Buying a coffee maker was a game-changer for me, especially since a morning cup of Joe feels as vital as my daily multivitamin.
Whilst testing coffee makers and other small kitchen appliances was my job, even I made mistakes when picking, using and maintaining my coffee maker so I've put together this guide to share the 10 things coffee afficionados need to know before taking the plunge for a home coffee-making setup.
If you're searching for the perfect best coffee maker, keep these helpful tidbits in mind and avoid the pitfalls I stumbled into.
Before buying a small coffee maker, consider these tips
When looking for a small coffee maker, there's a lot to choose from. Will a pod coffee maker suit your taste, or are you better off with a single-serve coffee maker?
What I've learned over the years, both as an in-house appliance tester at Real Homes and a coffee-addict, will help nail down the 10 things you need to know before buying a coffee maker.
1. The color counts
Coffee makers take up valuable kitchen counter space, and will usually remain out for daily use. If you're going to take the plunge, pick one that not only has the functions you want (more on that later), but one that matches or complements your kitchen's aesthetic. You'll thank me for this later!
Luckily, there are many coffee maker offerings on the market, with many running flash or seasonal sales (our monthly coffee maker sale round-up is handy if a small budget is a big factor) and often, each model will come in multiple hues to suit every taste. From classic silver or black, to a range of pastel or jewel hues, whatever machine you pick, definitely choose a color you love.
If our Beautiful by Drew Barrymore coffee maker review isn't proof that looks matter, we're not sure what will convince you otherwise. Color selections, like Thyme, from Drew's range, are very intentional, say interior designers and can be used as as stylish focal point in your space.
"Dark green, as seen in Drew Barrymore’s kitchenware, brings a grounded elegance to kitchens," says interior design expert Artem Kropovinsky. "Pair it with muted gold hardware in your kitchen for a touch of opulence. Incorporate earth-toned ceramics nearby to balance the depth of the green. And, for a modern twist, mix it up with pale wooden textures and white countertops."
The material of the item matters too. Consider if the appliance's material is easy to clean, easily scratched or scuff (kitchens are super busy, after all), and will it make the rest of the kitchen look glam, or gross?
If you sneak a peek at my De'Longhi Rivelia coffee maker review, you'll see how closely the sand beige hue matches my fridge panel and that was not by accident!
2. Size matters
Size matters, especially if you're looking to maximize counter top space in a small kitchen. Save yourself the hassle of a return by measuring the dimensions of your counter and the space between your cupboard before you get busy shopping to see what you'll need for the machine itself and the coffee it'll brew.
Don't forget to consider any clearance above or around machine you might need, as many will require regular water top ups or pod placement on top.
If you're super tight on space, the Nespresso Essenza Mini we reviewed is the tiniest machine the brand offers and suitable for most small spaces. You can also style a beautiful little bar cart as a make shift coffee station you move in and out of your way as needed.
3. Machines are customizable
Gone are the days when you had to either settle for the basics, or choose between one type of coffee maker or another. Sure, the simple start-and-stop mechanism was a unique selling point in our Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Plus review.
But if you're on the hunt for the best coffee produced by a pod machine, we enjoyed the 10 brewing options during testing and review of the Morning Machine. For a machine that can do just about anything check out this Terra Kaffe TK-02 automatic espresso machine
You can opt for something low-key, or customize your preferences with helpful features (for example the Nespreso Vertuo Next we tested is Wi-Fi compatible). The coffee-making process can be as simple or intricate as you'd like it to be.
4. Some coffee makers come with credentials
Unbeknownst to some, the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) has requirements for brewed coffee quality based on factors such as proper water temperature and brewing time that determine whether or not a machine has met the proper standards.
Is your prospective machine SCA certified? If not, it's important to see what factors prevented it from reaching this status — and how that will affect your morning cup of Joe.
It's no biggie to most people, but it's definitely something that stood out in our Technivorm Moccamaster review, Oxo Brew 8-cup coffee maker test, and Zwilling Enfinigy drip coffee maker write-up.
5. Coffee variety might be limited
A large cup of Joe from your local coffee shop will cost around $5, and more if you fancy a little extra syrup, whip, or want to upgrade to the guest blend.
Making coffee at home will cost significantly less, even if it means putting in a little bit more elbow grease in your kitchen. Replacing that daily $5 store-bought cup of coffee with a bag of beans or K-cups will be more economical, but there are still costs to keep in mind.
For example, Nespresso Vertuo makers are bar-coded, which means you're not able to buy alternatives for the machine. Are you willing to stick to one brand, or do you want to venture out of your comfort zone and try new things from time to time?
