Revamp Your Morning Ritual in 2023 with the Top Programmable Coffee Makers

Awaken to the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the touch of a button using a programmable coffee maker. It's the perfect way to start the day and even elevate leisurely weekends spent reading a good book. These innovative appliances are capable of pre-setting a brew time up to 24 hours in advance, rendering the magic of freshly brewed coffee pot wafting through the house before you even wake up. After extensive research and product trials, we have compiled a list of the finest programmable coffee makers available in the market.

Indulge in the best programmable coffee makers to make your mornings brighter.

What We Love

Consistently strong coffee

Adjustable brew strength

Temperature control feature for hot coffee

What We Don't Love

Slightly high price

Inconvenient water reservoir filling

Our top pick for the best overall coffee maker is the Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. This stainless steel, modern appliance will not only add elegance to your kitchen but will also serve as a valuable workhorse to whip up a perfectly brewed cup of coffee every time.

Whether you live alone, have a large family, or frequently host guests, this coffee maker can accommodate your needs, brewing one to 14 cups of coffee simultaneously. Furthermore, it enables you to set a 24-hour brew time and choose between a regular or bold flavor profile.

Our reviewers found this product to be worth the investment, citing its brew strength, programmable features, and ergonomic carafe handle as standout features. The one-four cup setting was particularly convenient for those who don't require more than four cups in the morning, while the balanced coffee strength surpassed expectations when compared to normal brew settings on other machines.

The Cuisinart programmable coffee maker also features an auto-off setting, temperature-adjustable hot plate, permanent filter, and a self-cleaning mode to decalcify the interior of the machine.

Price at the time of publication:

Capacity: 14 cups (70 ounces) | Dimensions: 7.75 x 9 x 14 inches | Warranty: 3-year limited | Wattage: 1,050 | Voltage: 120

What Our Testers Say

"Your morning coffee routine will never be the same again with this product by your side." — Lambeth Hochwald, Product Tester

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Top Features

Customizable options

Brews both small and large amounts

User-friendly design

Contemporary appearance

Affordable price point

Room for Improvement

Mostly composed of plastic

Coffee has tendency to be too hot

Average performance for drip coffee

For those seeking an end to regular use of paper filters, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is the perfect solution. With a reusable filter that can be rinsed and reused, along with a handy coffee scoop attached to the machine, this programmable device makes things easy and convenient.

The Ninja Coffee Maker comes with a 60-ounce reservoir and can make up to 12 cups of coffee. It includes a special 1-4 cup function for smaller batches, while utilizing thermal flavor extraction to produce rich and scrumptious coffee. Further features include a bold flavor option, delay brew setting, and mid-brew pause feature. Customers rave about the simplicity of use and delicious hot coffee made by the Ninja Coffee Maker.

The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell

Price at time of publication: $100

Capacity: 12 cups (60 ounces) | Dimensions: 8.7 x 9.9 x 14.6 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1,100 | Voltage: 120

What Our Testers Say

"The control panel is definitely a standout feature - I found it extremely easy to navigate." — Cheyenne Elwell, Product Tester

Top Features

Removable filter basket

Automatic shutoff

Generous capacity for the low price

Room for Improvement

Some users find clock function inaccurate

Grounds may spill into coffee

While searching for budget-friendly coffee makers, the Black and Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker stands out with its automatic brewing function. Despite being an affordable model, it can hold up to 12 cups of coffee in a glass carafe and contains many similar features seen in more expensive models.

Experience the power of the QuickTouch programming feature with this remarkable coffee maker, designed to let you set brew time so you can enjoy fresh coffee whenever you want. Additionally, it features a two-hour auto shutoff, nonstick hot plate, and “sneak-a-cup” technology to satisfy your coffee cravings when you can't wait for the brewing cycle to complete. The simple, user-friendly design of this maker is also loved by many, who claim it produces a delicious, hot cup of joe at an unbeatable price. Whether you're on a budget, a college student, or in need of a cost-effective machine for your office, finding the perfect coffee maker has never been easier.

Price: $40 (at time of publishing)

Capacity: 12 cups | Dimensions: 9 x 11.25 x 13 inches | Warranty: 2-year limited | Wattage: 975 | Voltage: 120

What We Like

Compatible with K-Cups and ground coffee

Large, removable water reservoir

Fast brewing

What We Don't Like

Prone to leaking

Grounds often spill into the cup

Durability concerns

Looking for a quick and easy cup of coffee to kickstart your day? Look no further than the Cuisinart Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker. This coffeemaker is perfect for those who live alone, as it can quickly brew single cups of coffee in minutes. With a 72-ounce reservoir and the ability to produce five different beverage sizes, ranging from 4 to 12 ounces, the machine is fully programmable. Plus, it comes equipped with a reusable filter cup, so you don't have to depend on K-cups (although they also work in the machine!).

