Coffee Makers Not Made in China: because Not All Coffee Roads Lead There

#1 CHEMEX Classic, the pour-over-glass coffee maker

Editor’s rating:

With the beautiful 6-cup CHEMEX Classic, coffee-making is an art, a craft, and a soulful pastime. This pour-over coffee maker features a design that brings out positive emotions. Its body is made of borosilicate glass, with a wooden collar and a button to indicate the half and max coffee levels. If you have a grinder and a few minutes to spare, you could treat yourself with six cups of fresh, bloomed, and filtered coffee. The CHEMEX Classic will transform and elevate coffee into your elegant ritual.

Key features:

• Made of borosilicate glass
• Maximum of 6 cups
• Works with a filter
• Wooden collar and button for aesthetic and level marking purposes
• Can be put on a glass stove top at low heat

Pros

Beautiful and charming

Celebrates the art behind coffee-making

Brews and filters excellent coffee if you follow the instructions for preparation

Cons

You’ll have to brew the water for the coffee, bloom the coffee, and do other crafty thingies that will take you some time

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#2 Technivorm Moccamaster KBG coffee maker

Editor’s rating:

The KBG is the real deal when it comes to a cup of regular coffee. It is an SCA-certified coffee brewer, so it really brews the coffee to the strict coffee-making standards, among which are equal grounds saturation and optimal brewing temperature. All these standards make for lovely 40 ounces of coffee brewed in about 6 minutes. The KBG is the brewer you need if you like to have great control over regular coffee. That might be a bit costly, but it sure is worthy.

Key features:

• Brews coffee at temperatures from 195 to 205°F
• 40-ounce glass carafe
• 9-hole showerhead
• Warming plate with two temperature options: 175°F and 185°F
• Comes in 27 colors
• Auto off after 100 minutes

Pros

A Dutch top-notch brewer for fancy regular coffee

SCA-certified because of its high coffee-making standards

Makes a lot of coffee at once which can be heated up by the warmer if needed

Cons

It’s a bit pricey

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#3 BUNN GRBD Velocity Brew Original 10-cup coffee maker

Editor’s rating:

The Bunn GRBD Velocity brewer originates from Bunn-O-Matic, the old and famous USA coffee maker company. This coffee maker is the real deal if you need a coffee maker that can make a lot of coffee at the right temperature quickly. When we say ‘a lot of coffee,’ we mean every coffee quantity from 4 to 10 cups brewed directly into the smartly-designed glass carafe. With the warming plate, the coffee is kept hot for as long as the family gathering lasts.

If you live at high altitude, this Bunn coffee maker is ideal for you; if not, the GRB version is great.

Key features:

• For 4 to 10 cups of coffee at a time
• Glass carafe
• Stainless steel water reservoir
• Brews coffee in 3 minutes
• For high altitudes
• Warming plate

Pros

Quickly brews a lot of coffee at once and the warming plate keeps it hot for later

Made by a trustworthy and proven company

The innovative design of the carafe keeps the coffee fresh and pours it straight into your cup, without dripping

Cons

Water from the funnel might overflow if you fill it up with too much coffee

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#4 BUNN BT Velocity Brew, 10-cup

Editor’s rating:

Another Bunn on the list, and you already know the Bunn deal: hot coffee brewed at 200°F, but first equally saturated and well-bloomed. The Bunn BT Velocity brew also does this, but it brews the coffee directly into a double-walled, close-and-brew thermal carafe for up to 10 cups of coffee that’s kept hot for 2 hours. If you need quick and hot coffee to take on a picnic, this is your coffee maker. Give it three minutes to brew the coffee, and then take the entire carafe with you.

Key features:

• 3-minute brew time
• Makes from 4 to 10 cups of coffee at once
• Thermal double-walled and close-and-brew carafe
• Made to brew at high altitudes
• Saturates and brews coffee at 200°F

Pros

A close-and-brew carafe for optimal heat retention and flavor preservation of the coffee

Brews an entire 10-cup carafe at the speed of light

Variable cup doses for when you need just a few cups of coffee

Cons

Carafe is not marked for number of cups

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#5 AeroPress coffee and espresso maker

Editor’s rating:

Made in the USA, the AeroPress is a coffee maker that solves the common issues you might have with a French press. It uses filters to give you clear coffee and it makes tiny bits of coffee at a time. The idea behind this is that coffee tastes better and it doesn’t sit around in a carafe forever, losing on freshness. Since it’s compact and manual, the AeroPress can easily take a trip with you in its own, special bag that’s included in the box. This is the ideal coffee maker for lovers of coffee and espresso made by a French press and available outside of home.

