The Best Coffee Makers for Your Money — and Barista Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup at Home
There's no reason to settle for a so-so cup of coffee. All you need is a good coffee maker that suits your preferred style and taste, along with a few expert tips on how to brew great coffee, for a delicious cup every time.
Quite simply, finding the ideal coffee maker for your needs and using the same techniques employed by professional baristas can take your coffee-making to a whole new level.
When we started looking into coffee makers, we wanted to expand beyond basic automatic drip machines and the very popular espresso makers that many people already have in their homes. We made sure to consider devices for each brewing method to allow for most (if not all) taste preferences and skill levels.
To better understand different coffee maker types and how you can improve or tweak each method of brewing, we spoke with Tyler Schultz, Head of Coffee at MistoBox coffee subscription, and with Master Barista Giorgio Milos, from illycaffé. After talking to the experts and evaluating many products, here are the options we ultimately found to be the top coffee makers of 2023.
Best Overall: Bodum Chambord French Press
Best for Traveling: AeroPress
Best for Medium to Light Roasts: Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker
Best Value: Bialetti Venus Stainless Steel Induction Espresso Maker
Best for Dark Roasts and Fine Grind: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Best for Large Households: Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Comparing the Finest Coffee Makers of 2023
LUXHAUS Coffee Maker - Best Overall
Elevate your coffee game with the LUXHAUS Coffee Maker, a true delight for espresso aficionados. Crafted for those who savor the robust flavor of a full-bodied cup, this stainless steel moka pot brings the authentic espresso experience to your kitchen. Brewing perfection, the coffee maker produces three espresso-sized cups in one go, each cup brimming with rich intensity. Skip the daily coffee shop routine and impress your friends with your barista skills from the comfort of home.
Experience the utmost in taste with this meticulously designed moka pot. Crafted from food-safe, high-quality stainless steel, it guarantees not only impeccable taste but also your well-being. Say goodbye to bitterness, instant coffee, and questionable materials – LUXHAUS promises a no-rust guarantee, ensuring your mornings remain worry-free. Versatility is its forte. Compatible with gas, electric, and even induction stovetops, this coffee maker is your passport to coffee-happiness wherever you are. Rapid heating ensures your espresso fix is just minutes away using this best overall product, whether you're brewing on a stovetop or a camping stove.
Pros:
- Brews three espresso-sized cups (6oz total) for a true coffee indulgence
- Designed for discerning coffee lovers who appreciate full-bodied flavor
- Constructed with food-safe stainless steel for taste and well-being
Cons:
- May be too small for parties
coffee press Coffee Maker - Best Overall
Elevate your coffee experience with the coffee press Coffee Maker, a game-changer designed for coffee and tea aficionados seeking the perfect brew. With innovative features and thoughtful design, this French press promises a smooth and flavorful cup every time. The ingenious winged-nut design sets this French press apart, making it the easiest to use on the planet. Bid farewell to broken filters and knobs – this is the ultimate solution for hassle-free brewing. Craft your best cup of coffee or tea right at home, achieving perfection with every press.
Durability is at the core of this coffee maker. Constructed with heat-resistant borosilicate glass and fortified with patented stainless-steel components, it ensures long-lasting performance without rusting. The highlight is the double-screen filter technology, meticulously engineered to keep grounds and fine granules out of your precious brew. Serve yourself a single cup or treat your friends to a freshly brewed pot with this best overall coffee maker.
Pros:
- Durable construction with heat-resistant glass
- Double-screen filter technology ensures grounds-free, flavorful brews
- Perfect gift for coffee lovers
Cons:
- Little expensive
Bodum Chambord French Press: Best Overall
List Price: $55.00
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If you’re in the market for a French press coffee maker, chances are you’ve seen the Bodum name. At roughly $30 for the three-cup version and $40 for the eight-cup, the Chambord, used and recommended by Giorgio Milos, is one of the best values you can get. It features high-quality materials throughout, from its sturdy borosilicate glass beaker to its stainless steel frame, as opposed to other models with all plastic beakers, frames and handles.
Schultz recommends the French press for anyone looking to make that first jump from automatic coffee makers to other, more hands-on methods. “It’s the easiest method to brew delicious coffee and the most difficult method to mess up,” Schultz says of the French press. On top of that, Bodum is a trusted brand with good customer service and a wide array of accessories, including separately sold glass beakers in case your toddler tries to make you a nice French press coffee.
Pros
- User-friendly design for consistent results
- Sturdy glass and stainless steel construction
- No electricity or paper filters required
Cons
- Requires optimal grind size for best results
- May be difficult to clean the filter
AeroPress: Best for Traveling
List Price: $39.95
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The AeroPress is a patented, unique device that promises to create the “ideal conditions” for coffee. According to Milos and Schultz, the device’s limited capacity is its main drawback. Yet its small size makes it very portable, so it's ideal for travel.
