The Types of Coffee Makers Guide
When shopping for a better coffee maker, it’s never been easier to find the perfect fit for your home. From drip machines to single-serve brewers, espresso functions to grind-and-brew combos, today’s coffee makers come in a very wide range of styles.
Cuisinart is here to help you with the different types of coffee makers, how they work, and which one is best for your household. Whether you want to make a simple morning cup or craft the occasional espresso drink, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Types of Coffeemakers
Choosing your dream coffee maker starts with the type of machine. Coffee makers are designed to balance brew time, taste, and volume.
Because everyone has different needs and tastes when it comes to java, we created a guide to help you compare coffee makers and choose the brewer type that’s right for you.
Drip Coffee Makers
Best for: Classic, everyday coffee drinkers who normally brew for multiple people at once.
- Big, busy families that need a carafe on schedule.
- The all-day, no-fuss coffee drinker.
- Serving guests for the holidays with generously sized pots.
Drip coffee makers are among the most popular and widely used coffee machines for home use. These machines work by heating water from a reservoir and slowly dripping over a basket of ground coffee. Gravity pulls the brewed coffee down into a carafe below, creating a smooth, balanced cup.
Most drip models are fully automatic and come with features like 24-hour programmability, strength controls, and small-batch settings. Because they brew multiple cups at once, drip makers are ideal for households that drink several cups a day or like to entertain guests. Advanced models may also offer thermal carafes to keep coffee hot for hours without burning it.
Cleaning a drip coffee maker is relatively easy, especially if it includes a self-clean function. Just empty the grounds, rinse the basket, and occasionally descale the machine. Drip brewers tend to highlight subtle flavors and aromas in coffee, making them a good match for medium or light roast coffees. If you like your coffee bold, some models include a brew strength setting. For added versatility, some drip machines include an Over Ice function for brewing extra-strong coffee that won’t taste watered down when poured over ice.
Single-Serve Coffee Makers
Best for: Solo coffee drinkers, busy mornings, or households with different taste preferences.
- Fast cups of coffee.
- Ideal for small kitchens or desks.
- No waste, so you make only what you’ll drink.
Single-serve coffee makers are all about speed and simplicity. These machines brew one cup at a time, using either pre-packaged pods, ground coffee in a reusable filter, or both. Water is heated and pushed through the coffee grounds under pressure or gravity, depending on the design, and a fresh cup is ready in minutes.
Single-serve coffee makers are an excellent solution for households with different coffee preferences or for anyone who wants to avoid waste from leftover coffee.
When it comes to cleaning, single-serve machines are generally low-maintenance. Most feature removable drip trays and water reservoirs, and the use of pods reduces cleanup time. These brewers offer a range of flavor strengths depending on the type of pod or grind used, and some even come with built-in grinding for the ultimate, single cup experience. They're perfect for small kitchens, home offices, or anyone who values convenience over volume.
Grind and Brew Coffee Makers
Best for: Coffee lovers who want maximum freshness and full flavor.
- Less mess when grinding coffee beans.
- Wake up to fresh-brewed coffee from whole beans.
- Brew pause and grind-off options included for convenience.
Grind and brew coffee makers combine a grinder and brewer into one single machine. These machines grind whole beans just before brewing, ensuring the freshest flavor possible.
Some grind and brew machines use a blade grinder while others use a conical burr grinder for more uniform grounds. The brewing process is similar to that of a drip machine, but the integrated grinding function sets it apart for true coffee lovers who want to maximize flavor.
These machines typically require a bit more cleanup, as both the grinder and the filter basket need regular rinsing. However, many models are designed for easy disassembly, and some include self-clean functions. Grind and brew machines are ideal for people who enjoy experimenting with whole beans and want the full aroma and complexity that fresh grinding delivers. They're also a great fit for those looking to streamline their morning routine without sacrificing taste.
All-in-One Coffee Makers
Best for: Households with multiple coffee drinkers and across-the-board preferences.
- Combines your need for an espresso machine and a coffee maker.
- Great for entertaining guests who want different styles of coffee drinks.
- Offers maximum brewing flexibility to enjoy any cup you like at home.
Multi-function coffee makers are designed for versatility, combining several brewing methods into a single machine. These all-in-one units often include features like drip brewing, single-serve options, espresso shots, and even built-in milk frothers. Some also have hot water dispensers for tea or instant oatmeal.
With just one appliance, you can prepare a wide variety of drinks. These are perfect for households with different tastes or for entertaining guests. If you’ve ever wanted to try your own espresso-based drinks, a 4-in-1 coffee maker gives you many options for daily coffee drinking.
Cleaning these machines can be more involved due to the variety of components, but many models offer removable parts and cleaning alerts to make the process easier. They’re user-friendly thanks to programmable settings and intuitive LED controls. If you want maximum variety without cluttering your kitchen with multiple appliances, a multi-function coffee maker is a smart investment. It’s ideal for adventurous coffee drinkers and families looking for a single, streamlined solution.
Pour-Over Coffee Makers
Best for: Coffee connoisseurs who want precision control over brewing.
