The freshness, the flavor, the aroma, the health benefits – the reasons for loving coffee are endless.
You probably know that already. And as a coffee enthusiast, you will also agree that the freedom to make your coffee on demand and to your liking makes the experience even better. So whether you want to take your coffee experience a notch higher, or if you’re just an indoor person who likes to savor the best, a 5 cup coffee maker works like magic without the hassle of visiting a crowded coffee shop.
In this article, we have rounded up the best 5 cup coffee makers. On top of the distinct features, all the coffee makers on this list are powerful yet compact.
Best 5 Cup Coffee Makers List
1. Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffeemaker
If you are looking for a coffee maker that is fast and easy-to-operate, yet compact enough to fit in most kitchens, the Amazon Basics 5-cup coffee maker may be the perfect pick for you.
In case you are in a hurry or just impatient, you will find the anti-drip function especially helpful as it allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee mid-brew. Furthermore, the automatic shutdown function prevents your coffee maker from wasting electricity. The vent on top of the lid also lets steam off and keeps the basket holder from getting stained.
Thanks to the glass carafe, you can see how much coffee you still have left in the pot. In addition, the hot plate will keep your coffee warm after it is done brewing, meaning you can keep enjoying subsequent cups without reheating for up to two hours. You will also find this coffee maker to be perfect if you are big on convenience. Its basket-shaped filter is reusable and removable for ease of cleaning, so you won’t have to struggle with paper filters.
In addition, the switch is located at the front for easy access and operation. The Amazon Basic coffee maker is also less messy for quick cleaning. This is because the glass carafe is easy to clean, and does not splatter coffee on the rest of the machine when full.
Pros
Reusable filter
Anti-drip function
Has an auto-shut feature
Has a hot plate; keeps coffee hot for 1.5 to 2 hours
Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons
The carafe is not dishwasher safe
The reusable coffee filter lets more oils in your coffee, but you can get paper filters to solve this
2. KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Filter Drip Coffee Maker
The KRUPS Simply Brew Coffee Maker stands out because of its exceptional modern design, simplicity, and ease of use. The KRUPS brand has been renowned as a German expert in coffee since the 19th century. This coffee maker is built of stainless steel which gives it a sleek look.
The coffee maker also comes with multiple features for convenience. You will love the pause and serve feature that allows you to sneak a cup of coffee while brewing. You also won’t have to worry about reheating your coffee as the automatic keep-warm function takes care of this.
Furthermore, you won’t have to buy paper filters if you don’t want to, thanks to the permanent filter. You will appreciate that the coffee maker is fitted with No.2 coffee filter paper if you like a drink with less sediment and oils.
Its water reservoir is conveniently located at the top near the brewing chamber, making it easy and less messy to fill. To add to its convenience, the KRUPS coffee maker also has a glass carafe that is easy to clean and makes it convenient for you to tell whether you need to brew more coffee.
If you are big on add-ons, you will love this coffee maker. Its accessories include a glass coffee pot, a permanent coffee filter, and a measuring spoon. All accessories are dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning.
Pros
Simple to use
Includes a coffee spoon
Coffee pot, coffee filter, and coffee spoon are dishwasher safe
Comes with a permanent filter
Elegant design
Cons
Quite loud
No auto-shut feature
The on/off switch is located on the right bottom side; it can be difficult to operate
3. Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker
The Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker offers convenience and fun, perfect for both enthusiasts and beginners looking for a hands-off coffee brewing experience. Although compact, the coffee maker offers an array of unique features that makes it hard to overlook.
Top of the list is its programmable feature. Yes, you can set the machine to brew coffee at your preferred time. If you would like to wake up to the exciting aroma of espresso, all you need to do is set the machine to start brewing just before you get out of bed. You will love this if you barely have a minute in your schedule. On top of that, the digital LCD ensures you never go wrong with your timing.
Another unique feature that coffee enthusiasts will love on this machine is the multiple nozzle spray. This sprays water evenly on the ground coffee for full saturation, providing maximum brewing quality. Not to forget its quick brew function that prepares your coffee in no time.