There are so many things you can customize with an AeroPress, which is why it’s Schultz’s candidate for the most versatile coffee maker. You can vary the grind size and steeping time. You can get a reusable metal filter to avoid waste — and a stronger, full-bodied brew — or use disposable paper filters if you want a lighter body and less time at the sink. Overall, the AeroPress is a modern, tough-built device that can brew high-quality coffee wherever you are in the world, especially if you experiment and find how it can work best for you.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for on-the-go brewing
- Materials are free of BPA and phthalates
- Very quick and easy to clean
Cons
- Only brews 10 ounces at a time
- Not ideal for making espresso
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker: Best for Medium to Light Roasts
List Price: $47.03
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While there are many look-alikes out there, the original Chemex’s famously attractive design hasn’t changed since its invention in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, and it still outshines the competition. The hourglass shape accommodates the filter on top, without sacrificing space at the bottom and giving you a nice grip in the middle. It's made of borosilicate glass, which is extremely resistant to heat and sudden temperature changes. This also helps keep your brew clean due to its non-porous nature. The only piece of the Chemex that will interact with your coffee is the proprietary filter, which is thick enough to keep any sediment or oil from seeping into your coffee. That’s why this coffee maker is often recommended for those who really want to taste the nuances of coffee.
The company has several different models, but we like the six- or eight-cup classics the best. They’re great bang-for-your-buck options, the original wood handle look is beautiful and unique, and the size doesn't take up too much space, making this an excellent product.
Pros
- Durable, heat-resistant glass construction
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- Somewhat small capacity
- Does not keep coffee hot
Bialetti Venus Stainless Steel Induction Espresso Maker: Best Value
List Price: $52.61
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Found in millions of Italian homes, the distinctive Bialetti Moka pot hasn’t changed much since its invention in 1933, and for good reason. Simply put, it makes great coffee and is, hands down, one of the most reliable pieces of kitchenware you can buy.
The Moka pot comes in a wide variety of looks and prices, from less than $10 for the traditional, two-cup pot, to more than $70 for the more modern versions. Unlike its more expensive cousin, the espresso machine, the Bialetti barely needs any maintenance and even the least expensive models are known to last for decades.
Bialetti’s stainless steel six-cup Venus model has a heat-resistant handle and a sleek, stainless steel construction that can be used on both regular and induction cooktops. It’s important to note that this Bialetti will make enough for about six espresso cups, not full 8-ounce cups. If you live in a multi-coffee drinker household or like a full mug in the morning, you might want to spend a bit more on the six-cup pot. Otherwise, Bialetti’s Venus offers reliable and smooth, full-bodied coffee, at a very affordable price.
Pros
- Barely requires any maintenance
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- Packaging may be damaged
- Seal may leak water
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine: Best for Dark Roasts and Fine Grind
List Price: $749.95
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A top brand, Breville is no newcomer to the coffee game, and the Barista Express is one of its best all-around espresso machines, with an included grinder, tamper and pitcher. Its built-in burr grinder allows you to choose from 16 different grind sizes. The grinder itself is very easy to clean, which tends to be a hassle with other machines. It has a milk frothing wand that bends 360 degrees, so no matter where you place it, you’ll find a nice angle to position your pitcher.
As a semi-automatic coffee maker, it does require more work from you, but this is part of its beauty. You get to select the grind size and the amount of grinds that’ll fall in your portafilter. In the package, you get both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets. When using these, you’ll need to figure out what the perfect grind is (with the integrated grinder and knob) and how much grounds you’ll need (there’s a knob for that too). You tamp it yourself, and while brewing you can follow the integrated pressure gauge to see if your brew is doing well. All in all, we found the Breville BES870XL Barista Express to be an excellent premium model that gives you a genuine espresso-making experience.
Pros
- Delivers authentic café-style espresso
- Offers impressive control over grind size
- Grinds freshly ground coffee on demand
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Large size compared to other models
Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 14 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker: Best for Large Households
List Price: $99.95
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If all you want is the simple ability to make large batches of quality coffee for your household, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars. The Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 is a 14-cup coffee maker, so in seconds you can brew enough coffee for your entire day or hand out mugs during a large breakfast. It has a programmable timer, so you can set it up for the next day as soon as you drink the first batch.
The machine also addresses some problems common to drip coffee machines: water temperature, water distribution and the hotplate. It keeps temperatures between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit and has temperature control for the hotplate, so your coffee will be warm, not burnt. This pick also distributes water more evenly than other machines, ensuring you get the most out of your grounds.
The Cuisinart brews better coffee than most drip machines, it delivers extra features you don't find in similar models, and it's sold at a reasonable price. That's why it is a solid all-around machine for avid coffee drinkers.
Pros
- Impressive large-capacity pitcher
- Programmable timer for automatic brewing
- Advanced heat technology for keeping coffee warm
Cons
- Short power cord
- Backlit display cannot be dimmed
How to Make Great Coffee at Home
Upping your coffee game does require a little time and effort, but there are some easy tricks to help you make a better cup of joe. Coffee expert Tyler Schultz and Master Barista Giorgio Milos explained some of the methods they use.
