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After reviewing close to 100 coffee makers in the last 5 years, we've yet to find a machine that can beat the formidable Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select. Durable, consistent and iconic for a reason, it's back at the top of our guide after we re-reviewed it in early 2026.
But while we think the Moccamaster is the best coffee maker for most people, there are so many types and brands of coffee maker to choose from. If you're looking for a great espresso machine, it's the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch we recommend above all others. Its compact design and advanced features combine customisable elements with a user-assisted interface that will make it easy to craft delectable espresso.
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About this guide
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We've reviewed nearly a dozen coffee makers so far this year, and most notably, reviewer Erin re-tested the iconic Moccamaster, which we last put through its paces back in 2021. We wanted to see if it still held its own against the many outstanding releases of the last few years. And the answer is a resounding yes. Now back at the top of our guide, it's certainly the one to beat for the rest of 2026's top releases.
I'm Millie, Tom's Guide's Managing Editor for Buying Guides, and I've been testing the top coffee makers from all the major brands for over six years (and using them in my person life for much, much longer!)
In 2024 I got my Specialty Coffee Association foundation-level Barista Skills qualification, meaning I could get a job in a coffee shop if updating buying guides ever gets old.
I'm far from a professional, but I've got an above-average ability and knowledge of what makes a great brew at home. I love great-tasting coffee, but I don't want to have to work too hard for it. That's what the best coffee makers are for — delivering your favorite brew just as you like it, while saving you time and making your life easier.
Compiling this buying guide has required a lot of evaluation and comparison between completely unrelated methods of brewing, as well as machines that span from $50 to well over $2,000. How, you might wonder, can we rank these machines if they're being tested against completely different criteria?
It's true, I'd never tell you to buy a drip coffee maker if you love espresso, and we'd never tell you to buy the most premium machine if you're on a budget, so before you buy, you need to have a rough idea of what kind of coffee you actually want to make at home.
In this guide, I've included drip coffee makers, as well as a range of single-serve machines and espresso machines. And when ranking these products, I've considered what's right for most people. I know a lot more about coffee than the majority of buyers, so I had to go back to basics when writing this guide to make it accessible to everyone.
Even within the Tom's Guide team, there's a huge range of coffee preferences. There are some people who would turn their nose up at a cup of pod coffee, and would never consider straying from their carefully evaluated coffee setup.
For others, coffee is simply a tool for waking up in the morning, and you just want a reliable and space-efficient gadget to fill your cup with something cheaper and better than the stuff you'd get from a chain coffee shop. That's ok too, because you know your budget, and you know what you're looking for. And no matter what it is that you're seeking, I'm confident that I've included it in this guide.
Each and every machine has been hand-selected and tested by myself or one of Tom's Guide's expert testers, so you can click through to read full, detailed reviews before you make up your mind.
Best coffee maker overall
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select has been in this buying guide for five years, but a lot has changed since our first review in 2021. So in early 2026, we took it for another spin to see if it can hold its own against the latest and greatest releases.
Well, the results are in, and the Moccamaster is still the cream of the crop. Hand-made in the Netherlands, the brand has a well-deserved reputation for quality construction and dependable results. It's not the cheapest option, but if you treat it with care, it will last a lifetime.
Reviewer Erin said "the Moccamaster is so famous because nothing really compares. Nothing comes close. The Moccamaster has been topping “best-of” lists before best-of lists were even a thing — it’s reigned supreme since the ‘60s."
Compared to feature-rich options like the Ratio Four, Breville Luxe Brewer, or OXO Brew 8-Cup, the Moccamaster stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. It forgoes extras like cold brew modes or app controls, but it’s faster than the Ratio Four, easier to use than the Breville Luxe Brewer, and delivers a more consistent cup than the OXO. The machine offers simplicity and ease of use in everyday drip brewing.
To use, simply add your water to the tank and your grounds to the filter, and switch it on. However, it's this simplicity that has earned special recognition from the Specialty Coffee Association. Using a copper heating element and precise brew temperature control, the KBGV Select can hit industry standard temperatures of (196°F – 205°F) in under a minute and, crucially, stay there throughout the entire brewing process. The gentle showerhead-style water dispenser will evenly agitate coffee grounds to create a balanced extraction.
