In a lot of Mexican homes the coffee pot works hardest when the table is full. There is the slow Sunday breakfast where someone wants café de olla, the cup poured after a long dinner while the plates are still out, and the full pot that has to go round a room of relatives. A good drip coffee maker handles all of that without fuss: it heats the water properly, wets the grounds evenly, and keeps the coffee hot without cooking it.
This guide covers nine drip machines from OXO, Technivorm Moccamaster, Fellow, Breville, Zojirushi, Braun, Cuisinart, Ninja and Hamilton Beach, from a five-cup brewer for a small kitchen to a 14-cup machine for a crowd. For each one we list the capacity, the carafe, whether it appears on the Specialty Coffee Association’s list of certified home brewers, the programming and the strength control. Where a figure is not published, we say “Not stated” rather than guess.
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Quick verdict: which coffee maker to buy
For most homes, the best coffee maker is the OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker: it is SCA certified, heats water to the 194 to 205°F range, brews a single serving or a full 12-cup pot, and pours into a double-wall vacuum-insulated carafe. If you want a brewer built to last for decades, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT is handmade in the Netherlands and carries a five-year warranty. For a pot ready when you wake up, choose the Fellow Aiden; for a big family table, the Cuisinart 14-Cup DCC-3200; and on a tight budget, the Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Programmable.
The table below sets out the five we would point most households toward, one for each kind of kitchen. All nine machines are reviewed in full after it.
Five coffee makers side by side
Capacity, carafe and SCA certification for our five standout picks, as each maker, listing or the SCA’s own list gives them.
| Coffee maker | Best for | Capacity & carafe | SCA certified | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Brew 12-Cup Drip Coffee MakerBest overall
|
Most homes, one mug to a full pot | 2 to 12 cups; thermal carafe | Yes | View on Amazon |
Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 10-Cup Coffee BrewerBest built to last
|
One button, many years | 40 oz; stainless thermal carafe | Yes | View on Amazon |
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee MakerBest programmable
|
Coffee ready on a schedule | 1 to 10 cups; thermal carafe | Yes | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee MakerBest for a crowd
|
Big family tables | 14 cups; glass carafe | Not on the SCA list | View on Amazon |
| Simple, low-cost brewing | 12 cups; glass carafe | Not on the SCA list | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. SCA certification is as shown on the Specialty Coffee Association’s certified home brewer list when we checked; capacities are as each maker or listing states them.
Our picks for the best coffee maker
These nine machines cover the ways most households drink coffee: a pot for two before work, a full carafe on a weekend morning, a scheduled brew that is ready at six, and a big pot for a family gathering. Each pick explains who it suits, the specifications that matter, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. OXO Brew 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker – One Mug or a Full Thermal Pot
The OXO Brew 12-Cup is the machine we would suggest to most people asking which coffee maker to buy. It does the two things that matter most in a drip brewer well, according to OXO: its BetterBrew system preheats the water so it reaches the grounds at 194 to 205°F, and a “Rainmaker” showerhead spreads that water over the grounds. The listing calls it an SCA-certified home brewer, and the Specialty Coffee Association announced it as a Certified Home Brewer.
It comes with two brew baskets: a small one for a single serving of two to four cups and a large one for five to 12 cups, according to the listing, so the same machine makes a mug on a weekday or a full pot for the family on Sunday. The SCA says the small basket can brew straight into a mug, with no pods. The coffee drips into a double-wall, vacuum-insulated carafe rather than onto a hot plate, which keeps it warm without the scorched taste that builds up when a glass pot sits on a burner.
The SCA’s announcement adds a programmable timer that lets you set a brew up to 24 hours ahead and a cleaning-mode indicator, and says the machine fits under most kitchen cabinets. The box includes a coffee scoop, 10 #2 paper filters and 10 basket-style filters, per the listing.
Why we like it
- Water reaches the grounds at 194 to 205°F, according to OXO
- An SCA Certified Home Brewer
- Small and large baskets, from one serving to 12 cups
- Double-wall vacuum-insulated thermal carafe
- Timer for a brew up to 24 hours ahead, per the SCA
Key specifications
| Model | 8721200 |
|---|---|
| Maker | OXO |
| Capacity | 12 cups; small basket 2 to 4 cups, large basket 5 to 12 cups |
| Carafe | Thermal, double-wall vacuum-insulated |
| SCA certified | Yes (SCA Certified Home Brewer) |
| Programmable | Yes, up to 24 hours ahead (SCA) |
| Brew-strength control | Not stated |
| Warranty | Two years (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that drinks anywhere from one mug to a dozen cups and wants good coffee without learning a menu of settings. Correct water temperature, even wetting and a carafe that holds heat are the basics a good drip brewer needs, and this one covers all three, with a timer for mornings.
