14 Types Of Coffee Makers – Which One Is Best For You?

If you’re just getting started with your coffee journey, it can be pretty complicated trying to figure out which types of coffee makers are worth investing in. You might want to start with something low budget then work your way up to a top-notch espresso machine as you gain more experience with brewing. 

Or you could also be a complete beginner who is ready to go all out by investing in a good espresso machine upfront. Regardless of where you’re at in your coffee journey, we are guaranteed you’ll find one that is within your budget from this list of 14 types of coffee makers. 

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Related: 15 Amazing Coffee Drinks for Fall to Sip All Season Long

Now let’s dive in, and you can decide which one is best suited for your needs.

14 Types Of Coffee Makers - Coffee Brew Mag
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14 Types Of Coffee Makers At A Glance: 

Quick Summary: Best Types Of Coffee Makers

Best coffee maker
OVERALL BEST
  • Fully programmable to save time
  • Unique ledge to collect debris mess-free
  • Easy to clean saves time
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  • Affordable 
  • Lasts long
  • Easy to use outdoor
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  • Coffee stays hot for long
  • affordable 
  • Thick and concentrated coffee
  • Stronger tasting coffee 
  • Produces 6-9 cups of coffee at a time
  • Cleaner coffee 
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  • Ease to use few requirements 
  • Thick and smooth coffee
  • You control the whole process
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  • Richly-flavored coffee
  • No over-extraction
  • Easy to use and clean
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  • Quick heat-up time
  • Steady steam control
  • No over-extraction
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  • It’s affordable
  • It’s durable
  • Maintains optimal coffee temperature
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  • Portable
  • Can make both espressos and Americanos
  • Great for travels
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  • Less acidic coffee
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
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  • Mess-free
  • Gives coffee without a burnt taste
  • Easy to clean
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  • Heat stability
  • Optimal extraction 
  • Outstanding steaming power
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  • Better tasting coffee
  • Promotes cleaning convenience
  • Enhances flexibility
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  • An integrated conical burr grinder
  • Temperature stability
  • Dose controlling grind

Drip Coffee Maker

Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker, 12 cup, Black
  • Item Package Dimension: 15.4L x 9.9W x 9.8H inches

Drip coffee is a type of brewed coffee that is made by mixing hot water with ground coffee. The ground coffee is placed into a coffee filter, after which the hot water is mixed with the coffee and drips into the glass carafe until finished brewing. Drip coffee makers are commonly used both at home and in offices.

It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to brew a cup of coffee using a drip coffee maker, depending on how much water you add. If you want a quick cup of joe on the go and quality and taste are not a top priority, then a drip coffee maker may be right for you. 

Pros
  • Doesn’t require any skill to brew a cup of coffee
  • Inexpensive
  • Low maintenance as it’s easy to clean
  • Can brew up to 4-5 cups of coffee at once
  • Can last for years to come
  • Compact design and takes up very little counter space
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Doesn’t hold the temperature even while the machine is left on
  • Coffee tends to evaporate if the Moka, the machine is left on for too long

Percolator Coffee Maker

COLETTI Bozeman Percolator Coffee Pot — Camping Coffee Pot, Coffee Percolator – America’s...
  • NO ALUMINUM OR PLASTIC: Our stainless steel camping coffee makers are toxin free. Essential camp kitchen equipment with hardwood handle, construction grade steel, & heat-toughened glass top

A percolator coffee maker has the look of an electric kettle with a base attached to it, which you can place on a stove or heating source. However, some Percolators come with an electric heating element, and you cannot use it on a stove. After the water reaches almost boiling point, it pressurizes through the coffee grounds using gravity until you achieve the required strength.

This process occurs repeatedly, so essentially you are brewing coffee that you have already brewed. That can be a real problem if you’re not a pro and don’t know when to extract the coffee. Even if you are a more experienced coffee-maker, you may likely end up with overly bitter-tasting coffee due to over-extraction.

Related: Caffeinated Coffee vs Decaf + 5 Decaf Coffee Brands To Try

If you are into camping, hiking, backpacking, RV living, and outdoor activities, this may be the coffee maker for you as it doesn’t require electricity to brew coffee. 

