee maker worth considering is the Clara French Press. Simply fill this French press with coffee grounds and hot water to the indicated ratio lines, stir together, steep for 3-4 minutes, and drop the plunger to filter out all of the coffee grounds. The metal mesh filter prevents silt from streaming into your mug. One reason the Clara French Press is one of the best coffee makers out there is the vacuum-insulated stainless-steel walls that will keep your coffee warm until you're ready for a second cup. The coffee maker is offered in two color combinations and is fairly small, so it won't take up much counter space. Just keep in mind that the brewing capacity is 24 ounces, which is less than some other styles. Product Details: Size: 6.7 x 4.5 x 7.9 inches | Brewing Capacity: 24 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground Best Stovetop Espresso Pot Bialetti Moka Express Amazon View On Amazon $41 View On Target $30 View On Wayfair $41 Why You Should Get It It's less expensive than other options and is a traditional way to brew. Keep in Mind You brew the coffee on the stovetop, which requires you to be more vigilant than using a programmable drip coffee maker. The Moka pot is the best espresso machine for the coffee lover who wants a stylish and traditional option without a high-end price point. Recommended by Nakamoto, the lightweight unit makes enough espresso for 2-3 people, so you'll be able to make cappuccinos and lattes for guests as well. The aluminum design features three chambers and is fairly simple to use. All you have to do is add water to the base and coffee grounds to the center. Then, you set it on the stovetop and ignite it. Steam and pressure push the hot water up through the coffee grounds into the top chamber where the espresso collects. The espresso maker is less expensive than other options and is on the smaller side, so it won't take up much space on your counter or stove between uses. Just keep in mind that the pieces will have to be hand-washed after each use to keep the pieces in good condition. Product Details: Size: 5.6 x 4 x 6.7 inches | Brewing Capacity: 6 ounces | Tank Capacity: 6.5 ounces | Ground or Pods: Ground Espresso Tonic Is the New Take on Cold Brew—Here's How to Make It Best Combination Coffee Maker Ninja DualBrew Pro System Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon $149 View On Target $180 View On Wayfair $180 Why You Should Get It You can brew a cup, a carafe, or a cappuccino with this multi-option coffeemaker. Plus, there's a hot water option so you can make hot tea or instant oatmeal. Keep in Mind With so many different sizes and brewing options, it may take a few tries for you to feel familiar with all the operations of the machine. If you're looking for an all-in-one specialty coffee machine, the best coffee machine to consider is the Ninja DualBrew. The coffee machine can brew a cup with a coffee pod or an entire carafe from coffee grounds. Plus, in addition to 13 different brew sizes to choose from, it also has four brew settings for classic, bold, iced coffee, and specialty coffees. One thing that makes this coffee maker stand out from other cup-to-carafe coffee makers is that it also has a built-in frothing arm that folds out. You can craft the perfect latte or cappuccino with this feature. There's also a 60-ounce water reservoir that can be installed at the back of the machine or off to the side. This flexible configuration allows you to save counter space if you need the coffee maker to fit into a narrow space. The hot water system is separate from the coffee dispenser so there's no cross-contamination of coffee grounds making it into your hot tea. There are two temperature settings for the hot water dispenser. This allows for boiling water to be used for oatmeal or instant soups. Product Details: Size: 9.13 x 11.39 x 15.54 inches | Brewing Capacity: 6-12 ounces | Tank Capacity: 60 ounces | Ground or Pods: Both The 9 Best Blenders of 2024 for Making Smoothies, Soups, and More Best Single Serve Coffee Maker Keurig K-Elite Single Serve Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon $149 View On Target $190 View On Wayfair Why You Should Get It You can get your morning cup of coffee brewed in less than a minute. It also comes with a 6-pack of coffee pods. Keep in Mind It only works with coffee pods, so it's not as versatile as some other picks. Convenience is what makes the Keurig Elite one of the best coffee machines. It's perfect for quickly filling your travel mug before running out the door in the morning. There are no beans to grind. And, there's no wait for the water to heat up to brew a full pot of coffee—just pop in a coffee pod, and in less than a minute you can be on your way. There are five cup size settings and options, so you'll be able to make a stronger brew, hot water, or an iced beverage. The water reservoir holds 75 ounces, making it possible to serve up several servings before needing to be refilled. This coffee maker works with K-cups or the universal My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter. Although it's sold separately, the reusable filters allow you to brew any brand of coffee you prefer. Product Details: Size: 9.9 x 12.7 x 13.1 inches | Brewing Capacity: 4-12 ounces | Tank Capacity: 75 ounces | Grounds or Pods: Pods Best Pour Over Coffee Maker Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Amazon View On Amazon $26 View On Walmart $39 View On Williams-Sonoma $50 Why You Should Get It Its simple design makes it easy to craft a high-quality cup of coffee without any expensive equipment. Keep in Mind It takes a few extra minutes to brew pour-over coffee, and it only brews one serving of coffee at a time. The Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper is the best coffee machine if you want an experience to savor. The pour-over style is offered in two sizes and colors and includes the essentials to make it a part of your morning ritual. "I like a moment of zen in my