Sometimes, it seems as if the civilized world runs on coffee. Finding the best drip coffee maker can mean the difference between savoring that morning cup of joe or darting out to grab an overpriced latte.
Not only can you save hundreds of dollars a month brewing coffee at home, but you can also improve your diet. It allows you to opt for healthier choices like non-fat milk or non-dairy creamer. Because, once you’re in a coffee house, can you resist the allure of a syrupy sweet vanilla latte?
We aren’t exaggerating when we say that finding the best option for your home can change your life.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Drip Coffee Maker
You’ll want to consider your coffee needs and budget to find the coffee maker best for your lifestyle. It helps to think about the following questions before you buy. Do you:
- Need a single-cup brewer, or do you often brew a full pot at a time?
- Use a thermal steel carafe to keep coffee hot for a few hours?
- Want to be able to brew espresso and other specialty drinks?
- Purchase a type of model with a water filter?
- Prefer to use pods, ground coffee, or beans?
- Schedule coffee maker to start when you’re not home or before you wake up in the morning?
- Need a coffee maker that turns off automatically for your safety and convenience?
From single-serve options to full-size machines with grinders, our guide will help you find your new coffee brewer. All the options on our list also make great gifts. After all, your loved ones deserve the best coffee.
Best Single Cup Drip Coffee Makers
Keurig introduced its first industrial single-cup drip coffee maker in 1997. By 2003, the company released a home version, and “pods.” These pods, known as K-cups, started to overtake filters as the simplest way to brew a fresh, hot cup of coffee at home.
After all, unless you’re making coffee for a morning crowd, you only need one cup at a time. Several manufacturers like Hamilton Beach as shown below followed in Keurig’s footsteps, producing some of the best single-cup coffee makers ever made. Often at a lower price than industry-leader Keurig, too.
Soon after, reusable brew baskets to reduce single-use plastic also became popular.
Keurig Drip Coffee Makers
Keurig is a pioneer in single-cup drip coffee makers. Their products remain some of the bestselling brewers of all time, but which one is best?
The K55 K-Classic Keurig is easy to use and easy to clean. It accommodates a wide range of pods, from Starbucks brew to San Francisco Bay Gourmet Coffee. You can also buy a separate reusable filter basket to brew pre-ground coffee.
Compared to some other single-cup drip machine brands, the K55 doesn’t have a lot of features. Of course, if you don’t need a lot of features, that’s a good thing. This model will make a 6-, 8-, or 10-ounce cup—and it’ll do it fast.
- Pods are readily available
- Choose from three size cups of coffee
- Water reservoir holds enough water for six cups
- Short brewing time—under a minute
- Programmable auto-off feature
Keurig K-Elite Programmable Coffee Maker
Which Keurig is the best coffee maker? In our research, none of the other Keurig drip machine models beat the classic K-55. Modeled after the original K-45 that changed the lives of coffee drinkers everywhere, it delivers fresh coffee with one touch.
But the Keurig K-Elite, which replaced the K57, puts even more options at your fingertips. With a removable reservoir that holds 75 ounces of water, you’ll make fewer trips to the sink to refill the tank.
You can choose to brew 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces of coffee, which is more choices than many other single-cup machines. Pushing the “strong” button increases the flavor, allowing for a stronger cup of coffee. It also makes excellent iced coffee.
The K-Elite is a significant step up from the K55, with a water filter that delivers better-tasting coffee. You can also adjust the temperature of the brewing process between 187 and 192 degrees. This option allows you to change the flavor of your brew even more.
If you’re looking for a programmable pot to deliver coffee on demand, the K-Elite also fits the bill. Use the programmable timer to have the Keurig start brewing at any time of day. Thanks to the auto on / auto-off feature, it will shut off after 9 minutes of non-use.
You can use K-cups, other pods, or you can get a reusable filter basket to use your own ground coffee.
- Get fresh coffee, fast
- Programmable timer means your coffee is ready when you want it
- Auto on/off feature reduces electricity used
- Water filter for better-tasting coffee
- Large, 75-ounce water reservoir means more time before refilling
- Set the size, degree of temperature, and strength to create the perfect cup of coffee
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Plus 49979 Single Cup Drip Coffee Maker
For reliability, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Plus 49979 is one of the best coffee makers you can buy. Hamilton Beach is a trusted name in kitchen appliances, too, especially for frugal shoppers.
