Finding the perfect coffee or espresso maker can feel like a quest for the holy grail. The right machine seamlessly integrates into your morning routine, delivering your preferred style of brew with consistency and ease. Whether you’re a fan of single-serve convenience, a classic drip coffee devotee, or an aspiring home barista, the ideal machine is out there to match your lifestyle and taste.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best coffee and espresso makers available. We’ve curated a selection that spans from quick-pod systems and programmable carafes to professional-grade espresso machines and portable brewers. Our goal is to help you cut through the noise and find the appliance that will make your perfect cup a daily reality.
Our Top Picks for Coffee and Espresso Makers
- Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville
- Keurig K-Classic Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
- Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
- Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker
- Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
- Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
- AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Maker Kit
- De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville
This machine simplifies the process of making both coffee and espresso with a single button. It heats up in just 25 seconds and includes an energy-saving automatic shut-off feature. You can choose from four different cup sizes, making it versatile for a quick espresso shot or a larger mug of coffee.
The Vertuo Plus is designed for a variety of coffee styles, allowing you to enjoy your drink bold, mild, hot, or over ice. Its innovative centrifusion technology reads each barcode on the coffee pods to deliver an optimized brew. This system ensures a consistent and flavorful result every time, with a rich crema on your espresso.
Keurig K-Classic Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Ideal for busy households, the Keurig K-Classic brews a cup of coffee in minutes. It offers three popular brew sizes (6, 8, and 10 ounces) to suit your mood. The 6-ounce setting is perfect for a stronger, more concentrated coffee.
Convenience is key with the large, 48-ounce removable water reservoir. This capacity allows you to brew multiple cups before needing a refill, streamlining your morning routine. The machine is compatible with the vast library of K-Cup pods, giving you endless variety from coffee to tea and more.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
The Breville Bambino Plus brings professional-quality espresso to your kitchen without a large footprint. It uses a precise 54mm portafilter and dose control grinding to help you achieve a balanced, full-flavored shot. Low pressure pre-infusion helps to evenly saturate the coffee grounds for a more complete extraction.
This machine is designed for speed and consistency, featuring a rapid heat-up time. It also includes an automatic milk frothing function that textures milk to your desired consistency for lattes and cappuccinos. For those serious about their espresso but short on counter space, the Bambino Plus is a powerful and compact solution.
Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
This fully automatic coffee maker is built for families or offices that need a large volume of coffee. It features a 24-hour programmability, so you can wake up to a freshly brewed pot. The brew strength control lets you choose between a regular or bold flavor profile.
A unique feature is the adjustable carafe temperature setting, which allows you to set the warming plate to low, medium, or high. This ensures your coffee stays at the perfect temperature without burning. The 1-4 cup setting optimizes the brewing process for smaller batches, guaranteeing a hot and flavorful result every time.
Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
Versatility is the hallmark of the Ninja DualBrew Pro. This single machine can brew from both ground coffee and K-Cup pods, offering a remarkable 13 different brew sizes. You can make anything from a small cup to a full 12-cup carafe, as well as a travel mug-sized serving.
It goes beyond basic brewing with four style choices: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. This allows you to customize the flavor and strength for any preference, whether you’re making hot coffee, iced coffee, or even tea. It brews pods faster than many leading single-serve machines, making it a great choice for efficiency.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker
The Technivorm Moccamaster is a precision-engineered brewer celebrated for its quality and durability. It is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for brewing at the ideal temperature, which is crucial for extracting the full flavor from your coffee grounds. This machine brews a 10-cup carafe in just six minutes.
Its simple, reliable design includes a manual brew basket shutter that gives you control over the brewing process. You can pause the flow to stir the grounds for a more even saturation. Built to last with high-quality materials, the Moccamaster is an investment for those who prioritize taste above all else.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is a robust, Italian-made espresso machine built for enthusiasts. It features a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, providing a standard size familiar to professional baristas. The machine operates at an optimal 9 bars of pressure, which is the industry standard for extracting a perfect shot of espresso.
Its solid steel housing ensures longevity and stability. The machine includes a commercial steam wand for frothing milk, giving you full manual control to create microfoam for latte art. This is a machine for those who want to learn and master the art of espresso making at home.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
The FlexBrew Trio offers exceptional flexibility, providing three ways to brew: a single cup with a pod, a single cup with grounds, or a full 12-cup pot. This makes it an excellent solution for households with varying coffee preferences. Its single-serve function is notably fast, brewing a cup in about 90 seconds.
You can brew up to seven single-serve cups without refilling the 56-ounce water reservoir. This combination of speed and capacity is designed to save you time during busy mornings. It’s a practical and affordable option that covers all the basics of both single-serve and batch brewing.
AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Maker Kit
The AeroPress Go is a complete travel coffee system that brews a smooth, rich cup in under two minutes. Its compact design includes a brewer, mug, lid, and stirrer, all of which pack neatly into the included mug for easy transport. It’s perfect for use while traveling, camping, or in a small office.