Skip it if counter space is tight. The listing does not give the machine’s dimensions, so measure the space under your cabinets before you buy; for a compact machine, look at the five-cup Zojirushi below.
Pros and cons
Pros
- SCA certified
- Thermal carafe, no hot plate
- Single serving or a full pot
- Brew timer
Cons
- Dimensions not stated in the listing
- No strength setting described
- Two baskets to keep track of
2. Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 10-Cup Coffee Brewer – Handmade and Built to Last
The Moccamaster is the brewer people buy once. Technivorm makes it by hand at its factory in the Netherlands, heats the water with a copper element to 196 to 205°F, and brews a full 40-ounce carafe in about four to six minutes. There is one switch, no screen and nothing to program. America’s Test Kitchen names the KBT its top drip coffee maker, describing the coffee as “very strong but smooth.”
The KBT pours into a stainless steel thermal carafe, so there is no warming plate. The brew basket has a manual adjustment that lets you slow or stop the flow, which helps when you brew a half pot and want the water to stay in contact with the grounds a little longer. The heating element switches off once the reservoir is empty.
The warranty is the other reason to buy it: five years, and Technivorm says it offers repairs for the life of the brewer. The KBT is on the SCA’s certified home brewer list. Be aware that Moccamaster sells several similar models; ATK found the glass-carafe KBGV Select’s coffee “a bit ‘thin’ in body,” so this thermal KBT is the one we point to.
Why we like it
- Handmade in the Netherlands, with a copper heating element
- Water at 196 to 205°F, full carafe in about 4 to 6 minutes
- Stainless thermal carafe, no hot plate
- Five-year warranty
- America’s Test Kitchen’s winning drip brewer
Key specifications
| Model | KBT 79112 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Technivorm Moccamaster |
| Capacity | 40 oz (1.25 L), 10 cups |
| Carafe | Stainless steel thermal |
| SCA certified | Yes (KBT on the SCA list) |
| Programmable | No, one switch |
| Brew-strength control | No setting; manual flow adjustment on the brew basket |
| Warranty | Five years |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you drink drip coffee every day and would rather buy one well-made machine than replace a cheaper one every few years. Its simplicity is the point: hot water, an even brew, a carafe that keeps it warm.
Skip it if you want a timer, a strength button or a small footprint for single cups. It has none of those, and it costs considerably more than most drip machines here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast, hot full pot
- Five-year warranty
- Made in the Netherlands
- ATK’s top pick
Cons
- No programming
- Costs more than most
- Many similar models to sort through
3. Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker – Scheduled Brewing, One Cup to Ten
The Aiden is the machine for people who want coffee waiting for them. You can press one button or schedule a brew in advance, and a companion app lets you set the time, adjust brew profiles and keep the machine updated. Fellow includes presets for light, medium and dark roasts and a cold brew preset that starts with a hot bloom and finishes with cooler water.
It brews from one cup to ten, with interchangeable baskets for single servings and full batches, a dual showerhead and a bloom cycle. Fellow says the machine works out how much coffee you need for the amount you brew. The coffee goes into a thermal carafe, and the water tank lifts out for filling at the sink. The Aiden is on the SCA’s certified home brewer list, and America’s Test Kitchen named it its programmable pick, saying it “brewed tasty coffee and was easy to set up.”
It takes Melitta #2 cone filters for single servings and 8 to 12-cup basket filters for the carafe, both easy to find.
Why we like it
- Schedule brews on the machine or in the app
- Roast presets plus a cold brew preset
- One to ten cups, with single-serve and batch baskets
- Thermal carafe and removable water tank
- On the SCA’s certified list; two-year standard warranty
Key specifications
| Model | EBRMB-NA (Aiden) |
|---|---|
| Maker | Fellow |
| Capacity | 1 to 10 cups |
| Carafe | Thermal |
| SCA certified | Yes (Aiden on the SCA list) |
| Programmable | Yes, scheduled brewing on the machine or app |
| Brew-strength control | Roast presets and custom brew profiles |
| Warranty | Two-year standard warranty |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a careful brew and a timer in the same machine, and who drinks different amounts on different days. The single-serve basket makes one good cup; the batch basket fills the carafe for guests.