The first step to upping your coffee game is simple: buy fresh, whole beans and grind them yourself. This is why both Milos and Schultz agree that your first purchase should be a burr grinder.
A burr grinder, as opposed to a less expensive blade grinder, allows for more precise grinding of the beans and gives you more control. As you’ll read below, each method favors a different grind size, because the grind size will determine, in part, how the coffee beans’ components are released into the water. Even if you only have a drip machine, freshly ground coffee will improve the experience.
Schultz personally recommends the Baratza Virtuoso grinder. At $249, that model is on the pricey side, but Baratza also has some more budget-friendly models, like the Encore ($159), which he considers “one of the best value grinders out there.”
How to Brew Great Coffee With Any Kind of Coffee Maker
Drip coffee maker
In addition to using fresh beans, here are some other simple ways to improve your coffee when using a drip coffee maker:
- Use filtered water to avoid any sediments or external flavors.
- Heat the water in a kettle before pouring it inside the machine. Drip coffee makers tend to be inconsistent with temperature and often don’t heat the water enough, so fixing that small detail will enhance the extraction process.
- Take the carafe off the hotplate as soon as it finishes so you don’t burn the coffee.
French press
Milos told us that the French press allows you to “play with grinding size and steeping time more than any other methods.” What’s important to remember is that “fine grind calls for short steeping time; coarse grind calls for [a] longer time.” Other than that, some common-sense tips include:
- Pour all the coffee out of the carafe after plunging so it doesn’t continue to extract.
- Sift your coffee before brewing, to minimize the grains’ size difference.
- Skim the grounds off the top before plunging, to help reduce the possibility of them ending up in your cup.
- If stray grounds still find their way to your cup, consider filtering the coffee through a filter after extracting.
AeroPress
Aside from the AeroPress' intended brewing method, in which you simply pour the water and the coffee and almost instantly press down, many swear by an inverted process. Fans say this method offers a more optimal steep time and doesn’t allow under-extracted coffee to reach your cup. Milos told us you can have “a good cup of coffee if you follow the regular way to brew; an excellent cup of coffee if you use the inverted method.” Be careful, though, as making the final flip can result in a dangerous, scalding mess.
- While not absolutely necessary, using hot water to rinse your filter and AeroPress chamber not only warms it up but also removes any papery flavor.
- Before you flip the AeroPress over, give it half a minute to bloom, since this will enhance its flavors, especially if the coffee was freshly ground.
- Speaking of bloom, while the AeroPress’ filter cap is still facing up, press down gently on the flat edges to push the foam layer through the filter — but not so far that you spill!
Chemex
According to Schultz, machines like the Chemex or the Prima Hario V60 “tend to showcase a coffee’s nuanced flavors [...] and make for a clear and crisp cup of coffee,” thanks to its proprietary filter’s efficiency at removing oils and keeping residue out of your cup.
However, the Chemex does require some skill and patience to make a great cup of joe, and there’s a lot more room for error. Try the following steps:
- Weigh your coffee and grind it to a medium-coarse texture, similar to sea salt. To start, try 50 grams of coffee and 700 grams of water (about 25 ounces).
- When you place your filter in, make sure that the triple-fold is facing the pour spout.
- Before putting in the coffee, saturate your filter and warm the glass.
- When you put in your ground coffee, shake the filter a bit so that the grounds lay flat, for a more even pour.
Moka pot
The only stovetop method we’re featuring, the Moka pot’s longstanding popularity can be handily traced to two things: It brews a strong cup of coffee, and it’s easy to use. Here’s how to make the most of your Moka pot:
- Grind your coffee to medium.
- Never start your coffee with cold water! Fill the bottom chamber with boiling water before putting it on the stove. The longer you let the Moka pot heat up, the higher the chances that your coffee might burn — an outcome nobody wants.
- Use moderate heat for your Moka. If the brewed coffee explodes upwards when it starts bubbling out of the spout, your stove temperature is too hot.
- Once you hear the characteristic hissing and bubbling, take the Moka off the stove, to prevent any carryover heat from burning your coffee.
Espresso
Considered by many to be the highest expression of coffee, the espresso machine is usually the most expensive option, with top-shelf brands running price tags of more than $2,000. There are several reasons for this, such as the quality of the manufacturing materials (steel, metal and brass), digital displays, water temperature adjustments, included burr grinders and tamping systems with perfectly calibrated pressure and the degree of automation.
To make sure your machine stays in optimal condition, be sure to follow these instructions:
- Before making your espresso, thoroughly clean your group head (where the coffee comes out) by running hot water through it without the portafilter.
- Nowhere is a proper grind more crucial than with an espresso machine. If the grind is too coarse, the shot will pour too quickly and its extraction can be sour, rather than rich. If the grind is too fine, it can slow and appear thin and oily.
- Your coffee has four enemies: heat, air, moisture and light — make sure to store it in an opaque, airtight container.
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