Best Keurig alternatives 2024: Jump Menu
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Philips 3200
3. Best drip: OXO 8 Cup
4. Best French Press: Espro P7
5. Best single-serve: Nespresso Vertuo
6. Best multi-functional: Ninja DualBrew
7. Best value: De'Longhi All-in-One
8. How we test
9. Meet the team
10. FAQs
There's no denying that Keurig coffee makers are super convenient. All you need to do is fill up your water tank, pop in a pod, and press a button to make a brew in less than a minute.
But it isn't always great coffee. Keurig K-Cups contain just seven to eight grams of coffee granules, only half as much as you need to make a standard-size cup. Keurig beans are grown, processed, and roasted with quantity in mind, rather than quality. Since Keurig coffee makers are only compatible with K-Cups, you're unlikely to get a good brew.
There's so much more to making coffee than convenience. The best coffee makers are customizable, allowing you to control the process from grind to brew. Like a Keurig, these machines are slick, quick, and easy to use: they just make much better quality coffee.
Each of these coffee makers is tried and tested by the expert team at H&G. We've ranked them based on capacity, convenience, and appearance, as well as the all-important price.
The quick list
These are the best Keurig alternatives at a glance. Scroll down for more specifics.
The best Keurig alternative overall
This automatic espresso machine is a grinder, a brewer, and a frother, all in one.
The best drip coffee maker
This drip coffee maker is convenient and consistent, producing a quality cup every time.
The best French press
A French press is perfect for coffee lovers who want to make a brew on the move. This little machine is made from stainless steel for extra durability.
The best single-serve coffee maker
The Nespresso Vertuo Next makes fuss-free coffee. It's quick to heat and easy to use, with one little button doing all the hard work.
The best multi-functional coffee maker
This coffee maker comes with a milk frother, an iced coffee function, and even an independent water line to make tea.
The best value coffee maker
This is one of the best coffee makers for beginners. All you need to do is pour your coffee grounds into the basket and press the button.
Read more below
The best Keurig alternatives, in depth
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best overall coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You like lattes: this coffee maker comes with LatteGo, which froths your milk and funnels it right into your mug.
✅ You hate spills and splatters: the adjustable coffee spout raises or lowers to meet your cup.
✅ You hate washing up: the coffee grounds container and the drip tray are dishwasher-safe, and only need to be emptied once a week.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're sensitive to noise: like most bean-to-cup machines, this coffee maker whistles while it works.
❌ You like to brew in bigger batches: this machine is best for quick shots of espresso.
❌ You're on a budget: this is a premium coffee maker, with a premium price tag.
The bottom line
🔎 Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo was the best on test.
Whatever kind of coffee you're craving, you can make it in the Philips 3200. This coffee maker incorporates a brand-new built-in milk system, known as LatteGo, which uses cyclonic frothing technology to produce thick layers of foam. It's fully compatible with dairy milks or your favorite plant-based alternatives.
This coffee maker contains durable ceramic grinders that can be adjusted in 12 steps to create anything from fine powder to coarse shavings. You can set and save your favorite strengths and quantities of coffee for a quick and easy brew in the morning. You'll save time cleaning, too, since the milk system, the drip tray, and the coffee ground container are all dishwasher-safe.
If you want to batch-brew, this is not the machine for you. The Philips 3200 is most suitable for single servings. There's an option to make two cups at a time, but they'll brew consecutively, rather than simultaneously.
But it's easy to use, simple to store, and makes café-quality coffee at the touch of a button. That's why the Philips 3200 is our best coffee maker of the year.
You can find more detail in our Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Large waste container | ★★★★★ |
| Convenience | User-friendly interface | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | Sleek and chic | ★★★★★ |
| Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★★ |
The best drip coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You want uncomplicated coffee: all you need to do is indicate brew size and press go.
✅ You're tight on time: this coffee maker can brew a whole pot in less than six minutes.
✅ You like richer, fuller flavors: the filter papers keep the grit out and the good in.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're shopping for an automatic machine: this a manual coffee maker, so you'll have to keep an eye on it.
❌ You're brewing now to drink later: we found that this carafe struggled to retain heat on test.
❌ You hate cleaning: the water tank is not removable, which makes it much harder to clean.
The bottom line
🔎 OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker makes gold-certified coffee without the bells and whistles.
The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is one of only a handful of home machines that meets the Specialty Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard. That means it uses a top-of-the-range water filtration system and precise temperature controls to brew a quality cup, every time.
This machine is designed to be used with a larger brew basket, though it also comes with smaller filters and a single-serve brew basket. On test, this machine could brew as many as eight cups at a time, each as rich and flavorful as the last.
The trouble starts when it comes to cleaning. There's a button on the machine that blinks when you need to descale your coffee maker. It's easy to remove and rinse the carafe, and the brew baskets are dishwasher-safe. It's much harder to clean the water tank, which is awkwardly attached to the back of the machine and cannot be removed.
The OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker is best suited to large households of coffee lovers who won't miss the bells and whistles of modern machines.
You can read more in our OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 8 cups at a time | ★★★★★ |
| Convenience | Quick batch brews | ★★★★ |
| Appearance | Stainless steel finish | ★★★★ |
| Price | Less than $200 | ★★★★ |
The best French press
Buy it if:
✅ You like a smooth brew: this coffee maker is double-lined with micro-mesh filters to remove more grit.
✅ You're tight on time: Espro promises café-quality coffee in just four minutes with their French press.
✅ You want to keep your coffee warmer for longer: the stainless steel walls, handles, and knobs retain heat.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You like to brew in bigger batches: like most French presses, this coffee maker works best with smaller quantities.
❌ You want a quick and easy clean: it's hard to pull out the plunger, which seals tightly to trap heat.
❌ You're on a budget: this French press is on the more expensive side, though it's cheaper than most espresso machines.
The bottom line
🔎 Espro P7 French Press Coffee Maker gives you more control over your coffee, so you can make the brew that's right for you.
The Espro P7 comes in two sizes, so you can pick the press that best suits your needs. The 18-oz. press is best for single servings, while larger households will appreciate the extra room offered by the 32-oz. press.
This coffee maker uses two micro-mesh filters which are 10 times finer than those typically found in French presses. Such fine filters should produce smooth-sipping coffee that contains next to no grit. These filters are lined with a silicone lip to create a tight seal. This slows the extraction of your coffee and preserves its original flavor.
The Espro P7 is far smaller and lighter than most coffee makers, which means it's easier to store in your cabinets or on your counters. The dainty design is made from durable stainless steel which retains heat, keeping your coffee warmer for longer.
It should come as no surprise that this compact machine is less suitable for batch-brewing. For single servings of rich, flavorful coffee, you can't go far wrong with the Espro P7.
You can find more detail in our guide to the best French press.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Proportional to size | ★★★★★ |
| Convenience | Not automated | ★★★ |
| Appearance | Dainty design | ★★★★★ |
| Price | Less than most large machines | ★★★★★ |
The best single-serve coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You're short on kitchen space: this slim-line model is easy to store in your cabinets or display on your counters.
✅ You want a machine that does the work: this coffee maker has automatic blend recognition, so it can find the right brew size, pressure and temperature for each capsule.
✅ You like to drink all kinds of coffee: the Nespresso Vertuo Next can make everything from a hearty mug to an espresso shot.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't like Nespresso coffee: this coffee maker is only compatible with Nespresso capsules.
❌ You want the best milk frother: we found the Nespresso milk frother to be a little simplistic, and it isn't included in the cost of your coffee maker.
❌ You're sensitive to noise: this coffee maker whistles while it works.
The bottom line
🔎 Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker is truly versatile, so it's great for those who want to experiment with their morning brew.
The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best single-serve coffee maker on the market. This machine takes just 40 seconds to heat up and can brew anything from a single espresso shot to an 18-oz. carafe.
One button does all the work on this highly versatile machine. All you need to do is pick your pod and press go. The Nespresso Vertuo Next incorporates automatic blend recognition technology, which identifies the best brew size, pressure, and temperature for each capsule. This is hands-off coffee making.
With its matte black finish and rose gold detailing, this coffee maker should complement any kitchen color palette. It's small and slim, so it shouldn't take up much space on your counters or inside your cabinets.
All that's missing is a milk frother, so you'll have to buy one separately or go without.
You can find more detail in our Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Everything from shots to carafes | ★★★★★ |
| Convenience | Automatic blend recognition | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | Cute and compact | ★★★★ |
| Price | Watch out for sales | ★★★ |
The best multi-functional coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You like to customize your brew: this coffee maker offers nine grounds sizes, from cup to carafe, as well as four pod sizes.
✅ You're tight on time: this machine can brew a pod faster than a leading Keurig coffee maker.
✅ You hate washing up: each part is dishwasher-safe for quick and deep cleaning.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're short on kitchen space: this coffee maker is tall and wide, so it's hard to store in cabinets or on counters.
❌ You don't want to grind your own beans: the Ninja DualBrew Pro doesn't come with an integrated grinder.
❌ You want one of the best milk frothers: the Ninja milk frother doesn't make much foam, and you'll have to heat the milk yourself.
The bottom line
🔎 Ninja DualBrew Pro makes all kinds of coffee, offers flexibility and convenience to the average coffee drinker.
This machine is for the coffee lovers who don't discriminate. The Ninja DualBrew Pro can handle grounds and pods alike to produce Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty brews in every size from cup to carafe.
The Specialty brew tasted best on test. You can incorporate this super-rich coffee concentrate into lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and even coffee-based cocktails. While the Classic brew left a little to be desired, the flavor was rich, robust and didn't diminish over time.
