The 8 Best Coffee Machines of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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For lovers of cold brew, pour-over coffee, espresso, and more
People / Russell Kilgore
You don’t have to hang out in a coffee shop all day to be a certified caffeine aficionado (though TV casts certainly make it look fun). Whether you prefer espresso, cold brew, pour-over coffee, drip coffee, or Keurig cups, we have tried a latte of coffee machines to find you the best, boldest brews. In fact, Pinterest has predicted a new trend for 2024 — dubbed Cafécore — where coffee carts and at-home coffee stations will be a new focal point in your kitchen.
Having tested almost 170 coffee machines, we not only found the best in every category for your kitchen but we are also now energized for life. Be your own barista in 2024 and try one of the best coffee machines PEOPLE tested.
Best Keurig Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
Pros
It has features like timed brewing and an automatic shut-off should you step away before your coffee is ready.
This Keurig can be used for individual cups or a full carafe for drip coffee.
The assembly was simple and the system worked more efficiently than any other Keurig we tested.
Cons
Single-serve pods can be more bitter than freshly ground coffee beans.
It was one of the more expensive Keurig models we tried.
Keurig machines can simplify the morning coffee process, especially if you just like one cup while you get ready for the day, making them a nice gift option for women and men alike. With this Keurig, the instructions were clear and the setup was easy: We were happily drinking a cup of coffee just 15 minutes after unboxing the machine. It was simple to use for all levels of coffee drinkers — from beginner to connoisseur.
We especially loved the automatic shut-off feature so you can walk away while your coffee is brewed. There are several cup sizes you can choose from, and we found the 10-ounce cup to taste the best, whereas the six-ounce was a touch bitter. While the machine is a little large for some countertops, and more expensive than some Keurig coffee makers (due to the dual functionality), you can’t beat the convenience and quality of this coffee machine.
(If you're looking for a single serve option, we recommend the affordable Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker.)
Capacity: 12 cups | Dimensions: 7.68 x 15.88 x 14.9 inches | Brew Options: 6, 8, 10, or 12-cup carafe and a 6, 8, 10, or 12-ounce cup | Reservoir Size: 60 ounces | Coffee Type: Drip or single serve
Best Coffee Machine with Grinder: Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker
Pros
The digital display clearly lets you know how long the coffee will brew.
The carafe is insulated to ensure the coffee stays warm in between cups.
We found this coffee machine to make consistently smooth brews.
Cons
The instructions left us estimating how much water we should include.
It’s more bulky than some machines we tested and might take up too much space in small kitchens.
We compared 20 various coffee machines with grinders, and The Grind showed the most rise-and-grind energy. We were impressed with the setup process: It only took six minutes to get a fully brewed pot of coffee and the results were consistent with a smooth taste. Plus, there were no leftover grounds or residue at the bottom. The only lament with the setup is the instructions didn’t indicate the ideal water-to-bean ratio, so we had to guess on that.
It’s not overly large, but the machine itself is a little bulky — so if you’re limited on counter space that might be a consideration. That said, it has many features that secured its spot as our best overall choice. The Breville coffee machine has everything you need: an insulated carafe, stainless steel travel mug, and digital display that shows you when the coffee starts heating and how long the brew will take. Plus, it has dishwasher-safe removable pieces and is a breeze to clean.
Makes Drip Coffee: Yes | Makes Espresso: No | Milk Frother: No | Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 12 cups
Best Celebrity-Loved: Nespresso by De'Longhi Evoluo Coffee and Espresso Maker
Pros
It brews coffee and espresso, with multiple size options for each.
The machine made the “smoothest, most flavorful cup of coffee,” per our tester.
You can recycle the pods through Nespresso’s recycling program.
You can use multiple types of pods and it adjusts automatically.
Cons
You have to push down hard on the machine after inserting the pod.
When Oprah Winfrey recommends something — people listen. That’s why she has an entire List of Favorite Things published annually, and this Nespresso coffee machine earned a spot a few years ago. Our team tried a series of celebrity-loved coffee machines, including favorites of Taylor Swift, Jennifer Aniston, and Emma Chamberlain.
The Oprah favorite, however, really impressed us with its dual function: Brewing both regular coffee and espresso (with multiple size options for each). One tester said, “This machine brews the smoothest, most flavorful cup of coffee or espresso,” adding that it had just the right amount of crema. It brewed quickly and heated up in just 20 seconds. Plus, it has an automatic shut-off function and lets you know when it’s time to clean the device with a handy alarm.
While you have to really push down on the top once you insert the pod, the overall quality of the coffee machine makes that a minor inconvenience. You can use any type of pod and the machine will adjust accordingly, and when you’re finished you can recycle the pod through Nespresso’s recycling program.