Pros
  • Perfect for camping and outdoor activities
  • Inexpensive
  • Low maintenance
  • Some percolator coffee makers can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once
  • Portable, which makes them suitable for carrying around
  • Comes in various sizes
Cons
  • Not typical for home or office use
  • Unnecessarily bitter coffee due to the re-brewing of coffee
  • Not as straightforward to use

Stove Top Coffee Maker / Moka Pot 

Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 3 Cups...
  • The original moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the inimitable gentleman with moustache date back to 1933, when Alfonso Bialetti invented it.

The Moka Pot also has a classic-style kettle finish with a very high base, and it brews coffee by passing the pressurized boiling water through the coffee grounds. It looks very similar to a Percolator coffee maker but is quite different.

The way it works is water is placed into the bottom chamber. After heated, the steam pressure pushes the water through the ground coffee basket and into the collecting chamber.

Pros
  • Easy to use 
  • Comes in various sizes
  • Inexpensive
  • Can be customized  according to your brewing  needs
  • Coffee retains warmness for longer 
  • Thick and concentrated coffee like espresso
Cons
  • Moka pots require periodic maintenance.

Neapolitan Flip Coffee Pot

The Neapolitan coffee maker is a 3-part coffee maker where the bottom section is filled with water, while the middle section has a filter filled with finely ground coffee and an upside-down pot placed on the top. Like a Percolator coffee maker, it relies on gravity to drip the water through the coffee grounds. Once the water is finished boiling, the entire coffee maker is flipped over to allow the water to filter through the coffee grounds. 

After the water has dripped through the grounds, the bottom section which is now at the top, is removed and the filter. Coffee can then be served from the remaining pot. If you enjoy stronger coffee, then choose a Neapolitan coffee pot over a drip-brew coffee maker.

Pros
  • Produces stronger flavor tasting coffee than a drip coffee maker
  • Makes between 6-9 cups of coffee at a time
  • Cleaner coffee compared to Moka pot
Cons
  • It is expensive for a stovetop coffee maker
  • It is tiresome

Pour Over Coffee Maker

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker with Borosilicate Glass Carafe and Stainless Steel Permanent Filter
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

There are several pour-over coffee makers such as The Melitta, The BeeHouse, The Kalita Wave, The Chemex, and The Hario V60. As the name suggests, the pour-over method involves pouring water over the coffee grounds. 

Every pour-over coffee maker has a different pour technique. The two types of pouring methods are continuous pouring and pulsing. The way you pour the water over the coffee grounds, especially the pace and control, greatly impacts the way your coffee tastes.

Pros
  • You are in complete control over the brewing process
  • Few requirements: a paper filter and water
  • Makes thick and strong coffee
  • The thick paper used prevents the grounds from passing to the coffee.
Cons
  • It requires some technicality or testing various pouring techniques before getting it right.
  • The brewing process is longer than other coffee makers

French Press

Sale
MuellerLiving French Press Coffee Maker, 34 oz, Stainless Steel, 4 Filters, Double Insulated,...
  • Take it Anywhere – Our rust-free french press-stainless steel-is durable for use while camping, at the office, or making coffee at home. The double-walled carafe on this MuellerLiving French Press keeps your coffee hot and full of flavor.

Also known as the plunger pot, a french press coffee maker is common in most homes. It uses the immersion procedure; steeping grounds in hot water and extracting flavor from the coffee beans. Steeping the coffee for longer times results in stronger and thicker coffee. It takes approximately four minutes to brew standard coffee.

Related: How To Make Lattes At Home + 7 Easy Recipes To Try

You add the grounds to boiled water, then close the lid to ensure it steeps. When the coffee is well-cooked, roll down the plunger to push the grounds to the base of the carafe. If you are a fan of richly-flavored coffee and love sipping it during travels, then a french press maker would be the option to go for

Pros
  • No over-extraction
  • Gives coffee a rich flavor
  • You can adjust the steeping time according to your needs
  • Easy to use and clean
Cons
  • Coffee cannot retain warmness for longer periods
  • Made of glass which breaks easily

Siphon Coffee maker / Vacuum Pot coffee maker

The Siphon coffee maker looks like the equipment used in chemistry experiments. It comprises two glass chambers and uses vacuum pressure to move hot water upwards to the grounds. When all the water has been moved to the grounds in the upper chamber, you stir and steep for one to two minutes. 

