We're in the final hours of the Amazon Prime Day Sales and, true to form, they're dropping some of the biggest and best deals yet. Need an example? After scrolling through every single coffee maker deal on Amazon I found this gem: the Keurig K-Express has been nearly halved in price, dropping from $89.99 to $49.99. The deal is only on for the next few hours, but it's exactly why I love Amazon Prime Day. You just don't get discounts like this anymore. 

I've been very open about the fact that not every Keurig coffee maker is worth investing in. The brand prides themselves on cheap convenience, which doesn't always bode well for brewing delicate, specialty coffee flavors. However, there are a select few Keurigs which rival some of the best single-serve coffee makers out there. They can brew a decent cup of coffee, whilst looking chic and saving you some money. This is the perfect example of one of them.

The Keurig K-Express has all the features any seasoned coffee drinker looks for: three different cup sizes (8,10,12 oz), a stronger brew setting (for those mornings when you need a real kick of caffeine), speedy brewing times; compatibility with a range of pods; a travel-cup sized space for your mugs; and a removable reservoir. Need more proof that this is the best Amazon Prime Day deal we've seen? This scores 4.5 stars out of over 25,000 ratings on Amazon. If that's not evidence that this is an incredible coffee maker available at an unbelievable saving, I don't know what is.

What's the deal?

I've got all the details on the pros and cons of the Keurig K-Express further down this article, but time is running out on Amazon Prime Day (and stocks of this are running low too). So, I'll give you the headlines: right now, the Keurig K-Express is reduced by 44%, so it'll cost you just $49.99 (when it's normally $89.99). That's the cheapest I've ever seen this Keurig and I can't imagine that it'll get any cheaper. Ever.

Whilst there are other cheap coffee makers in the Amazon Prime Day sales, none are actually as good as this one. The Keurig K-Express is a single-serve coffee maker that's compatible with a range of different K-Cups, from specialty brews, to toffee coffee, and warming chais. To add to its versatility, the K-Express brews three different sizes of coffees (8, 10, 12 oz), as well as a stronger one too. For a cheap coffee maker, that's very versatile.

Is the K-Express any good?

So, why is the Keurig K-Express worth buying? Well, even at full price, it's one of the cheapest coffee makers on the market. If you're looking to prep some dorm room essentials, or you want a compact coffee maker for an urban apartment, this is an obvious choice. At half price, you're crazy not to grab one. It's an unbelievable bargain.

Whilst the huge discount is appealing to any savvy shopper, it does have an air of 'cheap and cheerful'. That style of brewing doesn't exactly come hand in hand with quality coffee, so I thought I'd do my research. Keurig doesn't have a history of super-premium coffee makers, but they've made big changes to their internal systems over the past few years. Our experts have been impressed with some of their latest models and, judging by customer reviews for the K-Express, this is one of the brand's greatest successes.

A great point of reference for how genuinely good a product is is Amazon (they're useful for more than just Prime Day sales). If you click on the Keurig K-Express, you'll see that this has an impressive 4.5 stars out of a whopping 25,000 purchases. Those rave reviews speak for themselves.

People praise the K-Express on a plethora of features. Almost every review mentions the slim and sleek design as well as the simple, but stylish colorways. From Keuirg's own images, you can see it looks pretty nice. However, clicking through the reviews on Amazon, lots of customers have attached their own photos of their K-Express in-situ. I've reviewed seventy coffee makers in the last year and I've never seen quite this much photography offered up by the general public. What does that tell you about the Keurig? It's a coffee maker worth showing off.

That's not the end of it either. People also boasted that the K-Express makes delicious coffee quickly. Customers loved how versatile it was (the K-Express accepts lots of different pods) and how easy it was to make your way through all the features. Beginners and seasoned-sippers alike praised the well-balanced notes of coffee, which, even though they were brewed quickly, were still delicate and delicious.

"The coffee comes out at the perfect temperature," one reviewer noted "I make a brew for my wife, my kids, and myself every morning and this little guy hasn't let me down. I thought it might be too small for all of us to get a decent cup of coffee first thing, but this speeds through all our orders, saving space too." That sums up the sentiment of almost all the reviews, perfectly.

The cynical amongst you will wonder, if the Keurig K-Espress is so good, why does it have just 4.5 stars and not 5. I hear you – it's nice to strive for perfection. I had a peek at the 1-star and 2-star reviews (which drag the rating down) and most of those are issues with shipping or breakages, something which Amazon is normally incredibly helpful in resolving. In fact, I actually think it's pretty unfair that they do drag this down because the K-Express comes with one year warranty, which protects you against those kinds of disappointments.

If you want to know my only two genuine reservations (and you probably should hear me out on these), here they are. The build quality of Keuirgs aren't top-notch and the water stream on the K-Express is supposedly a little inconsistent. 

Let's start with the water, since that is probably the most important. Whilst the 48 oz, removable reservoir is useful, some users reported inconsistency in the flow of the water and the amount of water that comes out. You might ask for an 8 oz cup of coffee and get an 8.5 oz instead. Similarly, you might opt for a 12 oz cup and only get 11 oz. It didn't seem to affect the flavors - the taste of the coffees were praised in the same reviews that customers complained about the water flow - but if you pick your mug depending on your coffee size, you'll need to leave some wiggle room.

My concern over quality is more generic with all Keurigs. It is raised in some customer reviews too, because the plastic-build isn't quite the shiny, stainless steel of $1,000 espresso machines. However, the K-Express is new to the market, so there's every chance that Keurig have switched up their game and made a more durable model. 

If Keurig haven't, I still wouldn't mind too much. Amazon are discounting the K-Express to $50. The plastic components might not survive big drops and knocks, but they're lightweight, low-maintenance, and colorful. If you're careful with cleaning and maintaining yours, it might outlive other, more expensive coffee makers.

Other good Keurig deals

Whilst the K-Express is a scroll-stopping deal, it's not the only one out there. Here are some other models that you might want to shop too.

There are only a few hours left of the Prime Day sale and I have a horrible feeling this is going to do a Cinderella on us. When the clock strikes midnight, don't expect to see the ridiculously cheap $49.99 price glowing on the screen, it'll be back up to $89.99. College students, second-home owners, office coffee drinkers, get shopping, This is your last chance to bag the coffee maker deal of the season.

Extravagance is a given for the multi-hyphenate socialite and businesswomen of the Kardashian family. However, a life of indulgence and luxury doesn't mean the Kardashians can't recognize the value of the simpler things.

Kim Kardashian took to TikTok to share her morning coffee routine, revealing the coffee machine she uses in the process. Experts were impressed by the quality and affordability of her coffee maker. Her chosen coffee maker is the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Automatic, a beloved option from the coffee powerhouse Nespresso.

Nespresso is a favorite manufacturer of Laura Honey, Homes & Gardens resident coffee expert – meaning Kardashian is in good company. ‘Nespresso makes the best single-serve machines on the market. It’s undeniable. Their premium machines deliver reliably full flavors in next to no time,' Honey begins.

Laura also admires this machine for its preciseness in making everything from a cappuccino to a flat white to a coffee smoothie. 'Automatic is one of the core Vertuo models made by Nespresso. These machines read specific barcodes of pods to brew the perfect cup of coffee in a range of specialized ways to suit the type of coffee you’ve chosen to drink,' says Laura.

She continues, 'I’ve tested lots of Nespresso Vertuos, and they’re true to their promise; whether it’s a simple coffee or peppermint latte for the festive season, these machines make delicious single-serve coffee.' She continues, 'The only drawback is that the Vertuo machines have to work with Nespresso’s compatible pods, you couldn’t have your Keurig or re-usable ones.'

Finally, while the retail price of $165 is more than pocket change, it's a good value for a high-quality coffee machine and less than we'd expect a Kardashian to spend on kitchen appliances. Best of all, Nespresso frequently runs promotions on the machine, so it's usually less than this. If it's good enough for Kardashian at this cost, surely it's good enough for us.

If you prefer a machine that makes a pot of coffee rather than a single drink, Laura reviewed dozens to find the best drip coffee makers of the year. However, for those of us who like a more specialty experience, Kardashian's Vertuo machine is a great option.

If you've been waiting for Memorial Day sales to bag one of the best coffee maker deals of the year, today is your lucky day. In Keurig's early sale, they've discounted one of their most popular models by a whopping 72%. I'd take it to checkout as soon as you can because this won't hang around.

Normally, in the run-up to Memorial Day sales, I see some modest coffee maker deals, set to whet the appetite of enthusiastic coffee shoppers. These are worth picking up if you're in a hurry to get a coffee machine on your countertop, but normally I advise shoppers to hold on for the big event.

However, when I was scrolling through some early Keurig coffee maker deals, I came across a coffee-dropping, heart-stopping deal. The Keurig K-Supreme SMART should be $179.99, but, at Keurig, right now, it's only $49.99. I normally think of Keurig coffee makers as affordable, but this is an overhaul of the term 'affordable'. It's a downright steal.

Luckily for you (and me), one of our experts has hands-on experience with the K-Supreme Smart. She's used it every day since testing it and gave it close to top marks in our tests. Here's everything you need to know about the deal and the Keurig K-Supreme SMART (aside from the fact that it's possibly the best coffee maker deal of the year).

Is the Keurig K-Supreme Smart deal the best coffee maker deal?

Let's talk details first. The K-Supreme Smart is the perfect coffee maker for a range of coffee drinkers and this deal is possibly going to be better than all the Memorial Day discounts that we've been waiting for.

In terms of who it suits, the K-Supreme Smart is perfect for speedy, single-servings of coffee. If you're often in a hurry, it'll be a game-changer.

The beauty of Keurigs is that they are compatible with almost all coffee pods on the market, so you can invest in some reusable ones (such as these reusable capsules from Walmart) as well as specialty, seasonal flavors when you want some fun around the holidays.

The K-Supreme Smart is special because it suits a high-tech coffee drinker but it comes without the premium price tag that lots of these machines demand. Our expert tester, Camryn, says 'the K-Supreme Smart makes a great cup of coffee — or any hot or iced drink you can think of — allowing you to customize brew strength, temperature, drink size, and more. Plus, it's notably more compact than any other Keurig models, making it ideal for small kitchens.'

So, if you're wondering who it suits, the answer is anyone.

Who does the Keurig K-Supreme Smart suit?

I asked our expert, Camryn for some more details on her experience with the K-Supreme Smart, so that you know whether you're spending your money wisely. She said, 'I loved testing the K-Supreme Smart. It really suited my lifestyle, because it could meet the needs of all my family (thanks to its large water tank). My coffees, hot chocolates, and chias were consistently delicious and ready to drink in less than two minutes.'

The machine caters to lots of people with different tastes. It doesn't come with a huge footprint, as you might expect. Instead, it's svelte, slim, and smart. Camryn's only caution was 'If you're not tech savvy, you won't be able to make the most of its abilities.' However, for under $50, it doesn't matter if you don't connect your phone up at all. This is a steal.

Are there other Keurig deals I should know about?

Right now, you're not going to find a better deal or a bigger saving on a Keurig, or in fact any coffee maker worth buying, than on this. However, if you'd like to keep your options open and peruse the other Keurig and single-serve coffee maker deals, here are some other offers that are pretty tempting.

When can I pick up a good coffee maker deal?

If that deal still isn't quite what you're after, rest assured, Memorial Day is coming soon (May 27). We're covering all the best coffee maker deals on offer in the lead-up to and throughout the whole sale event. There will be some big sales across a range of retailers. Stay tuned.

The Smeg ECF02 is the brand's latest, upgraded espresso machine. It comes with a new control panel, an easy-to-use steam wand, and an extra-retro design. On paper, the upgrades look good, but I was keen to see them in action.

As a former barista and H&G's coffee expert, I've tested over 60 coffee makers as well as some of the best espresso machines in the world. I used the ECF02 to make espressos, Americanos, and cappuccinos. I would love this as much as the rest of their coffee makers. Spoiler alert: I did. 

It certainly scores top marks for style, simplicity, and the coffee basics. There's a lot to love, but also some quirks that you'll need to learn about before you get brewing. I'll give you all the details further below.

Specifications

Unboxing

I’m really impressed with Smeg. Their products are some of the nicest to unbox in so many ways. They come in a premium-feeling, completely recyclable cardboard box. The machine is cushioned by egg-carton-style cardboard and then wrapped in some delicate cloth. I would keep the cloth because it doubles up as a dust bag or cleaning wipe. Then, you can recycle the rest.

Whilst Smeg provides some cleaning tools, a premium-feeling portafilter, portafilter baskets, and a branded tamp, they skipped the all-important milk pitcher. These are inexpensive and you can buy a stainless steel milk jug from Walmart, for example.  However, it’s slightly frustrating when you want to start milk frothing and you can’t because you’re missing a key component of your coffee set-up. 

On the countertop, this looked nothing short of beautiful. I tested the cream model and quickly became obsessed with it. I don’t have the space or the need for one of these in my kitchen (I already have an espresso machine) and yet I found myself desperately trying to think of reasons why I might need another one. 

Who would it suit?

Smeg’s latest, slightly boxy update on their espresso machine makes this even more beautiful than the last model if that’s possible. I think the navigation buttons and functions are much more straightforward too. They're essentially the same, just in a much more convenient position, making this perfect for those who are new to the world of espresso machines. It’s also compatible with ESE pods, so if there’s a specific K-cup that you really enjoy, you can still brew it, barista-style, in here.

As always, this is more expensive than comparable espresso machines. It also doesn’t come with an integrated grinder, so you’ll need to make room on your countertop and in your budget for some extra investments. If you’re looking to make a style statement with your espresso machine though, this is worth every dollar.

What is it like to use?

The beauty of a machine this simple is how easy it is to use. The top has three buttons: single shot, double shot, and steam wand. It might sound limiting, but this is all you need to make a cafe’s menu of coffees.

Once I had filled up the reservoir (which has a useful handle) and run the machine through a rinse cycle, I was ready to get testing. 

Test 1: espresso

The first, most important test we put any coffee maker through is on espressos. These are the base of all specialty coffees, so it’s important that your machine can extract them at the perfect temperature.

I used Smeg’s coffee scoop to add 0.56 oz of coffee to my portafilter. I like to use 0.6 oz, so added a little extra and used their premium tamp to push down on my grounds. There’s a slight discordance between the portafilter’s plastic handle and the weighty tamp. It makes the portafilter feel a little cheap at first. However, when I locked this into the machine, I could see why it was so light. The whole of the espresso machine has been designed to feel lightweight. This means that a heavy portafilter just wouldn’t fit right. For example, when I locked my portafilter into place, I had to keep a hand on top of the machine to steady it, otherwise it would lift off the countertop. 

Once in place, I extracted a single shot of espresso. Even from the first shot, this was speedy. I got a full 1.5 oz in 24 seconds. It had a nice, thick crema and delivered on full, delicious caramel notes. 

I also wanted to see how the double shot of coffee would compare. This brewed in 28 seconds and was 2 oz, so a little smaller than I would have expected, but it’s still definitely a double shot. The flavors were still faultless and absolutely delicious: no complaints here.

Test 2: Americano

Making an Americano is easy. You can remove one layer of the drip tray to fit taller cups under the brew head, so make sure you don't miss out on this feature, holding your travel mugs at an angle.

Word of warning: the hot water pressure is high. I was pleased not to already have my espresso in the cup, because I have a feeling there would have been quite a few coffee splashes on me and my countertop. Obviously, as the glass fills up, there’s less splashing, but you’ll still need to be careful. 

The water wasn’t boiling, which is exactly what you want for coffee. Once I had my hot water and espresso together, it was 195 degrees, perfect for drinking straight away. The flavors were rich and bold, although not very strong. 

Test 3: cappuccino

The cappuccino test is really all about milk textures. I used both dairy and oat milk to make cappuccinos in the Smeg and both worked equally well. It was frustrating not having a Smeg steam jug (luckily I have one already), but this was a little oversized for the slightly stubby wand, meaning I had to work with my angles and quantities quite carefully — not something that a beginner would enjoy. 

As a result of the angles and faffing, my cappuccinos were good, but not as good as I would have liked them to be. I had to work the milk a lot harder after steaming it (banging my jug on the side) to get air bubbles out. The flavors were good though. The espresso really got to shine in the balance of sweeter oat and dairy milks. It was delicious. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

As this is such a small machine, it requires very little cleaning. The drip tray sides out, releasing some neat storage underneath too. This is easy to rinse, dry and re-fit. As long as you’re running regular rinse cycles and cleaning the steam wand after every use, you won’t need to do much maintenance on the Smeg. My word of warning would be that this won’t tell you if you need to clear the brew head or unclog the steam wand, you just need to know these things. 

How does it rate online?

As you might expect, people love the Smeg’s aesthetics. Without fail, everyone commented on this as a beautiful espresso machine. People were generally happy with the curvy, colorful upgrades that the ECF02 has on its predecessor, praising the straightforward controls, beginner-friendly features, and coffee flavors.

