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coffee maker buying guide

Best Coffee Makers of 2026: Picks for Drip, Espresso and Single Serve

Find the right coffee maker by starting with your preferred brew style. Compare 2026 editorial picks and certified drip options, then weigh capacity, effort, cleanup, and current availability.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 6 min read
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The best coffee maker depends on what you drink and how much work you want to do. For a pot of filter coffee, start with a drip brewer; for a quick individual serving, consider a capsule machine; for espresso and milk drinks, choose an espresso machine; and for hands-off grinding and brewing, look at a bean-to-cup model. These formats make different drinks, so there is no single best machine for every home.

Tom’s Guide’s June 24, 2026 guide names the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select its best overall pick, the OXO Brew 8-Cup its budget drip pick, the Breville Bambino Plus its budget espresso pick, and the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima its best single-serve pick. Those are that publication’s editorial choices, not a universal ranking. See Tom’s Guide’s 2026 picks.

Which type of coffee maker should you choose?

Type What it makes Best fit What to consider
Drip or carafe brewer Batch-brewed filter coffee Households that want several servings ready together Carafe capacity and material, cleanup, programmability, and whether it can also brew a single cup
Single-serve or capsule brewer One serving at a time, often from a capsule People who prioritize quick, low-effort individual drinks Drink selection, capsule-system requirements, and recurring consumables
Espresso machine Espresso, with the option to make milk drinks on suitable machines People who want espresso-style drinks and accept a more involved routine Grinding, tamping, milk preparation, and cleaning; check whether a separate grinder is needed
Bean-to-cup superautomatic Automatically ground and brewed coffee People seeking an integrated, convenience-led process Machine footprint, maintenance, and the specific drinks and controls offered

These categories are not interchangeable: a drip brewer makes filter coffee, while an espresso machine follows a different brewing workflow. Choose the style of coffee first, then compare machines within that format.

What are the best coffee makers of 2026?

The following are named candidates, not a claim that each is best for every buyer. Tom’s Guide published its editorial picks on June 24, 2026; the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) registry provides certification and manufacturer/model descriptors for certain home brewers.

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#1 Best Overall
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Vortex Brewing
  • 12-CUP DURALIFE GLASS CARAFE: The sturdy 12-cup* carafe has measurement markings for accurate filling and an easy-grip handle for comfortable pouring. *Cup equals approximately 5 ounces (varies by brewing technique).
  • SNEAK-A-CUP FEATURE TO PREVENT DRIPS: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee so you can pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess.
  • EASY-VIEW WATER WINDOW: The front-facing window shows you the exact amount of water that will turn into coffee, and the brew basket requires a standard paper coffee filter for proper operation.
  • DIGITAL CONTROLS WITH RUBBERIZED FEEL: Large, rubberized buttons give you full control of the coffeemaker, and the easy-read screen displays the clock, brew time, and programming options.
  • QUICKTOUCH PROGRAMMING WITH AUTO SHUTOFF: Easily program the 24-hour auto brew feature so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or whenever you desire. 2-Hour Auto Shutoff for added safety and peace of mind with every use.

Best overall drip pick: Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select

Tom’s Guide names the Moccamaster KBGV Select its best overall coffee maker. Treat that as the guide’s pick for its category, then check whether its batch capacity, footprint, simplicity, and current price suit your kitchen and routine. The cited ranking does not establish that it is the best choice for capsule coffee, espresso, or every household.

Budget drip pick: OXO Brew 8-Cup

Tom’s Guide names the OXO Brew 8-Cup its budget drip pick. The SCA’s certified home-equipment listing describes a glass carafe and a podless single-serve function. That combination may suit someone who wants batch brewing with the option to brew one cup from grounds. Certification and an editorial budget pick are different kinds of evidence: neither is a universal head-to-head verdict.

