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If you need your caffeine fix to really get your day started, a capable coffee maker is a must-have.
From single-serve models that quickly brew a cup at a time to low-tech pour overs that produce higher-quality coffee, there are enough options out there to overwhelm.
To start, ask yourself how much time and effort you want to invest in your morning routine.
If convenience is paramount, pre-programmable drip machines, single-serve models, and small drip coffee makers cut down on work. But coffee connoisseurs will want to invest the time into preparing their morning beverage in a pour over, French press, or higher-end drip machine for better results.
There are a few convenient features you'll want to look for in a coffee maker to help your morning run smoother, according to Consumer Reports: A built-in grinder can be handy if you want to go with whole beans — just keep in mind that it can be a real pain to clean and maintain. Lots of units also offer the ability to pause, if you just can't wait for the whole pot to brew before you pour yourself a cup. Additionally, coffee tastes best with filtered water — some units include built-in water filters for better quality, though you'll have to make sure to regularly replace the filter. And thermal carafes can come in handy; instead of continually heating your pot on a hot plate, these insulated containers can keep your brew warm for hours, so you can keep pouring all morning.
No matter your preferences, we've rounded up the best devices out there for every budget.
SEE ALSO: This simple coffee maker is one of the most versatile on the market
READ MORE: The best coffee makers for every type of person
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Best for your budget
If your morning coffee fix simply can't wait, look no further than the Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker BVMC-PSTX91. This programmable machine managed to brew a full 10-cup pot in less than seven minutes in Good Housekeeping tests. To add to that, Digital Trends raved about the included vacuum-insulated carafe that keeps coffee hotter longer, whether docked on the machine or just sitting on your kitchen counter. A removable water tank makes it simple to fill the reservoir in the sink without spilling.
Pros: Vacuum-insulated carafe keeps coffee hot, water reservoir can be filled in the sink, programmable, quick to brew
Cons: Carafe isn't dishwasher safe
Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew 10-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker BVMC-PSTX91, $68.50, available at Amazon.
Best for convenience
The Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker DGB-900BC is the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Just plug in the coffee strength you want (regular or bold) the night before, and your brew will be waiting for you when you get out of bed. Even better, this model produced piping hot coffee at an optimal temperature to bring the most flavor out of any beans, according to Good Housekeeping. The built-in grinder and hopper are nice added features.
Pros: Built-in grinder, brews quickly, shuts off automatically, programmable
Cons: Controls can be tricky, carafe isn't dishwasher safe
Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker DGB-900BC, $184.99, available at Amazon.
Best for single servings
The Bunn My Cafe Single Cup Multi-Use Brewer is easily the most versatile machine in the bunch. This single-serve coffee maker can accommodate coffee grinds, pods, K-cups, loose tea, and more, and the unit also dispenses hot water.
It took less than a minute to brew a single cup of coffee in Digital Trends' tests. And you'll like what it produces; the results won over Good Housekeeping tasters handily.
A nice added bonus: the hot water has it's own filter, so tea won't come out tasting like the java you just brewed. A pulse setting lets you up the strength of your coffee, too.
Pros: Quick to brew a cup, works with coffee grinds, pods, and tea bags
Cons: Multiple brew heads require extra storage space, tank only holds enough water for one cup
Bunn My Cafe Single Cup Multi-Use Brewer, $155.99, available at Amazon.
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