Makes Drip Coffee: Yes | Makes Espresso: Yes | Milk Frother: Yes | Dimensions: 9 x 12.2 x 12.3 inches | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Heat-Up Time: 15–20 seconds
Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Origami Japan Pour Over Coffee Dripper
See at Greatergoodsroasting.com
Pros
The machine’s setup process was straightforward.
It created a smooth cup of coffee with balanced flavors.
You can choose from more than a dozen colors.
Cons
You have to hand-wash this coffee maker.
The dripper holders and filters are sold separately.
For anyone who loves pure coffee with a more specialized pour, the Origami Dripper creates a tasty sip. We tried a series of pour-over coffee machines and this one easily claimed the top spot. Our tester said they normally prefer creamer but would easily have consumed the whole cup without it, given the good flavor.
The coffee maker was simple to set up and use, and the instructions were clear. The cup of coffee we produced was smooth and balanced in flavor, with notes of acidity. The machine has two components that are easy to hand wash, but the dripper and filters are sold separately.
Material: Porcelain | Brew Size: 1-2 cups | Dishwasher Safe: No
Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: OXO Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Pros
This cold brew coffee maker was user-friendly and simple to set up.
We found this model has a portable design that’s convenient to travel with.
It had consistent and delicious results.
Cons
If you get the smaller model, the max capacity is 16 ounces at once for each brew.
If cold brew is your go-to coffee order, you can make an impressive cup in the comfort of your home with the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker. We tested a series of cold brew machines, but the OXO machine stood out thanks to the strong cup of coffee it brewed. The sleek system fits in your fridge overnight and evenly distributes water over the grounds, so you have fresh coffee in the morning — it takes about 12 hours to brew. Its compact design is highly portable: We just wish it had a larger capacity to enjoy more of the delicious cold brew.
Capacity: 16 ounces | Filter Type: Stainless steel mesh | Materials: Glass and plastic | Weight: 1.39 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, partially
Best Drip Coffee Maker: OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker
Pros
It has a lightweight and portable design.
The single-serve feature allows you to create individualized cups and reduce waste.
The stainless steel carafe is insulated and keeps coffee fresh and hot.
Cons
There aren’t many customized options, and it doesn’t have a pause brew feature.
If you like a reliable cup of coffee every morning, the OXO Brew Coffee Maker is your machine. We tested a wealth of drip coffee makers perfect for folks who like a whole carafe of freshly brewed coffee. The lightweight design is easy to move around and store, but it’s so sleek you might want to just leave it out on your counter.
One of our favorite features is the single-brew setting so you can cut down on waste when a whole carafe isn’t needed. The double-walled stainless steel carafe and thick lid keep the heat locked in so your coffee stays fresh longer. We wish it had a pause brew feature and more programmable features, but overall we think this coffee machine is a stellar value.
Capacity: 5 cups | Single-Serve Capability: Yes | Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 10.29 pounds | Features: Cleaning mode, single-serve capacity, thermal carafe, removable well cover for tall mugs
Best Espresso Machine: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Pros
The milk frother made fluffy foam that tasted delicious and maintained its temperature.
It’s compact and can fit on narrow counters.
The machine made high-quality espresso shots.
Cons
You have to purchase a coffee grinder separately if you don’t want pre-ground coffee.
It took a few different types of coffee beans to find the one that made truly excellent espresso.
The espresso shots weren’t consistent in temperature and ranged from 157 to 173 degrees Fahrenheit.
When we tested espresso machines, the Breville Bambino Plus really woke us up with its user-friendly system, high-quality milk frother, and delicious espresso results. Though it doesn’t come with a grinder, we used pre-ground coffee beans (of which finer grounds had the best outcome).
If you’re a fan of lattes and cappuccinos, the milk frother will dazzle you with multiple foam settings that create thick, velvety froth. There are a series of clear buttons so you can choose the temperature, single vs. double shots, foam thickness, and more. We also loved the ease of setup and cleaning with this espresso machine.
Grinder: No | Frother: Yes | Dimensions: 12 x 6.75 x 12 inches | Espresso Shot Pulls: Single and double | Machine Type: Semi-automatic
Best Camping Coffee Maker: Bestargot Titanium Cup Camping Coffee Mug
Pros
The French press made a robust cup of coffee during our tests.
The compact size and collapsible handle make it simple to pack for any adventure.
It’s versatile enough to cook soup and other liquids.
Cons
It only makes three cups at a time.
If you’re planning a rustic getaway in the woods but don’t want to go without coffee, this lightweight camping coffee mug is the perfect accessory to pack along with your two-person tent. It easily beat the others we tested due to its compact size and efficient design. The titanium mug and sturdy lid kept the coffee warm during our test, and the collapsible handle made for easy storage and transport.
It only makes three cups, so it might not be as conducive to large groups. Our testers were delighted by the “delicious” cup of coffee the mug made, and we appreciated its versatility — as it could be used for cooking soup or other liquids as well. Given the affordable price, it's also a great option for a white elephant gift that's both cool and useful.