As with the ECF01, lots of reviewers found that the steam wand was shorter than the average espresso machine. This makes the milk texturing process trickier than on some alternate machines, but it's nonetheless good. The machine is also very sensitive to coffee and grind size, so it took lots of people a little longer to get used to making expert coffee the first time around, but everyone got there in the end.

How does it compare?

If you’re choosing between the older Smeg model and this one, I really think it’s a matter of aesthetics. They both can do essentially the same things, except one is all curves and chrome and the other is a little more boxy. The benefits of the boxy design mean that you can warm cups on top. Plus, there’s more space and storage options. Both require you to invest in a coffee grinder though. 

If you like the small, svelte design of the Smeg but not the price tag, it’s worth looking at the KitchenAid. This is one of my favorite espresso machines, because it’s easy to use, available in a range of colors, and still makes good coffee. It’s not quite as attractive as the Smeg, but it’s more than half the price and possibly feels more durable. I didn’t have to use a hand to brace it when locking my portafilter into place, for example.

Should you buy it?

If you have the budget to invest in a more expensive espresso machine, the Smeg is worth every penny. It's well-designed, feels premium, and makes delicious coffee. The simple controls are better for beginners. This is great if you're new to coffee and want to make a style-statement. If you're an aspiring barista, you might be left a little wanting though.

How we test

We take all of our espresso machines to our test kitchen, so we can replicate domestic use of every machine. It's also the perfect place to test the limits of each machine, so we make sure that we do. If a machine boasts a specific feature, we'll test it. We'll also look at day-to-day espressos and Americanos too. Most importantly, we always let you know how the coffee tastes.

We make notes on the whole process, from unboxing to cleaning, storage, and maintenance, so that you know everything you need to before making a purchase. If you'd like to know more, we have a page dedicated to how we test coffee makers.

Illy’s unmistakably retro machine is iconic. It combines speedy capsule coffee with espresso machine mechanics, so you can enjoy making coffee like a barista without having to go through all the training and qualifications.

I’m a former barista, so I was excited to test illy’s machine. I’ve reviewed all the best single-serve coffee makers on the market, from Nespresso to Keurig and none have been quite like this. 

It’s simple, stylish, and certainly the most striking machine on test. Plus, the coffee it makes tastes great. Even if you don't like coffee, with a silhouette that pretty, I’d be willing to invest in this just for the aesthetics.

Specifications

Unboxing

The box for the illy was deceptively large because the machine itself is relatively small. This is brilliant, because it means you don’t need to write off a whole countertop to your coffee station, whilst still making a style statement. The machine comes with its own material bag, which is a nice touch. The rest of the packaging is completely recyclable – great news for your garbage. 

I tested the limited edition pink colorway, which took me back to all the Barbiecore-inspired pink kitchen appliances that I still love wholeheartedly. I was proud to have the illy on my countertop. Whilst testing this, every person who passed me made a comment or expressed interest in the illy. I’m almost always testing coffee makers, so when one is getting some appreciation, you know it’s special. 

Who would it suit?

Capsule coffee suits those who are looking for speedy, easy coffee. This is a little more involved because you insert your pods like you would on an espresso machine (locking them in from the bottom), but it’s just as quick once you’ve got the hang of it. The fact that you can steam milk for such a low price point (other machines with the same functions cost at least double), makes this both a versatile and reasonably priced option. 

I’d also note that the coffees I made with the illy were much more flavorful than most single-serve machines. They had a speciality quality, which is great news if you’re lazy, but like life’s luxuries too.

If you want to drink pared-back black coffee and you really don’t care about the process, this might not be the machine for you. It's also a coffee machine that's made to be admired, so if you don't want it to become a feature of your kitchen, you might want a more modest design. Although, the cream colorway is relatively subtle and still stunning.

What is it like to use?

I followed all the standard rules for setting up: I filled the water reservoir, turned the machine on, and ran a rinse cycle. The machine warmed up in an impressive forty-two seconds. The rinse cycle was done again, very quickly in one minute and thirty-six seconds. 

I’d recommend reading through the instructions if you’ve never used an espresso machine before, because this isn’t as simple as popping a pod in the top of your machine and pressing go. You put the pod in a portafilter-like handle which you then lock in the bottom of the machine. From there, it’s all the same as all single-serve machines, you push buttons and coffee comes out. 

Test 1: espresso

Making an espresso was easy. I pushed a button and in twenty seconds, I had extracted the perfect shot. It was 186 degrees with a nice crema on top. This is rare for single-serve coffee makers because the crema normally reflects the freshness of coffee beans grounds and the thoroughness of a machine's extraction capabilities (neither of which go hand-in-hand with single-serve machines).

The crema didn't deceive. My shot was intense, rich, and delicious. It was 1.25 oz, so on the smaller side of shots, but it stood up to other ones in strength. It's impressive. There was something about the quality of this espresso, alongside the portafilter-style brewing method, which made me feel like I was back working as a barista.

Test 2: Americano

The Americano follows much of the same story as the espresso. Mine took just over one minute to make a 5 oz cup of coffee, which came in at 190 degrees. I tried using a taller mug, which couldn't fit underneath the lower brew head. This was a little frustrating (and will be especially annoying if you use travel mugs), but my lower, wider cups fit underneath perfectly.

Flavor-wise, I couldn't fault this Americano. It was well-balanced, boasted a distinct flavor profile, and was really strong again. I would say that this was good for a specialty Americano, so for a single-serve coffee maker, this is outstanding.

Test 3: latte

Not every single-serve coffee maker can texture milk, especially at this pricepoint. I was excited to give this a go. Illy doesn't provide a milk pitcher, but you can pick up a simple stainless steel milk pitcher relatively inexpensively at Amazon. 

I had one to hand, so I tested out texturing both dairy and plant-based milks. The steam wand is relatively short, but it's intuitive to use and I textured some brilliant latte milk on dairy, almond, and oat options, even if I do say so myself.

As is the case with all manual steam wands, you'll need to learn how to steam milk to get really perfect results, but in time you'll get there. Mine was nicely balanced with the intense espresso shot, giving a sweet, smooth, velvety cup of coffee.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The illy is really easy to use. The portafilter-style brewing is brilliant because you don't end up with stale, soggy capsules collecting in a drawer on your coffee maker. Running a rinse cycle after use is easy, as is running the steam wand through (this will stop any milk from drying and clogging up your steam wand).

I didn't have any issues with coffee splashing up the backboard of the single-serve machine and there weren't any issues with dripping. It's a low-maintenance, beautiful machine.

How does it rate online?

People love the illy X7 and its retro aesthetics. I think the portafilter brewing style threw-off a lot of users, confusing them on how single-serve coffee makers work. Once people had familiarized themselves with this, the illy got a lot of love. People praised the flavors that this can extract and enjoyed the machine's versatility.

There was very little in the way of criticisms on the illy. Some people said that they wished the cup clearance was a bigger, facing the same issues as me. However, that was pretty much it. This does a lot for the money that it costs, looks good, and can brew a delicious cup of coffee.

How does it compare?

I saw lots of reviewers compare the illy to Nespresso’s Latissima and Vertuo Creatista, which are double and triple the price of the illy respectively. 

Whilst Nespresso’s models are more sleek and modern, they come with their drawbacks. The illy is compatible with a range of pods, including reusable capsules such as these from Amazon. Nespresso’s models are exclusively compatible with Nespresso pods. These are delicious and come in 30 different varieties, but they’re limiting and expensive. 

The illy’s barista-style brewing might put some people off. It’s not difficult but is less straightforward than popping a Nespresso pod at the top of your machine. Furthermore, with the illy, you have to learn how to steam milk to get barista-quality beverages at home. Nespresso automates the milk texturing process, delivering consistent velvety results at the touch of a button.

If you want simple, effortless luxury, the Nespresso’s are a good investment (although, I wouldn’t only buy the Creatista if you can find it on sale). If you like the idea of brandishing some barista skills and you want some retro aesthetics, the illy is an excellent investment. 

Should you buy it?

I would buy the illy without hesitation. I loved it for speedy, single-serve coffee and the addition of some barista-ey features only make it more appealing to me. However, I can see that these quirks could put off less confident coffee drinkers, in which case, you can’t go wrong with a Nespresso.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we are very particular on how we test coffee makers. We have a team of experts who like to stay on top of all the latest news on single-serve coffee makers. As soon as there’s a new model on the market, our team starts doing their research. Once we’ve confirmed that this is the kind of coffee maker you might like, we take it to our test kitchen to make a start on some in-person tests. 

These tests start with an espresso. This is the bedrock of all coffees, so it’s important that a machine can make a good one. The best espressos extract in 20-30 seconds, at 190 degrees, and they’re normally 1.25-2 oz. We want a thick crema on top too, because this indicates good extraction of coffee flavors. However, some single-serve coffee makers spin coffee inside their machines, giving a false crema, so we always watch out for this too. 

The next test we give these coffee makers is making an Americano. Whilst this is essentially a diluted espresso, if a machine puts boiling water on top of a delicate espresso, it will burn it, making your coffee taste bitter. The ideal temperature for these kinds of coffee is 190 degrees. Americans should be at least 5 oz, but it’s great if a coffee maker has the capability to make them in different sizes to suit different coffee drinkers. 

The final test we give espresso machines (if we can) is how well they can make a latte or a cappuccino. Texturing milk is an art form made harder when it’s applied to plant-based milks. Overheated milk will have a claggy temperature and taste off. It should look like wet paint and have an ultra-velvety mouthfeel, this is often called microfi. It means that your machine has achieved a really tight aeration and bubble structure. 

If there are other features and flavors in a coffee maker’s repertoire, we make sure to test them, so we can let you know whether they’re genuinely good or a bit of a gimmick. 

We also let you know what a machine is like to clean, how to descale it, and what it’s like to store. 

After all that, you should have a good picture of what the single-serve machine is like. Well put our coffee-fuelled heads together and think about how it compares to other models on the market and whether it’s good value or not. That way, if you choose to make an investment, you’ll know that there are only good things coming your way.

Keurig coffee makers are already affordable. When you shop the Keurig sales, you can bag a single-serve machine at a bargain price.

Keurig makes some of the best coffee makers for buyers on a budget, but their offerings err on the side of cheap and cheerful rather than serious specialty coffee: as a trained barista and professional product tester, I can tell the difference. If you want to buy one of the best Keurig coffee makers, I suggest you shop from my shortlist.

I've learned how to shop the Keurig sales to get the best value for money and I want to share my wisdom with you. First, I've dropped a few quick links to point you towards the right retailers. Then, I'll dive into the details of when to buy a Keurig coffee maker and what actually constitutes a good deal.

Where to find the best Keurig deals

• Amazon: regular sales on Keurig coffee makers
• Best Buy: shop the whole range in a wide array of colors
• Keurig: get the deepest discounts from the site itself
• QVC: bundle deals on K-cups and coffee makers
• Target: thousands of customer reviews on bestselling Keurigs
• Walmart: make the most of rollbacks

When is the best time to get a Keurig deal?

Keurig Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, but deals will keep dropping until Cyber Monday on December 1. With that said, Keurig likes to drip-feed their deals through the month of November.

Judging by previous years, I'd expect to see Black Friday savings of up to 50% on Keurig coffee makers, accessories, and K-Cup pods.

Every week in November, you can expect to see a different featured category for deals, ranging from 'new arrivals' to 'specialty shops'. As we get closer to Black Friday, you'll see here-then-gone flash deals: it's worth signing up for email alerts to make sure you don't miss a deal.

Keurig seasonal sales

There always seems to be a sale on at Keurig. Though none are quite so deep as Black Friday, you'll see discounts around Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day of up to 30% off coffee makers and accessories. Memorial Day is a great time to buy a coffee maker to take to college, while purchasing on Labor Day helps you get ahead for gifting season.

Keurig Amazon Prime Day deals

Every year, there are two Amazon Prime Day sales events: one in July and one in October. Although the exact dates won't be available until nearer the time, I'd expect to see deals dropping at the Keurig Amazon storefront. This is a great time to make the most of bundle deals during a site-wide sale.

How can you tell if you have found a good Keurig deal?

Join the Keurig Perks loyalty program

When you join Keurig Perks, you earn points with every purchase. You also get 100 points when you register your coffee maker, 10 points for every $1 spent, and 1 point for every SMART brew.

You can redeem those points for accessories, such as frothers and filters, or coffee pods (up to 24 at a time). Pods, in particular, represent the most expensive ongoing costs of running a coffee maker, so it makes sense to save where you can.

Sign up for Keurig email alerts

You need to join the Keurig newsletter to access the Keurig Perks rewards program. You'll also get exclusive offers and early access to seasonal sales.

Make the most of bundle deals

If you're buying a brand-new Keurig coffee maker, shop around for bundle deals that come with a selection of K-cups or discounted accessories. In my experience, you get the greatest breadth of deals and depth of discount when you shop at Keurig.

Consider lower-tier models

Before you buy, ask yourself whether you're a coffee snob: whether you would make full use of an extensive brew menu and a milk frother, or you'd be happy pressing a button and brewing a hot cup of strong coffee. If you want the bells and whistles, I recommend the K-Cafe Barista Bar or the K-Supreme SMART. To keep it simple, try the K-Mini.

FAQs

How much should you spend on a coffee maker?

The price of a coffee maker is largely dependent on two factors: the brand you're buying from and the type of coffee you're trying to make. I'd expect to spend as little as $50 on a French press and as much as $2,000 on a fully automatic espresso machine.

Keurig predominantly produces single-serve coffee makers, which are cheap to make and easy to use. I've seen a K-Mini coffee maker listed for as little as $59 on Amazon, while a K-Elite sits closer to the $150 mark.

Are Keurigs the best coffee makers?

I've combed through our back catalog of reviews to find the best inexpensive coffee makers. To make espresso or cold brew coffee, I recommend the AeroPress (which is $49.95 at full price). The Bodum Chambord is an elegant, affordable French press, while the Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best single-serve coffee maker for buyers on a budget.

Which other single-serve coffee makers should I shop?

If you're looking for a more versatile machine, then it's time to consider the best Keurig alternatives.

With all the convenience of a Keurig but a sleeker, more premium design, the Nespresso Vertuo Next is the best single-serve coffee maker on the market. The Cuisinart Grind and Brew features an integrated grinder for fresher-tasting coffee from reusable pods. The Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima comes with an integrated milk frother, ideal for latte lovers.

If you know you need a new coffee maker, but you're looking for something a little more versatile, I suggest you shop the Nespresso deals. You can get a great deal when you shop at Amazon, Best Buy, or Williams Sonoma.

As someone who works in the world of interiors and writes about inspiring decorating ideas for a living, I absolutely love buying new things for my home, but, alas, there is only so much room in my apartment, and I can't always have everything on my wishlist.

In order to make way for fabulous new finds, I recently had a big old declutter and decided to 'shop my home', and I thought I would share with you some of my favorite Amazon home decor pieces that I cannot live without – these items aren't going anywhere, for me, they are absolute essentials. 

Amazon is currently having its Big Spring Sale, and everything on this list is now discounted – can I justify having two of everything? Potentially.

8 items from Amazon that I cannot live without 

From bathroom accessories to coffee makers and reed diffusers, what is essential to me might not be for you, but if you're in the market for some stylish and enduring new buys for your space, I hope my round-up provides you with some helpful shopping inspiration.

Home fragrance

Storage

Lighting

Blankets

Travel cups

Coffee maker

Bathroom accessories

Vases

If you've liked what you've seen in my round-up, H&G's style editor has also shared how they shop Amazon to find the chicest home decor.

Nespresso coffee makers are compact yet deceptively capacious, easy to use, and effortlessly elegant. As a former barista, I've sampled the best Nespresso machines in our test kitchen, where I made consistently delicious coffee, quickly and effectively.

To pressure-test Nespresso's stellar reputation, I compared them to each other as well as against the best coffee makers. After throwing every capsule at them, Nespresso coffee makers still came out on top.

Compared to the likes of Keurig, Hamilton Beach, and Ninja, Nespresso coffee makers are on the more expensive side, especially when you factor in the cost of Nespresso pods. I learned how to shop the Nespresso sales to save time and money and I want to share my wisdom with you.

First, I'll drop a few quick links to help you shop the Nespresso sales at your favorite store. Then, I'll share more about the best time to buy a Nespresso machine and what actually constitutes a good deal.

Where to find the best Nespresso deals

• Amazon: shop bestsellers with next-day delivery
• Best Buy: save on our favorite Nespresso machines and bundles
• Nespresso: the latest models and widest colorways
• Target: shop for coffee makers and capsules in every color and flavor
• Walmart: save on the Vertuo Pop and Plus, as well as refurbished models
• Williams Sonoma: shop all Nespresso's range in one place

When is the best time to get a Nespresso deal?

Nespresso seasonal sales

There always seems to be a sale on at Nespresso, but discounts get deeper at the end of each season: approximately, in March, June, September, and December.

