Coffee is the nectar of the gods, and through the years, we’ve come up with many ways to extract the sweet ambrosia. From using the more traditional French press to a cold brew coffee maker, there is a wide range of options. We can also percolate, pour over, steep, and even vacuum hot water through our roasty ground coffee beans to get the potent potion. Whether you prefer your coffee cold or hot, there’s a method for you.
For the most part, we’ve relied on machines to do the work of brewing a large batch of our daily jolt juice. They’re perfect for those of us who need continuous large doses of coffee throughout the day to feel human and maintain productivity. Advances in coffee maker science have made choosing a drip coffee maker more difficult. Just like you, we take our coffee seriously. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best drip coffee makers to buy this year to make choosing a little bit easier — after all, is there anything more necessary to start your day than a cup of traditional drip coffee?
Best overall coffee maker: Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker
When it comes to capacity and convenience, the BrewSense drip coffee maker is a strong contender. The 12-cup machine delivers a rich and bold cup of coffee every time. There are also settings that make it possible to program the brew time and temperature to your liking. What’s even better is that you can also adjust the brew strength.
Best value coffee maker: Mueller Coffee Maker
This particular Mueller model does everything you want it to do and more, for a fine price. We like all of the little details, from the eco filter to the keep warm function, a great thing when you’re having a leisurely morning. It’s great when you’re hosting, as it can make up to 12 cups and the pour out of the smartly designed pot is always clean.
Most customizable coffee maker: Breville Precision Brewer
With the Breville Precision Brewer, the name says it all. This machine has more features than we can list. We like the adjustable and precise digital temperature control, the three different flow rates, and the customizable bloom time the most. If you want a machine that will let you tinker around until you customize your perfect cup, this one’s for you.
Best single-serve coffee maker: Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Respect to those of you who can limit yourselves to a single cup of coffee a day. This Hamilton Beach single-serve machine measures your grinds for a perfect cup with its pre-portioned scoop. Plus, this joker is fast, brewing an 8-ounce cup in under 90 seconds at optimal temp.
Best coffee maker with grinder: Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker
A grinder inside the coffee maker is a nice feature to have. It reduces mess, and with the Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew, it grinds just enough for your desired pot, reducing waste. The large bean hopper allows you to avoid needing to refill a smaller grinder every time, like similar models from other brands.
Most versatile coffee maker: Ninja 10-Cup Specialty Coffee Maker With Fold-Away Frother
The Ninja 10-Cup Specialty Coffee Maker is extremely versatile. It can do full pots or single-serve. If you want a frothy latte or cappuccino, it can do that, too. Iced coffee or tea is also an option. We could go on, but it would be quicker to view the product specs on the site.
Fastest coffee maker: SMEG Drip Coffee Maker
SMEG stands for retro luxury but in some cases, the brand also stands for efficiency and speed. This coffee maker is surprisingly fast and will never brew a bad cup, as it will signal when a deep clean is necessary. Stylish and functional, this is drip done right.
Easiest-to-use coffee maker: Mr. Coffee 10-Cup Coffeemaker
Don’t be fooled by the name. It’s way to easy to write Mr. Coffee off, what, with the inviting price and extra plastic. But the model boasts some serious design merits and works so smoothly and without aid that it’s practically automated. What’s better than just pressing a button and waking up to great coffee?
Best foolproof coffee maker: Black & Decker 12-Cup Coffeemaker
Talk about foolproof! This model accounts for everything, meaning you don’t need to do much at all. From the vacuum-sealed carafe to the outstanding auto brew feature, this model is your humble morning servant. We also love the minimal build, meaning it can tuck into most places on your kitchen counter.
Best coffee maker with espresso maker: De’Longhi BCO430BM All-in-One Combination Maker & Espresso Machine
Sometimes you just need a shot of pure jet fuel to help you through your day. With the De’Longhi All-in-One, you can have just that. It serves up the best at-home espresso outside of getting a professional-grade machine. It also comes with a professional foam frother for rich, creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
Best keep-hot carafe: Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus
A major trait of a good coffee maker is the ability to retain heat. After all, there’s a good chance you’ll get distracted between cups one and two. But that’s no reason to settle for some tepid Joe. This model keeps things hot and fresh, even a few hours after the brew cycle has run its course.
Best automatic coffee maker: Fellow Aiden Precision Coffeemaker
This coffee machine is auto from start to finish. The sleek design sings while the details make you feel like a barista. There’s temperature control right down to the degree, as well as brewing presets that can account for the roast and app control. You can even customize your brews to your very liking. You’re welcome, coffee snobs.
Best pod coffee maker: Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Nothing is better than sipping the best-tasting coffee first thing in the morning. You can achieve this dream with the K-cup Pod Coffee Maker by Keurig. Whether you’d like to brew something warm or cold, this machine can do it in under two minutes. The 75-ounce water container also means less time refilling and more time making delicious coffee to awaken your senses.
Best space-saving coffee maker: KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Filter Drip Coffee Maker
Let’s not overcomplicate our brewing routine with this easy-to-use drip coffee maker. Krups’ 5-cup coffee maker allows you to pour coffee as it’s brewing. The premium stainless steel finish also makes it a modern addition to your counter. One thing that makes this coffee maker stand out is its compact size. Not only does it look sleek on your counter, but it also won’t hog all the space.