Rank #2
Sale
Ninja Fresh Brew Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass Carafe, Stainless Steel, CE251
  • 2 BREW STYLES: Classic or Rich, each brew is flavorful and never bitter with custom brew strengths.
  • 12-CUP GLASS CARAFE: Brew small or large batches of coffee – perfect for day to day or entertaining.
  • HOTTER BREWING TECHNOLOGY: Delivers even saturation and temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee.
  • SMALL BATCH FUNCTION: Ensure your coffee is never diluted when brewing a small batch (1-4 cups).
  • WAKE UP TO HOT COFFEE: 24-hour programmable delay brew allows you to prepare your brew up to a day in advance.

Budget espresso pick: Breville Bambino Plus

Tom’s Guide names the Bambino Plus its budget-espresso pick. Before choosing it, decide whether you are prepared for espresso-specific steps such as grinding and tamping, and determine whether your setup needs a separate grinder. The editorial designation does not mean that an espresso machine is the right purchase for someone who mainly wants a pot of filter coffee.

Single-serve pick: Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima

Tom’s Guide names the Vertuo Lattissima its best single-serve pick. Consider it in light of the drinks you actually order at home and your willingness to use a capsule-based system. The available evidence here does not establish current capsule prices, recurring costs, or compatibility details, so verify those for your region and the exact model before buying.

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Rank #3
Hamilton Beach FrontFill 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker
  • EASILY FILL FROM THE FRONT: In this 12 cup drip coffee machine, it's easy to add water and coffee grounds using the FrontFill water reservoir with a swing-open brew basket thatswings open from the front, making it easy to access under cabinets
  • PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER WITH CLEANING CYCLE REMINDERS: This drip coffee maker can be easily programmed up to 24 hours in advance for hot, wake-up ready coffee. When "CLEAN" appears on the display, it's time to run the self-cleaning cycle.
  • GET YOUR FIRST CUP FAST: With Auto Pause & Pour on this programmable Hamilton Beach coffee maker, you can pour yourself a cup while coffee is still brewing.
  • COFFEE YOUR WAY: Use the Select-a-Brew brew strength selector on this coffee machine to customize your coffee. Choose from regular, bold, or 1–4 cup options to match your taste or mood.
  • EASY-VIEW WATER WINDOW: The window with clear measurement marks lets you see the water level as you fill the 12 cup coffee maker.

Other certified drip options

The SCA’s current registry lists additional certified home-brewer models and describes features that may matter to particular workflows. These descriptions identify listed models and features; they are not comparative performance rankings.

  • Breville The Luxe Brewer Thermal or Glass: The SCA listing describes 1.7 L capacity, a removable water reservoir, and three brew modes. Compare the thermal and glass carafe versions against how you serve and keep coffee.
  • Cosori Juni Automatic Pour-Over: Listed by the SCA under 2026 certifications, with a stated 1.5 L capacity and bloom and vibration features.
  • Kismile Precision Drip: Listed under 2026 certifications with hot and cold modes.
  • GE Cafe Specialty Drip: Listed with thermal or glass carafe variants and Wi-Fi voice-to-brew.
  • GE Profile Smart Grind and Brew: The SCA page lists a 2023 model with a built-in grinder, carbon water filter, SmartHQ app, and podless single-serve function. Confirm the current model version and regional availability before treating it as a practical option.

How useful is SCA certification?

The SCA says its program evaluates home-use equipment against established standards for coffee quality, and that equipment is evaluated at a third-party testing centre. Certification is a useful screen when comparing eligible drip brewers, but it means the equipment met the program’s criteria; it does not prove that a certified model is the best fit for your counter, budget, or preferred coffee. Read the SCA’s certified home equipment information and current registry.