This manual brewer uses a combination of air pressure and micro-filtration to create a full-bodied, low-acidity cup of coffee. The method results in a noticeably smooth flavor without bitterness. You can use it to make a concentrate for Americanos or a standard cup of coffee, offering great versatility in a tiny package.
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi Stilosa is a sleek and simple espresso machine designed for entry-level users. It features a compact design that doesn’t take up much counter space, making it ideal for small kitchens. The machine includes a manual frother for heating and texturing milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
Its straightforward operation allows you to pull a shot of espresso with ease. The Stilosa uses a 15-bar pressure pump, which is capable of producing a rich crema on your espresso. It’s a reliable and budget-friendly choice for anyone looking to start making espresso-based drinks at home without a steep learning curve.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Perfect Coffee and Espresso Maker
Choosing between the many coffee and espresso makers on the market can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there, staring at a wall of machines, unsure where to even begin. The best choice isn’t about the most expensive model; it’s about the one that fits your life, your taste, and your morning routine. Let’s break down the key things I consider when helping friends find their ideal machine.
First, you need to decide what kind of coffee experience you want. Are you a purist who wants to manually pull a shot of espresso with perfect crema? Or are you someone who just wants a reliable, fast cup of coffee with the push of a button? Your answer will point you toward one of a few main types of machines. Manual and semi-automatic espresso makers give you the most control over the brewing process, from grinding to tamping to pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines do everything for you—grinding, tamping, brewing, and even frothing milk. Then there are traditional drip coffee makers, single-serve pod systems, and versatile machines that try to do it all.
Next, think about your counter space and how much time you have. A large, professional-style espresso machine is a commitment in both space and time. If your kitchen is small or your mornings are rushed, a compact pod machine or a simple pour-over setup might be a better fit. I also always check how easy a machine is to clean. A machine that’s a pain to maintain will quickly become a dusty decoration. Look for models with removable water reservoirs, easy-to-clean drip trays, and accessible descaling functions.
Your budget is, of course, a huge factor. The price range for coffee and espresso makers is massive. You can find basic drip machines for under $50, while high-end super-automatic espresso machines can cost several thousand. Remember to factor in the ongoing cost. Pod systems have a recurring expense for the capsules, while bean-to-cup machines require you to buy coffee beans. Grinder quality is another critical, often overlooked, aspect. A built-in burr grinder is a fantastic feature on many machines, as a consistent grind is crucial for great espresso.
Finally, consider the features that matter to you. Do you drink lattes and cappuccinos? Then a machine with a built-in or automatic milk frother is a must. Is programmability important? Some machines let you set a brew time the night before, so your coffee is waiting for you when you wake up. Reading reviews from other users can give you real-world insight into how these features hold up over time. By thinking about your brewing style, space, time, and budget, you can narrow down the vast selection of coffee and espresso makers to find the perfect one for your kitchen.
FAQ
What is the difference between a coffee maker and an espresso maker?
The main difference lies in the brewing method and pressure. An espresso maker uses high pressure (usually 9 bars or more) to force hot water through finely-ground coffee, resulting in a small, concentrated shot with a layer of crema on top. A standard coffee maker, like a drip machine, simply uses gravity to drip hot water over coarser grounds, producing a larger, milder cup. While some machines try to bridge the gap, the process and final product are quite distinct.
Can a regular coffee maker make espresso?
Generally, no. A standard drip coffee maker does not generate nearly enough pressure to brew a true espresso. You might find models that have an “espresso” setting, but these typically produce a stronger, more concentrated coffee rather than an authentic espresso with its signature body and crema. If you’re serious about espresso, you need a machine specifically designed to create high pressure.
How important is a built-in grinder?
From my experience, a built-in grinder is incredibly important for quality, especially for espresso. Coffee begins to lose its flavor and aroma minutes after being ground. Having a burr grinder built into your machine means you’re using the freshest possible grounds for every cup, which makes a noticeable difference in the taste. It’s a feature I highly recommend looking for in your search for the best coffee and espresso makers.
Are pod coffee makers worth it?
Pod makers, like Keurig or Nespresso, are worth it for their unparalleled convenience and consistency. They are fast, easy to use, and incredibly easy to clean. The trade-off is that you have less control over the brew strength and the quality of the coffee is limited to the pods available. They also create ongoing costs for the capsules and more waste, though many companies now offer recyclable or compostable options.
How often do I need to clean my machine?
Cleaning frequency depends on how much you use it, but a good rule is to clean the external parts like the steam wand and drip tray after each use. For the interior, you should backflush an espresso machine (if it’s capable) every few days and descale the entire water system every one to three months, depending on your water hardness. Neglecting this will lead to poor-tasting coffee and can eventually damage your machine.
What does “bean-to-cup” mean?
A bean-to-cup machine is a type of super-automatic coffee and espresso maker. It does everything for you automatically. You pour whole beans into a hopper, and with the push of a button, the machine grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, brews the espresso, and can even froth and dispense milk for a complete latte or cappuccino. It’s the ultimate in convenience for someone who wants quality espresso without the manual process.