Skip it if you dislike apps and menus. The basic button works on its own, but much of what makes the Aiden special lives in its settings and app.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Scheduled brewing
- Single cup to full carafe
- SCA certified
- Cold brew preset
Cons
- Many settings to learn
- Best features need the app
- Pricier than basic machines
4. Breville Luxe Brewer, Thermal Carafe – Fine-Tune Every Setting
Breville’s Luxe Brewer is for the cook who likes to adjust things. The default Brew button makes a pot that Breville says meets the SCA’s Golden Cup standard, and the SCA lists the Luxe Brewer Thermal among its certified home brewers. A custom profile lets you change the bloom volume, bloom time, brew temperature and flow rate, and the machine remembers your settings for next time.
The water tank holds 60 fluid ounces (12 cups), lifts out, and has a built-in water filter and measuring lines. Breville includes both a cone and a flat-bottom filter basket, noting research by UC Davis, the SCA and the Coffee Science Foundation that different filter shapes bring out different flavors. A cold brew preset makes a concentrate in up to about 30 minutes, depending on volume, and a 24-hour delay start has the coffee ready when you want it.
The dual-wall thermal carafe keeps coffee above 150°F for up to four hours, according to Breville, long enough for a slow breakfast that turns into lunch.
Why we like it
- Adjustable bloom, temperature and flow rate
- Cone and flat-bottom baskets included
- 24-hour delay start and a cold brew preset
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee above 150°F up to four hours
- On the SCA’s certified list
Key specifications
| Model | BDC465BSS |
|---|---|
| Maker | Breville |
| Capacity | 60 fl oz (12-cup) water tank |
| Carafe | Thermal, dual-wall |
| SCA certified | Yes (Luxe Brewer Thermal on the SCA list) |
| Programmable | Yes, delay start up to 24 hours |
| Brew-strength control | Custom bloom, temperature and flow; cold brew preset |
| Warranty | One year (Amazon listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you buy beans from different roasters and want to change how each is brewed, or if you want cold brew without waiting overnight. It is the most adjustable machine on this list that still makes a full carafe.
Skip it if you just want a good pot without decisions. Breville’s own predecessor, the Precision Brewer, was described by ATK as “a little overwhelming”; the Luxe is simpler on its default button, but its strength is in the settings.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fully adjustable brew
- Two filter shapes included
- Delay start and cold brew
- Long-lasting thermal carafe
Cons
- One-year warranty on the listing
- More settings than most need
- Large footprint
5. Zojirushi ZUTTO 5-Cup Coffee Maker – Compact for One or Two
Not every kitchen needs a ten-cup machine. Zojirushi’s ZUTTO brews up to five cups, a maximum of 24 ounces according to Zojirushi, in a body under nine inches wide. America’s Test Kitchen made it its Best Buy, saying it “brewed very good coffee” even though it uses a glass carafe rather than a thermal one.
The water tank comes out for filling and is fully washable, and the machine keeps the coffee warm automatically. Zojirushi rates it at 650 watts, low for a coffee maker, which suits a small kitchen circuit already running a toaster or a kettle. The carafe has a clean-pour spout, and a scoop comes in the box.
It is a simple machine: the listing does not describe a timer or strength control, so it suits people who brew by hand each morning. It is not on the SCA’s certified list.
Why we like it
- Five cups, about 24 ounces, in a small footprint
- Removable, washable water tank
- Automatic keep-warm
- ATK’s Best Buy drip coffee maker
Key specifications
| Model | EC-DAC50 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Zojirushi |
| Capacity | 5 cups, max. 24 oz (680 mL) |
| Carafe | Glass, with keep-warm |
| SCA certified | Not on the SCA list |
| Programmable | Not stated |
| Brew-strength control | Not stated |
| Warranty | One year, parts and labor |
Why we recommend it
It is the right size for one or two coffee drinkers, an apartment counter or a second machine in an office. ATK’s tasters rated its coffee well, and its small capacity means less coffee sitting on a warmer.
Skip it if you host. Five small cups disappear fast at a family breakfast, and a glass carafe on a warmer is not the place to keep coffee for hours.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact
- Washable removable tank
- Low 650-watt draw
- ATK Best Buy
Cons
- Five cups only
- Glass carafe on a warmer
- No timer described
6. Braun MultiServe Plus 10-Cup Coffee Maker – Seven Sizes and Cold Brew
Braun’s MultiServe Plus is a drip machine that does several jobs. A dial picks one of seven brew sizes, from a single cup or a travel mug to a full ten-cup carafe, with no pods. Buttons choose Gold, Bold, Over Ice or Cold Brew, and Braun says its cold brew system makes a carafe in under 13 minutes. A separate hot water dispenser fills a mug for tea or instant oatmeal without running water through the coffee path.