mornings, so I brew using a pour-over method with a Hario V60," Nakamoto says. "Though it takes longer and is more involved, I find that the experience of manually brewing a cup makes me more appreciative of my morning coffee." The Hario V60 pour-over coffee maker is made of ceramic, which helps hold the coffee's temperature while brewing. The rippled design and open single hole at the bottom allow you to select what type of coffee flavor you want. This coffee dripper requires a cone shape filter instead of a flat-bottom filter. You can pour it directly into your mug or opt for a small carafe. For best results, you may also want to purchase a good hot water kettle and a coffee grinder to accompany this pour-over coffee maker. Product Details: Size: 5.5 x 4.7 x 4 inches | Brewing Capacity: 5-10 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground Best Cold Brew Maker KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon $140 View On Target $110 View On Wayfair $110 Why You Should Get It You can brew, store, and serve your favorite cold brew from the convenience of your refrigerator. Keep in Mind The unit will take up space in your refrigerator. Plus, it has to steep for 12 hours before the coffee is ready. Fans of coffee shop cold brew will love having cold brew on tap in the fridge. This cold brew coffee maker has a reusable stainless steel steeper. To use it, all you have to do is fill the steeper to the indicator line with your favorite coffee grounds, fill it with water, and allow it to steep for 12 hours. The slow infusion of water with the coffee grounds pulls out all the great flavors of the roast and leaves behind the stuff that can make coffee taste bitter. Once it's done brewing, you'll have up to 28 ounces of cold brew that'll stay fresh for up to two weeks. The built-in tapper makes it convenient to grab a cold brew from the fridge anytime you want. There is also a built-in handle that makes it simple to transport the coffee maker from the countertop to the refrigerator. It's worth noting, however, that, unlike other coffee makers, this model is meant to be refrigerated so be sure to have enough space to store it. Product Details: Size: 7 x 8 x 6.9 inches | Brewing Capacity: 28 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or Pods: Ground The 13 Best Refrigerators to Keep Your Food Fresh Best Programmable Coffee Maker OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon $220 View On Wayfair $229 View On Home Depot $230 Why You Should Get It It's programmable, so you can set it to your specific preferences. Keep in Mind It has a 45-ounce capacity, which is smaller than other models. The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker is the best coffee machine for those who have a busy morning routine but still want to prioritize a quality cup of coffee. With this coffee maker, you can program how much coffee you want to make and at what time you want your coffee to be ready. The coffee maker features a rainmaker shower head that evenly disperses water over the coffee grounds for better flavor extraction, leaving you with a high-quality cup of joe. Plus, it has temperature control technology that makes for an even better-tasting cup. It brews up to nine 5-ounce cups of coffee, which is ideal if you like to enjoy a few refills in the morning or live with other coffee drinkers. The double-walled stainless-steel carafe holds the coffee at a temperature so you can enjoy it now or later. Plus, there's also a pause and pour button, so you can stop the flow of coffee if you need to fill up before the entire pot is done brewing. Product Details: Size: 13 x 6.5 x 15 inches | Brewing Capacity: Not listed | Tank Capacity: 45 ounces | Ground or Pods: Ground Best Budget Black+Decker 12-Cup Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Walmart $80 View On Home Depot $53 Why You Should Get It It has a larger carafe than many other options, which is ideal if you live with many coffee drinkers or entertain often. Keep in Mind It only has two brew strength options, unlike some other advanced models. If you're furnishing a kitchen on a budget, the best coffee maker is the Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker. The model has a special water flow pattern that evenly saturates the grounds for a rich flavor. Plus, there are two brew settings: traditional and strong. With a large 12-cup glass carafe, you can brew one pot and sip on it all morning. Plus, there's a keep warm feature that holds the coffee's temperature for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, so you won't have to worry about re-heating it. If you're usually rushing in the morning, you'll appreciate the models' sneak-a-cup features, which stop the flow of coffee temporarily so you can pour a cup before the brewing ends. This coffee maker is also easy to clean with the touch of a button to start the cleaning cycle. The washable brew basket also makes it easy to keep the grounds tidy. Product Details: Size: 10.7 x 7.3 x 13.3 inches | Brewing Capacity: 60 ounces | Tank Capacity: Not listed | Ground or pods: Ground The Bottom Line If you prefer espresso, the best espresso machine worth considering is the DeLonghi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine. Although it's a bit of an investment, it has three temperature settings and a milk frother, and it will quickly brew espresso. The KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the best coffee machine if you live in warmer climates or just prefer iced beverages. The machine will keep cold brew fresh for up to two weeks and is less expensive than other coffee makers. What to Know about Coffee Makers Before Shopping Capacity The first thing you need to consider while shopping for the best coffee makers and espresso machines for your home is that they come in different capacities. The capacity is the total number of cups of coffee the machine will produce during one brew cycle. For example, a pour-over coffee maker is only