Key features:

• 1-3 cups of coffee or espresso
• Full coffee immersion for less acidic coffee
• Uses a microfilter
• Comes with a nylon bag
• Phthalate and BPA-free
• 350 microfilters and other accessories included

Pros

Comes without the disadvantages of a French press

Portable

Made of non-toxic materials

Cons

The coffee-making involves some work (changing filters, brewing water, cleaning the AeroPress)

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#6 Jura E8 coffee machine

Editor’s rating:

Jura coffee machines bring the Swiss and European touch to your coffee. These are high-end machines that work with innovative technologies patented by Jura, providing the best at-home automatic coffee experience. That said, if you’re buying a Jura, you must have something in mind: they will polish your coffee taste to the maximum. These bean-to-cup machines take care of all the brewing parameters in detail, from start to finish, making a delight out of every coffee specialty. Most of them are also programmable, so off you go with your coffee imagination. We took the E8 model to show you what a Jura machine can do.

Key features:

• 12 coffee specialties
• 8 coffee strength settings
• Milk system
• Jura technologies: Pulse Extraction Process, Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System
• Aroma G3 grinder

Pros

Single and double specialties for only you or for you and your loved one

All sorts of delicious coffees, from regular coffee to a foamy cappuccino

Reliable technologies and programmable strength for coffee tastes that inspire

Cons

A price tag to remember

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#7 Denby Natural Canvas Textured French press

Editor’s rating:

Nostalgia can at times lead us to the best things, and, in this case, to the best coffee maker by Denby. It is a French press, but it looks like a clay vase that you’ve seen at your grandma’s. Neat, glazed, and fully white, this textured French press is an English-made masterpiece. Its properties make it durable and highly adjustable to different temperatures, so you can truly enjoy some coffee experimentation. Hot French press coffee and warm feelings for the past— combine these two things as you start and finish your day.

Key features:

• Made of clay
• Glazed
• Vitrified
• Handmade
• Microwave, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher-safe

Pros

Carefully handmade into a beautiful retro coffee maker

Glazed and vitrified for durability and style

Allows for the storage and temperature variation of the coffee by being resistant to hot and cold

Cons

Could this French press be too old-fashioned-looking for you?

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#8 Bialetti Express Moka Pot, 6-cup

Editor’s rating:

Moka coffee was actually invented by Alfonso Bialetti, the Italian engineer behind the Bialetti brand. That said, with the Bialetti Moka Pot come the beginnings of the Moka and its beautiful tradition. The Italian style of coffee-making is apparent in every aspect of the Moka pot, from the octagonal shape of the coffee maker and its polished aluminum casing to the brewing process. With this stove-top pot you can make 6 cups of strong Moka and show off your Italian Moka skills to all of your friends.

Key features:

• Stove-top Moka pot
• Made of polished aluminum
• Makes 6 cups of coffee at once
• Takes 5 minutes to brew the coffee
• Patented safety valve
• Can be disassembled

Pros

Brings the Italian style and taste to your household

Makes strong coffee in about 5 minutes and in an entertaining way

Durable and easy to clean

Cons

It might take you some time to learn how to prepare Moka coffee, but it’s worth it

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#9 Gaggia Classic Pro

Editor’s rating:

We already did a full review on the Italian Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine, so if you think that it’s worth checking out after we say what we have to say about the machine, we encourage you to do that. Briefly, though, this is an exquisite machine as compact as a small flower pot, but stainless steel and with commercial components. The Classic Pro gives you an entry-level idea of what it’s like to have a better-quality commercial machine. In spite of that, it is very affordable and a true rare gem in its class.

Key features:

• Made of stainless steel
• Commercial steam wand, portafilter, and 3-way solenoid valve
• Rocker buttons
• 15-Bar pump
• Visible water level in tank

Pros

Surprisingly affordable given its quality

A compact way to true, commercial-style espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes

Simplistic design, which translates into a great ease of use

Cons

The Gaggia Classic Pro is a semi-automatic espresso machine, so there’s some work involved when making coffee

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#10 Rancilio Silvia

Editor’s rating:

Simplistic and with classic looks, the Italian Rancilio Silvia is one of the best espresso machines under $1000. The secret of the machine lies in its simple controls, seriously powerful steamer, and the beautiful espresso-making mechanisms of the Silvia. This is a fantastic machine for serious espresso lovers who want their espresso-based drinks to be made by a professional machine. You can read more about the Silvia in our Rancilio Silvia review.

Key features:

• Professional steam wand
• Large, 12-ounce boiler
• Commercial 58mm portafilter
• Commercial group head
• Stainless steel housing

Pros

Remarkable build and coffee-making quality

Fantastic steam wand with an outstanding power

Simplified coffee-making with the rocker control buttons

Cons

The machine is a powerful steamer, but it takes it a while to heat up the steaming water

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#11 Pour Mason by the Red Rooster Trading Company

Editor’s rating:

If you enjoy drinking your coffee from a Mason jar, the Pour Mason coffee maker will inspire you to enjoy it even more. This is a compact and lightweight pour-over tool made of aluminum, but nickel-plated. It has a solid base on the bottom to stand on your Mason jar with ease as it filters the coffee. The Pour Mason is easy to store and it is very portable. It is the ideal little thingy for you if you tend to travel a lot and don’t like to clean and maintain your coffee maker too much.

