Coffee makers
Coffee makers: drip, pod, pour-over, French press and moka
Not everyone wants a portafilter. A good drip brewer, a pod machine or a simple pour-over can make a wonderful cup with almost no effort. Here is how to choose, what to look for and which models do the job best.
Guides
Coffee makersThe Best Drip Coffee Makers for Bright, Easy MorningsThe best drip coffee maker for most people is the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select, a fast, simple brewer with a 5-year warranty.
Coffee makersThe Best Coffee Makers With a Built-In Grinder for Fresh-Ground MorningsThe best coffee maker with grinder for most people is the Breville Grind Control, which pairs an adjustable burr grinder with a programmable brewer and thermal carafe.
Coffee makersThe Best Nespresso Machines, From Tiny Espresso Makers to Latte Art StarsThe best Nespresso machine for most people is the Vertuo Pop+, which brews espresso and mug sizes from barcoded capsules with a 1.1 L tank.
Coffee makersThe Best Single Serve Coffee Makers for One Perfect Cup at a TimeThe best single serve coffee maker for most people is the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+, which brews espresso and mug sizes in one touch with a 1.1 L tank.
Coffee makersNespresso vs Keurig: Espresso Charm or Classic Mug Comfort?In the Nespresso vs Keurig choice, pick Nespresso if you love espresso, cappuccinos and crema, or a Vertuo machine if you want espresso and mugs from one machine.
Coffee makersThe Best Pour Over Coffee Maker: Slow Mornings, Bright and Sweet CupsThe best pour over coffee maker for most people is the Hario V60 02: it is inexpensive, light and rewards good technique with a bright, clear cup.
Coffee makersThe Best French Press: Rich, Cozy Coffee With Less SludgeThe best French press for most coffee lovers is the Espro P7: its double micro-filter catches far more sediment than a standard mesh (brand claim), its insulated steel body keeps coffee hot, and an optional paper filter gives you a cleaner cup.
Coffee makersThe Best Moka Pot: Strong, Happy Stovetop Coffee the Italian WayThe best moka pot for most kitchens is the Bialetti Moka Express: a simple, durable aluminum stovetop brewer made since 1933 that turns out strong, rich coffee with no paper filters or electricity.
Coffee makersThe Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Smooth, Chilled Coffee Waiting in Your FridgeThe best cold brew coffee maker for most people is the Hario Mizudashi: an inexpensive glass pitcher with a built-in filter that fits in a fridge door and makes 1 liter of ready-to-drink cold brew.How to choose a coffee maker
A great cup of coffee does not need a portafilter. The right coffee maker depends on how many cups you brew, how much ritual you enjoy and whether you like clean, bright flavor or a heavier, fuller cup.
Automatic: drip, single serve and pods
A drip coffee maker is the easiest way to make several mugs at once. Look for one that reaches proper brewing temperature and spreads water evenly over the grounds; our best drip coffee maker guide explains the specs that matter. If you mostly brew one cup at a time, a pod or capsule machine is quick and tidy. Comparing systems? Nespresso vs Keurig lays out the differences in drinks, capsule choice and running costs.
Manual: pour-over, French press and moka pot
Manual brewers cost little, take almost no counter space and can taste wonderful. Pour-over gives a clean, aromatic cup and lets you control every step; start with the best pour-over coffee makers. A French press makes a rich, full-bodied cup with almost no technique, see the best French press. A moka pot brews a strong, concentrated coffee on the stove, perfect for milky drinks.
Three questions to decide
- How many cups a day? Many cups favor drip; one or two favor pods or manual brewers.
- Beans or capsules? Fresh beans give more flavor choice and less packaging waste; capsules give speed and consistency.
- Do you own a burr grinder? Manual brewers shine with freshly ground coffee.
Not sure whether a coffee maker or an espresso machine suits you better? The coffee machine finder compares both in six quick questions.
Frequently asked questions
What type of coffee maker makes the best coffee?
There is no single winner. Pour-over often gives the cleanest, most aromatic cup, a French press the richest body, and a good drip machine the best balance of quality and ease for several cups. Fresh beans, a burr grinder and the right coffee to water ratio matter as much as the brewer.
Is a drip coffee maker or a pour-over better?
A pour-over gives you more control and often a brighter cup, but it takes a few minutes of attention for each brew. A good drip coffee maker automates the same idea and makes several cups at once. If you enjoy a small morning ritual, try pour-over; if you want coffee ready while you get dressed, choose drip.
Are pod coffee makers worth it?
Pods are worth it when speed, tidiness and consistency matter more than flavor choice. Each cup usually costs more than coffee brewed from beans, and the range of flavors is narrower. For one or two cups a day in a busy household they can be a happy compromise.