5 Best Coffee Makers in 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Breville Precision Brewer	For unmatched customization and consistent results
Best value	Braun BrewSense 12-Cup	Delivering quality coffee at a reasonable price
Best for heat retention	OXO 9-Cup Coffee Maker	With a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours
Best budget option	Braun Pureflavor 14-Cup	Proving you don't need to spend much for good coffee
Best for espresso lovers	Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker	For rich, full-bodied coffee similar to pour-over
Also recommended	Ratio Six Series 2	Minimalist design with a great thermal carafe
Also recommended	Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup	Compact and perfect for tight spaces
Also recommended	Ninja CE251	Top flavor for under $100

How we chose and tested

We evaluated coffee makers based on brewing performance, temperature consistency, ease of use, and value. Testing included measuring coffee temperature over time, assessing flavor extraction, and considering real-world usability factors like cleaning and maintenance. Products were compared across multiple price points and brewing styles to find the best options for different needs.

The best coffee makers right now

Breville Precision Brewer - Best overall

This programmable brewer offers professional-level control over every variable, from water temperature to bloom cycle timing. It's the choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their brew.

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Key highlights

Customizable bloom cycle duration and water flow rate
Multiple preset modes including "Fast," "Gold," and "My Brew" settings
SCA-certified brewing that reaches optimal temperature quickly
Large 12-cup capacity with thermal carafe option
Digital interface with precise temperature control

Pros

Exceptional control over brewing variables
Consistent, high-quality extraction
Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot without burning
Easy to clean and maintain
Professional-grade construction

Cons

Higher price point than basic drip makers
Learning curve for all the customization options
Takes up more counter space
Some features may be unnecessary for casual drinkers

Who it is for: Serious coffee drinkers who want to experiment with brewing variables and achieve cafe-quality results at home.

Skip if

You just want to push a button and get coffee without thinking about water flow rates or bloom cycles.

OXO 9 Cup Coffee Maker - Best for heat retention

With its excellent thermal carafe and simple operation, this coffee maker keeps your coffee at the perfect drinking temperature for hours.

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Key highlights

Double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe
Single-button operation with programmable start time
Even water distribution for consistent extraction
Carafe stays hot without a heating plate
Sleek digital interface

Pros

Coffee stays hot for hours without scorching
Simple, intuitive controls
Clean, modern design
Easy to pour carafe with tight-sealing lid
Consistent brewing performance

Cons

Carafe lid can trap old coffee grounds
Limited customization compared to premium models
Water tank and grounds basket lids require careful alignment
Higher price than basic glass carafe models

Who it is for: Households where coffee sits for a while before being finished, or anyone who hates burnt-tasting coffee from heating plates.

Skip if

You drink your coffee immediately after brewing or prefer the ritual of a glass carafe.

Braun BrewSense 12-Cup - Best value

This programmable coffee maker delivers surprisingly good coffee for its price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality.

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Key highlights

Programmable auto-brew function
Pause and serve feature
Charcoal water filtration system
12-cup capacity with glass carafe
Simple, clean interface

Pros

Excellent value for the performance
Easy to program for morning brewing
Water filtration improves taste
Reliable and consistent results
Compact design for counter space

Cons

Glass carafe requires heating plate
Basic features compared to premium models
Plastic construction feels less premium
Limited temperature control

Who it is for: Everyday coffee drinkers who want reliable, good-tasting coffee without spending a fortune.

Skip if

You need advanced brewing controls or want a thermal carafe for heat retention.

Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker - Best for espresso lovers

This SCA-certified brewer bridges the gap between drip coffee and espresso-like richness, offering a unique brewing experience.

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Key highlights

SCA certification for optimal brewing temperature
Specialized showerhead for even saturation
Programmable settings with digital display
Thermal carafe option available
Professional-grade extraction

Pros

Rich, full-bodied coffee similar to pour-over
Consistent temperature control
Even water distribution
Quiet operation
Durable construction

Cons

Higher price than basic drip makers
May be overkill for casual drinkers
Limited availability compared to mainstream brands
Some users report learning curve

Who it is for: Coffee drinkers who appreciate the complexity of pour-over coffee but want the convenience of an automatic machine.

Skip if

You prefer lighter, more traditional drip coffee or are on a tight budget.

Braun Pureflavor 14-Cup - Best budget option

Proving that good coffee doesn't require a big investment, this coffee maker delivers solid performance at an accessible price point.

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Key highlights

14-cup capacity for larger households
Programmable auto-brew function
Charcoal water filtration
Pause and serve feature
Simple, straightforward controls

Pros

Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Large capacity for families or entertaining
Water filtration improves taste
Easy to use and clean
Reliable performance

Cons

Basic features and construction
Glass carafe with heating plate
Limited temperature control
Not as durable as premium models

Who it is for: Budget-conscious buyers, college students, or anyone needing a reliable basic coffee maker.

Skip if

You want advanced features, thermal carafe, or premium construction.

Also Good

Ratio Six Series 2- minimalist design with a great thermal carafe.
Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup - compact and perfect for tight spaces.
Ninja CE251 - top flavor for under $100.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your coffee maker:

Brewing style: Drip machines are easiest, while pour-over style brewers offer more control. Single-serve machines provide convenience but can be expensive per cup.

Capacity: Match the carafe size to your household's coffee consumption. A 5-9 cup model works for 1-2 people, while 12+ cup models suit families or entertaining.

Heat retention: Thermal carafes keep coffee hot without burning it, while glass carafes on heating plates can scorch coffee over time. Choose based on how quickly you drink your coffee.

Customization: Basic models offer simple on/off brewing, while programmable machines let you set auto-brew times. Advanced brewers provide temperature control, bloom cycles, and flow rate adjustments.

Budget: While basic coffee makers can be found for under $20, good quality models typically start around $60, with excellent options available under $150. Premium models with advanced features can cost $300 or more.

FAQ

What's the difference between SCA-certified and regular coffee makers?

SCA-certified brewers meet specific standards for water temperature and brewing time, ensuring optimal extraction. They typically produce better-tasting, more consistent coffee than non-certified models.

Do I need a thermal carafe or is a heating plate okay?

Thermal carafes keep coffee at a drinkable temperature without continuing to heat it, which prevents scorching. Heating plates are fine if you drink your coffee quickly, but can burn coffee that sits for more than 30-40 minutes.

How important is water filtration?

Water filtration can significantly improve coffee taste, especially if you have hard water or noticeable chlorine in your tap water. Many coffee makers include charcoal filters, or you can use filtered water from another source.

What's better: single-serve or carafe brewers?

Single-serve machines offer convenience and variety but cost more per cup and create more waste. Carafe brewers are more economical for multiple cups and better for the environment if you use reusable filters.

How often should I clean my coffee maker?

Clean the carafe and filter basket daily. Descale with vinegar monthly if you have hard water, or every 2-3 months with soft water. Replace charcoal filters as recommended by the manufacturer.