Braun’s FastBrew heating delivers a full pot in under eight minutes, according to the listing, and there is an auto start so the coffee can begin before you are up. The SCA lists the MultiServe Plus with Cold Brew among its certified home brewers.
The carafe sits on a warming plate, and the listing gives a three-year manufacturer warranty, longer than most machines at this level.
Why we like it
- Seven brew sizes, single cup to full carafe, no pods
- Gold, Bold, Over Ice and Cold Brew settings
- Separate hot water dispenser
- On the SCA’s certified list
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Key specifications
| Model | KF9370SI |
|---|---|
| Maker | Braun |
| Capacity | 10 cups; seven brew sizes |
| Carafe | Carafe on a warming plate (material not stated in listing) |
| SCA certified | Yes (MultiServe Plus with Cold Brew on the SCA list) |
| Programmable | Yes, auto start |
| Brew-strength control | Gold or Bold; Over Ice and Cold Brew settings |
| Warranty | Three years |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household where one person wants a travel mug at seven and the rest want a pot at nine, or where iced coffee is a summer staple. In Houston that is most of the year.
Skip it if you want the coffee kept warm without a hot plate. A warming plate keeps the pot hot but slowly changes the flavor; a thermal machine such as the OXO avoids that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Many sizes and drink styles
- Hot water for tea
- SCA certified
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Warming plate, not thermal
- More controls to learn
- Carafe material not stated
7. Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – A Big Pot for the Family Table
When the whole family comes over, a ten-cup pot is gone before the pan dulce is. The Cuisinart DCC-3200 brews 14 cups (Cuisinart counts a cup as about 5 ounces), has a 24-hour programmable timer, and offers regular or bold strength. A 1-to-4-cup setting adjusts the brew for small batches, and Brew Pause lets you pour a cup before the cycle ends.
Its warming plate has three settings, Low, Medium and High, so you can keep a big pot at the temperature you like, and the auto-off runs from zero to four hours. The listing includes a reusable gold-tone filter. Cuisinart backs it with a limited three-year warranty.
This is not a specialty-coffee machine: it does not appear on the SCA’s certified list, and the glass carafe sits on a heated plate. For a crowd, though, size, a timer and an adjustable warmer are what matter.
Why we like it
- 14-cup capacity
- 24-hour programmable, with 1-to-4-cup setting
- Regular or bold strength
- Warming plate with Low, Medium and High
- Limited three-year warranty
Key specifications
| Model | DCC-3200 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Cuisinart |
| Capacity | 14 cups (about 5 oz per cup) |
| Carafe | Glass, on an adjustable warming plate |
| SCA certified | Not on the SCA list |
| Programmable | Yes, 24 hours; auto-off 0 to 4 hours |
| Brew-strength control | Regular or bold |
| Warranty | Limited three years |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for big households, holiday mornings and the coffee after a long family dinner. It makes a lot of coffee, it can be set the night before, and it keeps the pot at a chosen temperature.
Skip it if you usually brew for one or two. A glass pot on a warmer is best drunk within an hour or so, and a big machine takes counter space you may want for something else.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large 14-cup pot
- Programmable timer
- Adjustable warming plate
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Not SCA certified
- Glass carafe on a hot plate
- Large footprint
8. Ninja Fresh Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker – Removable Reservoir, Rich Setting
The Ninja CE251 is an everyday 12-cup machine with a few practical touches. The water reservoir lifts out and carries to the sink, which makes filling easier on a counter under cabinets. Two brew styles, Classic and Rich, change the strength, and a small batch function adjusts the brew for one to four cups so a small pot is not watery, according to Ninja.
The 24-hour delay brew lets you set it up the night before. The adjustable warming plate keeps coffee warm for up to four hours, there is a mid-brew pause, and a clean setting runs a descale at the touch of a button. A permanent filter comes in the box. Note that the title gives a 70-ounce reservoir while the feature list says 60 ounces, so treat the exact figure with care.
It is not on the SCA’s certified list, and Ninja covers it with a one-year limited warranty.