Better still, the machine has a hot plate that automatically keeps your coffee warm. This allows you to enjoy cup after cup without the inconvenience of reheating. And if you are too busy or forgetful, you will appreciate that the hot plate auto-shuts off after two hours, so you won’t have to worry about burnt coffee, increased electricity bill, or at worst, fire incidences.
The Goldtone Filter is not only easy to clean but also less messy compared to paper filters. The glass carafe adds to this convenience when it comes to cleaning. From the drip stop function for mid-brew fills, brew-through lids, non-stick hot plate to drip-free spout for tidy pouring, the coffee maker offers almost everything you may need for easy cleanups. You will find it compact, designed to fit on most surfaces. The sleek stainless steel coupled with black will surely add elegance to your kitchen.
Pros
Shuts off automatically after two hours
Permanent GoldTone filter
Easy to operate
Quick heating; fast brewing speed
Ergonomic handle for easy pouring
Includes a one-year limited warranty
Cons
The lid latch is stiff, making it difficult to open
The GoldTone filter does not remove more sediment from the brew
4. Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
Don’t let the size of this machine mislead you. If you are looking for a small coffee maker that on any surface but still has features to ensure quality brewing, Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Coffee Maker is the one.
First, coffee enthusiasts will love that it heats water to the optimal temperature to ensure full flavor extraction. For precision, the ounce-markings on the carafe take the guesswork out of your measuring for the best results. The water window is also easy to view for accuracy and to prevent overflows.
For hassle-free operation, the coffee maker is simple to operate. The machine can be turned on and off with a single button. The switch also includes a power indicator that lights up when the machine is on to alert you to switch it off.
With the auto-pause function, you can be sure to grab a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle ends without worrying about messes. When it comes to the carafe, the ergonomic handle makes pouring an easy task. It also offers a drip-free pouring to keep your kitchen tidy. The carafe can also be easily removed and replaced hence easy to clean thanks to its cylinder shape. Additionally, you will also love that the filter basket can come off for easy cleaning.
Pros
Compact to fit small spaces
Simple to operate on/off switch
Easy to clean; removable brew basket and carafe lid
The coffee pot is shaped to take off the base and return easily
Auto pause function to grab a cup whenever you need mid-brew
Cons
The insides can be difficult to clean
It does not come with a permanent filter, though you can purchase paper filters separately
5. BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffee Maker
The BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffee Maker comes with improved features for comfort and convenience. It features the improved DuraLife carafe, the lighted on/off switch, and a left-handed model. The one-touch on and off control lets you enjoy delicious coffee with a simple switch flip. If you are forgetful, you will find it helpful that the switch also remains lit when on to remind you to shut it off once done brewing.
Filling the water reservoir to the desired level for precision is now simple, thanks to the easy-to-view water window. You will also love that the machine heats water to the optimum temperature to extract maximum flavor, adding to the coffee quality. The sneak-a-cup feature adds to the convenience by allowing you to pour yourself a cup of coffee mid-brew without worrying about making a mess.
Although it does not come with a permanent filter, the filter basket is compatible with basket-style paper filters. If you love lighter, brighter flavored coffee, using a paper filter will work best for you as it filters more sediments from the coffee. Even better, the filter basket comes off and is dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup.
The BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffee Maker boasts a DuraLife glass carafe designed for comfort and convenience. The carafe is not only ergonomic for easy pouring but is also designed to prevent unwanted drips, making cleaning easier.
If you are left-handed, you will love how the model makes it easy to fill the water tank from the left side, which means fewer or no spills for you. It is also compact enough to fit most counters, hence a great fit if you are looking for a coffee maker for your studio apartment, office, or dorm room.
Pros
Features a water window for precise measuring
Dishwasher safe and removable filter basket
Lighted on/off switch
Simple to use
Compact enough to fit most surfaces
Cons
No automatic shut off
You will have to buy a coffee filter separately
Buyers’ Guide – How to Choose the Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker
-
Filter
Choosing a coffee filter depends on your preferences. The best coffee filter is one that best meets your needs. The common options are reusable and paper filters.
A reusable filter is more convenient and environment-friendly, but it does not filter most oils from the coffee, leading to a bolder and richer flavored coffee. It is also more expensive at the beginning, though it ends up being a cost-saver in the long run.
