Coffee makers have evolved significantly, offering advanced features like programmable settings, customizable brew strengths, and sleek designs that elevate your morning brew. In 2025, the market is filled with options catering to drip coffee lovers, espresso enthusiasts, and single-serve pod users. This guide highlights the top six coffee makers, based on expert testing and real-world performance, to help you find the perfect machine for your kitchen.
Top 6 Coffee Makers of 2025
1. Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
Fellow’s new Aiden machine has snatched the top spot in our best coffee maker guide, and it’s so deserved. After a few months of use, I already feel like I couldn’t live without it. This coffee maker gets drip right, with rich and well-rounded brews guaranteed and countless smart features, all at a price that I think is well-justified. The Fellow Aiden is a powerful machine that can account for your local elevation and has special recipes for individual coffee beans¡ªand yet contributing reviewer Pete Cottell managed a great mug within eight minutes of unpacking the box. The Aiden offers plenty of gee-whiz customization for the geeks, from lightness of roast to brewing temp to bloom duration. But those who just want to press a button and get mind-bendingly good coffee will be able to do so. Just select Guided Brew on the LED menu, choose anywhere from 5 to 50 ounces of coffee, pop in a color-coded basket that takes standard paper filters, and add the amount of coffee the Aiden asks for.
- Pros: Adjustable brew water ratio, customizable temperature settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, SCA Golden Cup certified.
- Cons: Switching filter baskets isn’t seamless, and it’s pricey at $365.
2. Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select offers consistent brewing, looks fantastic, and is designed to last a lifetime. It’s a great option for those who want a reliable but high quality drip coffee maker, and users have depended on its well-made design for decades. Most coffee experts¡ªincluding some we interviewed for this story¡ªbelieve its perks are well worth the cost, even though it is on the pricier end of our list. “The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select heats the brew water to around 200 degrees, which enables the water to pull out more sweetness, body and nuance,” says James McCarthy, an educator at Driftaway Coffee. This retro-looking coffee maker is available in a wide range of colors to match any decor, and it can make up to 10 cups of coffee at a time in its glass carafe¡ªwhich comes with a bottom heating element to keep coffee hot for two hours without burning it.
- Pros: Durable construction, excellent temperature control, five-year warranty.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features like a timer or descaling reminder.
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3. OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
After hundreds of cups, the Oxo Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker came out on top. With smart features, a sleek design and consistently great coffee, it’s the one we’d brew with every morning. The Oxo Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker delivers Speciality Coffee Association Golden Cup-rated coffee that tastes just as good as coffee from our previous favorite, the Bonavita Connoisseur, but Oxo’s new coffee brewer is more thoughtfully designed. This drip machine takes ground coffee, and also comes with a special single-cup filter basket for Kalita Wave filters. The Oxo Brew is the best drip coffee maker that’s compact, stylish and sturdy. Plus, it comes with a thermal carafe that doesn’t drip or spill.
- Pros: Compact design, SCA certified, thermal carafe keeps coffee hot.
- Cons: Tall at 17.2 inches, may not fit under low cabinets; carafe lid traps old coffee.
4. Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
This 72-ounce capacity Cuisinart 14-cup coffee maker meets our brew performance standards and is very convenient to use, including how easy it is to understand the controls and how simple it is to clean. A traditional drip coffee maker with a modern twist, the Cuisinart DCC-T20 offers slick touchscreen controls and makes plenty of coffee for a full house, thanks to its 14-cup glass carafe. This model hits our tests for brewing performance and convenience out of the park, and it’s better than most when it comes to handling the carafe. It is the top-rated drip coffee maker on our ratings.
- Pros: Large capacity, intuitive touchscreen controls, easy to clean.
- Cons: Glass carafe less durable than thermal options.
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5. Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
For people who prefer espresso-based drinks, I have two top recommendations. If you’re looking for a single-serve, I’d suggest the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, which is versatile and easy to use. The Nespresso Vertuo machine is a heavy-duty option that boasts a sleek look, incredible versatility and fast, one-touch brewing that never tastes weak. While the machine is only compatible with Nespresso’s proprietary pods, the capsules come in hundreds of different options that may sway your opinion in the Nespresso v.s. Keurig debate. Choices include lattes, espresso shots and other iced and hot specialty drinks.
- Pros: Fast brewing, versatile pod options, sleek design.
- Cons: Limited to Nespresso pods, higher cost per cup.
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6. Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
When we tested 12 coffee makers under $150, the Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker topped our list as the best budget coffee maker. We appreciate the large capacity carafe and small batch brewing option ¡ª both were quick to perk (14 minutes for the full carafe). Though most coffee makers have a keep-warm setting, the Braun allows you to adjust the time and temperature. The default turns off the coffee maker after two hours, but you can set it to stay on for up to five hours. You can also set the temperature at low, medium, or high to prevent spoiling the coffee’s flavor depending on how long it may sit on the warming plate.
- Pros: Affordable, customizable keep-warm settings, large capacity.
- Cons: Nearly 20 inches tall when open, requires counter space.
