Comparison: Best Traditional Coffee Maker (Updated | Nov 10th)
Choosing the best traditional coffee maker depends on balancing brewing quality, ease of use, and durability. Whether you prioritize rich flavor, consistent brewing, or simple maintenance, this comparison explores top models designed for classic drip coffee. We evaluate features like carafe materials, programmable settings, and brew strength options to help you find a reliable option suited to your daily routine. By focusing on performance and user-friendly design, this guide aims to simplify your decision-making process without compromising on the essentials of a satisfying morning cup.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for user-friendly:
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker -
Best for best overall:
Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker -
Best for budget pick:
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch -
Best for compact choice:
Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker 5 Cups with Auto Pause Glass Carafe Compact Design Black -
Best for dual brewing:
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker -
Best for versatile brewing:
Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker -
Best for premium build:
Cuisinart Coffee Maker -
Best for stainless design:
KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker: Stainless Steel Design -
Best for best value:
Amazon Basics Programmable 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker -
Best for affordable quality:
Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 12 Cup
Product Comparison: Best Traditional Coffee Maker
User-friendly
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, Programmable, Washable Basket Filter, Sneak-A-Cup, Auto Brew, Water Window, Keep Hot Plate, Black
BLACK+DECKER
- 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.
- 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
Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker, Programmable PerfecTemp Glass Carafe Coffee Machine with 1-4 Cup Setting, Brew Strength Control and Brew Pause, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200NAS
Cuisinart
- ADJUSTABLE CARAFE TEMP: Our Cuisinart 14-Cup* Coffee Maker with adjustable carafe temp feature adjusts the warming plate temperature to Low, Medium, or High to keep freshly brewed coffee at the temperature you prefer.
- BREW STRENGTH CONTROL: This coffee maker customizes your brew to perfection with regular or bold settings, catering to your unique taste preferences every time.
- FULLY AUTOMATIC COFFEE MAKER: The coffee machine offers convenience with 24-hour programmability, 1-4 cup settings, auto-off (0-4 hours), and an optional ready alert tone.
- 14-CUP* CAPACITY: *Cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique).
- FILL WITH EASE: Enjoy precise water filling with the easy-to-view water window, while the Cuisinart coffee maker Brew Pause feature lets you savor a cup before the brewing cycle finishes, enhancing your experience.
Budget pick
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch, Easy Pour, Non-Drip Carafe with Removable Filter Basket, Vortex Technology, Black
BLACK+DECKER
- 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.
Compact choice
Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker 5 Cups with Auto Pause Glass Carafe Compact Design Black
Mr. Coffee
- Compact Design: Perfectly fits in small spaces, making it ideal for any kitchen size
- Brew Later Feature: Set your coffee maker to brew coffee ahead of time, waking up to a freshly brewed pot
- Ergonomic Carafe: Measures in ounces, designed for easy pouring and handling
- 25 oz. Capacity: Brews up to two standard 12 oz. cups, perfect for personal use or sharing
- Auto Pause: Allows you to pour a cup during the brewing cycle, then resumes brewing
- Auto Shut-off: Coffee maker automatically shuts off after two hours for safety and energy saving
- Includes Filtration System and Reusable Filter: Ensures pure, great tasting coffee every time
Dual brewing
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass Carafe And Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black with Stainless Steel Accents, 49980RG
Hamilton Beach
- 2 WAYS TO BREW: SINGLE CUP OR FULL POT. The included single-serve scoop makes it easy to just scoop, place and brew. You can brew up to 14 oz. into a cup or travel mug on the single-serving side or make up to 12 cups on the carafe side with ground coffee.
- SIMPLE SINGLE-SERVE BREWING: With the included mesh scoop, adding your favorite ground coffee to the single cup coffee maker couldn’t be easier: just scoop, place and brew. (Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.)
- ECO-FRIENDLY AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET. For fresh flavor and less waste, skip the plastic pods. Since this Hamilton Beach coffee maker doesn't use K-Cup* pods, there's less to buy and throw away.
- HAMILTON BEACH PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER WITH MULTIPLE BREW SETTINGS: Choose whether to make a single cup or full pot, select bold or regular brew strength options, and program the coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance for wake-up ready coffee.
- GET YOUR FIRST CUP FAST WITH AN AutoPause & Pour COFFEE MACHINE: Enjoy a quick cup while your coffee is still brewing. There's no need to wait for the full pot, thanks to the AutoPause & Pour feature on this carafe and single-serve coffee maker.
- 2 SEPARATE EASY-FILL WATER RESERVOIRS: Each brewer has its own water reservoir that’s easy to fill and features a water window, so you always know how much water is on each side.
- *K-Cup is a registered trademark of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Use of the K-Cup trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
Versatile brewing
Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker, K-Cup Pod Compatible, Brews Grounds, Compact Design, Built-In Milk Frother, 56-oz. Reservoir, 6-oz. Cup to 24-oz. Mug Sizes, Stone, PB051ST
Ninja
- BREW WITH PODS OR GROUNDS: Brew a single-serve cup of coffee with grounds for ultimate flavor or with a coffee pod for ultimate convenience in one small footprint.
- 4 BREW STYLES: Select Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty for your grounds or coffee pods.