This machine comes with a built-in, fold-away milk frother that works particularly well with oat milk. You can fit the water tank to the side or the rear of your coffee maker, as suits your space. Each of the these parts is removable for quick and easy cleaning.
The Ninja DualBrew Pro is a versatile coffee maker with the capacity to serve a whole house of coffee lovers.
You can find more detail in our Ninja DualBrew Pro review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | From cups to carafes | ★★★★★ |
| Convenience | Highly versatile | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | Fold-away attachments | ★★★★ |
| Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
The best value coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You're tight on time: with the digital touchscreen, you can set your cup to brew as far as 24 hours in advance.
✅ You're short on kitchen space: this coffee maker is compact and light, weighing less than 15 pounds.
✅ You're wary of contaminants: this coffee maker comes with a charcoal water filter to keep the grit out and the good in.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You hate washing up: this drip tray is on the smaller side. Since it fills up quickly, you'll need to empty and clean it frequently.
❌ You're sensitive to noise: this coffee maker whistles while it works.
❌ You don't want to grind your own beans: the De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker doesn't come with an integrated grinder.
The bottom line
🔎 De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker is the best espresso machine for beginners.
This little machine is a coffee maker and an espresso machine, all in one. Its multifunctionality lends it well to larger households of coffee lovers with varying preferences.
The De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker comes with a front-loading water tank that's easy to remove and refill, as well as a spill-proof glass carafe. There's even a built-in milk frother, though it doesn't make the densest foam.
The best thing about the Combination Coffee Maker is the convenience of its automatic settings. You can schedule your brew to begin as you wake up, so it's ready to grab and go.
Since this machine is on the wider side, it might take over the counter top in smaller kitchens. Luckily, it weighs less than seven pounds, so it's easy to lift and store in cabinets as necessary.
You can find more detail in our De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Suitable for single and double servings | ★★★★ |
| Convenience | Schedule your brew | ★★★★★ |
| Appearance | A little clunky | ★★★ |
| Price | About standard | ★★★★ |
How we test coffee makers
If you're wondering how we test the best coffee makers, we have a range of different trial. Where possible, we use each machine to make an espresso, a cappuccino, and an Americano, for a sense of range on these three classic coffees. When a coffee maker claims to make lots of other brews, we'll test every single one, and also test them with milk alternatives for vegans and lactose-intolerant peiple.
Where applicable we always use the same brand of beans to best compare flavor and aroma extraction across coffee makers. When it comes to milk frothers, we test with dairy and non-dairy milks before we reach a verdict.
Our expert testers start assessing coffee makers from the moment they're delivered. That means we document how easy it is to unbox, set up, use, store, and clean a machine.
Meet the team
Before starting at Homes & Gardens, Laura studied English at Oxford University. Alongside her studies, she qualified as a barista and trained as a master perfumer. This makes her our certified expert for all things coffee, candles, and fragrance.
Millie Fender is Head of Reviews on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances like the best coffee makers, though she also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens.
Alex is Head of eCommerce at Homes & Gardens. He has several years' experience as a product tester in the homes and gardening industries, especially with kitchen appliances like coffee makers.
FAQs
Which is the best coffee maker?
There's no such thing as the best coffee maker: just the coffee maker that best meets your needs.
French press aficionados will appreciate the Espro P7, which is the best French press on the market, while drip coffee fans will prefer the OXO 8-Cup. Where the Philips 3200 Series can brew in bigger batches, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is best for single servings.
If you're shopping for a coffee maker that's a milk frother and a grinder, too, you'll love the Ninja DualBrew Pro. For multifunctionality on a budget, you're better off with the De'Longhi All-in-One.
What should I consider before buying a coffee maker?
Here are the five keys to finding the coffee maker that suits your needs.
Size
Larger coffee makers look best in bigger kitchens. If you're short on counterspace, you'll want something smaller and lighter that's easier to store, such as a French press.
Grinder
To make fresh coffee with rich flavors, you need one of the best coffee grinders. Keep an eye out for coffee makers with integrated grinders.
Waste
Many of these machines will only produce coffee grounds as waste. Since coffee grounds are good for plants, you can repurpose these offcuts as fertilizer, or put them in with the food waste. To avoid waste, shop for machines that are compatible with reusable pods and filters.
Noise
Grinding and brewing can get loud. If you want to make your morning brew without waking the rest of the house, consider a quieter coffee maker. A French press might be your best bet, since it doesn't use a grinder at all.
Cleaning
Some coffee makers are a little high-maintenance and require frequent hand-washing for best results. Look out for coffee makers that are dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleaning.
Final thoughts
Once you've bought one of the best coffee makers, it's important to take good care of it. It's worth learning how to clean a coffee maker so that you can get the most out of your machine.
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