According to reviews, this single-serve coffee maker provides unbeatable value compared to a Keurig machine. Many coffee lovers rave about the machine's fast brewing and great-tasting coffee. Plus, the auto on/off feature saves you precious time in the morning.

Price: $130 (at time of publishing)

Capacity: 4- to 12-ounce servings | Dimensions: 11 x 9.3 x 12.1 inches | Warranty: 3-year limited | Wattage: 1,200 | Voltage: 120

Favored Elements

Various sizes and coffee strengths to choose from

Easily removable water holder

Ability to brew single servings

Certified by the Specialty Coffee Association

Pet Peeves

Takes up counter space

The carafe is difficult to clean manually

If you require a cup of coffee to face the day, you may want to splurge on a top-of-the-line model like the Braun MultiServe, which has multiple drink and drink size options that can be programmed hours in advance. Unlike most drip machines, it can produce a well-balanced single cup of coffee, like a Keurig, without the pods, boasting a total of seven size choices as well as strength settings of light, gold, and bold. This machine is distinguished by its setup for iced coffee.

With a removable water tank, the Braun MultiServe is easy to fill before use, and the integrated permanent filter means you won't have to go to the store over and over for paper ones. The Braun MultiServe is a highly adaptable machine that is built to last, despite its fairly high price tag.

It is also among the select machines certified by the Specialty Coffee Association. Peter Giuliano, the Chief Research Officer at the Specialty Coffee Association, explains that the SCA's criteria assess everything from brewing temperature to the percentage of coffee grounds removed. Furthermore, a coffee machine with that certification has been subjected to a strict set of guidelines to guarantee high-performance quality.

Price at the time of publication: $200

Capacity: Ten cups | Dimensions: 7.25 x 13 x 15 inches | Guarantee: Three-year limited | Watts: 1,750 | Volts: 120

Feedback from Our Professionals

"This is one of the few coffee makers endorsed by the Specialty Coffee Association. To fulfill that caliber, the Braun MultiServe must brew at an optimal temperature and extraction rate, all in under six minutes." — Derek Rose, Coffee and Tea Expert for The Spruce Eats

Favored Features

Combination coffee-and-espresso maker

Ability to utilize both grounds and K-Cups

Long-lasting thermal carafe

Pet Peeves

Expensive

Loud

Challenging to navigate

Whether you're a fan of espresso or coffee, the Mr. Coffee Occasions All-in-One Coffee Maker has you covered. When you're in the mood for a classic drip coffee, this powerful machine can brew anywhere from 4 cups up to a full pot using its 10-cup thermal carafe. You can mix things up with ease by switching over to the integrated espresso maker, which can produce two rich shots at once. The frothing wand attached to the machine enables you to make coffeehouse drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

The machine is remarkably versatile and can brew using both coffee grounds and K-Cups! If you're running late in the morning, simply insert a pod and press go to produce a single serve; this feature is also convenient for use with travel mugs. The removable water reservoir and drip tray make cleaning and refills effortless. Notably, the machine can be quite noisy and has a high price tag.

Price at time of writing: $260

Capacity: 10-cup carafe and single serve | Dimensions: 16.6 x 11.2 x 18.6 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1,500 | Voltage: 120 to 110

The Spruce Eats/ Vicky Wasik

What We Like

Affordable

Option of thermal or glass carafe

Front-fill convenience

What We Don't Like

Carafe may leak

Sub-optimal brewing temperature

Coffee enthusiasts who require a large-capacity coffee maker would be delighted with this Hamilton Beach option. Unlike most programmable models, which brew 12 cups, this one can produce up to 14 cups at inception.

However, this is no low-tech coffee maker. The device comes with numerous features, and satisfied customers rave about its ease of operation, effortlessness to clean, and superb taste. The coffee maker lets you pre-program your brews 24 hours in advance, and you can adjust the strength to your desired strength, whether regular or strong. Its automatic pause-and-serve feature is convenient when you need a cup before the entire pot is finished brewing. The machine is also fitted with an automatic shut-off feature that you can program for intervals of up to four hours, in 10-minute periods. Customers can choose a glass carafe or a marginally pricier thermal carafe. This coffee maker is a dependable and highly rated model that provides extra coffee with each brewing cycle.