Key features:

• Designed for Mason jars
• Handmade
• Made of an aluminum alloy
• Nickel-plated
• Black

Pros

Simple, affordable, and low-maintenance

Portable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Lightweight, but durable

Cons

You’ll still need hot water for the coffee, keep that in mind if you’re planning to use it somewhere where there’s no electricity

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#12 Toddy Cold Brew System

Editor’s rating:

The Toddy Cold Brew System is a nice option if you truly enjoy cold-brewed coffee or if this is the coffee that doesn’t disturb your sensitive stomach. The brewer lets you make teas and hot coffees as well, and it comes with a recipe book where you can find interesting and easy recipes. This brewer comes with all the accessories that you need to start your cold-brew adventure. Included in the box is a glass decanter, two reusable coffee filters, and a rubber stopper that will let you extract the coffee in peace. Once you make the coffee, you can refrigerate it in the decanter and enjoy your low-in-acidity coffee for two weeks.

Key features:

• For hot or cold coffee
• Makes tea as well
• Two reusable filters
• Jar with a lid
• Rubber stopper
• Recipe book

Pros

Great if you like drinking coffee that is low in acidity

With the glass jar, you can keep coffee fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks

Hot coffee and teas are also an option, so you get more beverage versatility

Cons

The coffee maker itself doesn’t come with a lid

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#13 Takeya patented deluxe cold brew and iced coffee maker

Editor’s rating:

The Takeya cold brew and iced coffee maker is a durable pitcher with a silicone lid and handle for an easier way with your coffee. It is a healthy option since it is made of BPA-free materials and it is also suitable for indoors or outdoors. Cold-brew coffee is easy to make because of the brewer’s design which features a nice, in-pitcher filter and a temperature-resistant tritan plastic construction, so you can refrigerate your coffee without taking it out of the brewer. Handling the Takeya pitcher is very easy with its no-slip and no-leak design, while the air-tight lid keeps coffee inside the brewer fresh and aromatic. This is a good way to make low-acidity coffee, with the hot coffee also being an option if you mix the concentrate with hot water.

Key features:

• 4 servings of cold-brew coffee
• Fine-mesh filter
• Air-tight and no-leak lid
• No-slip handle
• BPA-free and made of tritan plastic
• Pitcher resistant to different temperatures, odors, and stains

Pros

Very affordable and with a smart design that addresses many coffee-making issues

Healthy to use and makes fresh coffee

Versatile and good for indoor and outdoor purposes

Cons

The filter might not be the easiest for you to clean

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#14 Bodum Chambord French press coffee maker

Editor’s rating:

This is a popular French press made of borosilicate glass that can make eight 4-ounce cups of coffee at once. All you need to do is add ground coffee and hot water inside the beaker and press the plunger to make your drink. It’s big, looks nice, brews even nicer, and it has this large handle, so the good grip is guaranteed. With this Portuguese French press, coffee is nicely and easily crafted from brewing to pouring thanks to the brewer’s intelligent design. The easy-to-make coffee is, as a result, very flavorful.

Key features:

• 8-cup
• Brews coffee in 4 minutes
• Made of borosilicate glass
• Stainless steel plunger
• Mesh filter
• No-leak lid

Pros

Fast and reliable

An interesting design that makes coffee-making easy and pleasurable

Stainless steel plunger, no-leak lid, and mesh filter for clear, aromatic, flavorful, and odorless coffee

Cons

You’ll be cleaning a glass beaker, so being extra careful when doing that is not a bad idea

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#15 Café Brew glass stovetop whistling kettle by Medelco

Editor’s rating:

This is the only product on our list of coffee makers not made in China that is actually not a coffee maker, but a whistling kettle to boil water in. Still, it is a great kettle for boiling your coffee or tea water because it is BPA-free and marked for cup sizes. Since you will not be putting anything except water into the kettle, you’ll have an easier time cleaning it. In the meanwhile, you’ll be able to make your pour-over coffees with more accuracy when it comes to water quantity. In fact, this is a good kettle to measure water quantities for other recipes as well, so there’s a lot of versatility ‘included in the box.’

Key features:

• 12-cup
• Made of German Schott Duran borosilicate glass
• Kettle is marked for cups and is drip-free
• BPA-free
• Dishwasher-safe
• Metal trivet

Pros

Great to measure larger or smaller amounts of hot or cold water for your coffee, tea, oatmeal, etc.

Heat-resistant and suitable for electric and gas stove tops

Made of good materials for safety of use and durability

Cons

The handle gets hot

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