Retailing well under $100, this coffee maker allows you to a brew 10- or 14-ounce cup using pods or coffee grinds in the included filter basket. Using coffee grounds can shave even more money off your monthly budget. It’s an eco-friendly choice, and its small footprint fits well on most countertops.
- Accommodates pods or pre-ground coffee
- Easy to clean
- Small footprint saves space on your countertop
- Choose from bold or regular brew
- Affordable price
- Easy to clean brew basket
- Auto shut-off
Best Multiple Cup Drip Coffee Maker Models
You may think of Black & Decker as a household name in tools, but did you know they also make reliable coffee makers?
Most Black & Decker drip coffee machines are basic models without a lot of added features. But with prices starting at $20, they represent one of the best bargains on the market if that’s all you need.
Black & Decker DLX1050B 12-cup Programmable Coffee Maker
There’s nothing like waking up to fresh coffee that you didn’t have to make while you’re half awake. Coffee machines make the best alarm clocks! That’s the beauty of a programmable coffee maker, and when you find one for under $26, you know you’ve found a deal.
The Black & Decker DLX1050B is one of the best Black & Decker coffee makers on the market. It features options found on many high-end coffee pots without the high price tag.
Like much pricier Hamilton Beach models, the DLX1050B lets you pour a cup of coffee in the middle of the brew cycle with its Sneak-a-Cup feature. The programmable brew controls are easy to use, and the large digital display is easy to read.
The coffee pot includes a 2-hour automatic shut-off for peace of mind and convenience. The hot plate beneath the glass carafe keeps coffee warm for up to an hour. You can even please any crowd with this model from Black & Decker.
- Includes features found on much pricier models
- Auto shut-off
- Keep warm plate beneath carafe
- Sneak-a-cup lets you pour a cup while coffee is still brewing
- Programmable for up to 24 hours
Black & Decker DCM600B 5-cup Coffee Maker
If you only need one or two cups of coffee at a time but prefer a traditional coffee pot, the Black & Decker DCM600B could be the coffee maker best for you.
This simple, straightforward design brews up to five cups of tasty coffee with the push of a button. The non-stick thermal carafe plate keeps coffee warm for up to an hour.
Best of all, it takes up minimal space in your kitchen. It’s the perfect choice for the occasional coffee drinker or low-demand household.
- Streamlined design stows cord inside body
- Brew up to 5 cups
- Low price
BUNN Drip Coffee Makers
BUNN is a trusted name in industrial and home drip coffee makers. With models ranging from $60 to over $150, their machines can please anyone looking to make a quick pot of coffee. In fact, according to BUNN advertising, the Speed Brew model can make up to 10 cups of coffee in a brewing time of about four minutes.
Which are the best BUNN drip coffee makers available today?
BUNN Speed Brew Elite
Hailed as the fastest home coffee maker on the market, the BUNN Speed Brew is an excellent choice if you need coffee for a crowd. It works faster because it holds 70 ounces of water—just waiting for you to request coffee on demand. Make anywhere from 20 ounces up to 50 ounces without a change in the taste.
The redesigned carafe does not drip or leak, either, making it even easier to serve up coffee to a crowd. The BUNN Speed Brew is available in the three models.
The Elite model has metallic accents. The Select is all black aside from the stainless-steel reservoir. The Platinum model includes a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot for up to two hours.
It’s important to note some of the features lacking in the BUNN Speed Brew family. These machines are not programmable. Likewise, because the water stays hot for on-demand brewing, there is no auto-off safety feature, either.
You can turn the machine off via a switch on the back of the carafe, though. The warming plate can be turned off separately when not in use, as well. If you prefer an auto-shutoff feature, the Bonavita bv1900ts is a comparable model with this option. It also has a water dispersing head specifically designed to evenly saturate grounds while brewing.
