Most of us rely on a cup of coffee from our favorite coffee maker to rouse and energize our sluggish bodies, especially in the morning. But, not all kinds of coffee can satisfy our taste buds. Aside from using high-quality coffee beans, the extraction method is also essential in bringing out a flavorful cup of joe. The most common process is the use of a coffee maker. So, what makes a great coffee maker?
First, you need to check the brewing temperature. Keep in mind that brewing at a lower temperature will result in weak coffee. Using a high temperature, on the other hand, will lead to a very bitter cup of java. Thus, the best machine will have a brewing temperature between 195 to 205° F. Aside from that, you also need to consider the product’s durability and usability.
Coffee makers are also a breeding ground of harmful microorganisms. So, opting for products that are easy to assemble and clean is crucial not only for optimum performance but for safety as well. Of course, you also need to consider the end product of the brewing cycle – your coffee’s flavor.
With all these factors to consider, choosing the best machine can be a daunting task. So, to help narrow your search, here are the 12 best coffee makers of 2020.
Moccamaster 59691 KBG
If you’re searching for a fast-brewing coffee maker, the Moccamaster 59691 KBG should be on your list. Basically, this product has a copper-based heating system that allows it to brew 10 cups of coffee for about five to six minutes. But, there’s more. The Moccamaster 59691 KBG has a glass carafe on an electric hot-plate that can hold the coffee temperature between 175 to 185 °F. Through this, your coffee’s flavor and quality are not compromised even for a long period. The best part is that this model is easy to disassemble. As such, you can easily pull it apart when you’re using or cleaning it.
The downside is that the Moccamaster 59691 KBG is a bit pricey (more than $300) compared to the other products on this list. The brew basket also looks a little cheap for a first-class coffee maker. Even so, this model is still a notable product considering the flavorful coffee you’ll get from this machine.
You may also be interested in some of the best percolators from our list. Don’t miss them.
Bunn GRB Velocity Brew
The Bunn GRB Velocity Brew is perfect for those who want to save some space. This product may be simple and small, but it’s brewing performance is one of the best. In fact, it can brew 10 cups of coffee in only three minutes. With the Bunn GRB Velocity Brew, you can get a truly flavorful cup of joe. This is due to the multi-steam spray head, which evenly distributes water on the coffee grounds. It also has a flat-bottom filter that allows better interaction between the grounds and the hot water, resulting in an excellent flavor extraction. Lastly, this product also has a glass carafe with a unique spout that guides the coffee to your cup, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess on your kitchen counter.
The Bunn GRB Velocity Brew is an excellent product, but it is not programmable. As such, cueing your coffee in advance is not an option. Also, people who favor a strong cup of coffee may prefer another kind of coffee maker. One reason is due to the fast brewing process, which may affect the strength of your cup of joe.
Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer
At first glance, the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer looks like an ordinary machine. But don’t let that dissuade you from purchasing this product because it offers great features. First, this coffee maker can brew with both cone and flat-bottom filters. This model is also equipped with a PID (proportional, integral, derivative) that directly handles the temperature and the brewing cycle.
Aside from that, you can choose from six different brewing modes. For example, the “strong” setting increases the water temperature and lengthens the brewing process so that the grounds will be thoroughly extracted. The “gold” setting, on the other hand, creates a cup of joe that passes the gold standard set by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association). Lastly, this model can also create a cold brew without making a mess.
Overall, the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer is one of the most flexible coffee makers you can use at home. However, it has a tall and bulky stature. Also, this product is not cheap (more than $250), but with all of its cool features, you’ll definitely be getting all your money’s worth.
Take a look at some of the top cold brew coffee makers from our list, as well, and pick your favorite.
OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup
The OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup is another SCA certified product on this list. This seal of approval is not only due to the coffee maker’s sleek design but its brewing performance as well. Basically, this product can maintain the water temperature during the brewing process. Aside from that, it also has a computer-controlled brew cycle that mimics the pour-over method. As such, it will consistently produce the same quality of coffee – which is rich and complex in flavor. The best part is that you can get a flavorful cup of joe simply by using a single button.
Once the coffee is brewed, you don’t need to worry about losing its freshness and flavor. The OXO Barista Brain has a stainless-steel carafe, which is designed to keep your coffee hot for a long period without compromising its taste. Plus, cleaning this carafe is easy because of its simple yet modern design.
As with other SCA-approved coffee makers, the price tag of this product is quite high (more than $150). Nonetheless, it is an excellent purchase, considering its great features and sleek design.
BUNN BT Velocity Brew
The BUNN BT Velocity Brew has a modest design that may not entice your eyes, but this maker can satisfy your taste buds with an excellent of coffee.
This product has an 800-watt heater and a stainless-steel tank that constantly keep the water heated to the ideal brewing temperature, which is 200° F. But, that’s not all. As its name implies, the BUNN BT Velocity Brew is one of the few products on this list with a quick brewing process. In fact, you can brew 10 cups of joe in about three minutes without affecting the flavor. This is due to the unique spray head that is designed to extract the coffee’s flavor evenly. This machine also has a vacuum-insulated carafe that can keep your coffee hot for up to two hours even without a heating plate.
The BUNN BT Velocity may seem to be the perfect product, especially because of its price (less than $150). But, there are a few drawbacks. First, the machine needs to stay on all the time to keep the water hot. Cleaning this product can also be a bit complicated. Lastly, this machine is not best for finely ground coffee.
Our guide to the top-rated coffee grinders offers more cool products for coffee lovers. Check them out.