- ULTIMATE BREW VERSATILITY: Brew a 6, 8, 10, or 12-oz. pod brew or choose from a 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, or 24-oz. grounds brew.
- COMPACT DESIGN AND STORAGE: Sleek, compact design takes up little countertop space, with a storage drawer for the brew basket or permanent filter when not in use.
- COFFEEHOUSE DRINKS AT HOME: Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
- BUILT-IN, FOLD-AWAY FROTHER: Turns hot or cold milk/milk alternative into silky-smooth froth. Removable for easy cleaning.
- REMOVABLE RESERVOIR: Features a removable 56-oz. water reservoir for easy refilling.
- THERMAL FLAVOR EXTRACTION DUO: Delivers perfect flavor for grounds and pods with even saturation and precise temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee.
Premium build
Cuisinart Coffee Maker, Custom Grind and Brew Single Cup Coffee Maker, 6 Cup Sizes, Built-in Stainless Steel Burr Mill, Adjustable Strength, Grind Control and Over Ice Feature, Easy Cleaning, DGB-30
Cuisinart
- FRESHLY GROUND FLAVOR: Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Maker features a built-in stainless steel conical burr mill that grinds whole beans before brewing for rich, fresh flavor in every cup.
- HOTTER BREWING TEMP: Coffee maker with grinder brews hotter than traditional single-serve options, for consistent hot coffee from the first drop.
- PERSONALIZED BREWING: Cuisinart coffee pot offers a sleek control panel with programmable settings including adjustable strength, grind off feature for pre-ground coffee and over ice feature.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Easy to remove hopper, conical burr mill, 48-ounce water reservoir, brewing chamber and drip tray make clean up a breeze.
- FITS YOUR CUP SIZE: Brews 8 to 24 ounces. Removable drip tray fits shorter mugs or a 20-ounce, 7-inch travel cup.
Stainless design
KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker: Stainless Steel Design, Pause & Brew, Keep Warm, Reusable Filter, Drip-Free Carafe
KRUPS
- Compact Design: The coffee machine is great for small kitchens or offices this coffee maker brews just the right amount for 1-2 people, ensuring fresh, hot coffee without waste. Ideal for couples, singles, or small households.
- Pause & Brew Function: Enjoy the flexibility to pour a cup mid-brew without a mess with the small drip coffee maker. This brewing process automatically pauses when the carafe is removed, allowing you to savor the first cup while the rest brews
- Keep Warm Feature: Maintain your coffee at the optimal temperature for up to 30 minutes after brewing with this compact coffee maker. This function ensures your second or third cup is just as warm and delicious as the first
- Easy-to-Use Design: Features a simple on/off button, top-fill water tank, and included measuring spoon. The permanent, coffee maker reusable filter eliminates the need for paper filters, saving time and reducing waste in your daily coffee routine.
- Effortless Cleaning: The small coffee maker's stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe clean while the glass carafe and permanent filter are dishwasher-safe. No-drip spout design prevents messy countertops, making maintenance a breeze.
Best value
Amazon Basics Programmable 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker, Coffee Machine with Glass Coffee Pot (1.9 Qt), Auto Shut-off, Touch Screen, Auto Pause, Removable Filter Basket, Black & Silver
Amazon Basics
- AUTO SHUTOFF: Built-in 2-hour automatic shutoff ensures safety and energy savings
- PROGRAMMABLE: 24-hour programmable timer lets you wake up to freshly brewed coffee
- SLEEK DESIGN: Modern, polished appearance complements any contemporary kitchen with a family-sized 12-cup capacity
- PAUSE & POUR: Auto-pause lets you grab a cup mid-brew without mess
- STURDY CARAFE: Duralife glass carafe features an ergonomic handle for drip-free pouring
- SIMPLE CLEANING: Removable filter basket makes grounds disposal and maintenance effortless
Affordable quality
Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 12 Cup, One-Touch Operation, Pause & Serve, Automatic Keep Warm, Easy View Water Window, Compact Design, Stainless Steel Accents, Black
Gourmia
- Brew Coffee Fast and Easy – One-touch operation makes brewing simple and stress free, even on busy mornings
- Coffee for One or Serve a Crowd – 12 cup capacity is perfect for everything from solo sips to family breakfasts
- Pause and Pour Anytime – Pause & serve lets you grab a cup mid-brew without waiting
- Coffee Stays Hot Longer – Automatic keep warm function keeps coffee at the ideal temperature
- Easy to Clean and Monitor – Nonstick warming plate and easy-view water window simplify use and cleanup
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.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which coffee maker has the largest capacity?
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker has the largest capacity.
Are any of these coffee makers programmable?
The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital, Cuisinart 14-Cup, Mr. Coffee Programmable, Hamilton Beach 2-Way, and Amazon Basics models are programmable.
Which model is best for small spaces?
The KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker is designed for compact spaces.
Do any of these coffee makers brew single cups?
The Ninja Pod & Grounds and Cuisinart Custom Grind and Brew models brew single cups.
Which models have a pause function?
The Mr. Coffee Programmable, KRUPS Simply Brew, and Gourmia Drip models have a pause function.
Are there any budget-friendly options?
The Amazon Basics and BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch are budget-friendly options.
Which models have a thermal carafe?
None of the listed models include a thermal carafe; all use glass carafes.