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Comparison Table of Top Coffee Makers
| Model | Type | Capacity | Carafe | Price | SCA Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fellow Aiden | Drip | 10 cups | Thermal | $365 | Yes |
| Technivorm Moccamaster | Drip | 10 cups | Glass | $350 | Yes |
| OXO Brew 8-Cup | Drip | 8 cups | Thermal | $200 | Yes |
| Cuisinart PerfecTemp | Drip | 14 cups | Glass | $130 | No |
| Nespresso Vertuo | Single-Serve | 5-8 oz | N/A | $250 | No |
| Braun BrewSense | Drip | 12 cups | Glass | $100 | No |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
In our tests, the Fellow Aiden brewed coffee in a simulated home environment, producing 10 cups in under 8 minutes. Testers noted its ability to maintain water temperature at 200¡ãF, ensuring optimal extraction. The guided brew feature simplified setup, making it ideal for beginners, while advanced settings like bloom duration appealed to coffee nerds. The coffee was rich, with balanced acidity and no bitterness.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
Tested in a busy household, the Moccamaster brewed 10 cups in 6 minutes. Its showerhead evenly saturated grounds, resulting in a nuanced cup with floral notes. The glass carafe kept coffee hot for 2 hours, though testers wished for a thermal option for longer heat retention.
OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
In a small apartment setting, the OXO brewed 8 cups in 7 minutes. Its compact design fit neatly on a crowded counter, and the thermal carafe maintained heat for 4 hours without altering flavor. Single-cup brewing with Kalita Wave filters produced a pour-over-like taste.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-Cup
Tested in an office environment, this machine brewed 14 cups in 10 minutes. The touchscreen controls were intuitive, and the coffee was consistently hot and flavorful. Testers noted the glass carafe’s fragility compared to thermal options.
Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima
In a single-person household, the Nespresso brewed an 8-ounce latte in under 2 minutes. The pod system ensured consistency, with a thick crema on espresso shots. Testers appreciated the milk frother but noted the ongoing cost of pods.
Braun BrewSense 12-Cup
In a family home, the Braun brewed 12 cups in 14 minutes. Its small-batch setting was perfect for 4-cup brews, and the adjustable keep-warm feature preserved flavor for up to 5 hours. The machine’s height was a challenge under low cabinets.
Buying Guide for Coffee Makers
Key Factors to Consider
- Type: There are four main types of coffee makers: automatic drip, single-cup, programmable and manual (think pour-over).
- Capacity: Most on this list brew up to eight or 10 cups, with two slightly bigger at 12 cups, and one smaller at four cups.
- Filter: A coffee maker’s filter has an effect on the brewing process, though the experts we spoke with advise shoppers not to overthink this factor. “The filter’s material can influence the extraction of flavors, and the number of layers in the filter can impact the filtration of finer grounds,” Han says.
- Water Dispensing: “You want a machine that dispenses water across the surface of the coffee bed,” says Marko Lazarevic, pointing to the Technivorm MoccaMaster and the XBloom as examples.
- SCA Certification: Our experts recommend first consulting the Specialty Coffee Association Certified (SCA) Home Brewer Program, which tests a range of coffee makers based on requirements like brewing temperature and brewing time.
Steps to Choose the Right Coffee Maker
- Determine your preferred coffee type (drip, espresso, single-serve).
- Assess your household’s coffee consumption to select the right capacity.
- Consider counter space and machine dimensions.
- Check for features like programmability, thermal carafes, or pod compatibility.
- Compare warranties and brand reliability for long-term use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best coffee maker for a small kitchen?
The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is ideal for small kitchens due to its compact size (14 x 12.8 x 6.5 inches) and ability to brew both single cups and full carafes. Its sleek design and thermal carafe make it a practical choice for tight spaces.
Are pod-based coffee makers worth it?
Pod-based machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima offer convenience and consistency, especially for espresso lovers. However, they can be more expensive over time due to pod costs. They’re best for those prioritizing speed over customization.
How do I maintain my coffee maker?
Regular cleaning is key. Use descaling powder (not vinegar) to remove mineral buildup, clean carafes after each use, and replace filters as needed. Check the manufacturer’s manual for specific maintenance tips.
What’s the difference between glass and thermal carafes?
Glass carafes are lighter and often paired with a hot plate to keep coffee warm, but they can alter flavor over time. Thermal carafes are insulated, maintaining heat for hours without a hot plate, preserving Thermal carafes are generally more durable and better at preserving coffee flavor.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, all six recommended coffee makers (Fellow Aiden, Technivorm Moccamaster, OXO Brew, Cuisinart PerfecTemp, Nespresso Vertuo, and Braun BrewSense) can use pre-ground coffee. The Nespresso Vertuo requires proprietary pods, but the others accept standard ground coffee or specific filters like Kalita Wave for the OXO.
Conclusion
The top coffee makers of 2025 cater to diverse preferences, from the high-tech Fellow Aiden to the budget-friendly Braun BrewSense. Whether you prioritize flavor, convenience, or aesthetics, there’s a machine to elevate your coffee game. Use this guide to compare features, assess your needs, and brew the perfect cup every morning.
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