Dimensions: 3.94 x 4.33 inches | Weight: 7.5 ounces | Capacity: 3 cups
You'll Also Need
If you're in the market for a coffee maker, you may also need a coffee grinder. Luckily for you, we tested those, too.
In comparing a series of top-rated coffee grinders, we were dazzled by the Bodum Bistro Premium Burr Grinder. Not only was it intuitive to use with clear instructions, but it also had a range of 12 settings — including three grinding settings of fine, medium, and coarse — so you could create the right texture.
It whipped up a perfect grind for everything from French press to espresso and made consistent grinds each time. We loved that it was fairly quiet for a coffee grinder, and its easy operation makes it a good option for beginners. The coffee grinder was also simple to clean — we just used a damp paper towel and it looked good as new.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Coffee Machine
Type of Coffee
Everyone has their preferences and there’s a coffee machine made for each one. If your go-to is cold brew, the OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker can’t be beaten. For those with a taste for espresso, the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine and Nespresso VertuoLine Evoluo Machine by De'Longhi are solid choices. And if you love the ornate nature of pour-over coffee, the Origami Japan Pour-Over Coffee Dripper was our favorite by a long shot.
Brew Capacity
When buying a coffee machine, you’ll want to consider how much coffee you’ll need regularly. If you live alone and only drink one or two cups a day, a single-serve Keurig, like the Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker, might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you have several people needing coffee in the morning or go through more than a few cups yourself, a full carafe might be the better option — such as the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker.
Extra Features
Some coffee machines keep it simple, while others have all the bells and whistles. If you like lattes, you might want a machine that has a built-in frother (alternatively buy a separate milk frother you can also use for other beverages). For those who like freshly ground coffee, you could buy a coffee machine with a grinder like the Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker. The design features could also play a role in your decision such as the collapsible handle on the Bestargot Titanium Cup Camping Coffee Mug which makes it ideal for camping.
People / Nick Simpson
Testing the Breville Bambino Plus Espresso MachineHow We Tested Coffee Machines
Collectively we tested nearly 170 coffee machines across several categories such as pour-over coffee, espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, and more. In general, we looked at a few important qualities when testing each type of coffee machine:
Ease of Use: In most cases, we looked at the setup of the machines and how long it took for each to start brewing. In some cases, we also considered the noise level since that first-morning coffee might be made while others are sleeping. For the camping coffee makers test, we also factored in portability and durability, placing each coffee maker into backpacks and dropping them.
Functionality: We considered the various types of machines such as automatic or semi-automatic when testing the process and effectiveness of each coffee machine. With Keurigs, we made cups of coffee ranging from six to 12 ounces and checked if the volume was correct for each. With carafe models we tested full carafes, checking for consistent temperature. With grinders, we also looked at the consistency of the coffee grounds.
Taste: To keep things comparable, we used the same type of coffee for each machine within a category. For instance, with espresso machines, we used the same coffee beans and milk for steaming and making froth for cappuccinos or lattes. When we compared coffee grinders, we honed in on flavor notes and whether the coffee was too bitter or acidic, as well as the strength of the brew.
Maintenance: Following most tests, each coffee machine was thoroughly cleaned to check the ease of that process and see if any elements would make it a challenge to maintain over time.
People / Will Dickey
Pouring coffee into the Oxo Brew 8-Cup Coffee MakerFrequently Asked Questions
Are coffee machines better with beans or pods?
If you consider yourself a coffee enthusiast who likes the authentic taste of freshly brewed coffee from beans, then a coffee machine that uses grounds or beans will be best. If convenience and efficiency are most important to you, then you can’t beat the quick service of a pod coffee machine. Its relatively compact size and color options often make it a popular choice for a Christmas or Valentine's Day gift.
What is the average lifespan of a coffee machine?
Most coffee machines will last around five years, with some powering through even longer. It comes down to how well you maintain it, in addition to the quality of the parts. So it’s not unreasonable to spend a little more on a quality coffee machine because you will likely use it for a while.
What is the difference between espresso and regular coffee machines?
According to Serious Eats, these machines vary based on the type of coffee they are designed to make. So for espresso, a coffee machine needs to have high water pressure and really fine coffee grounds so it creates a more concentrated flavor. It also usually has a layer of foam — or crema — on top and can be mixed with milk to make drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Other coffee machines, like several on our list, can be designed to make pour-over coffee or French press.
People / Russell Kilgore
Testing Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker in our Pour Over Coffee Maker TestWhy Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across home, travel, and beauty. In the kitchen space, she’s covered wine decanters, nonstick cookware, and more, and though Madison’s guilty of frequent Starbucks visits, our team has collectively vetted almost 170 coffee machines for pour-over, drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, and other delicious brews. Madison also researched the various types of machines to learn more about the nuances of each type of coffee and which machines excel at the perfect cup ‘o joe.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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