- 3-year warranty backed by BUNN customer service
- Brews a full pot of coffee in less than four minutes
- Drip free carafe delivers the cleanest pour on the market
- Great tasting coffee
- Includes 25 coffee filter starter pack
- Drip-free thermal carafe
Cuisinart Drip Coffee Makers
Best known for their versatile kitchen appliances, Cuisinart also produces a full line of coffee makers.
The Cuisinart drip coffee maker for you depends on whether you like your coffee by the carafe or the cup. They offer a little something for everyone!
Cuisinart Coffee Center SS20
For coffee drinkers who want one brewer that makes a single cup or an entire pot, the Cuisinart Coffee Center SS20 is the best coffee machine around.
With a retail price of over $200, it is one of the more expensive choices on our list. It’s also the priciest of the Cuisinart models. But, if you consider that it’s actually two machines in one, the Coffee Center becomes a bargain. It saves you counter space and cash.
Though the SS20 is also not the smallest machine around, it doesn’t take up as much space as two machines would.
It’s also feature-packed with a water filter, the ability to prepare a 6-, 8 -, or 10-ounce cup of coffee, and a 10-cup thermal carafe. You can set the brew strength to “bold” for stronger flavor, too.
Perhaps the most enticing feature on this option is the ability to program it to turn on at any time within 24 hours. You can always have fresh coffee waiting for you! It also boasts a self-cleaning feature.
Can’t wait for that first cup of coffee? The Brew Pause feature lets you pour that first cup of joe before the entire pot has finished.
The single-cup brewer accommodates Keurig brand K-cups and other coffee pods. If you use the included reusable filter cup, you can use your favorite coffee grounds as well.
- Reusable filter cup included
- 3-year warranty
- Perfect single cup coffee maker using pods or coffee grounds as well as a full 10-cup pot
- Water filter improves the taste and quality of the coffee
- Fully automatic and self-cleaning for your ultimate convenience
Cuisinart DCC-4000 12-cup Programmable Coffee Maker
There are many benefits to conventional drip coffee makers that make a full pot of coffee at a time. It’s not just that they are environmentally friendly. They are affordable, and many say they make for a better-tasting cup of joe than any pod-based brewer.
For those seeking a simple programmable option, the Cuisinart DCC-4000 is one of the best machines you can get.
The Brew Pause feature allows you to pour your cup while the pot is still brewing. While the convenient adjustable setting lets you make between one to twelve cups at a time.
The auto start, auto-off, ready-alert, and self-cleaning functions make the DCC-4000 low-maintenance. There’s also a feature called 60-second recall we haven’t seen on other brands. This feature will pick up brewing where it left off if there is ever a quick power outage.
It even comes with a gold-tone reusable filter to avoid the need for disposable options. It’s easy to see a lot of thought went into this machine to make it convenient, practical, and easy to use.
- Two brew settings
- Programmable on a 24-hour cycle
- 3-year warranty
- Gold-tone filter included
- Self-cleaning
Nespresso Lattissima Pro
With a higher price tag, the Nespresso Lattissima Pro is for those who are serious about their coffee. After all, this is a professional-grade machine designed for the home. It offers the flexibility to make espressos, lattes, black coffee, and hot water for other beverages with the push of a button. There’s not much you can’t make with this brewer!
Choose from five different brew strengths for a standard cup of coffee or be your own barista. The Nespresso can make Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo, Cappuccino, or Latte Macchiato drinks. The milk frother lets you add a foamy top to your beverage, while also enabling one-touch specialty drinks.
This model also dispenses water for tea or hot chocolate, too. Even better, because the hot water comes from a separate spout, your tea won’t come out with a faint coffee taste.
Pro uses Nespresso capsules only, though. You can’t use pre-ground coffee or pods, which limits the coffee you can make. It can also increase your coffee-related expenses. But if you want great-tasting coffee with a single touch, the Lattissima Pro is worth your consideration.
- Cleans semi-automatically daily to reduce build-up
- Automatic shut-off after nine minutes
- Five different brew styles
- Uses Nespresso pods
- Integrated milk frother
- One-touch specialty drinks
- Hot water feature for tea or cocoa
Ninja Coffee Bar CF112
For those who want more choices, Ninja has a line of single-cup brewers with added features like milk frothing. Many also offer different flavor strengths to customize your flavor.
The Ninja Coffee Bar is the most affordable option in the Ninja line. Priced under $200, it’s a steal compared to similar models, such as the Technivorm Moccamaster. It foregoes pods to use regular coffee grounds. That not only saves you money but delivers a great tasting cup of joe. Reducing your plastic use is just a bonus!
You can choose from Classic, Rich, or Café Forte, depending on how full-flavored you prefer. The Specialty setting delivers a bold taste reminiscent of espresso. Add frothed milk straight from the machine to make a coffeehouse-style drink for pennies. The Ninja Coffee Bar also has a setting for over ice to create fresh iced coffee that is bold and flavorful.
- Patent-pending Advanced Thermal Flavor Extraction
- Using ground coffee saves money
- Milk frother helps deliver coffee-house style drinks
- Five settings for coffee that fits your taste
- Stylish black and silver design looks great in your kitchen and matches most modern décor
Bonavita bv1900ts
Designed for those who love simplicity, the Bonavita bv1900ts is a sleek machine with impressive performance. This eight-cup automatic drip coffee maker ditches the fancy LED screens and settings of more complicated set-ups opting for a single on/off switch.
It’s compact footprint of just 11.5 x 10 x 6.75 inches makes it a favorite for those with limited counterspace who just enjoy a simple cup of joe. While some might call it basic, it does produce excellent flavor with pre-infusion technology and a large shower head specifically designed to evenly saturate grounds while brewing.
- Simple design with one-touch operation
- Pre-infusion option
- Large shower head for even ground saturation
- 40-minute warming plate with auto shut-off
- Stainless steel thermal carafe
Best Drip Coffee Makers with Grinder
No matter how good your coffee maker is, you can up the ante on taste and freshness by grinding your own coffee beans. While you can buy stand-alone coffee grinders—OXO makes affordable options—drip coffee makers with grinders do it all in one shot. The best drip coffee makers with grinders make it easy—and save counter space.
Cuisinart Grind & Brew 12 cup Drip Coffee Maker
Cuisinart makes some excellent coffee machines, and the Grind & Brew is no exception. It grinds the beans right before for the freshest cup of coffee possible.
The Cuisinart Grind & Brew offers many of the same features as other Cuisinart models, such as Brew Pause, self-cleaning, and auto shut-off. It also has a gold-tone filter to reduce environmental waste further and save you money.
Best of all, the coffee pot is programmable to start your coffee within 24 hours. All you have to do is fill the reservoir with water and load your choice of coffee beans.
- Environmentally friendly
- Enjoy the freshest ground beans and great-tasting coffee
- Dripless spout for easy pouring
- Auto shut-off
Breville BDC650 The Grind Control
While the Breville BDC650 is pricey at close to $200, its capabilities make it worth the price.
First, it allows you to choose between a single cup, a travel mug, or a 12-cup carafe. Then, select from a whopping eight strength settings, which is unprecedented for home coffee pots. You can also adjust the grinder output to accommodate any type of coffee beans.
It is also programmable for 24 hours so that you can enjoy a cup of freshly ground, brewed or iced coffee at any time.
- Praised by users; this best drip coffee maker with grinder is built to last
- Programmable
- Choose from eight settings
- Grind beans immediately before for the freshest taste
- Make a cup, a travel mug, or up to 12 cups in the carafe
- Easy to read LCD
- Stainless steel burrs on grinder release optimal flavor from coffee beans
Final Thoughts
As you can see from our best drip coffee maker list for 2021, there is a model to fit every budget and lifestyle. Some models combine different technologies such as programmable settings, flavor strength controls, pause and serve options. Other brands even offer self-clean cycle features and auto shut-off options to achieve more desirable results.
Beyond using a coffee maker, you’ll want to choose quality beans to get the perfect coffee at home.
If you’re considering a pod-based coffee maker, take a look at the coffee pods it uses as well. Some brands, like Keurig, have near limitless flavors available, while others have a limited selection. Better yet, aim for a model that allows you to use a reusable filter basket in place of a pod. That way, you can use whatever coffee you like!
The coffee you choose is just as important as choosing your coffee maker to get the best tasting coffee no matter how you like it.
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