An opposite pressure is then ignited to move the mixture downwards to the lower chamber.  This creates a vacuum which makes the brew aromatic and flavorful. If you like the aroma of coffee hitting your nose before sipping and enjoy showing off your unique coffee makers, then siphon coffee maker is for you.

Pros
  • Richly flavored coffee
  • There is no over-extraction
  • It comes in many sizes
  • Easy to use
  • Coffee retains warmness for longer periods
Cons
  • It can be hard to regulate the lower temperature manually
  • Difficult to clean as it has many parts
  • It can easily break

Turkish Coffee Maker

DEMMEX Thickest Copper Turkish Greek Arabic Coffee Pot Engraved Stovetop Coffee Maker Cezve Ibrik...
  • Handmade Engraved Copper Stovetop Coffee Pot with Wooden Handle & Wooden Spoon. Made in Turkey.

It is one of the oldest coffee makers, and as the name suggests, a Turkish coffee maker is used to brew Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee maker is copper or brass and looks like a small pot with an elongated knob and a spout. Making Turkish coffee involves adding grounds and coffee to the pot and boiling until froth appears.

The brew is then poured into a small unfiltered cup, leaving the grounds to settle at the bottom. Turkish coffee maker is suitable for coffee lovers with a tight schedule as it is fast and easy to use

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • You can add other additives like spices to the brew
  • You can use it for other liquids
  • It is fast and easy to use
Cons
  • Unfiltered coffee leaves sediments at the bottom of the cup
  • Bitter coffee

Aeropress Coffee Maker

Aeropress Original Coffee and Espresso-Style Maker, Barista Level Portable Coffee Maker with...
  • UNIQUELY DELICIOUS: No more average joe from fancy, expensive machines. By combining the best of several brew methods into one patented device, you get smooth, rich, grit-free coffee with a delicious, full-bodied finish that lingers well after your last sip. No bitterness. No cream needed.​

It looks like a syringe and makes thick coffee manually within two to three minutes. You add the coffee grounds to the base, fill the base with hot water, put the filter in the lid, turn it onto the bottom, and then the bottom part on top of a cup.

Stir the grounds for eight to ten seconds and then move the water downwards over the grounds to the cup using a plunger. We recommend it for busy people who want a fast way to make a cup of coffee and travelers who have little space as Aeropress is small in size.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Can make both espressos and Americanos
  • An excellent option for travels
  • Filtered grounds cannot mix with the coffee
Cons
  • It brews only one cup at a time

Cold-Brew Coffee Maker

Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker with Black Lid Airtight Pitcher, 1 Quart, Black
  • The Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a durable BPA Free Tritan pitcher with an airtight lid and non-slip silicone handle. It produces 4 servings of smooth cold brew with any type of coffee grounds and is less acidic than traditional coffee brewing.

It uses an infusion method for extraction and does not require heat for brewing. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping the grounds in cold water overnight and then served cold or used as a concentrate for hot coffee.

Related: How To Grind Coffee Beans With And Without A Grinder

If you are a lover of iced coffee, then a cold brew coffee maker is indispensable.

Pros
  • Less acidic coffee than other coffee makers
  • Thick and flavorful coffee
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Brews coffee in large batches
Cons
  • It is slow
  • Requires more coffee than other coffee makers like Aeropress

Single Serve Capsule/Pod Coffee Maker

Sale
CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Capsule and Ground Coffee, Single Cup Coffee Machine, Black
  • 【SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKER-12OZ】CHULUX one cup coffee maker compatible with 1.0 and 2.0 pod coffee capsules to meet variety needs.Also suitable for using ground coffee (reusable filter NOT included) to create your private cafe at leisure or busy moments.

It uses the same process as a drip but has water reservoirs to a lower extent, so there is no need to add water to the grounds. A predetermined amount of boiling water passes through the grounds into the cup.

A single-serve coffee maker is suitable for coffee lovers who want a fast method of making coffee varieties and do not like brewing a whole pot.

Pros
  • Fast
  • Easy to use
  • Wide range of sizes
  • Has water reservoirs
  • It is eco-friendly
Cons
  • Single-serve only

Espresso Coffee Maker

Sale
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Jun 30, 2024

Espresso coffee makers can be manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic. It passes water through the fine grounds. The high-pressure levels and amounts of hot water used to make espresso machines uncommon in homes. Coffee lovers who enjoy concentrated coffee and have expertise and money are the major target. 