According to Millie Fender, an appliance expert and our former head of reviews, buying a machine might mean you have end up having to stick to one coffee brand. She says, "Don't just look at the machine itself, take a look at the range of pods available and see if they sound like drinks you'd like."
If you like to be able to use a few, the best Keurig coffee makers sport more compatibility.
Amazon coffee pods available offer a lot in the way of diversity if you like to taste test. This is where to buy Nespresso pods when you'd rather stay comfy at home than shop for groceries.
6. You'll need to commit to cleaning it
Whether you're grabbing a coffee to pop in your travel mug for a long commute, or you're zipping into the kitchen between meetings, your coffee maker needs to be fresh and ready for action to make sure it tastes as good as possible, and to avoid any mold or grime build-up.
Luckily, you can clean your coffee maker with vinegar pretty easily.
Giving it a rinse through when you first unbox it is a must, too. New coffee makers, though they look spic and span, will usually need a good rinse or clean cycle run through it before first use. For what it's worth, this is what happens when you don't clean your coffee machine.
No matter what you opt for, you're going to have to learn how to descale a coffee maker and discern how often your machine requires a little TLC, lest you'd like to sip on some pretty gross java.
As Chris Clark, founder of Brew Coffee At Home, previously told Real Homes, the signs it's time to descale your coffee maker include less coffee brewed than expected, leaks, your drink tastes bad or metallic, and it takes longer to brew.
Some machines will require a descaling solution, others allow you to use distilled white wine vinegar to get rid of the gross stuff so if you have a preference, read the instructions on cleaning and descaling before you buy it. Most retailers have their product instructions and manual's online for free.
7. The crema might not be real
For some coffee connoisseurs, the small details matter, including the crema. This is the light, frothy part of an espresso that we find at the top of the cup. According to Rachel Thomas, coffee expert at KitchenAid, this sensation happens when hot water is forced through the coffee grounds at high pressure, which ultimately emulsifies the oil of the coffee bean and produces tiny bubbles.
As demonstrated in our Nespresso Pixie espresso maker review, small coffee makers do give consumers the option to froth themselves — but this particular machine is artificially spun. Does it make a difference? In my opinion, it does. That's not to say that you should be deterred from buying one of the best Nespresso coffee makers.
Overall, be prepared for home-brewed crema to look and taste a bit different to what you'd get in a coffee-shop.
8. There will be noise
Is this machine quiet — like whisper quiet — or is it a bit louder, perhaps what you'd expect when having a conversation? Or, is it so loud that you are going to disrupt not only your whole house but perhaps even your entire neighborhood?
Don't be *that* neighbor at 6am.
Usually, manufacturers will list the noise levels in decibels. This decibel level chart by Yale University is a good resource to refer to. Ideally, if you want to stay pals with the people next door, anything above 75 dB (imagine standing next to a piano or having to raise your voice to be heard) should be a no go.
If you are concerned about excessive volume, my advice is to compare something like an Aeropress vs. French Press as these coffee makers are not only quiet but are also easy to transport.
9. You'll need to regularly dispose of pods or coffee
Although some brands are built with sustainability in mind, getting rid of their coffee remnants can be a challenge. Check whether your intended coffee maker's trash Can can go with regular recycling, or will it require a little extra work?
For example, for a number of years, 100% of Keurig K-Cup pods have been recyclable, as they're made from recyclable polypropylene (#5 plastic).
Though polypropylene is accepted throughout the country, that doesn't mean all facilities will accept used K-Cups, so you'll have to venture over to sources like BeRecycled.org to see what is permitted in your area.
10. Not all coffee makers are quick to use
Sometimes we can get a coffee within minutes with a K-Cup. However, other machines might be a tad more complex, as I learned when reviewing the Morning Machine coffee maker.
Though the results are worth it, sifting through 10 brewing modes on an OLED screen for a cup of Joe might be too much for someone who just wants to make it to work by 9am.
Consider complexity of machinery and how long you have to whip up your morning brew when buying a coffee maker for use at home.
Meet our experts
Chris Clark is the founder of Brew Coffee at Home, "a dedicated coffee blog that offers hands-on reviews of coffee-related products, from coffee machines and grinders to beans and accessories."
Artem Kropovinsky is an interior design expert and founder of Arsight, an award-winning interior design studio based in New York.
So hopefully by now, you're equipped with enough knowledge to buy a compact coffee maker confidently. Next on your to-do list might be to upgrade your drink vessels. These $17 Kourtney Kardashian coffee mugs look stylish and won't burn your hands either.