Digg is an independent, advertiser-supported website and may receive compensation for some links to products and services throughout this website.

Enjoy Delicious Hot Coffee With The Best Coffee Makers

Ah, coffee! For many, the working day begins with a steaming cup of the world's most loved morning beverage. Many of us feel we can't live without it. Sure, coffee shops and cafes are ubiquitous, but there is something to be said for drinking that first cup at home, possibly still in pajamas, without having to wait in line or speak coherently with others.

Even better, when you brew your own coffee, you can use the beans you like, add your own flavorings, and control the perfect ratio of cream, milk, and sugar. You can also have it in your favorite mug rather than a disposable paper container or cup. That said, different coffee makers, such as manual pour-over to electric drip versions, can make it hard for you to choose the right one. We made a list of premium coffee makers of 2023 to help make a hassle-free purchase.

Comparing The Top Coffee Makers Of 2023 In Detail

Cuisinart Coffee Maker: Best Overall

Cuisinart Coffee Maker
Courtesy of Amazon

The Cuisinart Coffee Maker is best on our list because it has a reusable gold-tone coffee filter and an integrated charcoal water filter, making it an excellent coffee maker. It can brew large quantities of coffee using hot water at an ideal temperature. The Cuisinart is available in 12 and 14-cup capacities, and features a hot-plate temperature control that prevents you from scalding your coffee. Better yet, it has an easy-to-view water window for proper filling and a brew-pause function, allowing you to enjoy a cup of coffee before completing the brewing cycle.

Looks-wise it has a stylish stainless-steel handle and a stainless-steel body that complements kitchen appliances well. It includes fully automatic 24-hour programmability that allows you to customize it according to your preferences. It's very convenient to use due to its self-cleaning function, 1-4 cup setting, auto shutdown, and optional ready alarm tone. Also, it allows you to select ordinary or robust coffee flavors to meet your preferred coffee taste perfectly.

Pros
  • Has different brewing features
  • Temperature control keeps your cup piping hot
  • Self-cleaning feature saves you more time
Cons
  • Some may find it bulky

Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker: Good Brewing Options

Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker
Courtesy of Amazon

The single-cup Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker features two brewing options and is suitable for a single serving or a large pot of coffee. It has a single-cup mode that prepares coffee directly into your preferred mug, while the carafe side features a normal coffee filter for drip brewing. It also allows you to choose the desired brewing time so that by the time you wake up, your coffee will be fresh, hot, and ready to drink.

Even better, it allows you to select regular brew strength or bold for a richer flavor. It provides convenience in swapping out the reusable filters to improve cup quality and facilitate cleanup. The visual toggle switch makes switching between brewing options simple. Also, it has a timer and an automatic shutoff.

Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker: Dual Water Windows

Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker
Courtesy of Amazon

The automatic Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker's dual water windows provide a great view of the water level while filling, preventing overflow and letting you achieve the ideal coffee strength without measuring the amount of water added. Whether you want a single cup or are looking to brew 12 cups, it will deliver hot, flavorful coffee with less effort. It's an affordable coffee maker with regular brewing times and temperatures and an easy single-button interface.

The Mr. Coffee has a detachable, dishwasher-safe filter basket that makes it simple to fill and clean. Better yet, it also has a grab-a-cup auto-pause, which is useful if you want a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is finished. It pauses brewing so you may pour a cup with a strong taste, then continues brewing once the carafe is repositioned. The power off/on indicator light displays the coffee maker's state and serves as a reminder to turn it off.

Pros
  • Can brew up to 12 servings
  • Auto-pause allows you to enjoy mid-brew
  • Removable parts facilitate cleaning
Cons
  • Filter basket is difficult to remove

BLACK+DECKER Coffee Maker: Most User-Friendly

BLACK+DECKER Coffee Maker
Courtesy of Amazon

We chose the BLACK+DECKER Coffee Maker as most user friendly because it features uncomplicated programming and is comparatively simpler than other coffee makers. Besides being extremely easy to clean, it also has a straightforward interface which can be configured to brew 12 cups of coffee and keep it warm for two hours. Additionally, its tiny footprint of just over 8 inches broad and 12 inches long makes it super space-efficient.