Pros
  • Brews an excellent cup of espresso
  • Can be used for other coffee drinks like cappuccinos
  • Has a milk frother
  • Fast
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Requires technical know-how
  • Tiresome

Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

Sale
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Coffee Maker, 12-Cup Thermal, Silver
  • Brew Strength Control: Tailor your coffee to perfection by selecting between regular or bold flavor options, ensuring your coffee taste matches your preferences with every brew.

It works like a drip coffee maker but except for having an insulated thermal carafe that retains heat. We recommend thermal carafe coffee makers for people working in busy spaces and need a constant mental recharge.

Pros
  • Keeps coffee hot for long
  • No bitterness as there is no continuous heating
Cons
  • More expensive than the drip coffee maker

Burr Grind & Brew Coffee maker

Sale
Cuisinart DGB-800 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew, 12-Cup Glass, Silver
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

As the name suggests, this coffee maker grinds the coffee beans before brewing resulting in fresh coffee. It can have blade or burr grinders. Blade grinders have one blade, while burr grinders have two parts where you place coffee beans are between them. This coffee maker is attractive to coffee fanatics who love grinding their beans and enjoy fresh coffee.

Pros
  • Brews fresh coffee
  • Does both grinding and brewing
  • Keeps beans in the coffee maker for future use
Cons
  • Requires frequent cleaning
  • Can jam

Overall Best Coffee Maker Machine

Our choice for the overall best types of coffee makers is the Drip Coffee Maker. This machine is not only affordable but also feature-packed, and it’s designed to give you an outstanding coffee experience.

Related: Types Of Coffee Beans In The World: Arabica vs Robusta

Additionally, it prides itself in higher coffee extraction, grinds size dial, hands-free operation, and is suitable for both home and office. Better still, it allows you to choose the strength of your coffee, temperature, and cup size. What else could be better? 

Coffee Maker Buying Guide

When buying a coffee maker, you need to consider various factors, including the price and quality. Read on to learn more. 

How do you take your coffee? 

Hot or cold:

If you love your coffee hot and want to retain the warmness for long, go for  a thermal carafe. This brewer can keep coffee hot for up to six hours. For cold coffee, cold-brew would give you a refreshing cup, especially during summer 

The number of cups:

Choose a single-serve brewer if you like taking a cup on the go. But if you cannot get enough of your joe, a percolator maker is best as it can brew up to 12 cups.

How often do you need a fix:

A single-serve brewer is suitable for one fix. For more fixes,  go for the percolator or drip brewer to brew up to 12 and 5 cups, respectively.

Size and height consideration:

Before buying  a brewer, put into consideration the size of your cabinet, as some brewers can be pretty tall

How to choose the best drip coffee maker? 

Programmable timer

If you have fixed schedules for taking your coffee, you need a brewer that you can program to start brewing at a specific time. A drip coffee maker with a programmable timer comes in handy

Built-in water filter

A drip coffee maker with a built-in water filter saves you time as you can pour tap water directly into the reservoir for automatic filtering. If your brewer does not have a filter, you will be forced to filter manually, which is hectic.

Carafe size

Drip coffee makers are available in different sizes, brewing four, eight, and twelve cups. Some are customized to make one cup.

How to choose the best pod coffee maker? 

Brew speed

For pod coffee makers, speed is a priority. The faster it brews, the more convenient it is as it not only saves you time and lowers your energy cost.

Type of pod

The major pod coffee maker varieties can only fit a single coffee pod though a few can accommodate multiple brands. Choose one which meets your needs.

Environmental impact

Most pod coffee makers cannot be recycled hence harmful to the environment. If you love environmental conservation, go for reusable pods like Nespresso capsules, as they are environmentally friendly and safe.

How to choose the best espresso machine 

Automated Vs hands-on

Automated espresso machines reduce brewing time as they can automatically grind beans and foam milk. Although automated machines are convenient, you may not have the freedom to customize your coffee. 

Milk frothing

For milk-based coffee, milk frothing property is a priority. Although automatic frothing is convenient, it will not produce a thick cream. Go for an easy to remove  spout as it ensures proper cleaning 

Ease to customize a shot

You may want to customize the temperature, the fineness of coffee grounds, or the length of the shot. This can be achieved by adjusting buttons or using knobs and dials for proper settings.

