As a coffee enthusiast who tests dozens of machines each year, I can confidently say that 2025 is an incredible time to be in the market for a new brewer. The landscape has evolved far beyond simple drip machines, offering everything from smart-connected models that learn your schedule to compact espresso makers that deliver barista-quality results on your countertop. Whether your priority is speed, customization, or simply a reliably great cup, the technology available now makes it easier than ever to find your perfect match.
Choosing the right machine is a personal decision that hinges on your daily routine and taste preferences. After extensive hands-on testing, I’ve curated a list of the top performers across several categories. This guide to the best coffee makers of 2025 will help you cut through the noise and find a model that will make your morning ritual something you genuinely look forward to, without any guesswork or disappointment.
Our Picks for the Best Coffee Makers of 2025
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Coffee Brewer
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
- OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
- Cuisinart Perfectemp Drip Coffee Maker
- Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Chemex Classic Series Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Coffee Brewer
If you are serious about your morning coffee and want a machine built to last for decades, the Technivorm Moccamaster is the one to get. It’s not packed with digital screens or Wi-Fi, and that’s the point. This machine focuses on one thing: brewing coffee at the perfect temperature (196-205°F) for the optimal time. The result is a cup that consistently highlights the nuanced flavors of your beans, something most home brewers simply cannot achieve. The KBG model’s manual basket stop gives you control over the brewing process, allowing you to pause and let the grounds bloom for a fuller extraction.
The build quality is what truly sets the Moccamaster apart. It’s handmade in the Netherlands with high-quality, repairable components. I appreciate that it’s certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which is a testament to its brewing precision. While it comes with a higher price tag, it’s an investment in both quality and longevity. The carafe is thermal glass, not heated, which keeps the coffee hot without scorching it. It’s a simple, elegant, and foolproof machine for anyone who values taste above all else.
Pros
- Unmatched brewing precision for superior flavor
- Incredibly durable and repairable construction
- SCA certification guarantees optimal performance
Cons
- High initial cost
- Lacks programmable features like a clock or timer
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
For those who want cafe-quality espresso without the massive footprint or learning curve of a prosumer machine, the Breville Bambino Plus is a game-changer. Its compact size is perfect for small kitchens, but don’t let that fool you. It heats up in an impressive three seconds, so you can make a latte on a whim without any waiting. The automatic microfoaming milk jug is brilliant for beginners; it textures the milk to a silky consistency with the press of a button, taking the guesswork out of steaming.
I found the Bambino Plus to be remarkably consistent. It uses ThermoJet heating for immediate hot water and precise temperature control, which is crucial for pulling a balanced shot. The pre-infusion function gently wets the coffee puck before full pressure is applied, leading to a more even extraction and richer flavor. While you’ll need a good grinder to get the most out of it, the machine itself is incredibly user-friendly. It’s the ideal entry point into the world of home espresso, delivering performance that punches well above its weight class.
Pros
- Extremely fast heat-up time (3 seconds)
- Automatic milk frothing takes the difficulty out of lattes
- Compact design that doesn’t sacrifice performance
Cons
- Works best when paired with a quality burr grinder
- The water reservoir is on the smaller side
OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
The OXO Brew 9-Cup strikes a fantastic balance between the precision of high-end machines and the convenience of a standard drip brewer. What makes it stand out is its unique rainmaker shower head, which evenly saturates the coffee grounds for a uniform extraction. This attention to detail results in a clean, full-bodied cup every time. I also love the included precision scale built into the programmable timer; you can measure your water right into the carafe, ensuring a perfect coffee-to-water ratio without needing a separate tool.
This machine is packed with thoughtful features. The double-wall thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without a heated plate, which can make coffee taste bitter. The single-cup brew setting is perfect for mornings when you are flying solo, and the charcoal water filter ensures your coffee tastes pure. It’s a smart, well-designed brewer for someone who appreciates a great cup of coffee but also values the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of programmability. It feels like a modern classic.
Pros
- Rainmaker shower head for even saturation and great flavor
- Built-in scale for precise measurements
- Excellent thermal carafe that avoids burnt coffee
Cons
- Taller profile may not fit under low cabinets
- Higher price point than basic programmable drip machines
Cuisinart Perfectemp Drip Coffee Maker
When you need a reliable, feature-packed coffee maker that won’t break the bank, the Cuisinart Perfectemp is a perennial favorite for a good reason. It’s a workhorse that consistently produces a good cup of coffee. The 14-cup capacity is ideal for families or entertaining, and the fully programmable timer means your coffee is ready the moment you walk into the kitchen. The hot water station is a surprisingly useful bonus for making tea, oatmeal, or hot cocoa.
I appreciate the simplicity of this machine. The charcoal water filter improves taste, and the Gold Tone permanent filter means you never have to buy paper filters again. While it doesn’t have the ultra-precise brewing technology of the OXO or Moccamaster, it gets the job done well. The brew-pause feature lets you grab a cup before the cycle is finished, and the auto-shoff function provides peace of mind. For its price, it offers tremendous value and is a solid, no-fuss choice for daily use.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Large capacity with a convenient hot water spout
- Includes a reusable gold tone filter
Cons
- Brewing temperature isn’t as precise as higher-end models
- Glass carafe sits on a heated plate, which can affect flavor over time
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Maker
If convenience is your top priority, the Nespresso VertuoPlus is arguably the king of single-serve systems. Its main advantage is versatility; it uses barcode technology on each coffee pod to automatically adjust the brewing settings for five different cup sizes, from a shot of espresso to a large alto mug. This means you get a consistently good result whether you want a strong morning eye-opener or a milder afternoon coffee, all with the push of a single button.