If you're shopping for a coffee maker to take to college, I suggest you shop the Labor Day sales: if you're keen to gift a coffee maker in the holiday season, I recommend the Black Friday sales. On average, you'll see 30% off bestselling models, including the Nespresso Vertuo line.

Nespresso Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, but I'd expect coffee maker deals to start dropping at least a week in advance and stay live until Cyber Monday on December 1. The Black Friday weekend is probably the best time to buy a Nespresso machine, as brands compete to offer the lowest prices. As a rule of thumb, you can expect to see at least $100 off Nespresso coffee makers over Black Friday, and an increase in bundle offers and discounted subscription services.

Nespresso Amazon Prime Day deals

Each year, there are two Amazon Prime Day sales events: one in July and one in October, though the exact dates won't be revealed until nearer the time. Judging by previous years, I'd expect to see deep discounts on the Nespresso Amazon store. In the past, I've seen Nespresso Vertuo Next models selling for as little as $100. This is a great time to buy a Nespresso machine and make the most of site-wide discounts.

How can you tell if you've found a good Nespresso deal?

Register as a Nespresso customer

When you create a Nespresso account, you can sign up for their mailing list and gain exclusive access to special offers and new collections.

Refer a friend

Sign up for a Nespresso account to access your referral code. When you share that code with a friend for their first Nespresso purchase, you'll both benefit: you'll get $10 off your next coffee order of 5 or more sleeves, and they'll get $40 off any machine, plus a free capsule dispenser. Your referral code can be redeemed up to 10 times, and you reap the rewards every time.

Make the most of bundle deals

You might be able to pick up free mugs or free sleeves when you purchase a machine or pods at full price on the Nespresso site or score 30% off select machines and sleeves around sales season.

Consider refurbished models

When you shop at Amazon or eBay, you could get a deep discount on gently used Nespresso machines. If you're buying second-hand, I recommend learning how to clean a coffee maker before you use it, making sure to descale the inside of your machine and wipe down the outside.

FAQs

What is a good price for a coffee maker?

How much you should spend on a coffee maker all depends on what sort of machine you're looking for. A basic pour over or French press could cost as little as $30, but you should expect to spend upwards of $1,000 for a fully automatic espresso machine with special features.

The best Nespresso machines are fairly affordable: a Nespresso Vertuo Next only costs $179 on Amazon, and it's often listed for less during sales season. Still, if you're buying on a budget, you might be better off with one of the best inexpensive coffee makers.

How does Nespresso compare to other coffee brands?

Nespresso makes the best single-serve coffee makers on the market: quick and easy to use with a small footprint to conserve counterspace. Price-wise, I'd say Nespresso is comfortably middle-of-the-pack – cheaper than De'Longhi, at any rate − but one of the best Keurig coffee makers might be more suitable for buyers on a budget.

OXO makes some of the best non-toxic coffee makers and the best cold brew coffee makers, while Espro makes the best French press. The best pour over coffee makers come from smaller, specialist stores, including Kalita, Bodum, and Fellow.

If you need a new coffee maker, but you're working with a slightly tighter budget, I suggest you shop for Keurig coffee maker deals. Browse the best deals at Amazon, Best Buy, and QVC or shop from my shortlist.

Knowing how to make a latte at home can make you a lot of friends and make you the host of many coffee mornings. Also known as, caffè lattes, these simple drinks are universally beloved for enhancing fresh espresso flavors with sweet, silky, frothy milk.

There are a range of ways you can prep yours: iced, hot, made in an expert's espresso machine, or with one of the best Nespresso machines on the market. Whichever takes your fancy, it helps to understand the basics, so you can brew the perfect one. 

You might wonder what the difference between a latte, cappuccino, and a flat white even is. I used to get asked this all of the time when I was a barista. The short answer is, that a latte is weaker than a cappuccino, bigger than a flat white, with about one centimeter of foam sitting on top.

You'll need to know a few things before making a latte. Most importantly, you'll want to have mastered how to make an espresso and how to steam milk. Once you've nailed these basic skills, you'll be ready to tackle making lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. Next stop: latte art.

How to make a latte with an espresso machine

We've gone deep into the details of how to make an espresso and how to steam milk, so I won't repeat them here. Instead, the experts and I will talk you through what specifically makes a latte a latte and how to achieve that with an espresso machine.

Lattes are milk-forward coffee drinks. You'll have seen them in cans and cartons as well as on the menu at your local coffee shop. Steve Spring, coffee expert, says 'the typical ratio for a latte is about 1/3 espresso to 2/3 heated milk, with a small layer –about 1cm – of milk foam. It's typically favored by those who enjoy the rich flavor of coffee, but prefer it tempered with the smoothness and sweetness of milk'.  

When making your latte, the espresso must be of the highest quality. You'll get the best flavors from a dark roast ground finely. If you can grind your own coffee, that's the best way to drink it. However, the most important part is your espresso machine. Whether it's an automatic or a manual espresso maker, you don't want to skimp. You need these high-quality machines to extract as much of your coffee's essential oils as possible. If you don't already own an espresso machine, I've included some personal recommendations below. 

When you pull a shot with one of these, you want to see a puffy crema with a hazelnut hue. This indicates that you've got all the delicious oils out of your coffee beans. It's equally important that your milk is heated to between 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit and textured to create microfoam so that it's silky (the texture of wet paint). Steve Spring, a coffee expert, says 'the milk should be steaming and frothy, but not scalding. Steaming to this standard requires some practice. Aerating the milk too much can make the foam too thick and dry, more suitable for a cappuccino than a latte'.

Whether you're using a steam wand or handheld tools, the best milks to use are whole milk, or barista-specific non-dairy options (I recommend oat). We've covered how to steam milk in detail across a range of appliances.

How to make a latte with a Nespresso machine or Keurig

It's easy to make a latte with a Nespresso, Keurig, or, in fact, any of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. You'll need to use an espresso pod (or the equivalent espresso setting) to brew 1-2 oz of really intense, strong coffee. Next, you'll need to use whichever milk frothing attachment you have. Some single-serve machines have automatic steam wands, while others sell their milk frother separately (such as Nespresso's Aeroccino, available at Walmart). 

Either select the latte setting or the icon that demonstrates a single layer of frothy milk. The double layer is for cappuccinos. Brew your espresso shot, then steam your milk, and pour that on top of your espresso straight away. Jecca Chantilly (also known as Jessica Chan), a former barista, says that 'to ensure you get the foam at the top of your latte, pour the milk into the cup rapidly, then move the pitcher on a circular motion. Once most of the milk has been poured, slowly shake the pitcher to create some latte art and put the reserved foam on top.'

The reason Jessica suggests steaming your milk and then pouring it without pausing is that the milk and foam separate quickly. If you let it sit on the side and then pour, you'll get your foam in one, big lump, rather than integrated into the rest of your coffee. 

Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting

As you might expect, baristas have lots of tips and tricks for perfecting how you make your lattes. Kayla Stavridis, former Starbucks barista, says that the most important place to start is with good equipment. She believes that 'a quality espresso machine and grinder can make a significant difference to the taste and quality of your latte'. A good grinder will give you fine, consistently ground coffee, helping you to extract the maximum amount of flavor from your coffee beans. Then, a good machine will be able to reach the perfect brewing temperatures and create concise pressure for perfect espressos and milk steaming.

Kayla also said that it's important to practice and experiment with your lattes. She recommends trying out syrups, spices, and alternative milks. She also says to 'practice pouring from a low height first as well as sticking to the 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk'. This will ensure you get the perfect latte flavor balance and texture.

As always, it's important not to heat your milk beyond 155°F, because it will taste burnt and will not complement the flavors of your espresso at all. If you're struggling to find the espresso flavors your local barista normally achieves, it's worth looking at your beans. If you buy cheap coffee beans, you won't be able to enjoy full, gourmet flavors either.

FAQs

Can I make a latte with regular coffee?

You can make a latte with regular coffee but will need to make some adjustments to your brewing style. Whether you drink French press or pour-over, you'll need to brew an incredibly intense version of your normal coffee. Use a 1 to 15 coffee-to-water ratio, or simply adjust your normal measurements, so that your coffee is intense. 

Then, follow our guidance on how to steam milk (using a steam wand or milk frother) and make your latte following the 1:1:1 ratio for espresso, milk, and steamed milk.

What is the ratio of coffee to milk in a latte?

There's no hard and fast rule for what makes the perfect latte, but most baristas follow a general 2:1 coffee to steamed milk rule. The way that latte milk is made should result in the overall ratio of your latte looking 1:1:1 for espresso, hot milk, and foam. When your drink settles, there should be about one finger's width of foamed milk on top of the latte. 

What's the difference between a latte and a caffè latte?

There's not any difference of note. A caffè latte typically has more steamed milk than a latte, but the variance between how different baristas make different drinks means that you'll get a very similar coffee. If there's both a caffè latte and a latte on a menu, expect the caffè latte to be weaker and more milky. However, if you can just see one of the names, it's because the barista treats them as the same drink.

Nespresso and espresso machines sound almost identical, but they're completely different coffee makers. If you're wondering which is best for your kitchen and your caffeine fix, look no further. 

As a former barista, I've spent a lot of time with the best espresso machines on the market. These close-to-commercial machines are hard to beat; they can reach temperatures and pressures like no other coffee maker. They'll guarantee you a greater-than-gourmet cup of coffee. However, they can get expensive and overwhelmingly technical, which is when you might be tempted to look elsewhere. That's where you'll find Nespresso.

The iconic coffee maker brand quite literally has espresso in its name. Their machines are some of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. Even though I would normally class myself as a coffee snob, I have to admit, Nespresso does an excellent job of speedy coffee.

Having tested both the best Nespresso makers and the best espresso machines on the market, I'm well-placed to help you choose which is the best for you. I've compared them for taste, value, usability, style, and more. I've even given you my expert recommendations further down.

What's the difference between Nespresso and espresso?

Even though there's almost no difference in their names, Nespresso and espresso machines have very little in common. Nespresso's site says that "in order to understand the differences between these machines, you first need to understand the difference between espresso and coffee". Of course, they all come from the same bean, but the flavor extraction process is completely different.

The classic, quintessential Italian method for making coffee uses espresso machines. These put freshly and finely ground coffee under high pressures and temperatures. The machine then 'pulls' water through the espresso grounds, making an espresso 'shot'. This has a bold, rich, and creamy flavor and is often thicker than filter or French press coffee. These shots form the base of all coffees: cappuccino, latte, Americano.  

Nespresso do not class themselves as an espresso machine, even though they have pods which make espresso-like drinks. Rather than use high pressures and temperatures, Nespresso compares their machines' brewing processes to drip coffee. Therefore, Nespresso machines are considered to be coffee machines.

Observant coffee drinkers might ask "why do Nespresso coffees have a crema and drip coffees don't?". Nespresso has some clever 'centrifusion' technology which spins the coffee around inside the machine, creating a thick crema-like foam. The difference between this and an authentic crema is that Nespresso's foam isn't indicative of the quality or quantity of coffee oils extracted.

Coffee purists will say that espresso machines make more authentic coffees. You can't make technical adjustments to your Nespresso, so if you want to switch-up the flavors, you'll need to select one of their different colored pods. On espresso machines, you can 'dial in' your machine to suit your flavor preferences. 

Given that there are quite a few differences, I've created a table to help you compare the two.

How do they compare?

Before we dive deep into the details of what makes a Nespresso a Nespresso and an espresso machine a speciality option, here's a quick comparison of the two. Most of the differences are more general than model specific, so don't worry if these aren't the specific coffee makers you were considering.

What do you need to know about Nespresso?

Nespresso coffee machines are some of the most expensive single-serve options on the market. They use pre-packaged capsules and high pressure to extract a coffee which is much stronger than regular drip coffee. 

You can choose between a range of pods. Some make intense shots of 'espresso' which you can treat as such. You can use this as a base for making lattes and cappuccinos (as long as you own a milk frother, especially the brand's own Aeroccino, available at Walmart). Other pods can produce a cold brew coffee, Americano, or any other non-milky you fancy.

You'll often see Vertuo in the name of Nespresso's machines. This is their main product line and really tells you which of their pods you can use in your machine. For example, you can only use 'Vertuo' pods in a Vertuo machine, because it has clever barcode scanning technology which can detect the exact type of coffee you've selected. 

Whilst detection technology means that every Nespresso perfectly extracts the pod's flavors, it can also be a little limiting. Nespresso machines are incompatible with re-usable pods, K-cups, and other options: you have to buy their proprietary pods. I use limiting in a loose sense though, because there's a range of 30 different flavors in the Vertuo line, excluding specialty, limited-edition releases. You can subscribe to Nespresso Plus, which means you regularly receive their pods. Alternatively, you can buy them as and when you need them. Either way, there's plenty of options, just within a relatively restrictive range, if that makes sense.

I've tested a range of the best Nespressos on the market, but these are my three favorites.

What do you need to know about espresso machines?

Espresso machines are the creme-de-la-crem(a) of coffee makers. They're the ones which you'll see in your local coffee shop of café. They work using 8-10 grams of finely ground coffee and will extract the coffee oils by forcing hot water at a high pressure, through the grounds.

Alex Spampinato, barista trainer, says 'there's nothing quite like making coffee in an espresso machine. There are plenty of really good, relatively compact models on the market. Ask any barista which coffee maker they have and it'll probably be the Breville Bambino Plus. It's incredible'. 

There are other brands which make good espresso machines. Breville are a reliable option, but so is De'Longhi and La Pavoni (a more specialist brand, aimed at baristas). We've tested some surprisingly good models made by household names, such as Smeg and KitchenAid too though. They'll surprise you. 

Of course, espresso machines are some of the most expensive coffee makers on the market. They're also some of the biggest too, so you'll want to be sure that you'll use yours regularly and stay on top of maintenance.

Some machines come with an integrated grinder, but, for other models, you'll need to buy one separately. This is an added expense, which you might want to account for.

FAQs

Is Nespresso the same as an espresso?

You can achieve almost identical flavor profiles to an espresso in a Nespresso. They won't be as rich and deep as a fresh espresso would be, but they'll come close. Plus, you can treat an 'espresso' made in a Nespresso like you would a shot. If you have a milk frother, you can pour in steamed milk and create some beautiful latte art. 

Whilst Nespresso coffees can tick a lot of the same boxes as an espresso, they're also different. You can select enhanced toffee and watermelon flavors and make cold brews, Americanos, and drip coffees from your Nespresso. Whilst the flavors might not be as specialist as an espresso machine's, there's a chance that it will be more versatile. 

Does Nespresso coffee or espresso have more caffeine?

According to Nespresso's measurements, their "regular espressos and lungos in the Original and Professional ranges vary from 40 to 130 mg of caffeine per cup, while Vertuo coffees range from 60 to 200 mg per cup. The intensity of a coffee does not refer to the amount of caffeine it contains".

A single shot of fresh espresso contains 63 mg of coffee. If you were to make an Americano or cappuccino with just one shot, it would be on the lower side of caffeine levels in comparison to the Nespresso's coffees. However, most coffee makers will produce a double shot, making it relatively similar to Nespresso caffeine content.

Nespresso is iconic, and their VertuoPlus is a case in point. It’s sleek and stylish, will make delicious coffee at just the touch of a button, and comes with an array of smart features too. 

I’ve made my way through testing a range of the best Nespresso machines on offer. The other day, I was talking with our other coffee experts and one of them mentioned the VertuoPlus as one of the most overlooked, but also one of the best single-serve coffee makers of all time. I too had overlooked the VertuoPlus, because it only offers 3 oz more capacity than the Vertuo Next and it's much bigger. 

After calling in and putting the VertuoPlus though its paces, I found that the VertuoPlus is unfairly overlooked. I've been using the VertuoPlus to get my caffeine fix for over a week now. I haven't stopped using it since testing and I can confirm that it's amongst the elite of Nespresso's offering.

Specifications

Unboxing

Nespresso does an excellent job of the finer details, which includes their packaging. It’s all completely recyclable, nicely printed, and the box opens both from the top and side. This means you can see your machine from a countertop perspective, both for admiration and for lifting it out. This type of box eliminates the scenario in which you end up wrestling with your new coffee maker, desperately trying to free it from its packaging. 

This looks like every Nespresso does on the countertop. It’s sleek, with curved edges (although you can choose between a range of colors), but it's also pretty tall. It sits at more than a foot tall, which should still fit under standard cabinets, but may not if you have low spaces, or if you want to place this on a bookshelf as part of a coffee nook. 

Who would it suit?

Given that the VertuoPlus is an enlarged version of Nespresso's classic design, it's best suited to big, busy homes. It can speed through a whole host of coffees in a matter of minutes. The huge water reservoir doesn’t need refilling often and, when it does, the useful handle makes the whole process extremely easy. For beginners, this is easy to use. All you have to do is press a button (no cliches here, this is quite literally all you have to do) and the NespressoPlus can brew your coffee. 

