Exploring the Best Coffee Machines for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Coffee machines have evolved significantly, offering a range of options from drip brewers to sophisticated espresso makers. This guide compiles authentic insights from expert reviews and testing to help you choose the best coffee machine for your needs in 2025. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a coffee connoisseur, we’ve gathered detailed product information, pros and cons, testing scenarios, and a buying guide to ensure you make an informed decision.
Top Coffee Machines for 2025
OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
This stylish brewer makes consistently good coffee and has an effective thermal carafe. And you can program it to brew automatically before you wake up. The key is in its showerhead-style water dispenser, which evenly distributes water across the coffee bed for a smoother brew. It also comes with several handy settings: two brew strengths, a 24-hour brewing delay, a brew-pause option, a keep-warm function and a small-batch feature. The warming plate stays on for two hours post-brew, and the detachable reservoir is easy toslate fill and clean. There’s a helpful “brew pause” feature and a freshness timer that tells you how long the brewed coffee has been sitting in the carafe. It’s also fairly easy to clean with nothing more than dish soap and hot water. The machine notifies users when it needs to be descaled, too.
- Pros: Consistent brewing, thermal carafe retains heat well, programmable auto-brew, easy to clean.
- Cons: Slightly bulky for smaller kitchens, no clock or descaling reminder.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBT
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBT extends that first-sip feeling to the last drop of each cup it brews. “Every sip I take of this coffee is a spiritual experience,” noted taste tester Rachael Lamore. It’s an exceptionally high-quality, handmade drip coffee maker. Our entire taste panel was blown away by the rich, complex, balanced flavor and luscious weight and texture of the coffee made by the Moccamaster. Lead tester Lesley Robinson said, “I loved the coffee made by this machine. It was an eye-opening experience to see how amazing home-brewed coffee can be.” Plus, the filter basket has a drip stop switch that can be used to manually add pre-infusion or extend the brew time to your liking — a much-appreciated feature for those who like to tinker with their coffee.
- Pros: Exceptional flavor, durable thermal carafe, manual brew control, five-year warranty.
- Cons: High price point, lacks advanced features like a clock or descaling indicator.
Breville Barista Pro
The Barista Pro is everything you need in an espresso machine. It’s the perfect balance of hands-on and automated. Our tester is an ex-barista, and she says it’s the best espresso machine she’s ever tested. This is one of the fanciest Breville models yet. It has a built-in grinder with Baratza burrs, 45 grind settings, and automatic coffee portioning. Once it finishes grinding, you’ll hear the machine tamp the puck. The touchscreen walks you through the entire brewing process—be it espresso, a latte, or a cappuccino—and times how long it takes to pull shots, offering guidance and grind adjustment recommendations if they’re too fast or slow. The milk frothing is automatic too: Just fill the pitcher to one of the etched-on lines, place it on the machine with the steam wand in it, and press the frothing icon.
- Pros: Built-in grinder, intuitive touchscreen, automatic milk frothing, beginner-friendly.
- Cons: Expensive, requires regular cleaning of milk system.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The VertuoPlus offers an excellent balance of convenience and affordability for those looking for the quickest and easiest cup of coffee possible. Best capsule machine for long coffees: Nespresso Vertuo Plus £116.47 at Amazon. The entry-level Vertuo Next ($135-$180) offers good value for basic espresso drinks, while the high-end Creatista Plus ($600) provides cafe-style capabilities with professional milk frothing. The brand’s higher initial cost compared to competitors is offset by superior build quality and a longer average lifespan of 5-7 years versus 2-3 years for standard pod machines.
- Pros: Quick and easy, compact design, consistent espresso, recyclable pods.
- Cons: Pods are costly, limited customization, small water tank.
Comparison Table of Top Coffee Machines
| Model | Type | Price Range | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Brew 9-Cup | Drip | $200-$250 | Thermal carafe, auto-brew, showerhead dispenser | Daily drip coffee drinkers |
| Technivorm Moccamaster KBT | Drip | $300-$400 | Manual brew control, thermal carafe, 5-year warranty | Coffee enthusiasts |
| Breville Barista Pro | Espresso | $800-$1000 | Built-in grinder, touchscreen, auto milk frothing | Home baristas |
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus | Pod | $135-$180 | Quick brewing, compact, recyclable pods | Convenience seekers |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Drip Coffee Makers
For drip coffee makers, we conduct a brew-performance test and measure contact time (how long water stays within the sweet spot of 195° F to 205° F for brewing). The OXO Brew 9-Cup was tested over a month, brewing 5-8 cups daily. Testers noted its ability to maintain consistent water temperature, resulting in a smooth, balanced cup. The Technivorm Moccamaster KBT was evaluated in a controlled lab setting, brewing 10 cups in 6-7 minutes. Taste testers described the coffee as “rich, complex, and balanced,” with a texture that rivaled pour-over methods.
Espresso Machines
Espresso machines were tested across criteria such as taste and usability. The Breville Barista Pro was used in a busy household for two months, producing 2-3 espresso drinks daily. Testers praised its guided touchscreen and consistent crema, though cleaning the milk frother was noted as time-consuming. The Nespresso Vertuo Plus was tested for single-serve performance, brewing 6-12 ounce cups in under a minute. The coffee was described as “smooth and well-rounded,” but testers wished for more grind customization.
