Best Home Coffee Machine 2023; Reviews & Buying Guide

How To Choose The Best Home Coffee Machine

Coffee machines come in a variety of configurations, from non-electric pour-over models to electric drip coffee machines, to cup or capsule machines that make one cup at a time, to espresso machines.

To help you make a smarter buying decision, we’ve created this informative coffee machine buying guide with a number of factors that you should consider before buying a home coffee machine. Go through this entire post and by the end you will clearly understand your requirements and what kind of coffee machine you should buy.

Types Of Coffee Machines

As you start your research, think realistically about how much coffee you drink and how many people you’ll need to serve. You can narrow down the type of machine you need based on your desired brew capacity. It’s also worth noting that some machines take only coffee grounds while others use prepackaged pods, so pay close attention to each model’s requirements.

Single-Serve Coffee Machines

These coffee machines produce just enough for one person at a time. Most are designed to use pods, but some can use grounds, and others let you use either. These machines tend to brew quickly; some take less than a minute to make a cup. They’re usually smaller than other coffee machines and more suitable for kitchens with minimal counter space.

Drip Coffee Machines

These machines are ideal for larger servings. They typically have a carafe and use grounds to make a full pot of coffee. Some models can make upward of 12 cups at once, which means your java might take a little longer to brew.

Dual-Design Coffee Machines

If your coffee intake varies, a dual-design coffee machine might serve you best. This type gives you the choice to brew enough coffee for just one cup or a full pot.

Grind-and-Brew Coffee Machines

These are drip machines that have built-in grinders for your coffee beans. Users can get convenient, fresh coffee without making a trip to a cafe.

Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are the “sports cars” of the coffee machine world. If you’re a serious coffee aficionado, espresso is probably your favored type. While it will widely-range based on brand and features, espresso makers almost always fall on the higher end of the price range, but for those who really value their daily cup of joe, the difference is absolutely worth it.

Whether you want an occasional cup of espresso as a treat or it’s your favorite version of coffee, there is probably a machine that will fit your kitchen and your lifestyle. While the best espresso machines are dedicated to making just espresso, there are also hybrid machines that can brew both regular coffee and espresso.

What To Look For In A Home Coffee Machine?

Figuring out the type of home coffee machine to buy and what features to look for is pretty straightforward if you have an idea of what you want in your daily dose of morning coffee. Whether or not you know the type you want to buy, here are a few factors you should consider when shopping for a coffee machine.

Type of Coffee

While coffee machines and espresso machines tend to be separate machines, hybrid machines that brew both types of coffee are also available.

Having two machines on the counter will take a lot of space, but it’s the best option if you love both coffee and espresso and want to make each perfectly.

Hybrid machines will take less space and are likely to cost less than the purchase of two separate machines, but they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for the highest quality of both coffee and espresso.

Pod machines often have espresso type drink options but they aren’t the most authentic so if you like traditional espresso or cappuccino it’s best to skip these.

How Much Coffee?

Answer to this question depends on the number of people in your household who drink coffee and how much do they drink on average? If buying a single-serve coffee machine will mean having to go through the process of making a cup five times before you all get out the door in the morning, the convenience the model was made for pretty much goes out the window for you.

However, if you’re the only one in your house that drinks coffee, and you only want one cup to help wake you up, then perhaps a single-serve coffee machine is the right choice for you.

In some situations, being able to make a pot of coffee that produces 4-10 cups is much more convenient than dealing with making just one cup or shot of espresso one-at-a-time. So, think about who all in your household will be drinking coffee and how much they will likely drink.

How Frequently Do You Drink Coffee?

If you need your coffee at regular intervals, you can go for the coffee machines that come with carafe or an insulated mug to make sure that the coffee is prepared beforehand and is safe and hot in the carafe or mug. But if you are going for a model that comes with a coffee pot and warming plate, remember that the taste of your coffee can turn stale if the coffee is kept in the pot for a long time.

Convenience

Do you want a nearly hands-off coffee making experience in the morning, do you want the coffee waiting for you when you wake up or is the ritual of brewing coffee something you look forward to?

A programmable electric coffee machine can have your coffee ready for you when you wake up. Less automated electric machines might require a little more attention, but still, operate with the push of a few buttons.

Sizing

While different single serve coffee brewers have different brewing sizes, generally it range from a small 3 oz. cup to large travel mugs. No matter if you enjoy small cups or large travel mugs, this highest rated coffee machine is sure to deliver outstanding results.

Size of the Coffee machine

Every kitchen has a limit on how many appliances you can fit on the counter. Some coffee machines will take up much more space than others, so you have to weigh what you want against how much it’s worth giving up the countertop real estate.

During the buying process, look at the dimensions of the coffee machines you are considering. Once you know this, you will have a better idea of where it will go and how much space it will take up.

Custom Brewing Options

Whether you want a simple cup of coffee or the option to make practically any item off the coffeehouse menu, there’s a model for you. Some coffee machines brew only hot coffee, while others are capable of making iced coffee, hot cocoa, tea, cappuccino and more. If you want the best of both worlds, look into a versatile machine.

Cleaning

A coffee machine may be easy to use, but you’ll want it to be easy to clean, too. Keeping your machine free of coffee splatter and calcium buildup will help it last longer and maintain the quality of your coffee.

Look for a machine that has removable, dishwasher-safe parts. If the device has parts you must clean by hand, read user reviews to see whether it’s simple or awkward to clean, or whether there might be design flaws that make the machine messy.

Extra Features To Look For In A Home Coffee Machine

Some machines go beyond brewing options, and include options for programmed brewing at a specific time, keep-warm or auto-shutoff, or a thermal carafe to keep the coffee warm.

The extra features can include:

• Programmable settings
• Built-in Grinder
• Auto shutoff
• Water filter
• Steamer/Frother
• Audible alerts when machine is done brewing or it needs cleaning

Conclusion

Even though we love the craft of slow brewing with intention and patience, these machines are must-haves in a household or office full of coffee drinkers. We think you’ll find the best home coffee machine for your needs in our list, but even if you choose another model, you’ll get the best brew if you look for a few important features.

• Temperature controls that keep water between 195 and 205 degrees during brewing
• Widely distributed water jets so your grounds are soaked evenly while brewing–Pre-soak features are even better
• Automatic shutoff of the hot plate, or no hot plate at all, to prevent your coffee from burning after brewing
• Brew strength selector that allows you to slow down the brewing time–especially useful when you make half a pot or less in a multi-cup machine
• Water filters ensure clean water for pure-tasting coffee

With coffee – you get what you pay for. Therefore, when choosing something as crucial as your daily coffee machine, it pays to invest.