The VertuoPlus is compatible with all 30 of the Vertuo capsules, so you can opt for everything from espresso to cold brew (another reason why this suits families). Whilst that range is impressive, it means that you’re reliant on Nespresso and their capsule selection. If you like to grind your own coffee or have your eye on some unique K-cups, you’ll want to give this one a miss. 

It’s also, as you might expect, overkill for small homes and couples. It's also on the expensive end of the single-serve market. If you’re on a budget, Nespresso can offer better, smaller options.

What is it like to use?

I’ve tested plenty of Nespressos, so I’m familiar with how they work. They’re incredibly simple, so I don’t think it would take much effort to get a good grasp of the VertuoPlus anyway. Aside from inserting the capsule and pressing a button, the machine will do everything else for you.

I started by putting the machine on rinse. This used nearly 24 fl oz of water and took five minutes, so make sure you do it before your coffee cravings hit. It’s good for getting all the factory dust out of your machine (and coffee), but you’ll need a big container.

Test 1: espresso

The first test I put any single-serve coffee maker through is a simple espresso. Nespresso send a capsule starter pack, and there are more Vertuo pods available at Nespresso. I’ll admit that these can be confusing to outsiders, but once you have Nespresso’s translation for what each capsule can do, it’s fairly easy to navigate.

I started with the capriccio, which is their 'rich and distinctive' espresso capsule. The VertuoPlus warmed up in 15 seconds and, if it’s possible, my espresso was ready even quicker. It took just 13 seconds to brew and came out at 176°F, with a beautiful, hazelnut crema on top. It tasted delicious, with some delicate notes of acidity. The crema even had that ashy flavor. 

I then tested a double espresso capsule (chiaro) to see how different it was. This brewed in 17 seconds and was 2.7 fl oz. The flavors were still spot-on: deep, rich, and earthy. There was again, a lovely thick crema, but I should say that this is a 'false' layer. The Veruto pods work with centrifrugal force, spinning coffee out of the pod. The 'crema' isn't a true crema, but aerated coffee froth. It looks great and my coffee still tasted delicious, but worth noting that the thick crema shouldn’t be taken as any kind of quality indicator.

Test 2: americano

I enjoyed the alto capsule for making my Americano. The VertuoPLus needed just 40 seconds, which is close to record time, before it completed brewing 14 fl oz of yet more delicious coffee. This was hard to drink immediately because it was just so hot. I recorded it at nearly 198°F. Once it had cooled (and I had lost the crema) I enjoyed my coffee. It was delicately earthy, but nicely balanced with some good, intensely rich flavors. It could certainly stand up to a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee, possibly even an espresso machine’s Americano. 

I also tested a slightly smaller Americano, using their Vivida capsules. These were 7.8 fl oz and came out well extracted. I was worried that the flavors would become weak and flat when they were needed for a really big coffee, but they weren’t. The machine maintained a nice, biscuity cup of coffee. Again, I should caveat this by saying that it was good for a single-serve machine. Compared to a fresh bean-to-cup machine, the flavors were definitely flatter and more two dimensional, but that’s an unfair comparison to make. 

Test 3: cappuccino

The Vertuo Plus can’t officially make cappuccinos and lattes unless you buy Nespresso’s Aeroccino (available at Walmart) separately.  You can buy it in a Nespresso bundle, also from Walmart, but only if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos.

Luckily, I still have the Aeroccino 4 from our best milk frother tests, so could use it as if I had bought the VertuoPlus bundle. I brewed an espresso and then frothed some milk. The shot which the Nespresso brewed was balanced really nicely by the hot, latte milk. It made a really smooth latte. Of course, this requires another appliance and some more time, but it’s proof that the Nespresso can stand up to other coffee makers which boast steam wands.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Nespresso makes the cleaning as easy as the coffee making. The water tank has a neat handle and wide mouth, so it’s easy to lift off and reach every corner when cleaning and filling it up. The VertuoPlus also comes with two pod bins that I couldn’t even fill on my tests, again, a testament to how well suited this is to families. I calculated that you could make ten coffees before you would need to empty the pod bins, which is more than enough. 

As for storage, this is a pretty big coffee maker, so I wouldn’t recommend that you try to do anything except leave it on display. It’s sleek and stylish, so makes the perfect focal point for your coffee nook. Just make sure to measure any wall cabinets to make sure it can sit under them.

How does it rate online?

You won’t be surprised to hear that the VertuoNext is popular amongst reviewers and owners. It’s certainly not one of Nespresso’s most talked about models and the team and I couldn’t quite work out why. We could find nothing but good things to shout about. 

Reviewers were unanimous in praising this for its quick, relatively high quality coffee. They all said that it was easy to use and they liked having it on display. People also enjoyed the adjustable drip tray, which means that your espressos won't end up splashed on the sides of your VertuoPlus. It also means that you can fit even tall travel cups underneath too. I saw lots of people commenting on the 40 ounce water tank: how infrequently it needs filling and how easy it is to clean.

There's next-to-no criticism of this online, aside from the fact that it's only compatible with Nespresso's Vertuo pods. It does mean that you're locked-in to buying from the brand. However, they're some of  best the single-serve I've tasted, even if they're a little overpriced.

How does it compare?

If you don’t need the immense capacity of the VertuoPlus, you should definitely consider the Vertuo Next. This sits at the top of our buying guide, because it’s quick, relatively compact, and stylish. If you're looking to save $50 and you want a few more ounces capacity in your water reservoir, you should choose the VertuoPlus. If not, the Next is slicker and smaller.

If you think your family could make use of a milk texturing function, I would recommend taking a look at the Vertuo Lattissima. This is boxier, and not available in the same range of colors as the VertuoPlus. However, it boasts significant capacity and, of course, an integrated milk texturing system. 

Where the Lattissima wins big is on milk texturing. I had to have a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes in the VertuoPlus, but the Lattissima comes with a neat carafe. You can store it in the refrigerator door when it’s not in use and then click it into place and the machine does the rest. You don’t even need to pour the milk into your cup, the spout will do it for you.

Overall, the Vertuo Next is the best option if you don't need capacity. The Plus is better for bigger homes and the Lattissima is better for milky coffees. 

Should you buy it?

I was impressed with the VertuoPlus. They’ve balanced family-capacity with a neat and sleek design that I would be happy to make room for on my countertop. It’s overkill if you’re just one person making one coffee, but a true lifesaver for families. 

How we test

At Homes & Gardens our testing process is rigorous across all coffee makers. We have a standard series of coffees which we ask every automatic and single-serve machine to make: espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. Espresso shows us how well the machine extracts the fundamental flavors of your coffee, an Americano shows us how well it can balance and dilute the espresso: there’s real skill in keeping coffee hot, but not burning it. Cappuccinos can be tricky to test because not every machine has milk frothing functions. If they do though, we look for smooth, silky milk (on both dairy and non-dairy options), which adds sweetness to the normally more punchy and acidic espressos.

When testing Nespressos, we are at the mercy of their capsules, because their machines are exclusively compatible with their proprietary pods. We choose the same ones for each Nespresso test, so that we can compare between models and do our best to extrapolate this across to other single-serve machines.

Outside of the coffee flavors and capsules, we also make notes on how easy a coffee maker is to clean, store, and maintain, because these are the factors which will affect your everyday life and how often you reach for a machine. The more intuitive, the better. If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

If you're dreaming of cozy coffee mornings at home, you'll want to shop for the best coffee maker deals. If you're smart about it, it's possible to snag that dream machine for less.

As Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliance editor, I know my way around the best coffee maker deals. I've tested the best products on the market, worked in a coffee roastery, attended tasting masterclasses, and shadowed a barista to make sure I know the best when I see it. I'm constantly tracking the prices of our favorite machines, so you can get the best coffee maker deals without spending hours researching.

Whether you want the best espresso machine, best drip coffee maker, French press, or Nespresso pod coffee machine, we've got you covered with these editor-approved deals. Here's everything you need to know, including: when to shop the best coffee maker deals, where to look and, specifically, which machines to invest in.

Where to shop the best coffee maker deals

• Amazon Prime: frequent discounts on big name brands with next day delivery
• Walmart: discounts on Keurig, Ninja, or Cuisinart will be here
• Best Buy: coffee maker deals on Breville, De'Longhi, and Nespresso
• QVC: discounts on French presses, pour-overs, bean-to-cup machines
• Target: afforable coffee brands for even less in the sales
• Williams Sonoma: occassional discounts on premium products, like Aeropress
• Wayfair: a secret stack of discounts on brands like De'Longhi and Ninja

How to choose the best coffee maker deal

If you're unsure which coffee maker to choose in the sales, my comprehensive guide to the best coffee makers is a good place to start. This covers all the bases and I will help you find the right brewing method for your taste and budget. I keep the page up-to-date with the latest deals, too. If you already know what type of machine you're looking for, I've covered more specific categories below.

• Best coffee makers
• Best espresso machines
• Best drip coffee makers
• Best pod coffee machines
• Best Nespresso machines
• Best cold brew coffee makers
• Best French press
• Best pour-over coffee makers
• Best moka pots
• Best iced coffee makers
• Best non-toxic coffee makers

Our favorite coffee makers 2025

These are the first machines I would look for in the sales. They are the highest-rated coffee makers at the top of our buying guides. It's a good idea to put these 5-star machines on your wishlist before the sales kick-off, so you can rest assured you'll invest in a high-quality coffee maker deal, rather than a panicked bargain.

When to shop the best coffee maker deals

Amazon Prime Day coffee maker deals

Amazon Prime Day might be my favorite time of year to find coffee maker deals. The event is held annually in mid-July (with an additional fall event in October). Prime Day brings deep discounts across Amazon’s extensive selection of coffee makers, espresso machines, and coffee accessories.

Last Prime Day, I found savings of up to 55% off on brands like Keurig, Nespresso, Breville, and De’Longhi. For Prime members, early access to lightning deals and extra savings on select items sweeten the deal even further. I also discovered that those new to Prime can qualify for a free 30-day trial – so everybody can enjoy the discounts and speedy delivery.

Labor Day coffee maker deals

Labor Day isn't just a holiday, it's an excellent time to shop for coffee makers, with sales often extending through the entire holiday weekend and into early September. As one of the last big sales events before the holiday shopping season, Labor Day sees some generous discounts on coffee makers. It’s a great opportunity to pick up drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and single-serve brewers for 20-40% off.

Black Friday coffee maker deals

Black Friday to Cyber Monday is a famously great weekend for coffee lovers and bargain hunters alike. Most major retailers slash prices, and many top coffee brands get in on the action (Nespresso, De'Longhi and Philips all run Black Friday coffee maker deals) – so these are the perfect days to score a machine you’ll love without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re after a classic drip machine, a sleek espresso maker, or a state-of-the-art bean-to-cup model, the Black Friday coffee maker deals offer options at every price point. I always recommend looking at the iced coffee and cold brew coffee makers at this time of the year, as summer appliances are often drastically reduced in the Winter.

If you miss a Black Friday coffee maker deal or want to compare prices, Cyber Monday is a second chance to score major savings across brands and models. In my experience, the Cyber Monday prices aren't as low as they are on Black Friday itself.

Holiday season coffee maker deals

Retailers like Amazon, Wayfair and Walmart run holiday season discounts on everything from entry-level brewers to premium espresso machines, which makes gifting a little easier. In the past, I've seen coffee maker deals on brands like Nespresso, Breville, De’Longhi, and Jura, especially on their older or smaller models.

How we find the best coffee maker deals

It's actually my full-time job. All year round, I research the best coffee makers, exploring the newest models, rigorously testing popular machines, and tracking price trends to identify those with standout features, value, good design, and reliability. I continually update our best coffee maker buying guide throughout the year, documenting price drops and comparing prices so we’re always ready when the biggest discounts hit.

With years of experience, I know which retailers consistently offer the most competitive coffee maker deals. Amazon is unbeatable for its vast selection, while Walmart and Best Buy excel in appliance sales, and Target and Wayfair are my go-tos for bundle offers and good-looking espresso machine discounts. I’m always on the lookout for value-packed bundles that include extras like milk frothers, coffee pods, or extended warranties, so you get the most out of every purchase.

To catch the best coffee maker deals, I also use price-comparison tools. Timing is everything, especially for seasonal sales. Deals go live at different times, so I check early and late in the day to catch midnight drops, restocks, and the day’s best savings.

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How we test coffee makers

At Homes & Gardens, we take our coffee maker tests seriously. Before we feature them or recommend you buy them, each machine will have been tested by our experts and compared to models from top brands like Breville, Nespresso, and Technivorm.

Where possible, we test how a coffee machine fares on making espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. This allows us see the range that a coffee maker has, across milky coffee as well as more intense and flavorful shots. However, if a coffee maker claims to be able to make a vast menu of different coffees, we'll test them all and let you know about them in our 'special features' section. We make sure to use the same coffee beans in each test, so that we can compare how well the flavors and aromas of the coffee has been extracted. If a machine can froth milk, we will test non-dairy milks too, as these can be temperamental.

We'll make notes on everything from aesthetics to cleaning and maintenance, so that you can get a holistic idea of what these machines are like to live with before you invest in them. If you'd like to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page to learn how we test coffee makers.

FAQS

When is the best time to get coffee maker deals?

In my opinion, it's the holiday shopping season. Kicking off with Black Friday coffee maker deals and closely followed by Cyber Monday coffee maker deals, this is the best time of year for kitchen appliance deals. But you can usually find a great deal on a coffee machine all year round.

You’ll find some of the biggest discounts on automatic espresso machines, Keurig and Nespresso machines, especially on the high-end models and bundled deals. You'll probably be able to pair your new machine with a discount on the best coffee grinder, as well as the best milk frother to whip up delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home.

If you're anything like me, spring starts with a smooth, sweet iced latte. When the weather heats up, iced coffee is the perfect way to keep cool and caffeinated. I'll only go back to my hot flat whites and espressos in October, when things feel more cozy.

However, the costs of a daily iced coffee during spring and summer can quickly add up. Making your own can save you time and money, whilst impressing any guests at the weekends – and it is so easy with the right machine.

Before we deep dive into the details of the best iced coffee makers, there's one thing we need to clear up. These machines are completely different to the best cold brew coffee makers. We've written an article on the differences between cold brew and iced coffee, but if you want the headlines: iced coffee is quick to make, but more acidic. Cold brew takes at least 18 hours, but will taste smoother and sweeter.

If you're looking for that quick iced coffee, you're in the right place. Our panel of coffee experts has tested a range of the best coffee makers on the market. Some specialize in making iced coffee, others simply happen to include it in their repertoire. Whatever you're looking for – from budget to blowout machines – you'll find the very best here.

The quick list

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The best iced coffee makers 2025

The best overall

We have tested nearly fifty different coffee makers, in all shapes and sizes and have yet to find one as versatile as the Eletta Explore. It looks professional, it feels luxurious, and the coffee tastes exceptionally good.

There are over 52 different types of coffees programmed into this bean-to-cup machine. Our coffee product tester, Laura, trialed every single one and the Eletta Explore didn’t miss the mark on any, including cold brew and iced coffee.

She says: 'The iced Americanos and iced lattes were some of the best I've had, even at a café. The specialty of these coffees really lies in their flavors. Each one had the gentle, distinctively acidic notes of iced coffee, balanced delicately with my coffee’s earthy, nutty tones. The cold milk texturing is better than plenty of baristas' hand-steamed efforts, even on plant-based milks.'

Whilst the essential flavors come from well-ground beans – which the Eletta Explore will grind for you – there's also a range of customizable settings. You can control the time, temperature, strength, and size of your coffee. You can even select how dense you'd like the foam to be when frothing milk. Online, everyone from beginners to baristas enjoyed using this. People with large homes particularly benefitted from the customizable settings; you can save personal preferences and swerve any battles between different people's coffee settings.

If that sounds too good to be true, there are some snags. Whilst the design is sleek and not too tall, the Eletta Explore is very deep. It will come out far onto the countertops. If that’s still okay with you, here's one more thing you need to know: this is incredibly expensive. It’s close to being overpriced, but we loved this too much to say that it’s not good value. It makes cold brew in minutes (rather than 24 hours), the iced coffee is the perfect balance of acidic and earthy, and, let me repeat it, you can choose between 52 different types of coffee. This is a luxurious iced coffee maker, but it comes with a luxurious price tag, too.

There's more information in our De'Longhi Eletta Explore review.

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The best drip coffee maker for iced coffee

Breville's drip coffee maker is one of the greatest of all time. It comes with a versatile range of brewing settings, from single-serve to cold brew, but the one we're really here for is the 'over ice' setting. This brews your coffee like a concentrate, so that when it is poured over ice, the ice melts, cooling it and diluting it to the perfect ratio. However, the maximum amount you can make is four cups. It sounds a little limiting, but it means you'll savor every sip even more.