Moccamaster 79112 KBT
The Moccamaster 79112 KBT may have a minimalist look, but it can quietly brew a flavorful pot of coffee in about four to six minutes. This is due to the machine’s 1400-watt dual coil heater that can consistently keep the water temperature within the range of 195 to 205° F – the ideal brewing temperature to produce the perfect cup of joe.
Although this machine has some plastic parts, these parts are made of sustainable plastic. Thus, your coffee will not have an undesirable plastic taste – a common problem in most coffee makers with plastic parts. Another advantage you can get from this appliance is that it can brew up to 12 cups of coffee. The best part is that you can maintain your coffee’s warmth and flavor for hours because of the dual-walled thermal carafe included in the package. Lastly, the Moccamaster 79112 KBT has an aluminum housing, which ensures that the product will last for years.
Unfortunately, like other high-end product on this list, the Moccamaster is expensive (more than $300). Some people may also find this machine too simplistic because it lacks programmability.
Bonavita BV1900TS
Like the BUNN BT Velocity Brew, the Bonavita BV1900TS has a simple design without flashy LCD panels and LED-lit buttons, but it has some great features to offer. First, this machine has the capability to automatically soak (preinfuse) ground coffee with water before the brewing cycle begins. In terms of its brewing performance, the Bonavita BV1900TS can make a pot (45 oz.) of coffee in about six minutes. Because of its 1500-watt heater, the brewing temperature is stable at 195 to 205° F. So, you can expect to get a premium-quality cup of coffee from this device.
The Bonavita BV1900TS also has an easy-to-clean thermal carafe that can keep your coffee hot for a long period. Unfortunately, this machine is not programmable. Nonetheless, you’re definitely getting a lot from a product with a price less than $150.
You may also be interested in some of the best-selling pod coffee makers from our list. Don’t miss them.
Cuisinart DCC-3200
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly coffee maker, you should add the Cuisinart DCC-3200 to your list of possible choices. For a price of less than $100, this machine can offer a lot of great features. For one, this drip coffee maker has self-clean functionality wherein a signal light will alert you when it’s time to decalcify the inner parts of the machine. This may seem complicated, but it is actually quite simple. All you need to do is to remove the carbon filter, pour some water into the main tank, and press the “Clean” button. Aside from that, this machine allows you to choose your preferred coffee strength (regular or bold). This coffee maker also has 24-hour programmability and auto shut-off features.
Overall, the Cuisinart DCC-3200 is a good product you can use to make an aromatic and tasty cup of joe in about five to eight minutes. However, this machine is not Energy Star rated. Thus, its energy usage may be a bit higher compared to other products on this list.
Hamilton Beach 48464
Unlike the other products on this list, the Hamilton Beach 48464 has no carafe that you need to clean regularly. Instead, it operates like a soda fountain machine wherein you have to press a button, and the coffee will come out. But, this is not a single-serving coffee maker. The tank can hold up to 12 cups of coffee. It also has an internal heater that can keep your java fresh and hot for up to four hours. Aside from that, this coffee maker is programmable. You can also choose from several settings, such as regular, bold, or iced. Plus, it has an automatic shut-off feature.
Although it’s a good product, the Hamilton Beach 48464 has a few drawbacks. First, the brewing process may take longer than other models. There’s also limited space under the dispenser, so travel mugs may not fit. Lastly, finding your preferred coffee flavor may take some experimentation. Still, this appliance is a notable product considering you can buy it for less than $100.
Ninja CF112
Aside from its modern design, the Ninja CF112 can offer you a lot of great features, especially if you want to turn your kitchen into a cafe. With this machine, you can choose from five different brew types and four different sizes. You can also make hot and cold drinks from this coffee maker. Aside from that, this machine has a built-in frothing arm that can add flavor to your regular cup of joe.
Despite its numerous features, using this machine is easy due to the simple control panel. This coffee maker also has a “Clean” button that will light up once the machine needs cleaning. However, cleaning this product is not very easy due to its complex structure. Another drawback is the brewing process, which will take approximately five minutes for a single cup of joe. Furthermore, this coffee maker doesn’t have a hot plate to keep your coffee hot. Nonetheless, if you’re someone who wants to try different coffee flavors, this product is definitely for you.
Hamilton Beach 49980A
The Hamilton Beach 49980A offers an elegant design and some great features. First, this machine has 2-way brewing technology, which you can use to brew a pot (12 cups) or a single cup of coffee. This product is also programmable, so you can set it at night and wake up with a flavorful coffee in the morning.
Another great feature of this machine is its pause option that allows you to pour a cup of joe even if the brewing cycle is not complete. Furthermore, this coffee maker will automatically shut off after two hours, allowing you to save energy and money. However, it also has some disadvantages. First, this machine has no temperature control. Aside from that, cleaning this product will not be an easy task. Nonetheless, this is still a notable product considering its price, which is less than $100.
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KitchenAid KCM0801OB
The KitchenAid KCM0801OB has a modern design that will definitely catch your eye. But what about its brewing performance? Basically, this machine has a cone-shaped brew basket that can compress the water and coffee grounds. Because of this, the machine can extract the highest amount of flavor from the coffee grounds. It also mimics the pour-over method without the manual effort. Thus, it is not surprising that the KitchenAid KCM0801OBb has met the Gold Cup standards set by the SCA. So, you can expect a high-quality coffee from this appliance.
However, the brewing process of this machine is quite slow. It will take about eight minutes to make eight cups of java. This product is programmable, though. So, you can set the machine at night so that your delicious coffee is already prepared the moment you wake up. This machine also has a warming plate that can keep your coffee hot for a long period. The best part is that you can get this product for less than $150.