Favorite Coffee Makers For 2023
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a morning coffee aficionado, there’s nothing quite like a delicious cup of coffee to start your day. From sleek and compact machines to state-of-the-art espresso makers, we’ve got you covered. Go to any household in the world and chances are you will find a coffee maker. Coffee makers and coffee has been around long before we ever heard the word Keurig or Maxwell house. There is a reason it is a billion-dollar industry and why it’s called liquid gold. Here is our list of the best coffee makers based on a sampling of my friends, family, co-workers, and a few experts. We had to throw in the experts too.
There is simply something notalgic for me when I wake up in the morning before the sun rises to the smell of fresh brewing coffee. I can literally see my great-grandmother in the kitchen pouring a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. I’ve curated a list of some of the best coffee makers on the planet.
Alternatives To Keurig Coffee Machines
We all know that Keurig will still be the OG of single-serve pod-style coffee machines. If you are looking for an alternative then check out our finds for alternatives to Keurig Coffee Machines. They range from pricey to budget-friendly as well as all the features you could imagine in a coffee machine down to the simple single-serve coffee machine.
The Keurig coffee maker can be very expensive, especially if you use branded K-Cups. However, these coffee pods are widely available and not as expensive as the Nespresso pods. Another option is to use ground coffee instead. Although it is not as convenient as Keurig, the price is still lower than that of using ground coffee.
While there are tons of alternatives on the market, I nonetheless suggest that you do your research as coffee is a long-term commitment for most of us. Seriously, I have three different coffee machines including the Starbucks Brand.
How To Choose The Right Keurig Alternative
When it comes to choosing the right Keurig alternative, I suggest that you break it down into the following categories:
- What Do You Like To Drink
- Price
- User Friendliness
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Space
What Do You Like To Drink?
Most of these machines are going to be single-cup machines that traditionally are comprised of either espresso or drip-style coffee. If you are like me and you like lattes & cappuccinos then your best bet is to go with a machine that has a built-in steamer or frother.
Don’t forget to select one that can provide you with hot water for the tea drinkers in your life. My suggestion is to go big or go home!
Price
At the end of the day, you know what your budget will withstand. Most of us plan on having this coffee machine for many years, thus I suggest that you invest in one that is made of steel. Plastic is far cheaper but metal is far more durable. You can still get a great machine without breaking the bank. If you spend a little more money, then you will get a machine that delivers a higher-quality coffee experience.
User Friendliness
We are not trying to be certified Baristas, so select a machine that can get the job done and not overcomplicate the coffee experience. Think about the ease of use. Do you need a machine with an automatic timer, adjustable drink sizes, brewing strengths, and temperature control? And don’t forget about an automatic cleaning cycle or at the very least a notification that cleaning is needed.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
I try to do my part on a daily basis to ensure that I am not unnecessarily having a negative environmental impact. Single-Use products are bad for the environment, however, the overall impact is balanced out in the use of power; as most of these machines have automatic cutoffs and use relatively low energy. You can also opt to use the re-fillable pods ( which is what I often use).
Nespresso has complete aluminum pods that are 100% recyclable. K-Cups are on the agenda to become fully recyclable as well.
Space
Sometimes size matters. If you have the space to accommodate a larger machine then consider a machine that has a larger water reservoir as this will keep you from having to constantly refill. Most Single Server pod brewers are extremely compact and will fit nicely on a countertop. As you can see from my photo- I have a coffee bar inside my pantry with two coffee machines.
Top Alternatives to Keurig Machines
TOP PICKS
- Breville Nespresso USA Creatista – It simply does it all. You have the option of 3 different cup sizes and a long line of drinks. This coffee maker can give you coffee, espresso, lungo, latte macchiato, ristretto, cappuccino, latte, flat milk, and frothed milk.
- Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker– This budget-friendly machine doesn’t use coffee pods, so you can also put your saving mother earth into action as well as simply saving mother earth. Coffee pods are extremely expensive. Another cool feature to highlight is that this Hamilton Beach Single Serve Coffee maker uses an all-in-one device which is the filter basket, and scoop.
- Adire Chef Coffee Maker – Great travel coffee maker is for those on the go
- Bunn My Cafe MCU. If versatility was a coffee maker, then this would be it.
- Cuisinart Coffee Maker Cuisinart has stood the test of time and it’s no different with this coffee maker. It’s a little pricey but it’s still a great substitute
- Chulux Coffe Maker – If you are looking for chic and compact and you don’t want to take up a ton of counter space, then this is an excellent choice. Though it is small in size, it packs a punch when it comes to a great-tasting cup of coffee.
- Nespresso Vertuo – The Nespresso Vertuo is on another level when it comes to the coffee and espresso world. It uses a patented Centrifusion technology and all of the pods are aluminum which makes it easy to recycle.
- Chefman Instabrew
- Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista If you are looking to get fancy and step up your coffee game with lattes and more then this may be what your coffee bar needs. It comes with a built-in frother and brewer
Take your time and do your research, most high end brands like Nespresso can be taste tested in stores like Williams Sonoma
Breville Nespresso USA Creatista
Breville Nespresso Nespresso Creatista Plus Coffee Espresso Machine. SINGLE SERVE COFFEE AND ESPRESSO MACHINE: The Nespresso Creatista Plus offers freshly brewed coffee as well as delicious authentic espresso.
Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach, The Scoop Single serve. If you are looking for ECO-Friendly and budget friendly, then this is it!
8-14oz. Cups, Stainless Steel
Adire Chef Coffee Maker
AdirChef Mini Travel Single Serve Coffee Maker & 15 oz. Travel Mug Coffee.
ECO-FRIENDLY. Equipped with a permanent filter, this environmentally-friendly coffee maker allows you to cut out waste and save money.
BUNN MCU My Cafe Single Cup Multi-Use Coffee Brewer
BUNN MCU My Cafe Single Cup Multi Use Coffee Brewer
Brew more than coffee! MCU is compatible with K-Cup Packs, Ground Coffee, Soft Coffee Pods and Tea Bags, and lose tea, and dispenses hot water
Cuisinart Single Serve Coffee Maker + Coffee Grinde
SINGLE-SERVE: Enjoy three serving sizes with push button control – 8-ounces, 10-ounces or 12 ounces
CHULUX
CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Brewer for Pod Capsule with 12 Ounce Built-in Water Tank,800 Watts, Gray
Nespresso Vertuo Plus
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single-serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up & energy-saving automatic shut off.
- INCLUDES One Vertuo Nespresso coffee machine with a large 40-ounce water tank, a 10-count used pods container.
- COMPLIMENTARY GIFT: Each machine includes a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules (capsule assortment may vary from picture).
Chefman InstaCoffee Max
MORNING COFFEE MADE EASY: It’s time to take your brew to brand-new heights. The Chefman InstaCoffee Max will boost your cup to the next level with a built-in lift. Easily adjust the lift to your mug height, sized up to 16 ounces, to bring you one step closer to smooth and mouthwatering morning sips.
Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista
Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System, Single-Serve Coffee & Nespresso
COFFEEHOUSE DRINKS AT HOME The built-in, fold-away frother allows you to create espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more.
As we wrap up our exploration of the best alternatives to Keurig machines, it’s clear that the world of coffee brewing is diverse and exciting. Whether you prioritize convenience, flavor, eco-friendliness, or budget, there’s a coffee maker out there that meets your needs. From the rich, full-bodied espresso of Nespresso machines to the customizable experience of French presses and the simplicity of drip coffee makers, each option offers a unique way to start your day with a delicious cup of coffee. Remember, the perfect coffee machine isn’t just about the beverage it produces; it’s about how well it fits into your lifestyle and satisfies your taste buds. So, brew on and may your mornings be ever flavorful!