Why we like it
- Removable water reservoir
- Classic and Rich brew styles
- Small batch function for 1 to 4 cups
- 24-hour delay brew and one-touch clean
Key specifications
| Model | CE251 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Ninja |
| Capacity | 12 cups; reservoir 60 oz (features) or 70 oz (title) |
| Carafe | Glass, on an adjustable warming plate |
| SCA certified | Not on the SCA list |
| Programmable | Yes, 24-hour delay brew |
| Brew-strength control | Classic or Rich; small batch setting |
| Warranty | One-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a family that drinks a pot every morning and likes it strong. The Rich setting and the small batch function cover both the big weekend pot and the quiet weekday cup.
Skip it if long warranty cover matters to you. One year is shorter than Braun’s or Cuisinart’s three, and the glass carafe sits on a warmer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy-fill removable reservoir
- Two strength styles
- Delay brew
- Permanent filter included
Cons
- One-year warranty
- Not SCA certified
- Reservoir size inconsistent in listing
9. Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – The Basics, Done Simply
The Hamilton Beach 46299J is the low-cost machine on this list, and it covers the essentials. It brews 12 cups into a borosilicate glass carafe, can be programmed up to 24 hours ahead, and offers three brew options: regular, bold, or a 1-to-4-cup setting for small batches. Auto Pause and Pour holds back the flow briefly so you can grab a cup mid-brew.
It shuts itself off after two hours. The carafe and the Lift and Clean brew basket are dishwasher safe, the warming plate is nonstick and wipes clean, and the cord tucks away. The listing does not state a warranty term, so check with Hamilton Beach.
One caution: America’s Test Kitchen did not recommend a different Hamilton Beach machine, its Front-Fill model. This 46299J is not that model, but it is also not on the SCA’s certified list, and nothing in the listing suggests it brews like the machines above. It is a dependable basic pot rather than a specialty brewer.
Why we like it
- 12-cup borosilicate glass carafe
- 24-hour programming
- Regular, bold and 1-to-4-cup options
- Dishwasher-safe carafe and brew basket
- Two-hour automatic shutoff
Key specifications
| Model | 46299J |
|---|---|
| Maker | Hamilton Beach |
| Capacity | 12 cups |
| Carafe | Borosilicate glass, on a nonstick warming plate |
| SCA certified | Not on the SCA list |
| Programmable | Yes, up to 24 hours |
| Brew-strength control | Regular or bold; 1-to-4-cup setting |
| Warranty | Not stated in listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for a first apartment, an office break room or a second machine for parties. It is programmable, easy to clean and makes a full pot.
Skip it if coffee flavor is your priority. For a little more, the OXO or the Zojirushi are the machines that reviewers and the SCA rate for the brew itself.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low cost
- Programmable
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Auto shutoff
Cons
- Not SCA certified
- Glass carafe on a warmer
- Warranty not stated
How to choose a coffee maker for your kitchen
Five things decide whether a drip machine suits you. Looks and brand name come well after them.
1. Water temperature and brew time
America’s Test Kitchen cites the SCA’s recommendation of water heated to 194 to 205°F, held in that range for the whole brew, and a full pot in under eight minutes. Cheap machines often run cooler, which gives flat, sour coffee. The SCA’s certified home brewer list is a quick way to find machines that meet its standards; the OXO, Moccamaster, Fellow, Breville Luxe and Braun MultiServe Plus here are all on it.
2. Thermal or glass carafe
A glass carafe sits on a warming plate that keeps the coffee hot by heating it, and the flavor turns bitter the longer it sits. A thermal carafe holds the heat without a burner. ATK prefers sturdy stainless thermal carafes. If you drink the pot within the hour, glass is fine; if coffee sits through a long breakfast, buy thermal.
3. Capacity
Coffee maker “cups” are small: Cuisinart, for example, counts a cup as about five ounces, so a 12-cup machine fills six or seven mugs. Count how many mugs you pour on a busy morning, not how many people live in the house. Cooks who often host a family meal should go big; one or two people are better served by a small machine such as the Zojirushi, or by one with a small-batch setting.
4. Programming and strength
A delay timer is the feature most people use every day. A “bold” or “rich” button makes stronger coffee, according to the makers that offer one. If you like strong coffee, though, using more coffee does more than any button: weigh it on a kitchen scale and you will get the same strength every morning.
5. Cleaning
Every drip machine builds up mineral scale, faster with hard water. Look for a clean or descale reminder (the SCA describes one on the OXO, and the Ninja and Cuisinart listings describe one), a removable reservoir, and dishwasher-safe baskets.