going to make a cup or two of coffee while a traditional drip coffee maker can brew 9-12 cups of coffee at a time. A French press will make 3, 4, 8, or 12 4-ounce cups depending on the size you purchase. It's worth noting that coffee makers count cups in 5-ounce increments. So, if you see a coffee maker touting a capacity of 12 cups of coffee, that translates to 60 ounces of coffee. Grounds Requirements When choosing the best coffee maker and espresso machine, be sure to take note if the coffee machine requires a single-use coffee pod or if you need to scoop grounds into a filter or reusable brewing basket. If you like to use whole beans, an espresso machine or specialty coffee maker might have a built-in coffee bean grinder, but not all of them have this feature. If there is a particular type of coffee you prefer, like a blond or dark roast, you should look for a coffee maker with multiple brew settings that adjust the temperature and brew time for specific types of coffee grounds. Additional Features When choosing a coffee maker, it's worth considering if there are any particular advanced features you prefer. Whether you need something you can program overnight to be brew automatically in the morning or you need a frother for your daily latte, there are tons of styles out there to suit your needs. Your Questions, Answered How do you clean a coffee maker? Like any other small appliance, it's important to regularly clean your coffee maker and espresso machine about once a month. Minerals and oils can accumulate inside the coffee maker, which affects the efficiency of the coffee maker and the flavor of your coffee. To clean your coffee machine, you can use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water to clean a traditional drip coffee maker. Fill the reservoir with the vinegar mixture and start a regular brew cycle. About halfway through the brew cycle, turn the coffee maker off and let the solution soak for 30 to 60 minutes. Then, turn it back on to finish the brewing cycle and then pour out the vinegar mixture. You can rinse out the vinegar smell and flavor by running water only through a full brew cycle. Just keep in mind you may need to run water through the cycle a couple of times to completely remove all the vinegar and mineral deposits. How do you clean an espresso machine? An espresso machine can be an investment, so you want to be sure to maintain and clean it regularly. The first step in maintaining your espresso machine is using filtered water. This prevents minerals found in tap water from ever entering the espresso machine and reduces scale build-up. Some espresso machines can also accommodate in-tank water filters. After each shot of espresso you make, run extra hot water through the machine. This will flush the lines of any residual espresso that's sitting in the machine. Also be sure to wipe the filter basket and the steamer arm with a clean, dry towel after each use. Once a week you'll want to clean the espresso machine more thoroughly. Start by cleaning the filter screen with an espresso machine brush or a toothbrush. If the filter screen, filter basket, and handle are covered in grounds, you could soak them in an espresso machine cleaner mixed with hot water. Soak the tip of the steam wand in hot water as well to remove any sticky milk build-up. Similar to the drip coffee maker, you can clean the espresso machine with a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or you can use a specially formulated espresso machine cleaner. Fill the reservoir with the cleaner of your choice and water and run it through the brewing cycle. Allow the cleaning solution to soak and then flush it out by running water only through the system. Finally, wipe down the exterior and the drip trays to make sure there is no coffee residue on the outside of the espresso machine. How much coffee do you put in a coffee maker? With each coffee maker and espresso machine, the amount of coffee you put in can be dependent on a few factors, like how much you're making and how strong you want it to be. "The amount of coffee you need to put in a pour-over coffee maker [versus] a traditional coffee maker depends on how many cups of coffee you plan to make. A great place to start is using a 1:16 coffee to water ratio. This means that for a single cup of coffee, I typically use 20 [grams] of coffee," Nakamoto says. "If you'd like a stronger cup, you can adjust a variety of variables: use a tighter ratio like 1:15, grind the coffee finer, or use hotter water." How do you know how course your grounds should be for your coffee maker? Although you can buy ground coffee, there's always the option to buy full coffee beans and ground them yourself, which offers its own benefits. "While pre-ground coffee is convenient, we recommend investing in a grinder, because whole bean coffee retains its flavor profile longer than ground coffee," Nakamoto says. "The ideal grind varies by coffee-making technique. For an auto-drip brewer, start with a medium grind, with the consistency of kosher salt. For a stronger brew, you can go a bit finer," Nakamoto says. Does it matter what type of water I use in my coffee maker? When it comes to coffee makers, the type of water you run through the machine can make an impact on your morning cup. "Filtering your tap water can make all the difference in your coffee," Nakamoto says. "Instead of tasting bitter, filtered water can help make your coffee taste fresh. It has a smoother flavor because the water used to brew it is cleaner. Given that coffee is mostly water, implementing quality water into your brewing method is a must." Who We Are Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best coffee makers and espresso machines she researched the ins and outs of coffee makers and their features for this story, comparing the latest features and product specifications. She also consulted Scott Nakamoto, a coffee curator at Bean Box. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit