The Best Coffee Maker in 2022
You’d be surprised by the difference one of the best coffee makers can make. Not only will you achieve a superior quality of coffee, with improved flavor and a more appealing aroma, you will also have the pleasure of using a machine which is intuitive to operate and seamless in its design. On top of all of this, convenience is key — after all, you don’t want to be waiting around for your morning pick-me-up; a good coffee maker will be quick to brew, without sacrificing on performance.
All of this in one coffee maker sounds unrealistic, especially if you’re shopping on a budget. But, there are a select few machines out there which strive to tick every box. To help you find them, we’ve put a range of models to the test, looking at everything from the initial set up, to the general ease of use and, of course, that all important flavor of coffee produced. So, whether you’re looking for value for money or want a model with all of the bells and whistles, we’re here to help. These are the best coffee makers.
Braun KF6050WH BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker
Technivorm Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker
How we tested the best coffee makers
We test each coffee maker by assessing how intuitive it is to operate and how user-friendly the overall design is. We take into account the number of programs on offer and how customizable the results are — from strength settings to the types of drinks available.
We also consider the brewing time and that all-important flavor of the coffee produced — it should be smooth and rich, with no burnt notes. If it comes with a milk frother, we consider how well that performs as well. We look at the overall value for money on top of this; we have found that the best performers really do range widely in price.
How to choose the best coffee maker for you
Will it fit?
A coffee maker sits on the countertop, so measure the space where you plan to keep the machine before you buy one. Be sure to determine the clearance between the countertop and the bottom of your cabinets. Most, but not all coffee makers will fit under a cabinet.
Coffee quality
If you’re passionate about coffee, look for a brewer that says it meets the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standard. This means the coffee brews at what is regarded as the perfect time and temperature for the best cup of Joe. But be aware that this standard calls for using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each 5-ounce cup, which produces a very full-bodied, strong cup of coffee that is not to everyone’s taste.

Cup size
Keep in mind that coffee-maker cups are the equivalent of 5 ounces, or an old-fashioned teacup that isn’t filled to the brim, leaving room for milk. Most coffee mugs in use today hold upward of 8 ounces. Therefore, a typical 12-cup coffee maker brews enough coffee for about seven mugs at the most.
What kind of carafe?
Models with thermal carafes tend to be more expensive than those with glass carafes. You can bring thermal carafes to the table, where they’ll keep coffee hot for refills. However, these carafes have narrow openings that are difficult to hand-wash, and most can’t be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Paper or permanent filters?
Decide if you want to use a permanent filter or paper, disposable ones. Permanent filters are better for the environment, and you don’t have to constantly replace them, but they do need to be thoroughly washed by hand and they tend to stain. Also, it’s easier to toss paper filters in the trash than knock grounds out of a metal filter. You may also find that the taste of the coffee produced differs depending on filter type and that you prefer one over the other.
Are expensive coffee makers worth it?
Some of the best coffee maker brands charge incredibly premium prices for their creations. It should be noted, though, that some expensive coffee makers might not necessarily be worth it for the everyday consumer. Prices that range up to $600 or $700 often focus on flexibility and precise control over aspects of brewing like temperature, steeping times and intensities, bloom and grind density.
If you’re looking for a pro barista grade experience, these more expensive coffee maker options can be well worth their price. However, if you just need a quick shot to get you up in the mornings, we’d recommend steering clear of these more premium devices.