How we chose these nine coffee makers
We started from what a kitchen asks of a drip machine: hot, even brewing, a carafe that keeps coffee good, a size that matches the household, and controls a sleepy person can use. We checked every machine against the Specialty Coffee Association’s certified home brewer list, read America’s Test Kitchen’s drip coffee maker review, and took specifications from each maker’s page or Amazon listing (the research notes say which). Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked, and we searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for each brand and model and found no recall of these machines. We left out Bonavita, which ATK says is “currently in limbo” as a company, Zojirushi’s larger thermal models and other machines that showed only scarce stock, and look-alike machines from sellers with no identifiable maker. We have not brewed with these machines for this guide; where we describe how one performs, we say whose findings those are.
Café de olla and other Mexican coffee with a drip machine
Café de olla is traditionally brewed in a clay pot, the olla, with piloncillo and a stick of canela simmered into the water before the coffee goes in. A drip machine cannot simmer, but it gets you close. Brew a pot a little stronger than usual, and while it brews, warm a small saucepan of water with piloncillo and a cinnamon stick until the sugar melts. Stir the syrup into the carafe to taste. Our guide to the best piloncillo covers which cones to buy, and piloncillo versus brown sugar explains why the swap changes the flavor.
Do not put cinnamon sticks or sugar in the brew basket. Sugar can clog the filter and gum up the machine, and loose cinnamon bark does little at drip speed. A thermal carafe is the better match for café de olla because the syrup-sweetened coffee is meant to be sipped slowly.
The same pot does other jobs on a Mexican table. Cold brew from the Braun, Fellow or Breville presets mixes well with horchata for an iced drink; see the best horchata mix if you do not make your own. And on cold mornings when someone would rather have chocolate, Mexican hot chocolate and a molinillo or whisk sit happily beside the coffee pot.
Coffee maker questions, answered
What is the best coffee maker for home use?
For most homes, a compact SCA-certified machine with a thermal carafe, such as the OXO Brew 12-Cup. If you want a machine that lasts for many years and do not need a timer, the Moccamaster KBT is ATK’s top pick and carries a five-year warranty.
What is the best coffee maker for black coffee?
Black coffee shows every flaw, so water temperature and even wetting matter most. Look for a brewer on the SCA’s certified list; on this page that means the OXO, Moccamaster, Fellow Aiden, Breville Luxe or Braun MultiServe Plus.
Which coffee maker brands are best?
Brand matters less than model. Technivorm Moccamaster, OXO and Fellow make machines that the SCA certifies, and ATK recommends models from all three; Cuisinart, Ninja and Hamilton Beach make convenient, programmable machines that are not on the SCA list.
What does America’s Test Kitchen recommend?
In its automatic drip coffee maker review, ATK names the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT its winner, makes the Zojirushi ZUTTO its Best Buy and the Fellow Aiden its programmable pick; all three are on this page. ATK also recommends OXO’s smaller Brew 8-Cup; we list OXO’s 12-Cup instead because the 8-Cup was back-ordered on Amazon when we checked.
Is a thermal carafe better than glass?
For coffee that sits for more than half an hour, yes. A thermal carafe keeps it hot without a burner underneath; a glass carafe relies on a warming plate that slowly turns the coffee bitter.
What makes the best coffee maker for the money?
Pay for the things you will notice every day: correct brewing temperature, a carafe that keeps coffee good, and a timer if you want one. A simple certified brewer usually beats a cheaper machine with more buttons.
Our final pick for the morning pot
Buy the OXO Brew 12-Cup if you want one machine that brews well, from a single mug to a full pot, and keeps coffee hot without a burner. Choose the Moccamaster KBT to buy once and keep, the Fellow Aiden to wake up to coffee, and the Cuisinart 14-Cup when the whole family is at the table. On a tight budget, the Hamilton Beach makes a dependable pot. Good beans, ground fresh and weighed, matter as much as the machine; a burr grinder is the natural next purchase.
More coffee gear we’ve covered: coffee grinders, espresso machines, single-serve coffee makers, French presses, pour-over drippers, cold brew makers, milk frothers, coffee mugs, espresso grinders, travel mugs.
Drink iced coffee as often as hot? See our guide to the best iced and hot coffee makers.
More specific guides: the best office coffee makers and the best coffee makers with no plastic.
Want it to grind or do pods too? See our guides to the best grind-and-brew coffee makers and the best single and multi-serve coffee makers.
On a budget? See our guide to the best budget coffee makers.
Short on counter space? See our guide to the best coffee makers for small spaces.
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If you would rather someone else made the coffee and breakfast this Sunday, see the menu, read Mexican brunch explained, or call to order.