Rank #4
Sale
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch, Easy Pour, Non-Drip Carafe with Removable Filter Basket, Vortex Technology, Black
  • VORTEX TECHNOLOGY: The exclusive showerhead design evenly saturates coffee grounds, resulting in rich flavor extraction for maximum flavor.
  • SNEAK-A-CUP: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee, allowing you to pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess. Be sure to return carafe to the “Keep Hot” plate within 30 seconds to avoid overflow, and brewing will resume.
  • NO-DRIP PERFECT POUR SPOUT: Don’t put up with annoying spills. The carafe spout on this coffee maker is designed to prevent spills and drips while pouring.
  • REMOVABLE FILTER BASKET: Cleanup is easy with the dishwasher-safe brew basket, which is compatible with basket-style paper filters.
  • KEEP HOT CARAFE PLATE: The heated carafe plate keeps coffee in the 12-cup carafe at the ideal drinking temperature after brewing. Refer to your user guide for more brewing techniques.

The registry also makes clear why features should be weighed against daily use: listed brewers may have glass or thermal carafes, single-cup functions, built-in grinders, removable reservoirs, or smart controls. Such features affect workflow, space, and cleaning; their presence alone is not evidence of better coffee.

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What should you look for before buying?

Match capacity to how you serve coffee

Decide whether you need a single serving or a household carafe. Check capacity in the unit used for the exact model: a litre figure and a manufacturer’s “cup” count are not automatically equivalent serving measures. A large carafe can be useful for several drinkers, but may be unnecessary if you usually brew one cup.

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Best Value
Sale
bella 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with No-Drip Glass Carafe, Oatmilk
  • WAKE UP TO FRESH COFFEE: Program your brew up to 24 hours ahead so it's ready when you are. Designed for busy mornings and effortless routines, this coffee maker puts convenience on your countertop.
  • CLEAR, SIMPLE DISPLAY: The easy-to-read digital screen makes it effortless to program your brew, check the time, or make adjustments—even on your sleepiest mornings.
  • POUR MID-BREW WITH EASE: The pause and serve feature lets you grab a cup while coffee's still brewing—no mess, no wait. Perfect for busy mornings when every second counts.
  • SUSTAINABLE & SIMPLE: Comes with a reusable filter basket and measuring scoop, so you can skip the paper waste and enjoy a hassle-free brew every time.

Account for effort and cleanup

Consider which steps you are willing to repeat: loading grounds or capsules, grinding, tamping, preparing milk, and cleaning. Filter choice matters too. Paper filters are simple to discard; reusable filters need washing and may affect taste. Confirm the filter type and compatibility for the exact brewer before ordering supplies.

Compare features that change the routine

  • Carafe: A thermal or glass carafe changes how coffee is held and served. Choose based on your habits rather than assuming one is universally preferable.
  • Grinder: A built-in grinder reduces separate equipment, while an espresso setup may require a grinder if one is not included.
  • Controls: Programmability, brew modes, apps, and voice features may add convenience, but also shape setup and everyday operation.
  • Footprint and maintenance: Measure the available counter area and consider routine cleaning and upkeep before committing to a feature-rich machine.

Check current ownership details

Prices, stock, warranties, model revisions, regional variants, and consumable compatibility can change. Check the manufacturer’s current product information and the retailer listing for the exact model in your region. The named editorial picks do not establish today’s price or availability.

How much energy do coffee makers use?

An ENERGY STAR scoping report estimates household annual energy use at 100–150 kWh for full 10/12-cup drip filter coffee makers, 45–65 kWh for single-serve machines, 30–50 kWh for pump or fully automatic espresso machines, and 10–30 kWh for steam espresso machines. These are report estimates by machine category, not measurements of the models named above. The report’s market-opportunity analysis relies on 2010 retail sales data, so the figures are historical context rather than a current product label. Read the ENERGY STAR scoping report.

How should you interpret coffee-maker rankings?

A “best” label is useful only when you know who made the selection, when it was published, and which use case it addresses. Tom’s Guide’s 2026 recommendations are its editorial picks. The SCA registry identifies equipment certified under its program and lists model features; it is not a ranking of the listed machines against one another. Consumer Reports’ 2026 roundup search excerpt says it tested more than 160 coffee makers, but that figure alone does not reveal model scores or test details. See Consumer Reports’ roundup.

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Quick Recap

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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