It features a digital display and a 24-hour auto-brew function, allowing you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee. The sneak-a-cup feature temporarily stops the brewing process, allowing you to pour the first cup of coffee without creating a mess.

The BLACK+DECKER's spray head does a great job of distributing water evenly across the brew bed, which improves the coffee's likelihood of absorbing the water effectively. And this equal saturation significantly improves the flavor of the coffee. In addition, a useful water-level indicator with measures is visible from the brewer's side. And with an automatic shutoff, you never have to worry about whether you turned off the coffee maker.

Pros
  • Has a user-friendly interface
  • Automated shutdown makes it more user-friendly
  • Effectively keeps coffee hot for two hours
Cons
  • Does not brew at high temperature

KitchenAid Coffee Maker: Quality Features

KitchenAid Coffee Maker
Courtesy of Amazon

We highlighted the KitchenAid Coffee Maker for its features because of its useful technological advancements. These include a 29-hole spiral shower head to evenly saturate coffee grinds, a detachable water tank, and a permanent filter with a dosage ladder to measure the correct amount for a balanced cup of coffee. It also has two brew buttons, allowing you to control or adjust the brewing process from two different sides of the coffee maker.

Better yet, it includes a glass carafe and a permanent filter with a unique spout design that prevents countertop spills. Other functions include the bold feature, which allows you to brew stronger coffee, and the auto brew set-up feature, which allows you to program your next brew. It has an auto-shutoff and you may schedule it to brew coffee up to 24 hours in advance.

Pros
  • Enhanced stability of coffee ground saturation
  • Simple and quick to use
  • 12-cup glass carafe for mess-free pouring
Cons
  • It has no option for reheating

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker: Best For Iced Coffee

Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Courtesy of Amazon

The Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker has all the features you'd expect from a great coffee maker, with a few additional functions. The most exciting feature is the iced setting, which allows you to make a great, full-flavored iced coffee. Furthermore, with its 75-ounce detachable water reservoir, you can brew up to eight cups before having to refill the tank, which saves you time in the morning and simplifies your routine. The drip tray is also detachable, making it easy to clean.

The Keurig provides sufficient space between the drip tray and the nozzle to accommodate a travel cup. It also includes a variety of popular K-cup pod sizes, allowing you to brew a larger cup or a stronger drink. It can provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for a kettle to prepare tea, porridge, or instant soups. Finally, its strong brew button enhances the flavor intensity and strength of your coffee.

Pros
  • Brews eight cups before refilling
  • Detachable drip tray facilitates easy cleaning
  • Brewer maintenance reminder for timely cleaning
Cons
  • Difficult to fill the reservoir

Finding A Quality Coffee Maker: A Buyer's Guide

Buying a coffee maker is not as simple as it sounds, especially if you have specific coffee preferences. Investing in a coffee maker is a decision that requires extensive research, as there are many factors to consider. This comprehensive guide will assist you in choosing the ideal model. So, let's explore the factors you should consider before buying to ensure that you get a coffee maker with high-quality construction and additional functions.

How To Pick The Right Coffee Maker

Brew Size

Coffee can be brewed in quantities ranging from a single cup to a large carafe, and there are coffee makers designed to meet every need. Single-cup makers are ideal for individuals who live alone or for households where each family member wants a distinct coffee flavor or style. Also, they are ideal for houses where everyone wakes up at different times. Some coffee makers offer a wide variety of brew sizes, but others provide a far more limited selection.

Large-capacity brewers are ideal for coffee lovers, as well as for breakfasts with the family, lunch with the neighbors, and dinner parties. The standard measurement for a "cup" of coffee brewed by a coffee maker is just 5 to 6 ounces, not 8 or 16, as indicated by the label on many larger brewers.

Type Of Coffee

The type of coffee you want plays a crucial role in your decision. Hybrid machines that produce both espresso and regular coffee are available even though espresso machines and coffee makers are ‌two separate appliances. Having two machines on your countertop is a significant space commitment, but it's the ultimate idea if you like both espresso and coffee and want to make them well.