The Thermal Brewer is signature Breville. It's sleek and would look good in a modern kitchen, alongside other stainless steel appliances. Let's face it though, this isn't winning any beauty pageants. The team has ever so slightly prioritized function over form. Luckily, it's slender, so even though this has a 12-cup capacity, it doesn't demand much space. You can put it in a corner or cupboard and it won't become the focal point of your coffee station.

Anyway, what The Thermal Brewer lacks in looks it more than makes up for in functionality and durability. This feels like it would last you for a lifetime; the pre-sets are easy to navigate; and this boasts two different filter baskets, which can deliver on a range of flavors. If you're new to making iced coffee, all you have to do is select the setting and the Thermal Brewer can do the rest. If you're a borderline barista, you can control the temperature, bloom speed, and flow rate. Once you've tinkered and tailored this to suit your tastes, you can save your settings, so that you get your favorite flavors every single time.

Our experts' biggest gripes were that this is tricky to clean and pricy. A combination of the showerhead and fixed reservoir means that you have to get in some awkward positions with your brush if you want your coffee maker to sparkle. This is also expensive, so it's not one for those who are on a budget.

You can find more details in our Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker review.

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The best value iced coffee maker

Since Nespresso makes the best single-serve coffee makers on the market, they make the best single-serve iced coffee makers too. All you need to do is change the standard pods for iced coffee pods, like the Ice Forte, available at Nespresso. Thankfully, Nespresso's iced pods make really nice, iced coffee. We've tested both their cold brew, iced, and hot pods and can vouch for them all: they hit on every flavor note that they promise: a rarity for single-serve machines.

The Vertuo Next is a single-serve classic. It has a sleek and slender design, is easy to use, and brewed my iced coffee in under a minute. There's very little to complain about. The only hitch you might find is that Nespresso's Vertuo machines are exclusively compatible with Nespresso's Vertuo pods. To be fair, they make over thirty varieties (not all of them are designed to be iced), but you have to use Nespresso's Vertuo pods. That means you can't grind your own coffee into a reusable pod, or opt for a special cold brew K-cup, for example.

You also won't be able to make cold foam for your iced coffees unless you buy this in a bundle or you invest in Nespresso's Aeroccino, available at Walmart, separately. The Aeroccino froths cold milk really well, even on plant-based options, but it won't be included by default.

You can find out more in our Nespresso Vertuo Next review.

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The most versatile iced coffee maker

The Ninja DualBrew Pro boasts an extensive range of coffee options. It can brew coffee in classic styles, as well as a rich, specialty, and over ice function. If you like an iced latte, you're in for a treat. The over ice function brews concentrated coffee, designed to be watered down over ice, culminating in an iced coffee which consistently delicious. Our expert testers enjoyed working through these flavors and suggested that this 'might be the only specialty coffee maker you need'.

It's relatively compact, especially considering the range of coffee types that this can brew. It doesn't have an integrated grinder, so we'd recommend checking out our guide to the best grinders on the market if you want to make really good iced coffee. Alternatively, you can make use of the capsule compatibility and invest in some iced coffee K-Cups, available at Walmart, but make sure not to confuse the machine by brewing you're already concentrated over ice K-cups on the concentrated setting. It will all be overwhelming.

Our biggest criticism is that the DualBrew, is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. Whilst we liked all the coffee options, and the iced coffee was good, it wasn't as flavorful as the Breville's, for example. If you like milky coffees, we found that the milk texturing tool is a little less than perfect, especially on plant-based milks.

There's more information in our full Ninja DualBrew Pro review.

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The most technical iced coffee coffee maker

Even some of the best espresso machines don't have iced coffee functions. Instead, they rely on you being able to judge, by eye, how much to dilute your espresso by to make the perfect iced drink. For most people, this is tricky and you'll waste a lot of coffee trying to work out how to brew the perfect iced latte. Enter, La Specialista Maestro. This looks every part the specialist espresso machine, but it's beginner-friendly and easy to use too.

On the left, there's a dial that talks you through a range of coffee settings. A quick scroll through these will reveal that La Specialista can make a whole lot more than simple espressos. In fact, it will tackle a whole coffee shop menu if you let it. We're yet to test another espresso machine that can make cold brew (and in a matter of minutes too) as well as hot coffees. When you're brewing over ice you can opt for a heatless, low-pressure extraction or a normal, hot brew.

If you need your iced coffee to be stronger and more intense, the dials make it easy to adjust dosing quantities and temperatures. It might sound complicated, but that's only available to you if you want it to be. You can use La Specialista at a surface level and enjoy it just as much as a barista would. Plus, there are plenty of fool-proof features that guarantee that your coffees will be consistently tasty.

The one thing La Specialista can't do is make cold foam. You'll need a separate milk frother or steaming technology. Plenty of people are happy to simply drink their milk over ice, but De'Longhi also make the Eletta Explore, which is our overall winner as it has the capacity to create cold foam.

There's more information in our De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review.

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The best blowout iced coffee maker

The Jura Z10 is the most luxurious, hands-off coffee experience that money can buy. You won't need barista qualifications to be able to brew a delicious cup of coffee first thing. The menu covers ten different options (which becomes 32 with the different adjustments), so whether you want a black coffee, shot of coffee, milky coffee, iced coffee, or something in-between, the Jura has you covered.

When it comes to the cold brew, the Jura Z1O uses cold extraction technology to pulse cold water at high pressure with more coarsely ground coffee. The result is a smooth, rich iced coffee that is ready to drink in just a couple of minutes. We were able to make a delicious iced latte with cold foam, too. There's even a syrup attachment if you're partial to vanilla iced lattes, or you want to get creative with homemade sweeteners.

However, $3,800 for a coffee maker is a big investment. The Jura makes delicious coffee, looks sleek, and is easy to use, so if you've got the money to spend, you'll love it. But if you want to be savvy, there are cheaper options with similar offerings. The De'Longhi Eletta Explore at the top of our list is equally capable, although it lacks the sweet foam accessories and sleek Swiss design. Whether small details like that are worth another $1,600 is another question.

You can read more in our full Jura Z10 review.

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How to choose the right iced coffee maker for you

Personal taste: When you're choosing the perfect iced coffee maker, the best place to start is with the kind of coffee that you enjoy. If you prefer punchy espressos, an espresso machine will give you full-bodied flavor, even over ice. For iced lattes and cappuccinos, bean-to-cup machines with cold foam steam wands are ideal. If you require larger servings of rich black coffee, a drip iced coffee maker will suit you. If you like capsule coffee, a Nespresso machine will suit just fine. An automatic espresso machine is likely to satisfy all coffee preferences, suiting family households.

Space: If you have lots of space, you can choose almost any coffee maker. However, if your kitchen is compact, you'll probably want to steer clear of espresso machines and automatic coffee makers. These tend to be big appliances. You could still fit them on your countertop, but you'd have to work to do it. Specialist pod coffee machines are better for saving space, while still getting your iced coffee fix.

Time: If you don't mind taking your time with coffee, then you'll have the pick of the bunch. However, if you're normally five minutes late for being ten minutes late, you'll want a quick machine: pod machines, pre-set drip coffee makers, and automatic machines will be your best friends.

Capacity If you're the only coffee drinker in the house, you might not need a big machine. Pod machines are a nice option for single-cup coffee drinkers. However, if you want to serve iced coffee to a crowd or table of guests, a drip coffee maker will cater to the masses.

Ease: If you normally buy your coffee from a barista, you might not enjoy being very hands-on when making coffee. For that reason, a bean-to-cup machine would suit you really well. It'll be just like your barista, but without the small talk. If you like the idea of becoming a barista yourself, espresso machines are at the other end of the scale. They are technical, and be a lot of fun too.

Price: It goes without saying that price has to be factored into things. We've covered how much money you should spend on a coffee maker, to help you weigh up the value for money. A pod machine or drip coffee maker can cost a tenth of the price of a bean-to-cup machine or espresso machine. It's better to start small and work up to a bigger machine. That being said, we've included these machines in our roundup because we think they're good value for the exceptional quality they offer.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

Research: As Homes & Gardens' kitchen appliance expert, this is my starting point. I'm always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once I’ve found one that I think you, our readers, will like, I order it to my kitchen or send it out to one of our experienced product testers. We usually like to test at home, as it means we can use the appliance in our regular routines for around a month. This helps uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) we would never discover with a one hour session in the test kitchen.

Design: Once the machine is in our hands, we first consider the design and build quality. We give extra points to coffee makers that look good on the counter, but we never prioritize style over substance.

Brewing performance: The first thing we make with any espresso machine is an espresso. This is a way of testing how good a coffee maker is at the basics. A good espresso should be between 1.25-2 oz. It should be 190-205 degrees and full of flavor. A big giveaway is the crema on top: that should be thick with a hazelnut hue.

Then, we test other brews: including americano, latte, cappuccino and anything else the coffee maker has to offer.

Cleaning & ease of use: After brewing and tasting, we make notes on the clean-up process as well as how we would recommend storing and maintaining the coffee maker. We also think about how easy it is to use and what type of coffee drinker it would suit.

Value for money: After a month of testing and evaluating, I round up all of our notes. Then, I take a look at all of our other coffee makers to see how they compare on each testing criteria. I also look at online reviews to see what other experts and real-life customers thought, so that I could bring you more insight. After this, I give each coffee maker a score out of five. Only the five-star appliances make it into my best coffee maker buying guide.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

Meet our testing team

If you want coffee made quicker than you can say Keurig, you're in the right place. These simple, single-serve machines are famed for their efficiency, versatility, and inexpensive RRP, so should you buy one?

You've probably seen Keurig and the K-Cup pods all over store shelves and in seasonal sales. These days, the brand is absolutely everywhere. Most of this success is owed to Keurig's ability to brew quick, cheap, caffeine fixes better than the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. However, not every model made by the brand is perfect. In fact, we've tested some which we just didn't rate at all, so you need to choose which you buy very carefully.

I've selected six of the best Keurigs on the market. Kudos to Keurig, these are all good models, especially the K-Elite, which sits at the top of this list. It's versatile, speedy, and consistent. Actually, I think it's a serious rival to some of the best Nespresso machines – that is the best praise you can give a cheaper single-serve machine. So for all things Keurig - which model to shop, who they suit, and where to pick up a good Keurig deal - look no further than this list.

The quick list

If you need a quick introduction into equally speedy coffee, here are the headlines for the best Keurigs. We'll go into more detail further down.

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The best Keurig coffee makers 2024

The best Keurig coffee maker overall

It's becoming increasingly common knowledge that the K-Elite is one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. It's extremely versatile, boasts enough capacity for a whole family, and can brew delicious coffee really quickly. That's why it's in top spot (and we don't think it will be leaving it any time soon).

Granted the K-Elite isn't exactly beautiful, but it is practical. The clock and timer are really useful to have in your kitchen and all the functions are easy to navigate, so you can make speedy coffee without the need for instructions or online help.

The K-Elite is bulkier than the K-Mini and K-Slim, but that's because it has a huge 75 fl. oz water reservoir on the back. This is good news for large homes: you won't need to constantly refill your Keurig. It's also good news for larger homes because the Keurig offers a range of cup sizes, from four to twelve ounces, across a range of coffee settings. Yes, those settings do include iced coffee. And also, yes, they do include the iconic 'stronger brew' function too. And, finally, yes, you can change the temperature.

The K-Elite, aside from a vast menu of options, can brew coffee in under a minute. That makes it one of the quickest Keurigs on the market too (alongside all the other accolades that we could award this).

People generally loved this. They praise the coffee and versatility, but plenty of people questioned the machine's durability. They say that the plastic cup that holds the pods feels flimsy, as does the drip tray. This doesn't surprise me; for the price, the K-Elite delivers on some pretty ambitious promises, so corners had to be cut somewhere. As it turns out, this was on quality.

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The quietest Keurig coffee maker

This is a true entry-level machine. It's simple, sturdy, and whisper-silent. It almost stole top spot, but it's a little too bulky. Aside from that, it's pretty perfect in the world of Keurig coffee makers.

The K-Select's specialty is strong coffee. It has a special function which allows you to make bolder, deeper coffee in the same amount of time as the standard cup (one minute). Both professional and customer reviewers agree that the results of this stronger brew setting are seriously impressive. Not only does it pack a punch, it carries stronger flavors with it, too. Did I mention about how it's almost silent when it works? It's incredible.

So, this is quick and quiet. To complete my alliterative three, reviews all say that this feels like one of the best quality Keurigs on the market too. The 52-ounce reservoir won't need refilling often, making it perfect for large households who drink a lot of coffee. The only downside to this capacity is that it leaves the K-Select looking clunky on the countertop. It also doesn't have the finishes of some other Keurig models, but, on the flip side, the build-quality is one of the best. Plus, it comes in a range of colors too, so you can match this to the color scheme in your kitchen.

The biggest downside, apart from the bulk, is the brewing process. Whilst the flavors are good and the K-Select is quick, it splashes a fair amount of coffee over the countertop. Reviewers also said that the coffee can come out a little lukewarm for the first couple of cups: it needs to run for a while before you're getting some properly hot coffee.

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The best Keurig coffee maker for small spaces

You could catch me on a technicality here: I know this isn't the smallest coffee maker that Keurig makes, but it has the balance perfect. The K-Slim might be compact, but it can still make a decent enough cup of coffee. As you turn to Keurig's smaller K-Mini, you start to compromise on quality, for both coffee and build.

The K-Slim comes in a range of tasteful colors, whether you are looking for monochrome hues or a bright pop of color, there's a K-Slim shade for you. It takes up next-to-no countertop room, so can slot into any space or cupboard in your kitchen, which is really convenient. I've seen people stack this on wall shelves too: it's light enough, but watch out, because it comes out quite far from the back.

As for the coffee itself, the K-Slim can brew a full cup in under two minutes. Keurig uses their 'multistream technology' which claims to better saturate the K-Cups. Having not tested this myself, I can't vouch for the flavors, but expert reviewers and customers alike seem to be convinced that this technology does the trick. If you want a good cup of single-serve coffee, this will serve it up to you. However, this only brews 8, 10, and 12 ounce coffees, so don't expect an espresso any time soon.

The main criticism I found was that this can be a little inconsistent temperature-wise. For such a simple machine, this is a shame, because there's very little you, as a user, can do to rectify it. Similarly, if it overheats, there's nothing you can do except disassemble your machine and reset the thermostat, which I don't think any of us dream about. It's a great price point, but comes with some compromises.

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The best Keurig coffee maker for speciality coffee

Craft coffee might not sound like a Keurig specialty. It might not even sound like a single-serve specialty, but the K-Cafe Barista Bar goes a long way towards, fresher, more flavorful coffee.

As you might expect, the K-Cafe is more expensive than most other Keurig machines, but, in spite of the price tag, it's also one of their most popular models. Both expert and customer reviews are packed with praise for the full, rich, and flavorful coffee that this Keurig makes. Plus, if you want to mix up the strength and length of your coffee, this can. It even comes with a milk frother, ready to serve up cappuccinos and lattes too.

Reviewers praised not only the flavors, but the speed at which the K-Cafe delivers them. It's almost as quick as the K-Express, brewing a cup of coffee in less than two minutes. However, it still delivers those strong coffees that all the reviews rave about.

Aside from the uncharacteristically high price tag reviewers had very few criticisms. Some people felt that the coffee could be a little hotter, which you can adjust on the machine, and others felt that the design was better suited to right-handed users, because that's where the milk frother sits. Having not yet tested it myself, I would also be interested to see what the milk texturing is like. I haven't seen anyone go deep into details, but I would be surprised if it's good at cold foam, given that De'Longhi has only just perfected it and their machines cost ten times the price of a Keurig.

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The most versatile Keurig coffee maker

There are other Keurigs which can make iced coffee (the K-Elite, the K-Mini Plus, the K-Slim and Iced, the K-Cafe, and the K-Duo all available at Walmart), but none are as versatile as this. The K-Supreme SMART is by far the most versatile coffee maker that Keurig offers, with customizable options for brew strength, temperature, drink size, and more. This means that it will probably make you one of the best cups of single-serve coffee you'll drink and it won't take long to do it either.

You might expect that this is big, given how much it has to offer. However, in our tests, one of the first things that our experts spotted was how 'it's notably more compact than any other Keurig model'. Even if you're short in space in your kitchen, we think you could easily squeeze the K-Supreme SMART in.

We could make some delicious hot drinks in the K-Supreme and these weren't just limited to coffee. I'd put this in the context of cheaper single-serve machines though. We were surprised at how delicious these were, but only because the K-Supreme is $150. Compared to other, more expensive single-serve coffee makers, this is still a little flat.

The only thing our experts questioned was the 'SMART' label on the K-Supreme SMART. This is supposed to be the step up from a K-Supreme, but actually, it can be a little limiting. The app won't work to its full potential unless you're connected to the Wi-Fi and even when you're online, it's not very useful. We made an account and hopped in to check out the 'Café Creation' drinks, but found that they're really just elaborations on the different K-Cups. You can turn on high-altitude brewing, create favorites and schedule brewing, but we thought you'd be just as quick popping a K-cup in and pushing a good old-fashioned button. The rest of the app is really a shopping section. That might appeal to some, but we don't think owners of the original K-Supreme are missing out.