How to choose the best cold brew coffee 

Space-saving

Cold-brew machines are kept in the fridge while brewing. Go for one that comfortably fits in your fridge to avoid inconveniences that come with brewers taller than your fridge.

Reusable fine filter

The majority of cold brews come with reusable filters. However, you should ensure that the filter does not have large openings to make coffee grounds pass through to your coffee.

Easy to clean

Cold brews that are easy to dismantle are the best as you have to remove the grounds and wash the carafe whenever you want to brew fresh coffee.

Coffee Makers Machine Features to Consider 

Milk frothing

For those who love milk coffees kike the cappuccinos, choosing a machine with milk frothing features is a priority.

Steam wand

This feature allows you to froth your milk in a different mug before adding it to your drink. Automated brands are convenient.

Automated frothing

Machines with this feature allow you to put milk in a reservoir, and an in-built frother automatically passes out foamed milk.

Related: How To Make Coffee On The Stove – 8 Quick & Easy Ways

Milk frothing accessories

This property whips and heats your milk to form  a thick foam for a mouth-watering drink

Milk pods

Powdered milk pods can pass froth directly into your coffee mug

Personalization and memory function

There are brewer brands that give you the freedom to customize settings according to your needs. Your coffee will be dispensed based on your pre-set preferences

Capacity

For coffee lovers who do not want to run out of coffee the whole day, machines with high capacity are an excellent choice.

Maintenance 

Automatic cleaning features are the best. For manual cleaning, go for one whose parts can be easily separated.

Smart control

Sophisticated machines can be connected to your phone through an application for you to operate efficiently. 

What to Look For Before Buying a Coffee Maker 

Brew type

Coffee makers and espressos come as separate machines, but you can find hybrid brands that make both coffee and espressos. 

How much coffee it can brew

Different brewers produce different quantities. Single-serve brewers are suitable for those who live alone, while machines that have large amounts are the best option for families and parties.

Size

Your coffee maker should fit into the available space; otherwise, it will cause you lots of inconveniences. For single-serve brewers, consider the size of your cup as it should perfectly fit under the brewer.

Strength of flavor

Machines like espresso produce strong-flavored coffee, while drip machines can compromise the strength of your coffee. If you love coffee smell hitting your nose, go for strong-flavored options

Heat

Some brewers retain heat for longer hours than others. Espressos and thermal carafes can keep your coffee hot for longer hours, while cold brews are suited for cold drinks.

Additional features 

Some brewers have added automatic shut-off, programmed brewing, audible alerts that tick when brewing is over, and notifications when they need to be washed. 

Price

Coffee maker prices are an essential factor. Espresso is more expensive compared to brewers like the Moka pot. Look for a cheaper  machine that does  not compromise on  quality

14 Types Of Coffee Makers - Coffee Brew Mag

Types Of Coffee Makers – FAQS

How many types of coffee machines do we have? 

Coffee makers can be divided into two major categories: manual and automatic. For manual brewers like the drip coffee maker, the user can easily manipulate the brewing process, while for automatic brewers, the user’s freedom is restricted. 

Related: 13 Different Coffee Drinks You Could Make At Home Easy

Do expensive coffee makers make better coffee? 

Yes, price and quality mostly go hand in hand;  More expensive brands like espresso produce better coffee than drip coffee makers.

Does the type of coffee maker make a difference?

Yes, the type of coffee maker makes a difference. Some coffee makers brew more coffee than others, some retain heat for long hours, while others brew stronger-flavored coffee

Are all coffee makers the same? 

No, coffee makers differ in their in-built features, the number of cups they can brew, coffee taste, ability to retain warmness, and how it is operated.

How do I choose a coffee maker for my home?

When choosing a coffee maker for your home, consider the type of coffee it makes, the price, and the ease of operating.

Final Thoughts on the different types of coffee makers 

There you have it! Whether you are looking for a simple coffee maker like the Moka pot or a more sophisticated one like the espresso, our review guides you in making the right choice.

There are many factors to consider before buying a coffee maker, and they include the type of coffee it makes, the time taken to brew, and its cost. You have no excuse to buy blindly and regret it later! We have made it easier for you. Enjoy your coffee!

Read next…

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The 10 Best Espresso Machine Under 1000

10 Best Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

The Best Nespresso Machine – Ultimate Guide

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Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Shevy