Price at time of writing: $105

Capacity: 14 cups | Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.9 x 14.3 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 1,025 | Voltage: 120

Preferred Features

Reasonable cost

Effortlessly cleaned without a carafe

Brew strength adjustment

Features to Reconsider

Prone to leakage

Necessitates filter removal to fill the reservoir

Coffee makers with dispenser-style dispensing systems instead of carafes are among the latest trends. If you enjoy this aspect, you'll adore the Hamilton Beach BrewStation 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, which enables you to pour one cup at a time using the dispensing handle.

This coffee maker is equipped with several other capabilities, including multiple brew strengths, an internal heater that keeps your coffee hot for up to four hours, and the ability to program a brew time hours ahead of time. Furthermore, the absence of a carafe makes cleaning a breeze; all you have to do is empty the filter basket (and engage in routine descaling). Some customers reported leaks from the base of the unit, so keep this in mind before making your purchase. Nonetheless, at an affordable price, this is a dependable coffee maker..

Price at time of publish:

Capacity: 12 cups | Dimensions: 11 x 8.2 x 15.16 inches | Warranty: 1-year limited | Wattage: 950 | Voltage: 120

Final Thoughts

Out of the multitude of programmable coffee makers tested by our specialists, the clear winner was the Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. It has adjustable brew strength, a 1-4 cup option, and we found it consistently brewed delicious coffee. For a more affordable option, consider the Black Decker 12-Cup QuickTouch Programmable Coffeemaker.

Krups Grind and Brew KM785D50: We tested the Krups Grind and Brew in our laboratory alongside several other coffee makers. Our team found the machine simple to use and clean but were underwhelmed by the flavor of the coffee. It was tough to achieve a bold cup of coffee; instead, the result was insipid and watery. The built-in grinder is convenient, but we believe there are superior options available than this one.

A programmable coffee maker is an excellent choice for coffee lovers looking for a machine with numerous features. However, with so many choices available, it can be challenging to select the perfect option for your needs. Are you in search of a coffee maker with an automatic shut-off feature or multiple strength settings? Although programmable coffee makers are generally more advanced, not all models offer essential features like these. Keep in mind that you might have to pay more for a machine with more features.

If space is an issue, it's essential to check the height, depth, and width of your desired coffee maker before purchasing to ensure proper fit. While programmable coffee makers are not generally larger than standard coffee machines, some models have a compartment that lifts, which adds to the machine's height.

Before selecting a coffee maker, consider the number of coffee drinkers in your home and your personal coffee intake. A 14-cup carafe may not be ideal if you only drink one or two cups a day. Coffee makers with 1-4 cup settings are an excellent option for personal use.

Programmable coffee makers can be preset to start brewing at a specific time later on. The process is effortless: fill the water reservoir and filter basket, set your desired brew time, and the machine will do the rest. Drip coffee makers that brew a full carafe worth of coffee are the most popular type of programmable coffee maker. Some brands manufacture programmable espresso makers, but since espresso brews so quickly, the feature is less useful in these instances. Most programmable coffee makers can be set up to 24 hours in advance.

Drip coffee makers are designed to last for many cups, making brewing a few cups at a time result in weak coffee. Coffee makers that include a 1-4 setting are calibrated to suit smaller brew cycles by slowly extracting the needed coffee amount.

The caffeine content in drip coffee may vary depending on the type of coffee bean and the number of scoops used when brewing. Apparently, an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee can contain anywhere from 80 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. Espresso has more caffeine by volume than drip coffee, roughly 60 to 75 milligrams per single shot.

Descaling is essential to maintain your coffee maker's health and ensure efficient brewing. It involves removing mineral residue that builds up inside a coffee maker over time that can deteriorate performance. Descaling should be done at least once every one to three months, depending on manufacturer instructions. Descaling can be done at home with a mixture of vinegar and warm, soapy water, and many brands sell liquids or powders explicitly designed for descaling.

The best type of water for brewing coffee is subjective, and experts have varying opinions. However, most experts agree that water with sticky minerals like calcium and magnesium improves taste, meaning hard water is a better option than soft water. The downside to hard water is that it's harsh on your coffee maker and will increase the frequency you need to descale.

Storing coffee in an airtight container and in a cool, dark place is the best way to preserve freshness. Exposure to oxygen, sunlight, moisture, or heat will make coffee lose freshness faster. While some people opt to store their coffee beans in the fridge or freezer, it can damage the coffee due to high levels of moisture and lead to temperature fluctuations.

Camryn Rabideau is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in home-related topics. Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats, uses the Bialetti Moka Express and Bodum Brazil French Press to make café-style drinks like lattes and Americanos at home.

Peter Giuliano, the Chief Research Officer at the Specialty Coffee Association and Executive Director of the Coffee Science Foundation, provided insight during the making of this piece. Allie Caran, the Product Manager at BaristaValet, who has over 15 years of experience in the coffee industry, was also interviewed.