- Read our full Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select review
Best budget espresso machine
The Breville Bambino Plus has been on the market for seven years, but it's still one of the most popular espresso machines ever released. If you're based in Europe (like me) you'll know this brand as Sage, but the machines are otherwise the same.
With groundbreaking automatic steaming technology, which is still top of the line nearly a decade later, this is the espresso machine for you if you're in the market for an entry-level machine with some serious power.
We made some outstanding shots of espresso with this gadget. I'm talking drool-worthy toffee-colored strands of crema and a vibrant extraction that tasted fantastic. You should note, this machine doesn't have a grinder built in.
You'll want to pair it with one of the best coffee grinders (you can buy a good one for around $100, and our reviews walk you through all the options) for the ideal espresso, but if you use a double-walled portafilter you can still achieve a lively brew when using pre-ground coffee.
As for the automatic milk steaming, this thing can achieve a very fine microfoam that's totally latte art-worthy, completely hands-free. And it automatically purges after each use, which will keep the steam wand clog-free and running smoothly (so long as you descale regularly).
- Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino Plus review
Best single serve coffee maker
If you want a single-serve coffee maker that can truly do it all, you should look no further than the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima. Featuring a separate milk dispenser that offers milk-only drinks and two lengths of milk add-ins to any coffee size you opt for, the beauty of this machine is in its simplicity.
You can simply store the milk dispenser in the refrigerator when it's not in use, and you'll get the joys of the entirety of Nespresso's six-size Vertuo system if you prefer a long black coffee or an espresso to start the day.
We enjoyed the thoughtful touches such as an adjustable cup holder to work with any beverage size, and the ability to rinse out the milk dispenser after each use. We did wish that there were more than one milk froth levels available, because if you prefer a more firm layer to make an espresso or a softer latte-style steamed milk, you won't be able to adjust this using the Nespresso.
Because this machine is part of the Vertuo line it will automatically brew the optimum drink length for each drink and you can enjoy an ever-evolving list of capsules to mix up your routine. We even tried a cold-brew capsule, which was impressively realistic.
- Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima review
Best budget drip coffee maker
Sometimes, simple is better. The OXO Brew 8-Cup is one such machine. It's shy on buttons and limited on features, but this machine undeniably makes tasty coffee, and it's SCA-Certified to prove it.
You can brew either 2-4 cups or 5-8 cups with the OXO Brew. It simply requires you to fill up the water tank to your desired cup amount, load up a filter and coffee grounds, then hit start.
There's beauty in the simplicity, though. Its rainshower distribution ensures that grounds are soaked evenly and consistently before extraction, meaning you won't be left with anaemic or muddy coffee, and your coffee will never taste burnt from uncontrolled water temperatures.
Another plus is the double-walled carafe. This will keep your brew hot for a couple of hours, making it ideal for busy households. Reviewer Camryn's only complaint was the water tank, which can't be removed. That's annoying, but it's nothing a jug can't fix.
- Read our full OXO Brew 8-Cup review
Best espresso machine
Somehow, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch manages to be both super-smart and aesthetically pleasing, while also compact enough for small kitchens. It's no mean feat, and one that won the machine the top spot in our best espresso machine buying guide.
The main addition is the responsive 3.5-inch touchscreen, which walks you through everything from dialing in your beans (finding the right grind size for your specific brew) to automatically steaming the milk for the drink of your choosing.
While there are plenty of excellent automatic features here, this machine also lets you take the reins, which will be a welcome feature for those who want to work on their home barista skills. I enjoyed hand-steaming with this machine, and was able to toggle with finer features to really master every espresso.
It's a small feature, but De'Longhi should take a bow for how compact the La Specialista Touch is. It slotted easily onto my countertops, which often look drowned by larger coffee makers. And despite its compact size, it still does literally everything you could want from an espresso machine.
- Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Touch review
Best coffee maker for enthusiasts
While it looks like a drip coffee maker, the Ratio Four is actually an automated pour-over coffee maker. So if you love pour-over, but don't love the laborious process of brewing it, the Ratio Four is for you.
With a sleek, minimalist appearance and straightforward operation, the Ratio took just under seven minutes to brew a 20-ounce serving of coffee, and one cup was complete in three and a half minutes.
Reviewer Erin recommends this option for serious coffee lovers. She called it "sophisticated enough to excite even the most fastidious coffee shop hipster," noting that "if you’re familiar with coffee bean varieties and the phrases “pre-infusion” and “optimal flow rate” don’t scare you off, this is the machine for you."
The main downside of this brewer is its lack of 'keep warm' setting. Unlike your average drip brewer, it's not designed with bulk brewing in mind. This one's for the true coffee enthusiasts, who would never dream of reheating a precious V60 brew. If you do want a keep-warm option, check out the Moccamaster or Breville Luxe.
- Read our full Ratio Four Coffee Maker review
Best superautomatic
The Terra Kaffe Demi is a standout choice for those who want café-quality drinks at home with zero fuss. Its intuitive interface and one-touch operation make espresso simple, so you can enjoy impressive coffee without mastering barista skills or fiddling with settings.
There are downsides to superautomatic espresso machines, which is why few have scored highly in our rigorous Barista-led testing. But where the locked-away grinding, brewing and steaming mechanisms may feel restrictive for coffee enthusiasts, if your key concern is reliability and ease of use, you can't go wrong with the likes of the Terra Kafe.
Machines that require manual tamping or careful monitoring, such as the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch, can't match the Demi's ease of use. Simply press a button, add your beans, and it will craft anything from a piping hot espresso to a long black americano in minutes. There's one major con: it doesn't have a milk frother, which many superautomatic machines from the likes of Jura and De'Longhi do offer.
For anyone who wants the easiest possible coffee routine, the Demi’s accessible cleaning features are a relief. After a month of daily use, review Dan found maintenance practically painless. Pop out the brew group for a rinse, and you’re done. If you want hands-off, great-tasting espresso with minimal upkeep, the Demi delivers. But if you're a coffee lover who knows their arabica from their robusta, its lack of customisation may prove frustrating.
- Read our full Terra Kafe Demi review
How I test the best coffee makers
Our testers
I've been reviewing coffee makers for six years at a range of leading review publications including TopTenReviews, Homes&Gardens, Real Homes, Livingetc, and Ideal Home.
My interest in coffee first started when I worked as a barista at university, but I've since learned all about the art of a good cup of joe through a lot of taste testing and trips to the De'Longhi factory in Treviso, Italy, and a coffee tour of Naples with Sage (known as Breville in the U.S.).
I'm also a qualified barista after completing an SCA course with the London School of Coffee.
I joined Tom's Guide in 2024 on the product reviews team. While I test everything from keyboards to vacuum cleaners, I'm also a former barista with years and years of experience, which is why I'm Tom's Guide's go-to coffee maker tester.
I've tested a number of leading espresso machines from Smeg and KitchenAid, as well as other brewing methods such as the AeroPress. I've also been down to Smeg and La Pavoni HQ to get hands-on with some high-tech gear.
I’m Tom’s Guide's Reviews Editor and I’ve been an espresso enthusiast for almost a decade now.
As a former chef, I started using commercial espresso machines to make tiramisu while working in an Italian restaurant, and that’s where my fascination with 9-bar pressure began. And it hasn’t stopped since.
These days, I spend large chunks of my day testing out the latest and greatest coffee gear, from coffee grinders and weighing scales through to pour-over drippers and, of course, coffee machines.
My testing criteria
At the end of the day, the most important sign of a good coffee maker is in that all-important taste test. So it goes without saying that I taste a lot of coffee when putting together my coffee maker reviews. However, there are endless factors that can determine the flavor of your finished coffee, so there are some metrics I need to consider (and keep consistent) when testing coffee makers and curating buying guides.