You can read more in our Keurig K-Supreme SMART review

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The best budget Keurig coffee maker

With the K-Mini Plus, our experts kept finding themselves saying things like 'in context', 'for the price', and 'as a small model'. So, you have to take the K-Mini Plus with a budget mindset. It's not the most versatile, nor is it the neatest, nor is it the quickest. What is it? An absolute steal for a small, single-serve coffee maker.

The K-Mini Plus is the smallest machine Keurig makes. You can choose from a range of color options too, so aesthetically, this is a friendly face to have in your coffee nook.

It's slim and perfectly petite, so we're confident that no matter how small your kitchen is (even if it's dorm room size), you'll be able to squeeze it in. Even better, there's a space inside the machine for storing your K-Cups. If you hadn't guessed from the name, the K-Mini is all about space-saving. Even the water reservoir is small: it is a single-serve capacity, so you'll need to keep refilling.

Here is where the 'considering' context setting starts. Our experts tested this for weeks, making coffee, hot apple cider, and chai lattes in the K-Mini and said that it 'makes good drinks (especially considering the price'. You can even opt for a stronger brew, which will do exactly as promised, making a more punchy coffee drink.

However, there are a few compromises. When brewing coffee, this splatters a lot and it takes longer than average to brew. You'll need a microfiber cloth nearby to make sure your coffee station stays sparkling clean.

You can read more in our dedicated K-Mini Plus review

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How to choose the best Keurig coffee maker

Whilst Keurig's coffee makers are all single-serve, there's a lot of variety between models. Choosing the right one for you depends upon a few factors:

Size

Single-serve coffee makers are the kinds of machines that you'll keep on the countertop all the time. The way it looks and the amount of space that it demands is really important for deciding which one you want. As a general rule, Keurig's bigger coffee makers tend to be better, but their small models can be great space-saving options.

Capacity

When I'm talking about capacity, I'm thinking of the water reservoir. Keurig's smallest machines either don't have or only have single-serve reservoirs. Some of their biggest reservoirs can cater for up to ten cups of coffee. The size of your household will dramatically affect how big you want your reservoir to be.

Range

Keurigs offer a range of functions. All make coffee, but some only make black coffee, some can make coffees with milk, some can do iced coffees, and some have stronger settings and temperature controls. The range of cup size options (4oz up to 12oz) varies depending on the Keurig you choose too.

How we test and review Keurig coffee makers

We're currently on a mission to test every Keurig we can. However, it's still an ongoing process, meaning we have hands-on experience with some of the coffee makers in this guide, but we don't have it with all of them.

If a Keurig is on our testing wish list, we will do as much research as we can before giving you our thoughts on it. We look through customer and professional reviews, checking and cross-checking claims, criticisms, and special features to make sure that every aspect of the Keurig is accounted for. By the time we've finished doing our due diligence, we know the coffee maker better than almost the manufacturers themselves.

When we can get our hands on a Keurig, we have a series of standardized tests which we put them through. Our team of experts test each model on a range of functions so that we can tell you what it's like to use.

If a Keurig only offers hot drinks, we use K-cups to make coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot drinks in a range of sizes. We let you know how long they take to brew, how hot they are, and, most importantly, what they taste like. You'll know about every single drop (including those that splash onto the countertop).

Some Keurigs boast iced coffee functions too. In this instance, we'll use special Over-Ice K-cups, which you can buy from Walmart to test the temperature, quantity, and flavors of the iced coffees. The most important factor here is that the coffee doesn't taste too bitter or acidic. A well-extracted iced coffee should be smooth and brighter, with fruitier notes.

We'll also make notes on the appearance, clean up and maintenance that comes with each Keurig, because these factors will influence how likely you are to use yours often. In short, we'll let you know about every single feature before you buy one, so that you don't have any unwelcome surprises if you choose to buy one.

If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

FAQs

Which is better, Keurig or Nespresso?

Both Keurig and Nespresso are single-serve celebrities, but which one is better? Each person will have different priorities when they're choosing which coffee maker to buy. Keurigs are great for two reasons. First, they're a fraction of the price of lots of other single-serve coffee makers, including Nespresso. Second, they're more widely compatible with different pods. Sourcing ones that fit a Nespresso can be tricky (since they have to be Nespresso branded), but plenty of brands make their own K-Cups, so you can experiment with different flavors more easily.

Some people opt for Nespressos instead because the build-quality is objectively better. These machines feel more robust and, even better, they're often made with recycled materials. If you put quality coffee high on your list of priorities, you'll find that Nespresso brews are always more flavorful, nuanced, and generally better brewed. You really get the luxury experience.

If you want to find out more, we have a whole article dedicated to the Keurig vs Nespresso debate.

Which pods can I use in a Keurig?

Keurigs are versatile machines, meaning that they're compatible with plenty of different K-Cup pods. Generally, if you see something labeled as a K-Cup, it'll fit in your coffee maker. However, if you want to be really sure, you can check the brands of K-Cup that Keurigs carry, you can look on their dedicated page.

Where's the best place to buy a Keurig?

Keurig's are widely available, but I'd recommend shopping around. There's almost always a Keurig deal or discount on offer, so you can save some extra money. We even have a dedicated page for Keurig deals, which become especially enticing around big sales periods. Make sure to check it out.

Since the calendar turned to 2024, the internet has been abuzz with trend reports and home decor predictions that offer a glimpse into what lies ahead in the world of interior design.

For many, these lists may seem overwhelming, especially if you're not planning to embark on a full-scale renovation this year. But fret not; there are simpler ways to elevate your home by getting creative with a DIY project or two.

Below, we'll introduce you to 7 home trends experts predict will be big in 2024 and the DIY projects that can help you breathe new life into your living spaces.

DIY Projects That Will Elevate Your Home

Get your toolbox ready. From textured walls to living walls, home renovation experts predict these DIY projects are exactly what you need to elevate your home in 2024.

1. Using reclaimed materials

As more and more of us aspire to make eco-friendly home improvements in 2024, it's no surprise that using reclaimed and recycled materials is gaining popularity among DIY enthusiasts.

Beyond their environmental benefits, reclaimed and salvaged materials bring a distinctive 'well-loved' quality that enriches interior designs with texture and depth. The weathered patina of reclaimed wood, for instance, can seamlessly enhance a home with a modern rustic style, while salvaged fireplaces and reclaimed bricks effortlessly complement modern farmhouse aesthetics. These materials possess a timeless charm, making them an ideal choice for elevating your home's overall look.

If you're seeking a quick and manageable DIY project that can be completed in an afternoon, consider exploring your local antique market for a set of vintage drawers and transform them into a unique plant display. Alternatively, give rustic scaffolding boards a fresh lease on life as distinctive kitchen shelves, or reimagine tin ceiling tiles as a one-of-a-kind kitchen backsplash.

For those willing to take on a slightly larger project, a salvaged barn door can be flipped into a statement headboard, and ordinary internal doors and windows can be replaced with antique shutters to achieve a truly bespoke finish.

2. Adding texture to walls

While the memories of popcorn ceilings and orange peel walls might remind you of outdated interior design trends from yesteryears, wall texture is poised to make a stylish comeback in 2024.

Embrace the classic elegance of a knockdown finish or the rustic charm of limewash paint to infuse subtle drama into your walls. For a touch of warmth, consider decorative plasters like stucco or tadelakt. The beauty of these unique finishes is that they can be applied to your walls through a DIY approach using a trowel or roller, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your home's ambiance.

And remember, texture doesn't have to be just tactile. There are plenty of ways to introduce visual texture to your walls. Leading industry names like Benjamin Moore are bringing color-washed walls back into the spotlight this year, and even famous figures like Blake Lively are embracing this trend in their own homes.

3. Biophilic home improvements

'In 2024, biophilic design and creating healthier living spaces are poised to be prominent trends,' predicts Christine Marvin, Vice President of Strategy & Design at Marvin. To fully embrace this trend, consider decorating with plants, choosing natural color palettes and materials, or increasing natural light in your living areas.

Kriss Swint, design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products, emphasizes the importance of a closer connection with nature and its elements, citing potential benefits like increased well-being and productivity. 'Growing concerns about wellness and the environment are driving demand for backyard improvements and the integration of nature into design. This includes features like green roofs, large windows, and living walls.'

To elevate your home with a natural color palette, Kriss recommends reaching for paints with earthy tones such as navy blues, forest greens, rustic browns, and coppers. Couple these color choices with nature-inspired materials for organic texture and warmth.

4. Installing and refinishing wooden kitchens

The National Kitchen & Bath Association 2024 trend report revealed a growing demand for natural finishes in our kitchens, such as mid-toned woods paired with stone or marble worktops. So, it's hardly surprising that wooden kitchen cabinetry is predicted to dominate kitchen trends this year.

However, before you jump into a full-scale kitchen remodel, consider that you can revamp this space without breaking the bank by resurfacing or refinishing your existing cabinet fronts.

Rather than reaching for your hammer right away, consider stripping paint from wood cabinets you already have to reveal the material beneath. Alternatively, you can replace your current kitchen cabinet fronts with custom-made ones that perfectly fit your space. Consult a local woodworker for bespoke cabinetry tailored to your kitchen's dimensions or explore options like preloved wooden cabinet fronts available in salvage yards or online marketplaces.

'A great DIY hack for achieving premium quality without overspending is using Ikea cabinets combined with custom fronts,' says Archie Tkachoff, Founder of Arteum.design. 'This approach is not only cost-effective but also versatile, allowing for the application of custom doors on new and existing cabinets.'

5. Walk-in Pantries

A pantry is a sought-after feature for many homeowners, so why not make 2024 the year you repurpose your kitchen closet into a walk-in pantry?

'In 2024, we expect to see pantries being upgraded with intelligent organization solutions, providing more space and functionality,' predicts Laurel Vernazza, Home Design Expert at The Plan Collection. 'When designed with floor-to-ceiling storage, the walk-in pantry can be used to conceal air fryers, coffeemakers, and larger appliances such as dishwashers, with plenty of room for pots and pans, spices, and dry goods'.

Simply clear the kitchen closet and assess its layout. Install adjustable shelving for better storage, add hooks or racks for spices and dried goods, and improve visibility with an overhead light.

6. Crown Moldings

Crown moldings are a simple way of adding detail to your doors, walls, and cabinetry, as well as lending a sense of grandeur to interior spaces. In the past, wooden moldings were the primary option available, requiring precise cutting and assembly. However, modern alternatives to wood, such as foam moldings, are readily available. These versatile materials can be easily trimmed to size and affixed to walls and furniture, making the installation process a breeze.

Embrace this interior trend by introducing statement architraves to your living spaces, enhancing a bookcase with intricate trim (we'll dive into that in more detail below), or by adding a decorative touch to your wainscotting.

7. DIY built-in bookshelves

The classic built-in bookshelf remains a popular choice for 2024, and it's easy to see why. With just a modest amount of DIY expertise, you can easily turn an ordinary bookshelf into a faux built-in feature that instantly elevates your home as an affordable DIY weekend project.

Start by measuring your space and acquiring the right number of standalone bookcases for the job. We recommend options such as Ikea's Billy bookcase or Wayfair's Lagner bookcase, as they are well-suited to this task. Securely anchor these bookcases to the wall, ensuring they are level and perfectly aligned.

To achieve that coveted built-in appearance, add a plywood surround, crown molding, or decorative trim that complements your room's style. After carefully caulking and sanding any rough edges, apply paint or stain to the bookshelves, allowing them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings.

Home renovation trends are typically less transient than paint trends, such as the color of the year, and can significantly improve the aesthetic and functionality of your home.

Next, learn the handy practical uses for leftover paint and learn how to paint uPVC window frames and achieve a lasting finish.

The Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker is the most used model in our test kitchen. Naturally, we have lots of coffee makers on offer, including Nespressos and Keurigs, but the one that all of our team reach for is the Cuisinart. Once you know more about it, you'll understand why.

The Cuisinart isn't quite like any other model out there, which is coincidentally why it's one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. It approaches speedy, pod coffee a little differently. Using the integrated grinder and filter baskets, you get to drink fresh coffee flavors in the time that it takes to make a single-serve coffee.

Whether you're eco-conscious, short on space, or someone who enjoys both filter and single-serve coffee, you'll love the Cuisinart Grind & Brew. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Specifications

Unboxing

There’s very little to say about the unboxing process, which is unusual. Cuisinart’s Grind and Brew was packaged in cardboard with a little bit of flexible plastic around the machine parts. In an ideal world, all the packaging would be recyclable, but this is better than most. 

On the countertop, it looks like a smart machine. There are lots of clean lines, with gently curved edges, suitable for modern homes without being too ‘of the moment’ that it would end up looking dated in a few years. It's low enough to clear any countertop and fit easily into small kitchens. 

Overall, I liked the design. The body is made from plastic, but it doesn’t feel overly cheap thanks to the stainless steel and glass touches across the machine.

Who would it suit?

I have to stop myself short of recommending this to every and any filter coffee or single-serve drinker because the flavors are fantastic. Aesthetically and logistically this would suit a range of homes, including ones which are short on space. 

If anything, I think this is better for smaller households, because it doesn’t fill like a traditional filter carafe. The single-serve capsules will only make one coffee at a time. In big households, you could end up with a coffee maker queue. It also doesn’t have a warming plate or any presets, so if you like to just hop in and out of coffee, coming back for more later, you’ll find the Cuisinart lacking.  However, I’m being picky because it’s my job. If I made this purchase, I would be extremely pleased with myself.

What is it like to use?

The whole setup process was delightful, mainly because I didn’t need to do a thing. I filled the water reservoir and clicked the reservoir neatly into place. The bean hopper can take about 3.5 oz of whole coffee beans, which is enough for about six to eight cups of coffee, matching the water capacity, so you can refresh both at the same time.

Aside from sliding the drip tray into place and plugging the machine in, there was little else to do. On a quick side note, if you’re struggling to find both pods, Cuisinart sometimes places one in the storage on the left-hand side of the machine. Once you know about this it’s incredibly useful, but it’s baffling if you don’t and you think you’re a pod short. If we were to be extremely pedantic, it would be useful to have handles on the water reservoir, but this isn't a deal-breaker.

Test 1: Grinder

To get started, I placed my pod under the grinder and clicked the bean button, which is a straightforward process. The machine automatically stops when the grinding is done. Giving the pod a quick shake, I was impressed. The conical grinder had made some consistent grind sizes and hadn’t heated up the beans too much, all good indicators that my coffee would be delicious. 

There aren’t many adjustable features, so you won’t be able to change the grind size or quantity, which is frustrating if you care about customizable coffee. However, most people will be grateful that Cuisinart has covered the basics already. 

Test 2: Espresso

The first coffee test I was an espresso. I’m using the term espresso loosely, because this is more the size of a small cup of coffee – 4 oz. 

The control panel on the top of the machine shows an espresso icon. For all short people (me included) you may have to stand up straight, because if you have high countertops, seeing everything is a stretch. However, once you have a pod full of coffee grounds, you only have to press a button.

Optimistically, I placed a small espresso cup under the brew head, which is relatively high up. This did result in a fair amount of splashing and my 4 oz cup nearly overflowed. Had I chosen a bigger cup, I have a feeling the splashing could have been significantly reduced.

The flavor of this small coffee was good. Three of our experts tried the - extremely hot – cup of coffee and agreed that it was strong, intense, and the best filter coffee we had ever tasted. It was a little on the acidic side for me, but still delicious.

Test 3: Long coffee

The other settings will brew an 8 oz and 12 oz cup of coffee. These are just like the small cup, still strong, but increasingly less punchy. Even the largest cup was still stronger than the average cup of filter coffee. It’s surprising that the grinds don’t adjust depending on how big your cup of coffee will be, especially given how well-extracted the flavors are, but I’m very pleased with it. You’ll be glad that there was no splashing when pouring the larger sizes. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

I expected the pod style baskets to be fiddly to clean, but they were really easy. The old grinds are very dry, so can be scooped into the food waste. The basket is easy to rinse clean and dry quickly. It's great knowing that these aren't single-use, not only for your wallet, but for the environment too. As I mentioned earlier, there are two easy places to store these pods so that you don’t lose them in a drawer or cupboard. 

Cleaning wise, the machine is low maintenance. When filled with beans and water, it will make about 8 coffees. I would suggest cleaning out the grinder and reservoir once you’ve made eight coffees to prevent any build up. Usefully, the base of the grinder detaches, giving you access to the burrs. Cuisinart provides a useful little brush to ensure you clear out any old grinds too. 

How does it rate online?