- Superior flavor extraction.
- Your very own daily routine when brewing coffee.
- No barista skills needed.
Pour-over coffee makers offer a hands-on, manual brewing method that puts you in full control of your coffee’s strength and flavor. To brew, hot water is slowly poured over coffee grounds in a cone-shaped filter, allowing the water to flow through the coffee and into a carafe or mug below.
This slower process allows for more precision and a clean, bright cup that highlights the coffee's natural characteristics.Most coffee lovers who choose pour-over methods enjoy experimenting with coffee and enjoy the hobby of coffee making.
Cleanup is relatively easy. Most pour-over systems are made up of a filter cone, a carafe or mug, and a paper or reusable filter. Since there are no electrical parts, these coffee makers are long-lasting and simple to maintain. Ideal for people who enjoy the ritual of making coffee and want to explore different grind sizes, bloom times, and pouring techniques, the pour-over is perfect for those who value craftsmanship and nuanced flavor in every cup.
Percolators
Best for: Those who prefer bold, piping-hot coffee with old-school charm.
- Classic, no-fuss brewing.
- Great for large quantities and campfire mornings.
- Reliable, strong flavor every time.
Percolators are one of the oldest coffee brewing methods, loved for producing bold, robust coffee. They work by cycling boiling water up through a metal tube and over coffee grounds held in a perforated basket. The brewed coffee drips back down into the pot and recirculates through the grounds until it reaches the desired strength. This method results in a deeply flavorful cup that’s hotter and stronger than what most drip machines produce.
While not as precise as other methods, percolators are simple to use and can be found in both stovetop and electric models. They're ideal for people who like their coffee strong and straightforward with no need to fuss with timers, filters, or digital displays. Cleanup is also straightforward, especially with stainless steel models, which are durable and easy to rinse out after use.
Percolators are great for serving multiple people at once, making them a solid choice for family breakfasts, brunches, or even outdoor settings like camping. If you appreciate a throwback coffee experience with a rich, full-bodied result, the percolator may be just what you’re looking for.
Compare Coffee Makers: Pros and Cons
Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
Drip |
Easy to use and widely available Can brew multiple cups at once Often programmable |
Takes up more counter space May not brew as hot or strong as other methods |
Single-Serve |
Quick and convenient Minimal cleanup Wide variety of pod flavors |
More expensive per cup There is an environmental impact for disposable pods |
Grind & Brew |
Freshly ground coffee for better flavor Convenient all-in-one design Set your own brew strength |
Louder due to built-in grinder Cleaning grinder components takes more time |
All-in-One |
Combines drip, single-serve, and espresso Saves counter space Versatile for households |
More expensive More complex to operate and clean |
Pour-Over |
Superior flavor control Simple and durable Affordable and long-lasting |
Manual process takes time Requires practice for consistent results |
Percolator |
Produces hot, strong coffee Durable and long-lasting Great for large groups or camping |
Less control over brewing Can over-extract and taste bitter |
The Best Coffee Maker for Your Home
Household Size
Are you brewing for yourself or a crowd? A 10 or 14-cup drip model is ideal for families, while a single-serve machine is better for individual use.
Coffee Preferences
Do you prefer strong espresso, iced coffee, or a mild morning brew? Look for machines that cater to your favorite drinks.
Time and Convenience
If you're always in a rush, opt for a programmable model or one with quick brew times. Some machines can even grind and brew automatically while you sleep.
Kitchen Space
Compact machines are best for apartments or dorms. All-in-one systems can also save counter space by combining multiple functions.
Budget
Basic drip machines are affordable and reliable. More advanced systems with grinders, steam wands, or multiple brewing options come at a higher cost but offer many more options.
How Does a Coffee Maker Work?
At its core, a coffee maker is a simple appliance. It heats water, pours it over ground coffee, and collects the resulting brew in a pot or cup. But different types of coffee makers use different methods for heating, brewing, and filtering.
Most automatic coffee makers have the following parts:
- A water reservoir to hold clean water.
- A heating element to warm the water to optimal brewing temperature (usually 195°F–205°F).
- A filter basket to hold ground coffee.
- A showerhead or spout to distribute hot water over the grounds.
- A carafe or spout where the brewed coffee collects.
Specialty machines, like espresso makers or pour-over brewers, have extra features to enhance flavor or give you more control over the process.
How to Use a Coffee Maker
No matter which machine you choose, here are the general steps to brewing a great cup of coffee:
- Add Water: Fill the reservoir with cold, filtered water.
- Add Coffee: Measure ground coffee into the filter. This is usually 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water you are brewing.
- Choose Settings: Select brew strength, size, or time, if your machine is programmable.
- Start Brewing: Press the start button and wait for the brew cycle to finish.
- Serve: Pour and enjoy. Use a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot without burning it.
Many machines have special features like:
- Brew Pause to sneak a cup mid-brew
- Keep Warm settings to maintain temperature
- Auto-Off timers for safety and energy saving
- Self-cleaning modes for easier maintenance