Unboxing
The most sustainable choice you can make when buying a new coffee maker is opting for a machine that will last for years and years. That said, it's a good sign when a coffee maker comes in recyclable, sustainable packaging that still keeps it secure during shipping, so I'm always looking out for this when evaluating my first impressions of a product.
Setup
In my experience, a more drawn-out setup process can be worth the extra hassle. Some coffee makers have a water hardness strip included to input the limescale level in your water. This test takes a few extra minutes, but inputting this information will ensure the machine reminds you to descale it as and when needed to prolong its lifespan.
If a coffee maker comes with an app or any bespoke programming such as personalized profiles or pre-set timers, we troubleshoot this in testing to make sure you're getting an easy-to-use machine from the very first use.
Price
Coffee makers don't have to be expensive — especially if you're buying a single-serve or drip coffee maker, but it's often the case that you get what you pay for with coffee makers. When testing I evaluate if this is the case. Does a $1,000+ coffee maker really warrant the price tag, and most importantly, would I recommend it to a friend or family member who was shopping for a new machine?
Flavor
Your cup of coffee can only be as good as the grounds you use, so when testing, I try and opt for an accessible consumer blend and stick to this brand across models to ensure that the differences we taste in our coffee come from the quality of the machine, and not the beans.
As a basic rule, I use fresh-roasted arabica beans in every review. This allows the taste and extraction of every coffee to shine through. And while I don't expect that every home tester will be splashing out on artisan beans, at least this way you know you're getting a machine that can create some seriously tasty coffee if you ever decide to level up from those kilo bags of robusta.
Temperature
This is particularly important for drip coffee makers. I test the temperature of each carafe I make when it's first been brewed, and then after one hour, to test the quality of the heating plate on each machine.
If freshly brewed coffee comes out too hot, it's a sign that the machine has scorched the grounds in testing, which will result in a more bitter flavor and is a sign of a poorly-made machine. Likewise, if the coffee is not hot enough, you won't get a fully developed flavor and your coffee will be weak and acidic.
Coffee grinders
Some coffee makers come with in-built grinders, so I put them through a similar process to our standalone reviews for the best coffee grinders. This involves testing the variety of grind sizes available, and how suitable this is for the type of coffee maker you're using. If your espresso maker's grinder creates great grounds for filter coffee, that's not much help!
I use a coffee sifter called Kruve to see how consistent the coffee grounds are in size and texture, and we also test coffee grinders for static created.
Milk steaming
If an espresso machine comes with a hand milk steamer, there is an inevitable margin for user error when testing. Fortunately, I have a team of expert testers on-hand who have steamed more than a few lattes in their time, so if they find fault with a steamer, I can confidently say it's a flaw in design.
When steaming milk, I look for a smooth and fine micro-foam that doesn't burn the milk before we're able to get the consistency we want.
Some machines come with automatic frothers, and while it's hard for these to recreate a hand-steaming effect, I look for how easy they are to use and how close they come to the real thing.
If all of this seems a bit overwhelming, we've tried to simplify the category a bit and help you decide on which type of coffee maker you should buy.
Also tested
We test a lot of coffee makers. It feels like there's always a new innovation to put through its paces, so our testing team can be found reliably caffeinated on any given day.
We return most of the coffee makers we test due to the high value of these machines, but on the occasion that we're allowed to keep one, we continue to test them from home in order to evaluate the value for money over time, and compare our old faithfuls to recent releases.
Not every coffee maker can make the list though. Here are some of the models we've recently tried.
Coffee maker FAQ
How to choose the best coffee maker for you
There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning, so if you’re looking to invest in a new coffee maker, you’ll want one that makes the ideal brew, provides the functionality and practicality you desire and comes in on budget. Here are a few things you’ll need to think about.
Will it fit?
A coffee maker sits on the countertop, so measure the space where you plan to keep the machine before you buy one. Be sure to determine the clearance between the countertop and the bottom of your cabinets. Most, but not all coffee makers will fit under a cabinet.
