The Brew Makers is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. How this works

Best coffee makers

Find out which coffee maker is best suited for you and your home. Pick the type you are shopping for below and go straight to the guide.

Coffee maker guides by type and size

Before you buy

How to choose a coffee maker

Four questions narrow the field faster than any feature list.

How many cups do you drink?

Capacity comes first. A 4-cup machine suits one or two people; a 12 to 14-cup carafe makes sense when several people drink coffee through the morning.

How hands-on do you want to be?

Drip and single-serve machines do the work for you. Pour-over and French press take a few more minutes and give you more control over the cup.

How much counter space is there?

Measure the gap under your cabinets before you order. Top-filled water tanks need clearance above the machine as well as room beside it.

How easy is it to clean?

Removable water tanks, dishwasher-safe carafes and a descaling reminder decide whether a machine still tastes good a year from now.

Coffee maker types compared

TypeBest forBatch sizeGrind
Drip coffee makerHouseholds that want a full pot with no effort4 to 14 cupsMedium
Automatic pour-overCleaner, brighter flavour from the same push of a button4 to 10 cupsMedium to medium-fine
Single-serveOne cup at a time, each person choosing their own1 cupPods or medium
French pressFull-bodied coffee with no paper filter and no power1 to 8 cupsCoarse

Coffee maker FAQ

How big is a "cup" on a coffee maker?

Smaller than a mug. Most coffee maker brands count a cup as 5 to 6 fluid ounces, so a 12-cup machine fills roughly six to seven large mugs.

What is the difference between drip and automatic pour-over?

Both drip hot water through a filter. Automatic pour-over machines control water temperature and how evenly the grounds are wetted more closely, copying the way a barista pours by hand.

More coffee gear