Best Coffee Maker of 2024: Tested and Reviewed

Best Coffee Makers

There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing the right coffee maker for your house or place of business. Whether you're brewing for one person or the entire family, you need something that meets your requirements. Let's take a look at some of the best coffee makers for 2024—all of them have been tried, tested, and evaluated to help you choose wisely.

Ninja Coffee Maker

Model: Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker

The Ninja CM401 is a good choice if you want to mix up your coffee routine. With this machine, you can prepare rich specialty drinks like lattes and iced coffee in addition to traditional coffee. It has a built-in frother that whip up creamy drinks very easy and a drip-stop system that prevents spills. But many users—including me—have detected a slight taste of plastic, which could be related to the water tank. In general, it is adaptable and easy to use, although there are a few minor issues.

Key Features:

▶ Built-in frother: Perfect for specialized beverages such as lattes or cappuccinos.

▶ Select from four different brew settings: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty.

▶ Practical design: The sturdy carafe is protected from spills by the drip-stop system.

▶ Con: A few customers say they taste a little plastic, which could be related to the water tank.

Cuisinart Coffee Maker

Model: Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

For those who need to brew larger batches, this Cuisinart coffee maker is a solid choice. It has a capacity of up to 14 cups, which is great for families or offices. You can also adjust the warming plate to keep your coffee hot for longer. However, the interface can be a little tricky to use, and sometimes the water distribution isn’t even, which can affect the coffee quality. Despite these small drawbacks, it’s reliable for those who need more coffee in one go.

Key Features:

▶ Large capacity: Brews up to 14 cups of coffee.

▶ Adjustable warming plate: Keeps coffee hot for longer.

▶ User challenges: The interface can be confusing, and water distribution is uneven at times.

▶ Easy to clean: The carafe and filter are dishwasher-safe.

SMEG Coffee Maker

Model: SMEG Retro Style Drip Coffee Maker

The SMEG coffee maker wins on aesthetics if that's your top priority, because to its gorgeous retro 1950s design. However, despite its amazing appearance on your kitchen counter, its functionality is limited. It’s made mostly of plastic, which doesn’t feel as premium, and it’s a bit awkward to fill with water. Plus, the carafe isn’t dishwasher-safe, and it only keeps coffee warm for an hour. If you’re after style, it’s a winner, but it’s not the most practical option for everyday use.

Key Features:

▶ Pros: Gorgeous vintage design, programmable timer for convenience.

▶ Cons: Plastic build, difficult to fill, and limited keep-warm time. Carafe isn’t dishwasher-safe.

Iced Coffee Maker

Model: Nespresso Vertuo Next

For pod coffee lovers, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is a stylish and easy-to-use machine that brews various types of coffee, from espresso to larger cups. Although it only functions with Nespresso Vertuo pods, its Bluetooth connectivity helps in machine maintenance and updates. Also, the milk frother is not adjustable, which can be a drawback if you prefer to regulate the temperature of your froth. Despite this, it’s a good fit for anyone who loves the convenience of pod coffee.

Key Features:

▶ Pros: Sleek design, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple drink sizes.

▶ Cons: Only compatible with Vertuo pods, no temperature control for the frother.

Read More About: Nespresso Vertuo Next vs Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Cafe Specialty Drip Coffee Maker

If you're looking for a high-quality, smart coffee maker, the Cafe Specialty Drip Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice. With precise temperature controls (185-205°F) and Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification, it guarantees rich, flavorful coffee every time. The app and voice controls let you manage your brew remotely, making mornings easier. However, Wi-Fi setup can be tricky, and the loud alert when brewing finishes might surprise you.

Key Points:

▶ Precise temperature settings

▶ SCA certification

▶ Smart device integration

▶ Tricky Wi-Fi setup

Specs:

▶ Brews up to 10 cups

▶ Dimensions: 7.3"W x 12.5"D x 14"H.

Things to Consider When Buying a Coffee Maker

Brewing Method:

Consider your preferred method of coffee brewing. Which type of coffee maker do you like better, an espresso maker or a basic dripper? Espresso machines can produce a greater variety of drinks, but drip machines are generally more affordable and easier to operate.

Price:

There is wide range of prices for coffee makers. While more expensive espresso machines might cost hundreds of dollars, a basic drip machine can just cost a few dollars. Remember that a machine with more features is likely to cost more money.

Size and Capacity:

Think about how much coffee you usually drink. If you drink coffee alone, a smaller machine might be sufficient. However, a machine with a bigger capacity is definitely a better option for families or offices.

Extra Features:

Some coffee makers have extra features like milk frothers, inbuilt grinders, and programmable timers. If you want to add personal touches to your coffee, these extras could be worth the cost.

Ease of Cleaning:

Check how simple it is to clean your coffee maker. While simpler versions usually only need a quick rinse of a few parts, complex models that have milk frothers or grinders may require more care.

How We Tested the Best Coffee Makers

We brewed a range of coffee drinks, from single servings to entire pots, to test these machines. The coffee's taste, temperature, convenience of use, and any extra features like frothers or smart connectivity were all evaluated by our review team.

Whatever your coffee demands could be, we've put hours of testing into creating this list of the best coffee makers to help you create the perfect drink.