Coffee quality
If you're passionate about coffee, look for a brewer that says it meets the Specialty Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard. This means the coffee brews at what is regarded as the perfect time and temperature for the best cup of Joe.
But be aware that this standard calls for using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each 5-ounce cup, which produces a very full-bodied, strong cup of coffee that is not to everyone's taste.
Brewing coffee at home does mean you'll have a lot of spent grounds around, but instead of putting them in the trash, there are plenty of ways you can reuse old coffee grounds.
Cup size
Keep in mind that coffee-maker cups are the equivalent of 5 ounces, or an old-fashioned teacup that isn't filled to the brim, leaving room for milk. Most coffee mugs in use today hold upward of 8 ounces. Therefore, a typical 12-cup coffee maker brews enough coffee for about seven mugs at the most.
What kind of carafe?
Models with thermal carafes tend to be more expensive than those with glass carafes. You can bring thermal carafes to the table, where they'll keep coffee hot for refills. However, these carafes have narrow openings that are difficult to hand-wash, and most can't be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, thermal carafes are beneficial if you drink coffee throughout the day.
Milk frother
If you prefer your coffee straight, you won’t be concerned about the milk frother option, although do consider that other household members or guests may prefer their coffee served with a smooth froth. Having a milk frother combined will also save you the issue of having a separate appliance on the countertop, taking up space.
Paper or permanent filters? Decide if you want to use a permanent filter or paper, disposable ones. Permanent filters are better for the environment, and you don't have to constantly replace them, but they do need to be thoroughly washed by hand and they tend to stain.
Also, it's easier to toss paper filters in the trash than knock grounds out of a metal filter. You may also find that the taste of the coffee produced differs depending on filter type and that you prefer one over the other.
Do you want to set it and forget it? With many machines, you can program them ahead of time to brew in the morning or right before you get home, and you can even set them to brew at the same time every day. But such features add to the price and work only if you take the time to read the manual and figure out how to use the setting.
What features should I look for in a coffee maker?
If you're looking for a drip coffee maker, one of the best indicators of quality is an SCA Gold Cup Standard certification. The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) awards this to machines that brew a 1:16 to 1:18 ratio (that's parts coffee to water) and within a specific temperature range of 196 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Typically, machines that meet this specification are ideally designed to deliver a good cup of coffee. Every drip machine within this guide is SCA-certified, including the Breville Luxe Brewer and the more affordable OXO Brew 8-Cup.
Looking for an espresso machine? Don't pay much attention to the number of bars of pressure it offers. Anything over nine will suffice, as this is the amount of pressure required to make espresso. Instead, consider the number of grind settings on any included grinders, as a quality grinder should allow for plenty of customization. For most people, an in-built PID controller will assist you in getting that perfect extraction.
What is the best bean-to-cup coffee machine?
If you're looking for a bean-to-cup coffee machine, you're likely in the market for a superautomatic, meaning you can press a button and it will grind and brew your drink using fully automatic internal systems.
We've tested a number of bean-to-cup machines, and our top pick is the Terra Kafe Demi, which works fast and creates balanced, evenly-extracted brews. Its in-built milk frothing is also up to scratch if you enjoy a frothy coffee, although it'll never rival a hand-steamed latte.
What is the best coffee maker for lattes and cappuccinos?
If you want to create a range of milk-based espresso drinks, you should opt for something with a separate steam wand. I'd suggest you check out the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, which has a separate steam wand with both manual and automatic steaming.
If you opt for automatic, the wand will texturize your milk to your desired level and according to the type of milk (dairy, oat, almond, etc) you choose. There's even a menu on the side of the machine which guides you through the different milk settings, and which to use depending on your desired drink.
What is the best coffee maker with a built-in grinder?
My hot take is that you'll have a longer-lasting coffee setup if you opt for a separate brewer and one of the best coffee grinders, but if you want an in-built grinder, there are some good options out there.
If you want an espresso machine, a quality grinder is especially important, as your beans will need to be ground very finely to achieve a quality extraction. As a general rule, I trust Breville machines to grind well, and I also had a great experience with the "Bean Adapt" tech in the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch.