Sizing

While a coffee maker's size does not affect your cup of coffee, if it doesn't fit in the appropriate place, it can cause several issues. Measure everything carefully, and remember that you might have to remove the machine's top to put in water and grounds. Take your mug sizes into account while shopping for single-serve machines. Many larger mugs cannot fit beneath the coffee maker.

Timing

If your family drinks coffee throughout the day, it's best to use a thermal carafe that helps keep your coffee piping hot for hours. For those who only consume coffee in the morning, a glass brewer with a warm plate is sufficient; but some individuals dislike the burnt flavor the warmers might impart if left on for too long. Those who are always in a rush in the morning can use a pod machine to brew coffee without worrying about leaving the machine on.

Customized Brewing Options

More advanced coffee makers allow you to select brew strength, water temperature, and a wide range of brew sizes. The simplest coffee makers offer essentially no options beyond adding fewer or more coffee grounds and water. Cup and capsule coffee makers allow you to prepare tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages. Simple machines are less expensive and easier to operate.

Extra Features

Some coffee makers have extra functions like a thermal carafe, which keeps the coffee warm after it has been brewed and have an automatic shutoff option. Some have auditory notifications when the coffee is finished brewing. In contrast, most electric models have lighting that indicates when the maker is on and when the coffee has finished brewing. Higher-end coffee makers may incorporate functions such as bean grinding, milk frothing, and reminders to clean the machine. Hybrid coffee/espresso brewers and espresso machines typically offer the most options and are the most expensive.

Benefits Of Having A Coffee Maker

Enjoy A Freshly Brewed Coffee

Owning a coffee maker allows you to drink freshly brewed coffee whenever you like, without waiting in line or fighting with crowds at your local coffee shop. You can also enjoy your coffee when it is sizzling hot, which might not be possible with takeout or delivery.

In particular, having your own coffee maker ensures you can begin each day with a cup of coffee that fits your own particular strength requirements, giving you the boost you need to get going.

Easy Beverage Customization

Depending on the type of coffee maker, you can prepare a variety of beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos. In addition, if you enjoy experimenting with your beverages, you can try coffee flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla essence, ginger, nutmeg, or cloves. You might also use your favorite flavored coffee beans to add a certain flavor to your brew. These benefits are exclusive to those who own a coffee maker.

Brewed Coffee Is Healthy

Having your own coffee maker also enables you to have brewed coffee. Brewed coffee is healthier than instant coffee because instant coffee includes a higher concentration of acrylamide, which can be harmful to the body in excessive doses. The flavor is much stronger, more efficient, deep, and richer than the instant alternative.

People Also Asked

Which coffee maker should I purchase?

It all depends on how you wish to use the coffee maker and how much coffee you consume. A 1- or 2-cup drip type or a single-serve maker may be ideal for individual coffee consumers. In contrast, a larger automated drip maker with a carafe or a self-serve reservoir is good for more people because most large machines produce 10 to 12 cups.

Can I keep my coffee hot for a few hours?

Yes, you can. Consider purchasing a model with an insulated mug or carafe to keep coffee hot and fresh-tasting for hours if you break up your coffee intake throughout the day.

Should I buy a programmable coffee maker?

The answer depends on your routine and personal choice. Consider purchasing a programmed coffee maker if filling and activating the coffee machine in the morning is too difficult. A programmable coffee maker brews a fresh pot of coffee before you wake up.

How much space should I spare for a new coffee maker?

Once again, it depends on the space you have. Think about how high, wide, and deep the coffee maker you want to buy is. Some coffee makers cannot fit entirely beneath the upper cabinets. But, you may have to push the coffee maker away from the wall to fully open the hatches and fill the reservoir, based on the layout of the cabinets above the countertop.

How often should I clean my coffee machine?

You should clean your coffee machine every three to six months, based on how frequently it is used. That's because, without proper maintenance or care, coffee residue and mineral buildup can play havoc with your coffee maker, reducing the quality of your brew and potentially making it useless. You can use vinegar to clean it because it is an efficient natural cleaning agent for coffee makers. This solution eliminates coffee bean oil residue and calcium deposits from the interior of the gadget and also adds acidity to the hot water to disinfect.