The Best Coffee Makers in 2021

Top Pick: Toddy Cold Brew System | $35 | Amazon

I don’t know about you, but I can’t start my day without coffee. And with the pandemic still raging on, I’m trying to limit the time spent outside of my apartment as much as possible. If you’re a germaphobe like me, then you’ve probably also had to sacrifice trips to your local coffee shop for the foreseeable future. However, just because you’re observing social distancing guidelines, it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the taste and experience of a good cup of coffee (or maybe three).

With that in mind, we at The Inventory have researched and sampled some of the best-rated coffee machines out there. This way, you are that much closer to the perfect cup of home-brewed coffee.

What Is the Best Coffee Maker?

Before purchasing a specific coffee maker, there are a few factors to consider first. Are you shopping for a household of big coffee drinkers? Or do you live alone and only drink one cup per day? Do you prefer hot coffee, or are you hooked on cold brew? Can you afford to splurge a few hundred dollars on a high-tech machine, or are you just looking for the best coffee maker under $50? These are all important questions to ask yourself while you’re browsing on the internet. And depending on your answers, we’ve got you covered.

Best With a Built-In Grinder: Cuisinart DGB-400 Grind & Brew

The Cuisinart DGB-400 Automatic Grind & Brew is one of Amazon’s top-rated coffee makers but that doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone here. This product comes with a built-in grinder and can make up to 12 cups of coffee in one sitting. It’s fully automatic and even has a self-cleaning setting. All that for only $90.

Best Keurig: Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker, Single Serve

Are you deeply attached to the Keurig way of brewing coffee? Then, we’ve got the product just for you. The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker, Single Serve can brew multiple sizes of k-cups (6, 8, 10 ounces). With its user-friendly design, this coffee maker has a 48 oz. reservoir and can brew in less than a minute’s time. Also, if you’re looking to have your coffee poured right into your 7-inch travel mug, just remove the drip tray. Lastly, if you love saving electricity, this product has an auto-off feature that is triggered if the coffee maker has been idle for two hours.

Best Cold Brew Maker: Toddy Cold Brew System

One of the pioneers in cold brewing, the Toddy Cold Brew System is an incredible non-electric coffee maker. Using an incredibly simple filtration process, this product produces a super-smooth, rich liquid concentrate, which can be served piping hot or iced cold. This system also includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, along with two reusable filters and a silicone stopper.

Best Under $50: Mueller Coffee Serving Set

Pour-over drip coffee is my favorite kind! The Mueller Coffee Serving Set comes with an Electric Goose Neck Kettle with a Pour-Over Coffee Maker, so that you’re never reliant on a stovetop.

The kettle has a gooseneck design for a slow, controlled water flow to extract the most flavor out of your beverage. It has a black, matte finish and stainless-steel construction that is stain and corrosion-resistant. This kettle is also cordless for hassle-free pouring and even comes with a permanent filter.

Best Electric: KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Filter Drip, 5-Cup

Brewing up to five cups of coffee, the KRUPS Simply Brew is super convenient and great for 1-3 people. This coffee pot does not have a drip spout, eliminating future messes in your kitchen. It also has an easy on/off button and a very accessible water tank. This product is compatible with #2 coffee filters, and the coffee pot, permanent filter, and spoon are all dishwasher safe. As a bonus, this coffee maker has a stainless steel finish to add some extra style to your kitchen.

This story was originally published by Chaya M. Milchtein on 12/08/2020 and was updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 05/18/2021.