It's been a year since the Cuisinart Grind & Brew launched and the reviews have been nothing but glowing. Over the last year, praise has piled in for the flavors that the Cuisinart extracts. They love how quick it is, how strong the flavors are, and how easy it is to use. I found lots of reviews from people who had gifted or been gifted the Cuisinart – it's obviously a 'treat yourself' purchase which is very well received. If you're looking for inspiration, look no further.

I did find a couple of comments about cup consistency, but this variation is only slight, so if you don't fill your coffee to the top, you'll be fine. It is worth noting again that the espresso is larger than 2 oz – a standard size – so you'll need cups that are bigger than average.

How does it compare?

There aren’t many filter coffee makers quite like this, so it’s tricky to make a direct comparison. If it pitched it against our favorite drip machine, the OXO Brew, there are many ways in which the Cuisinart is better. The coffee itself tastes richer and fresher, so if you want a quality cup of filter coffee, the Cuisinart is a winner. It’s also easier to clean and, personally, I prefer the aesthetics. It’s quicker to make a cup of coffee, without many compromises on flavour, another big tick for many coffee drinkers.

As an innovation on other drip machines, this does miss a few classical features. The OXO will brew enough for multiple cups of coffee and will keep your brew warm for hours, a feature which the Cuisinart lacks. It also has more customisable features when it comes to strength; the Cuisinart is a little prescriptive here.

Compared to single-serve coffee makers, this has lots of appealing features. The re-usable pods mean that you can use freshly ground coffee, achieving a much fuller taste. They also save you on waste and the ongoing cost of re-buying pods. Our top pick for single-serve espresso machines is the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which is smaller than the Cuisinart. Nespresso also provides some fun and unusual pod flavors, like cold brew watermelon, available at Amazon. The whacky flavors could be persuasive for some, but specialty coffee is better than any pod coffee.

At $150, the Cuisinart is a similar price, if not a little cheaper than the Nespresso. Neither machine with a milk frother, even though some Nespresso pods are well-suited to lattes and cappuccinos (note that there are some Nespresso models like the Latissima which come with exceptional milk frothing capabilities). Overall, I would still opt for the Cuisinart, even though Nespresso dominates the single-serve market.

Should you buy it?

If you’re a filter coffee drinker, looking for a speciality spin on your coffee, Cuisinart is the best investment you’ll make. The coffee quality is excellent and it’s really easy to use too. It's shaken Nespresso's dominance in the single-serve world, but if you like frothy, milky coffees, you might want another option.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we take our coffee tests seriously. Laura, a trained barista, took this to our test kitchen where she spent the day using all of the functions multiple times. She made notes on every select of the Cuisinart and has also tested lots of the other filter coffee makers that we recommend. If you’d like to know more about the process, we detailed every part of the process on our how we test coffee makers page.

If you're thinking about investing in a single-serve coffee maker, you'll be caught in the Keurig vs Nespresso debate. Both brands have been serving coffee drinkers delicious brews for years, but which will suit you best?

Our experts have been busy testing the best Nespresso machines as well as some of the most popular Keurig coffee makers in order to determine which is the best single-serve coffee maker on the market right now.

When it comes down to it, Nespresso makes the better machines. They're cleaner, faster, and simpler to use. As a barista, I think they make better coffee too. However, they're more expensive and don't have quite the same versatility as Keurigs. I'll go into the differences between the two brands, so you can decide which is better, Nespresso or Keurig coffee makers.

Which should I buy?

If you want a one-line answer, Nespresso is better for speed and taste, Keurig for cheapness and variety. You'll get better flavors from a drip coffee maker or automatic brewer, but you might not be able to enjoy the same convenience that Nespresso and Keurig offers.

Keurig K-Mini vs Nespresso Vertuo Next

To keep this comparison fair, I've decided to match the coffee makers like-for-like. Two of the most affordable options are the Keurig K-Mini and the Nespresso Vertuo Next.

On paper, the Nespresso is obviously better. First of all, it's faster, making you a coffee in around thirty seconds rather than a few minutes. This is a fantastic feature – I've mentioned it before in other articles on the site but I relied on a Nespresso Vertuo Next during long, busy hours covering last Black Friday sales. Being able to grab a pretty decent Americano in 30 seconds in between articles massively improved my day if I was starting early or working late.

The Nespresso also has a larger water reservoir, which means fewer trips to refill before you use it. The K-Mini can only hold 12oz, which is only about a mug's worth of coffee at a time. From experience, you can get three or four cups out of the Nespresso Vertuo Next before you have to refill. It's also cleaner, with much less splashback than the Keurig, which our tester Camryn found makes a mess all over a countertop.

The Nespresso also simply makes better coffee than the Keurig. It tastes stronger and less bitter and unlike the Keurig, espresso shots have a crema (the little layer of cream on top of the coffee you get on an espresso). By comparison, the Keurig is weak and bitter. It's not bad by single-serve standards, but there are better options out there.

However, over a year of using the Nespresso I noticed that it slowly drips after you make your coffee. If you take your coffee cup away as soon as the machine stops whirring, it will drip a couple of drops of coffee onto the tray. This isn't a huge problem, but it builds up over time. The Nespresso also only uses a single button. This is really easy to use 90% of the time, but it's pretty frustrating to troubleshoot any issue. It also means you can't really customize your coffee. The Keurig has the choice of regular or strong coffee, but the Nespresso will pull the same coffee every time.

Keurig K-Supreme SMART vs Nespresso Vertuo Creatista

Jumping up in price a little, we can compare the Keurig K-Supreme SMART and the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista. It's not quite a fair fight, because the Nespresso is hundreds of dollars more expensive, but they have similar functionalities.

Again, the Nespresso is better. Everything I mentioned above still stands. It's faster, easier to clean, and the coffee is just better. The Keurig is smart, sure, but our tester Camryn found that the app connectivity isn't actually that helpful, and you're much better off controlling it manually. The Nespresso is also capable of making more types of coffee, with the ability to steam milk and make iced coffee, whereas the Keurig can only make iced coffee or black coffee.

However, if you don't want to make cappuccinos or lattes at home, I'd go for the Keurig. It's hundreds of dollars cheaper and there's a much bigger range of iced coffee options than the Nespresso, which only has three options to the Keurig's dozens. Both coffee makers have around the same capacity, so can cater to the same number of people, yet the Keurig takes up less room on a countertop.

Which makes better coffee?

It depends on how you define it. My call is Nespresso machines make better coffee, because they make actual espresso. Keurigs tends to be a little weak and bitter whereas Nespresso is relatively flavorful, rich, and aromatic. Nespresso's Vertuo pods come in a wide range of different roasts and flavors. My recommendation is the Stormio, a serviceable Americano that will work for most people. They also do seasonal pods, which are a bit of a gimmick but can be genuinely delicious. I pretty much replaced my water intake with their Gingerbread coffee last Christmas.

However, this comes with a huge caveat: there are a bewildering number of K-Cups. There are more than 40 brands with official K-cups, including Starbucks, McCafé, Dunkin', Cinnabon, and more. Each of these brands has a few different K-cups, so there's a lot on offer, and that's before you get onto all of the less-than-official K-cups. There are literally thousands of different pods for a Keurig machine, so while in our experience Keurig coffee is pretty middling, there could be the perfect coffee lurking out there somewhere.

Which is cheapest?

Keurig is the clear winner here. The K-Mini Plus costs around $100, which is incredibly good value. I've seen a K-Express Essentials, at Walmart, available for under $60, too. The cheapest Nespresso, by comparison, is the Nespresso Pop, available at Walmart, which usually retails for around $120, twice as much as the cheapest Keurig. Nespresso prices rise to nearly $850 for an original Nespresso Creatista Pro, which is hundreds more than the K-Café SMART, available at Target, which retails for around $250.

This is also true when it comes to the cost of the coffee. Comparing two similar types of coffee, 30 Nespresso Stormio pods will cost you $37.50. You can get 72 Green Mountian Dark Magic pods for $37.12. Keurig wins hands down.

Which is worst for the environment?

There is no avoiding it: these products produce a lot of plastic waste. You should be very skeptical about any claims that they're recyclable. In the case of Keurig, while the K-cups are technically recyclable, it's only the plastic pod. What's more, though this plastic is largely recyclable, it depends on local recycling policies, so your local refuse collection might not take your pods. It gets even more complicated when you consider that you have to separate the foil, grounds, and filter from the plastic part and throw them away (though you can compost the grounds and filter). Let's be honest – very few of us can be bothered to do this. Even if you are, there will be times you're late to sort your trash and you simply won't have time to pick through all the spent K-Cups and prep them for recycling. There are other ways of making coffee that don't need so much effort to be green

Nespresso is more environmentally friendly, but that isn't saying much. Their Vertuo capsules are made with aluminum, which is more easily recycled than plastic, but it takes a little effort. You have to remember to bag up all your old capsules outside of your main trash and recycling and either drop them off at a collection point, drop them off at a Nespresso Boutique, or hand them to your mail carrier when they drop off your Vertuo pods. If not, the pods will take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Sure, it's not a huge effort, but it's more than other methods of making coffee.

What should I get instead?

I think both Nespresso and Keurig are good options for inexpensive, fast, compact coffee makers. However, for better-tasting coffee, I'd recommend a French press, like the Espro P7, available at Crate & Barrel, or a moka pot. I recently bought a Bialetti moka pot, available at Amazon and not only is it cheaper, but there's an unbelievable difference in quality between that and the Nespresso. It's almost like the coffee is a different type of drink altogether. Don't get me wrong, the Nespresso is still pretty good – I've had far, far worse coffee in my life – but it's simply not as nice, with a noticeable hit of acidity. The Keurig tastes much worse than this, too.

The problem, of course, is that the Moka pot takes a few minutes, and needs monitoring so it doesn't boil over onto your stovetop. Similar is true with a French press. It doesn't need monitoring, but you need to wait five minutes before your coffee. It feels like an age compared to the 30 seconds of a Nespresso. The Nespressos and Keurigs are also just simpler to use. If you can't be bothered to measure out ground coffee and calibrate your water temperature, pressing a single button on one of these coffee makers is much easier.

They're also much cheaper than other types of coffee maker. A good bean-to-cup coffee maker starts at around $600, and an espresso maker starts at $300. That's not too bad for the espresso maker, but you'll have to learn how to properly pull an espresso shot and steam milk, which can be pretty frustrating and again takes time.

Keurig and Nespresso FAQs

Should I buy a single-serve coffee maker?

Coffee snobs will tell you that coffee from a Keurig or a Nespresso will never neither taste as good as a French press or stovetop coffee pot, and they're right. These other methods simply taste better. They also create a lot less waste, and if you're particularly keen to reduce plastic waste I would buy a different type of coffee maker altogether. However, not all of us have the time, space, or budget to spend on a full-sized espresso machine or bean-to-cup coffee maker. If you want a cheap, fast, simple coffee maker, these are the way to go.

Can you use Keurig pods in a Nespresso?

No. Neither company's pods are compatible with the other's. Nespresso also introduced a new pod shape, the Vertuo, which is phasing out the older Original pod shapes.

Does Keurig or Nespresso have more caffeine?

It depends on the pods you use. Some pods have more caffeine than others, and both companies offer decaf and half-caf options.

Final thoughts

Both companies make pretty good single-serve coffee makers, but it's definitely worth exploring other methods of making coffee. If you're new to coffee, there are lots of coffee makers for beginners that are worth checking out to make the whole process a little easier.

Keurig's coffee makers are famously inexpensive, which means you have to be picky over which ones you choose. The most convenient, versatile model in their offering is the Keurig K-Supreme SMART Coffee Maker. It's one of their more elaborate models and it's worth the upgrade too.

After testing the Keurig K-Supreme SMART, our experts knew it was deserving of a spot in our buying guide for the best Keurig coffee makers. The high-end model provides five strength settings, six temperature options, and four drink sizes. It can even brew iced drinks, using special settings to maximize taste.

Our expert put the smart functions, hot chocolate pods, and all the coffee functions to the test to find out whether this is one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market. We're on the fence for that one, but if you want a Keurig, look no further than here.  

Product specifications

Who would it suit?

After using the K-Supreme Smart for several weeks, I think it’s best suited for busy households. Its large water tank and quick brewing abilities are perfect when you’re in a rush, as it will almost always have your drink ready in less than 2 minutes. It also gives you a lot of customization options, which helps cater to people with different preferences. 

However, this machine might not be the best choice for anyone who’s not tech-savvy. In my experience, it doesn’t work properly unless it’s hooked up to Wi-Fi, so you need to know your way around a smartphone to make the most of its abilities. 

What's it like to use?

The K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker arrived packaged in molded cardboard and wrapped in a styrofoam-type bag for protection. There was minimal plastic in the packaging, and most of the materials were able to be recycled, which I appreciated. 

One of the cool things I noticed right away about the machine is that you can set up its water tank in two different orientations. It can be placed beside the main brewer, forming an L-shaped unit, or behind it for a straight, narrow orientation. You can alternate between them by changing the direction of the water tube on the bottom of the machine, which I found was quite easy to do. 

The only other thing I had to do to set up the machine was install the filter into the water tank. The little fabric cartridges needed to be rinsed before being inserted into the machine, but it was a quick and easy process. Once that was done, I filled up the large 66-ounce water tank and was ready to start brewing. 

Making hot drinks

I used the K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker a few times before I synced it up to the Keurig app, and I had quite a bit of trouble with it. When I inserted a K-cup, the digital screen just kept showing me “Please Wait,” and I had to open and shut the lid a few times before it registered that there was a pod in the machine. Thankfully, these problems went away after I set up the unit’s smart features, but it’s worth noting that the coffee maker may not work properly without a Wi-Fi connection.  

Once the machine was connected to my home’s Wi-Fi via the Keurig app, it worked much more smoothly. All I had to do was pop a K-cup into the top, and the BrewID feature would automatically identify the drink and select its recommended settings. (You can always change them if desired.) From there, it was just a matter of selecting the drink size—6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces—and pressing the large K button to start brewing. This Keurig brews very quickly, and my drinks always come out very hot. 

Throughout the course of testing, I used the K-Supreme to make a few different types of coffee, as well as hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and chai lattes. They all tasted great, and I loved that the water reservoir holds enough to make several drinks before needing a refill.

Making iced coffee

In addition to all sorts of hot drinks, the K-Supreme Smart also has a special setting for brewing iced drinks. I tested it out using the Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice Brew-Over-Ice K-Cups, and the machine automatically selected the brew-over-ice setting once it registered the pod. It instructs you not to brew into a glass cup, so I used a metal travel tumbler filled with ice instead. I selected the 12-ounce drink setting and let the machine do its thing. 

It took longer than expected for the Keurig to brew my iced coffee, but it was worth the wait. When it was finished brewing, the coffee was room temperature with just a few pieces of ice remaining, so I topped it off with a little more ice before adding cream and sugar. I was really impressed with the beverage’s rich, spicy taste, and it didn’t seem watered down at all.

Using the smart features

One of the main features of this Keurig is that it connects to the brand’s app. Once I had created an account in the app, it walked me through the process of pairing the machine with my phone. It only took a few minutes, and I didn’t have any issues getting the unit synced up to my Wi-Fi network. 

In truth, I didn’t find the app to be very useful. It has a section for “Café Creation” drinks, but most of them are extremely simple—they just highlight different K-cups that you can buy. There’s also a whole shopping section where you can order Keurig products. 

The app offers a few brewer features, allowing you to turn on high-altitude brewing, create favorite brew settings, or schedule a brew in advance. This might be handy if you want to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee, but in all honesty, it’s just as fast to pop in a K-cup and hit brew. 

Cleaning and storage

The beauty of pod-style coffee makers is that there’s very little cleaning and maintenance required, and the K-Supreme Smart is no exception. On a daily basis, all I ever needed to do was throw away my used K-cups, and I ended up refilling the water tank about twice a week. 

To keep your Keurig working well, the brand does recommend changing the filter and descaling the machine every three months. Replacement filter cartridges are fairly inexpensive, and you can descale the machine using the brand’s descaling solution or with just plain white vinegar. Either way, the upkeep is significantly easier than with most drip coffee machines.  

How does it rate online?

The K-Supreme Smart currently has a 4.3-star rating from around 300 reviewers on the Keurig website. Among positive reviews, many people like that the machine is notably smaller than other Keurig models and offers a wide range of customization options. The Brew ID feature is another aspect that many users enjoy. 

However, one of the most common complaints is that the machine sometimes struggles to connect to Wi-Fi, which can impact its operation. Lots of people questioned the 'SMART' label in and of itself. They didn't think that the machine was particularly technologically advanced, nor did they find these features useful. So, if you're into your technological coffee makers, it might be worth giving this one a miss.

Several people also note that the machine needs to be descaled quite frequently, with the indicator going on several times per month. 

How does it compare to other Keurigs?