A paper filter is more affordable but ends up being costly, especially for coffee lovers. It is easy to clean as all you need to do is lift it off and discard it. Regarding taste, it filters more from the coffee, resulting in a lighter, brighter flavored drink.
-
Brew Size
The key factor is to find a coffee maker that brews just the amount of coffee you need. Our list offered the best 5-cup coffee makers ideal for a 2-3 person household or where each person prefers a different style or coffee flavor.
However, if you are looking for the perfect coffee maker for a bigger family, you might want to consider other options.
-
Carafe
How often do you drink coffee in a day? Is it durable? Is it easy to clean and pour? These are just a few questions to ask yourself before deciding on the coffee carafe to pick.
There are various types of carafes to choose from in the market; the most common being glass and stainless steel. Glass carafes are the most popular of the two. A glass carafe is see-through, making it easy to clean and monitor the amount of coffee in the pot. It is also less expensive, although it is not the best at retaining heat and is relatively fragile.
A stainless steel carafe, on the other hand, is more sturdy and elegant. However, it is more expensive and also opaque, thus a lot harder to clean. If you love coffee and want a non-stop refill throughout the day, consider a thermal carafe that will keep your coffee warm longer.
-
Automatic features
Automatic Shutoff
If you have forgotten to switch off any of your home appliances before, you may know how daunting this can be. It gets worse when you have already left the house and are unsure whether you switched the machine off. An automatic shutoff feature saves you from a lot of this stress.
Aside from going off automatically, these features also allow you to set a convenient start time, giving you an almost complete handoff operation. Although most coffee makers have been set to automatically go off after two to three hours, some allow you to set your preferred time easily.
Other than the convenience, an automatic shutoff function is also a great safety feature. A non-automatic coffee maker can be a fire hazard, particularly when the cord is left close to the coffee pot and kitchen items such as napkins and towels close by.
Anti-Drip
An anti-drip feature is a simple yet crucial function. It conveniently lets you pour yourself a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle ends. This is particularly important when you are in a hurry.
-
Size
The space of your kitchen counter may be a key factor in the coffee maker you choose. Consider selecting the one that best fits the available kitchen space so you won’t have to move it into a cabinet after every use to make space for other appliances.
-
Water Reservoir
For convenience, consider a water tank with clear ounce markings for easy refills. Additionally, a removable one will make it easy to clean, both on the inside to ensure freshness and the outside for a spotless look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know what is right for me?
What works and what doesn’t is highly subjective. However, it gets easier when you know what you are looking for in a coffee maker. Some of the things to consider are your budget, durability, size, ease of cleaning, and availability of replaceable parts such as the carafe, filter, and more.
2. I broke my coffee carafe, what do I do?
Whether by accident or due to the constant change in temperatures, it is common for coffee carafes to break, mostly glass ones. However, this shouldn’t worry you because they can be replaced and are more affordable than their counterparts.
Visit the company store or check online stores such as Amazon for replacement. Although modern carafes are designed to fit into most coffee makers, be sure to select the right fit.
3. What is the easiest way to clean my coffee maker?
A clean coffee maker is the surest and easiest way to keep your coffee fresh. You can easily clean your coffee maker with water and vinegar. The outside can be washed normally with warm water and mild soap.
You can also use a descaling solution from the store or use lemon in place of vinegar. If you are lucky, some parts such as the carafe and brew basket may be dishwasher safe.
4. Do all filters perform the same?
Other than the costs and cleanups, the decision to use reusable or disposable filters all boils down to preference. Reusable filters, also referred to as metal filters, let through most elements, including fine sediments and oils. These might alter the appearance and taste of your coffee slightly.
Paper filters, on the other hand, are finer hence capture most of the sediments and oils. This results in a brighter cup known to have a better taste and is the go-to for coffee lovers.
Conclusion
A great cup of coffee is a great way to kick-start the day. And if you are looking for an easy way to fix a cup, owning a coffee maker is a great place to start. With our list of best 5 cup coffee makers, you can be sure to bag one that is sturdy, easy to operate, and a top-performer – all these, without breaking the bank.
Whether you are a coffee enthusiast looking to satisfy your craving with just a simple switch flip at the comfort of your home or office, or a beginner looking for a simple yet powerful solution, we hope our list of best 5 cup coffee makers was valuable for your search.