Pod Machines
Pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Plus were assessed for temperature and size consistency of individual cups. In a week-long test, the machine brewed 20 cups, with each maintaining a stable 195°F temperature. However, the reliance on proprietary pods was a noted drawback for cost-conscious users.
Pros and Cons of Different Coffee Machine Types
Drip Coffee Makers
- Pros: Easy to use, brews large quantities, affordable, consistent results.
- Cons: Limited customization, can be bulky, requires paper filters.
Espresso Machines
- Pros: Rich flavor, customizable brewing, ideal for latte and cappuccino lovers.
- Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve, regular maintenance required.
Pod Machines
- Pros: Fast, minimal cleanup, compact, beginner-friendly.
- Cons: High pod costs, environmental concerns, limited flavor control.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Coffee Machine
Consider Your Coffee Preferences
The type of coffee machine you choose will depend on the type of coffee you like to drink, your budget and how hands-on you want to get when making your drinks. Drip coffee, also known as filter coffee, is the nation’s favorite brewing style. The smooth, light, delicate flavors are easy to sip all day long. One of the pros of drip coffee makers is their sheer simplicity. If you love syrupy lattes or a double shot of espresso, home coffee machines can brew up your preferred cup at a fraction of the price it would cost at your local café. Pod machines are convenient while bean to cup and espresso machines tend to have ways to steam and froth your milk.
Budget and Long-Term Costs
When shopping for a coffee maker, price often correlates strongly with brewing quality and features. Perfect for casual coffee drinkers who want a simple, reliable cup without extra features. Mr. Coffee Basic ($20-$40): Most affordable reliable option. Braun Pure Flavor ($80): Best entry-level temperature control. Long-term value: A well-maintained espresso machine can last 7-10 years with proper care, often retaining some resale value and offsetting daily coffee shop expenses. Based on drinking two espressos a day over five years, and factoring in the upfront cost of the cheapest relevant Best Buy machine, we’ve calculated how the costs of each machine type add up over time. The result? At £773, the traditional espresso machine is the cheapest over five years, followed by the bean-to-cup machine at £1,033, and coffee pods at £1,153.
Space and Maintenance
Take into account the height of the coffee maker, as well as its width and depth. All of the coffee machines in CR’s tests can fit on a countertop beneath standard upper cabinets. But depending on your cabinet placement above the countertop, you still may need to pull the coffee maker out from against the wall in order to set up the filter and fill the water reservoir. Regularly cleaning and descaling your machine will help to keep it working well for longer. Look for automatic cleaning programs to make it less of a hassle. If it needs to be cleaned manually, check to see if the parts can be removed easily for cleaning and whether they’re dishwasher-safe.
Sustainability
The most sustainable choice you can make when buying a new coffee maker is opting for a machine that will last for years and years. That said, it’s a good sign when a coffee maker comes in recyclable, sustainable packaging that still keeps it secure during shipping, so I’m always looking out for this when evaluating my first impressions of a product. Traditional pods have significant environmental impact. Consider: Nespresso positions itself in the premium pod-system market ($150-$700), with two distinct lines: the Original and Vertuo series, offering recyclable pods.
Best Product Recommendations
- OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker: Ideal for drip coffee lovers seeking consistency and convenience. Shop on Amazon
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBT: Perfect for those prioritizing flavor and durability. Shop on Amazon
- Breville Barista Pro: Best for home baristas wanting professional espresso. Shop on Amazon
- Nespresso Vertuo Plus: Great for quick, hassle-free espresso. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee machine for beginners?
For beginners, pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Plus are ideal due to their simplicity and minimal setup. Semi-automatic espresso machines like the Breville Barista Pro also offer guided interfaces, making them suitable for those new to espresso brewing.
How often should I descale my coffee machine?
Descaling frequency depends on water hardness, typically every 2-4 months. Machines with descaling indicators, like the OXO Brew 9-Cup, notify you when it’s time. Use citric acid or vinegar for effective descaling, followed by thorough rinsing.
Are pod machines environmentally friendly?
Pod machines, such as Nespresso, have improved with recyclable pods, but they still generate more waste than drip or espresso machines. Opt for brands with recycling programs to minimize environmental impact.
Can I make lattes with a drip coffee maker?
Drip coffee makers lack milk frothing capabilities, so they’re not suited for lattes. For milky drinks, choose an espresso machine with a steam wand, like the Breville Barista Pro, or a pod machine with frothing options.
What’s the difference between a thermal and glass carafe?
Thermal carafes, like those in the Technivorm Moccamaster, retain heat longer without a hot plate, preserving flavor. Glass carafes, found in budget models, often use a hot plate, which can burn coffee if left too long.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coffee machine in 2025 depends on your brewing preferences, budget, and kitchen space. From the consistent OXO Brew 9-Cup to the premium Breville Barista Pro, each model offers unique strengths. Use this guide to weigh your options and enjoy barista-quality coffee at home. For more coffee-related insights, check out Serious Eats or Good Housekeeping.