I was impressed by the crema that the VertuoPlus produces on even the larger coffee sizes. It’s a smooth, flavorful foam that adds a nice texture to the drink. The machine itself is sleek and user-friendly, with a motorized head that opens and closes for easy pod insertion and a large used-pod container. The main consideration is the ongoing cost and waste associated with the proprietary pods. However, for speed, consistency, and variety with almost zero cleanup, it’s a hard system to beat for a busy household.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use with one-touch operation
- Brews both espresso and full cups of coffee
- Creates a rich crema on all drink sizes
Cons
- Ongoing cost of proprietary coffee pods
- Limited to using Nespresso-branded capsules
Chemex Classic Series Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
For the coffee purist who enjoys the ritual of making coffee as much as the drink itself, the Chemex is an icon. Its simple, elegant design is a piece of functional art for your kitchen. The process is manual: you boil water separately and pour it over coffee grounds in a special paper filter. This method gives you complete control over every variable—water temperature, pour speed, and bloom time—allowing you to extract a cup that is exceptionally clean, smooth, and free of sediment and bitterness.
Using a Chemex is a mindful way to start the day. The thick paper filters are what make the difference, producing a uniquely bright and crisp cup that highlights the coffee’s delicate notes. It’s also incredibly versatile, capable of making a single cup or a full carafe for guests. While it requires more effort than an automatic machine, many people find the hands-on process to be a relaxing and rewarding experience. The coffee it produces is in a class of its own, offering a clarity that machines often can’t match.
Pros
- Produces an exceptionally clean and bright cup of coffee
- Beautiful, timeless design
- Complete control over the brewing process
Cons
- Requires a separate kettle and more time/attention
- Glass carafe can be fragile
Best Coffee Makers Of 2025: Expert Picks For Your Morning
Choosing the right coffee maker feels more complicated than ever, but I am here to help you sort through the noise. My picks for the best coffee makers of 2025 focus on a mix of innovative tech, reliable performance, and designs that fit real-life kitchens. The key is to think about how you actually use your machine every single morning.
First, consider your brew style. If you are all about convenience and a quick, consistent cup, a pod machine is a solid choice. The Breville Nespresso VertuoPop continues to be a winner for its compact size and ability to make both small espresso shots and larger coffee cups with that rich crema on top. For traditionalists who want a full pot, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBG is a work of art. It is built to last for decades and brews at the perfect temperature for optimal flavor extraction. It is simple, fast, and makes a fantastic cup of coffee.
If you are someone who appreciates control, a manual pour-over machine might be your best coffee maker of 2025. The OXO Brew 9-Cup is my top recommendation in this category. It automates the water pouring for you, ensuring an even saturation of the grounds, which is the trick to a great pour-over. You get the clean, nuanced taste of a manual method without the guesswork. For the ultimate smart home integration, the Breville Oracle Touch is in a league of its own. It grinds the beans, tamps the grounds, and froths the milk automatically. It is a significant investment, but it essentially replicates a coffee shop experience on your counter.
My final piece of advice is to think about your counter space and maintenance. A machine with a built-in grinder, like the Baratza Sette 270 paired with a good drip machine, offers incredible freshness but takes up more room. A single-serve machine is compact but creates ongoing costs for pods. No matter which of the best coffee makers of 2025 you choose, prioritize what will make your morning routine smoother and more satisfying.
FAQ
What is the most reliable type of coffee maker?
In my experience, simple machines with fewer electronic components tend to be the most reliable. The Technivorm Moccamaster is famous for its durability, often lasting 10+ years because it focuses on a perfect brew cycle without complex digital interfaces. Basic French presses and pour-over cones are also incredibly reliable since they have no moving parts at all.
Are smart coffee makers worth the extra cost?
This depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you love the idea of your coffee being ready the second your alarm goes off, or you want to start a brew from the comfort of your bed, then yes, a smart machine is worth it. Features like programmable strength control and water filters are great. However, if you just want a good, hot cup of coffee without the tech, you can save a lot of money with a standard programmable drip machine.
How important is a built-in grinder?
I cannot stress this enough: a built-in grinder makes a huge difference in flavor. Coffee beans start losing their complexity and aroma minutes after being ground. A machine with a quality burr grinder, like some high-end models from Breville or Baratza, ensures you are using the freshest grounds possible for every pot. It is one of the single best upgrades you can make for your home coffee.
What should I look for in an espresso machine for home use?
For a true espresso, you need a machine that can generate high pressure (typically 9 bars or more). Look for a machine with a good steam wand if you enjoy milk-based drinks. Semi-automatic machines give you the most control over the brewing process, but super-automatic machines, like the ones from Jura, handle everything at the touch of a button. Consider how much time you want to spend learning the process.
How do I clean and maintain my coffee maker?
Regular cleaning is non-negotiable for good-tasting coffee. For drip machines, run a cycle with a mixture of water and vinegar (or a commercial descaling solution) every month to remove mineral buildup. Always wash the carafe and brew basket after each use. For espresso machines, backflush the group head regularly and descale according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper maintenance will extend the life of any of the best coffee makers of 2025.
Can I use regular ground coffee in a pod machine?
Generally, no. Most pod machines, like Keurig or Nespresso, are designed to work exclusively with their proprietary pods for consistent pressure and water flow. However, some brands offer reusable pods that you can fill with your own ground coffee. Just be aware that this can sometimes lead to messier results and may not be supported by your machine’s warranty.