For the sake of comparison, I tested the K-Supreme Smart alongside the K-Mini Plus, which is one of the brand’s smallest and most affordable machines. Where the K-Supreme Smart offers all the bells and whistles — including brew customization, K-cup recognition, and smart connectivity — the K-Mini Plus is extremely basic. It only has two brew settings, normal and strong, and its water reservoir only holds enough for one drink at a time. This inexpensive model is likely useful for dorm rooms or occasional coffee drinkers, but the K-Supreme Smart is definitely a better fit for households that make multiple drinks per day.   

If you've got some extra room in your coffee maker budget, it's worth looking outside of the Keurig brand. Nespresso makes some more premium coffee makers out there for only a little more money. For example, for $5, you can invest in the Nespresso Vertuo Next. This is the best single-serve coffee maker of all time. It makes coffee that rivals fresh, espresso machine brews, it's slick, smart, and durable too. If I had to choose between the two, I'd get the Nespresso every time.

Should you buy it?

If you’re in the market for a new single-serve coffee machine, the Keurig K-Supreme Smart Coffee Maker is a worthwhile splurge. This high-tech model gives you more control over your drinks, allowing you to adjust everything from the water temperature to the drink size. It can even make tasty iced drinks. 

However, this Keurig is best for fairly tech-savvy people, as you will need to connect it to Wi-Fi to use it to its full capacity. Without an internet connection, the unit struggles to work properly, and even with one, the app isn't particularly helpful.

How We Test

Before we recommend a coffee maker, we take it to our test kitchen or try it in our homes. It varies by machine, but we make as much coffee as we possibly can in every machine. We try espresso, Americanos, and cappucinos, and where relevant teas. We also try these coffees and hot drinks with milk alternatives for vegans and lactose-intolerant readers. 

We also unbox, clean, and store every machine so we can understand what it is to actually live with these machines.  We base our feedback on a range of criteria: the coffee needs to taste good, the machine should be ergonomic and easy to use, and we love innovation. All the detail is on our dedicated how we test coffee machines' page.

If you're looking for a small, inexpensive coffee maker, the K-Mini Plus is one of the best models on the market. It can brew a range of different drinks, it's compatible with different pods, and it's easy to use. So, should you buy one?

We've been testing the best Keurig coffee makers available, trying to find ones that can rival Nespresso's famous machines. The K-Mini Plus is one of two (we also love the K-Supreme SMART) that makes the cut as one of the best single-serve coffee makers on the market.

I used the K-Mini Plus to make a range of coffees, as well as drinks like hot apple cider and chai lattes. After weeks of testing, here's my verdict on how good it is and who it suits.

Who would it suit?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is ideal for anyone who has limited space, whether in a small apartment, dorm room, or even an office. The main selling point of this model is that it’s much more compact than other Keurigs, and it even comes with a K-cup storage container that docks underneath its spout, taking up no extra room.

The K-Mini Plus is also best for people who only prepare one cup of coffee (or other hot drinks) at a time. It has a single-serving reservoir that needs to be filled up before each use, and having to go back and forth to the sink could get frustrating if you’re making multiple servings.

Should you buy it?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a top choice for certain situations. The most obvious use-case is if you’re looking for something very compact and easy to use. It's great for dorm rooms, apartment kitchens, and for a mini coffee nook in a home office. It’s currently the slimmest Keurig available at just 4.5 inches wide, and it will fit comfortably in small apartments and even dorm rooms. This coffee maker comes in a variety of bright colors, and its one-button operation is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to quickly brew up a single cup of coffee or another hot drink.

That said, this coffee maker definitely has a few quirks to know about before you buy. It’s awkwardly slow when brewing—it can take more than two minutes to churn out a single cup—and tends to splatter quite a bit. Additionally, its water reservoir only holds enough water for a single cup, so you’ll need to refill it every time you want a drink.

Product specifications

What's it like to use?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus is extremely straightforward to operate. To make a drink, you start by filling up the single-serve water reservoir, which is on the back of the machine. It’s easy to remove and carry to the sink, and the whole lid flips up, making it easy to fill with water, as well. There are markers on the side of the tank for 8, 10, and 12 ounces, and you have to fill it with the right amount of water for your cup. Unlike other Keurigs, which have buttons for cup size, this machine simply uses all the water in its reservoir when you make a drink.

Once you’ve replaced the water tank, you simply insert your desired K-cup into the machine and close the lid. If you want a stronger drink, you can press the button that says Strong—otherwise, you just press the big K button to start brewing.

I was a bit surprised at how slow this machine is to brew a drink. It takes a minute or so before the machine makes any type of noise or indication that it’s working, and several times, I came back to double-check that I had actually pressed start. It doesn’t help that there aren’t any lights or other indicators to let you know it’s brewing—you simply have to wait until you hear the water gurgling through the system.

After a minute or two, the K-Mini Plus starts dispensing your drink into the cup below. It can accommodate all different mug sizes and shapes, and you can even remove the water catch area to put a taller travel mug underneath. The brewing process works just like any other Keurig, but I did notice that this unit tends to splatter more. I usually needed to wipe down the counter after using it, otherwise there would be little coffee droplets all over the place.

Taste test

In terms of the drinks themselves, I was surprisingly impressed with the quality. I typically think of Keurig-brewed coffee as weaker and less flavorful than drip brew, but the Green Mountain K-cups I used were actually very good. It was the perfect drink for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and I also used the machine to make a chai latte and hot chocolate with great results.

Cleaning and storage

One of the best parts of using a Keurig instead of a drip coffee maker is that there’s virtually no clean-up required. Apart from the splattering, when you’re finished brewing a drink, you just have throw away the used K-cup. It’s as easy as that.

The brand recommends descaling your Keurig every three to six months, and you will have to remember to do this on your own, as the K-Mini doesn’t have a descaling indicator light. The good news is that the process is simple: you just add a descaling solution to the reservoir and brew as normal. Once it’s done, you rinse the machine out twice, and you’re good to go for another several months.

For more compact storage, this model comes with a handy container that can hold up to nine K-cups, and it slots in underneath the machine’s spout. It’s a convenient way to keep K-cups nearby without taking up any additional space for storage.

How does it rate online?

The Keurig K-Mini Plus has a 4-star rating from more than 2,500 reviewers on the Keurig website. Among positive reviews, people frequently comment on the machine’s compact size and straightforward operation, though like me, some reviewers note that it brews much more slowly than expected.

On Amazon, the machine earns 4.5 stars from close to 7,000 reviewers, many of whom love its slim design. However, there are quite a few buyers who say the machine stops working within a year of purchase, which might put you off. There's also, unsurprisingly, a number of people who felt that this was cheap. That's really because it is. The body is made from plastic, not metal, and it doesn't come with any frills or extra-special features.

How does it compare to other Keurigs?

I tested the Keurig K-Mini Plus alongside the K-Supreme SMART, and the two models are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Where the K-Mini Plus is small and extremely simple to use, the K-Supreme SMART is one of the brand’s more high-tech options. It has a digital control panel that lets you control settings like cup size, water temperature, brew strength, and more, and it can even sync up to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. This more advanced unit is definitely worth the extra money if you want to be able to customize your drinks or brew more frequent cups of coffee.

If you have a little more money to spend, another $50 can get you a very long way. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop, whilst double the price of the K-Mini Plus, is compact, colorful, and much more durably built. It looks and feels like a premium coffee maker and the flavors that it extracts are close to specialty coffee. If you've not got a sensitive palette, you won't miss out on much with the Keurig, but if you want to treat yourself, go for the Nespresso.

How We Test

Before we recommend a coffee maker, we take it to our test kitchen or try it in our homes. It varies by machine, but we make as much coffee as we possibly can in every machine. We try espresso, Americanos, and cappucinos, and where relevant teas. We also try these coffees and hot drinks with milk alternatives for vegans and lactose-intolerant readers.

We also unbox, clean, and store every machine so we can understand what it is to actually live with these machines. We base our feedback on a range of criteria: the coffee needs to taste good, the machine should be ergonomic and easy to use, and we love innovation. All the detail is on our dedicated how we test coffee machines' page.

Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially when it comes to coffee. That's why knowing how to organize your coffee pods is almost as important as the quality and flavors delivered in each capsule. 

Luckily for you, there are plenty of simple ways to store your coffee pods. Some of the best single-serve coffee makers have integrated storage solutions. However, in most cases, where you put your pods will be part of your overall coffee bar organization.

I spoke with experts to glean all their tips for clever ways to store your favorite coffee pods. Whether you need space-saving solutions or stylish statement designs, here's how to store your coffee pods like the experts.

How to organize coffee pods

I've broken down different storage ideas into five sections. You can scroll through all of them or jump to the one which you know will suit your kitchen. Either way, they've got expert-approval, both from coffee connoisseurs and interior designers

1. Drawer inserts

If you have a drawer available, consider using drawer inserts, at Amazon, or dividers designed for coffee pods to keep them organized and easily accessible.

These can fit inside any drawer and allow you to keep the coffee pods organized and separated based on strength, brand, and coffee type. Some drawer inserts have multiple compartments to help you do this.

2. Glass jars

One method of organizing and storing coffee pods is by repurposing glass jars, like these mason jars from Amazon. They are inexpensive, come in a variety of sizes, and keep pods to hand. This not only keeps them organized but also adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Apothecary glass jars and cookie jars can also be used to add some charm to the space and allow you to see when it’s time to restock. When storing coffee grounds, on the other hand, it's best to use opaque containers to keep them as fresh as possible.

3. Lazy Susans

According to Rosie Elliot, the owner of Kitchen Appliance Answer, lazy susans are another great organizing tool for pods.

‘Spin it to find the flavor you want!’ she says. ‘I have used these to create pod carousels inside kitchen cabinets before. The 360 access makes it easy to see and grab what you need.’

Lazy susans, like these from Amazon, can be placed either in a pantry or on one of your kitchen work surfaces. By removing the pods from their boxes, you can stack and display the pods and get rid of the unnecessary packaging from your home.

4. Utilize vertical space

If space is tight, you can use a vertical coffee pod organizer, currently reduced at Wayfair. ‘You can screw them to the inside of cabinet doors to take advantage of that wasted space,’ suggests professional organizer Amy Berryhill.

Using a wall-mounted holder or installing magnetic strips to the inside of a cabinet door is a great space-saving method that is not only visually appealing but also saves counter space and keeps your coffee pods within reach.

5. Labeling

No matter what system you choose, labels are a must. ‘I love using a label maker to identify coffee names, flavors and roast dates on the storage containers or the pods themselves,’ says interior designer Chantelle Malarkey. 

Organization is useless if you can't find what you need. By labeling your coffee pod storage containers you will be able to locate the correct pod type when you need it.

FAQs

What is the best way to keep coffee pods fresh?

The best way to keep your coffee pods in good condition is to store them in a dark, dry place, where the temperature is regulated.

Do coffee pods ever go bad?

Coffee pods do not technically go bad and therefore do not necessarily need an expiry date. But for best results, you should use them within the shelf life of 12 months.

Remember to choose an organizing method that suits your kitchen layout and personal preferences. Consider factors such as accessibility, space availability, and aesthetics when organizing your coffee pods. You could even get creative and make your own coffee pod holders using materials like wood, PVC pipes, or repurposed containers.

Decaffeinated coffee is getting better and more popular by the day. You can drink decaf into the late afternoon, enjoy multiple cups without buzzing or shaking, and you'll still get all the health benefits of regular coffee (as long as you're buying the right blend).

Decaf coffee has an unshakable reputation for tasting, dusty, chemically, and bitter, but that's a result of cheap processes. Many companies save money by using the same chemicals that are in paint strippers, so you lose a lot of coffee's goodness as well as the flavors. Don't worry though, there are better methods out there and delicious ways to brew decaf coffee.

The Swiss water method is an expensive, but gentle way to decaffeinate coffee. Your beans might be a few dollars more, but they'll be delicious (and still full of all the oils, antioxidants, and fiber that you would drink from a regular cup of coffee). I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about decaf coffee, including where to buy good decaf coffee beans and the best coffee makers for brewing them in. 

How does decaffeination work?

People have been decaffeinating coffee from as early as 1903. Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant, used benzene (a carcinogenic solvent) to take the buzz out of coffee. But the process has changed a lot in 120 years. These days it can be divided into two categories: chemical and water decaffeination.

The chemical process uses either the Indirect Solvent Method or the Direct Solvent Method. Kayla Stavridis, Head of Marketing at Barista HQ, explained to me that these processes essentially use 'steam with a solvent (usually ethyl acetate or methylene chloride) to strip the caffeine from green coffee beans before they are roasted'. However, these solvents take a lot of coffee's healthy oils and flavors with them. This method is cheaper, but it's really harsh on coffee beans.

The second, more expensive process, is the Swiss Water Process. I spoke with Ashley Palmer-Watts, professional chef and founder of Artisan Coffee Co. He's been doing research into decaffeinated coffee, and worked with Q Graders (elite professionals who evaluate coffee) to make the best, most nourishing decaffeinated coffee on the market. He explained the Swiss Water Process to me. 'You have your beans in a chamber and you run caffeinated water over the beans. The caffeine travels from in the bean to the greater mass of caffeine in the water through osmosis. A machine captures the water, refills the chamber and keeps the process going until the caffeine is pretty much out of the bean'.

He told me that this process is really expensive and it takes a long time but he thinks it's worth doing. 'It leaves all the good stuff in the bean, all the oils, all the things that you want to develop in the bean when you roast it. These are the parts that will develop into the flavor that we know as coffee.'

I tried some of his decaffeinated coffee. Called The Dreamer, it was the best decaffeinated coffee I've ever had. Ashley told me 'Almost nobody who drinks normal coffee likes decaf, so I wanted to make something that everyone could enjoy.' His coffee was light and floral with notes of honey. Even better, it didn't damage my sleeping pattern, even when I had it mid-afternoon. 

If you need to convince someone that decaf coffee is tasty, good quality decaffeinated beans are the way to do it. Here are some of my favorites:

Brewing Methods

You can buy your decaf exactly as you would normal coffee: as beans, grounds, or pods. This means that you can brew them in exactly the same way that you would your normal coffee. I've used it across a range of different types of coffee makers and found that decaf is best in pour-over, drip coffee makers, or French presses.

Maurice Contrearas, CEO and Founder of Volcanica Coffee Company, told me that the Swiss Water Process can result in 'your beans containing less soluble matter, resulting in a lighter flavor. The best way to remedy this is to slow down the brewing process, giving your coffee more time to extract and bloom. We recommend using a slightly finer grinder or using slightly more coffee with your preferred brewing method.' That's why I always recommend the pour-over, drip, or French press coffee makers over more intense espresso machines. You can still use these coffee makers, but be sensitive to the taste of your coffee and ready to adapt your coffee ratios and brew times.

If you buy decaffeinated K-Cups, it's likely that the company will have adjusted the bean blend so that you can taste the well-balanced coffee flavors. If you are brewing yourself, make sure to adjust how you brew, whether it's with more coffee or a longer time, because it isn't identical to regular coffee.

These are the best coffee makers for decaf coffee:

For all these machines, you can buy pre-ground decaffeinated coffee. However, your coffee will taste better if you buy it as a whole bean and grind it yourself, just before you use it. The fresher your coffee is, the better it tastes. For that reason, I would recommend buying a good coffee grinder. Here are my favorite models, each suited to a different kitchen and coffee.

The Difference

There isn't much taste difference between good decaf coffee and normal coffee. It's likely that your decaf will be lighter and more delicate than a caffeinated coffee, because it's gone through one more stage of processing.

With more labor will come higher prices. Your decaf will inevitably cost more money, but if you need to cut back on caffeine, I would say it's worth it. Ashley, from Artisan Coffee Co, said that he has tried thousands of decaffeinating methods at various prices. Even though he wanted to save money, the cheaper methods never tasted as good. If you care about quality coffee, you'll have to make the investment.

Health Benefits

I asked this question to health experts, as well as coffee experts to get a reliable answer. Everybody told me that good quality decaf comes with the same benefits as regular coffee. Maurice Contreas says 'Both decaf and regular coffee can boost your metabolism, lower your risk of heart disease, lower your risk of type two diabetes, and some studies show it can reduce your risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.'

'Decaf coffee may be especially healthy for those who cannot tolerate caffeinated coffee. The lower part of the stomach is also not as stimulated with decaf coffee, because it tends to be lower in acidity. If your have gastritis symptoms, decaf coffee can really improve your day-to-day life.'

Good quality decaf coffee can come with the same health benefits as normal coffee. It's still packed with fiber and antioxidants. Howard Gill, Head of Coffee at Grind, says 'moderate coffee consumption shows signs of promoting longevity, reducing the risk of ailments such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.'

Those who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake, but still want that delicious coffee flavor will find that decaf is a much healthier alternative. Howard says, 'as with most things in life, excess is seldom the answer. While coffee exhibits positive attributes, moderation is the golden rule. So, if you're accustomed to indulging in super-sized lattes, consider scaling down for a balanced approach to your coffee journey.' He has lots of tips on how to enjoy coffee and incorporate sustainable quality roasts into your coffee rituals.

FAQs

Does decaf coffee still contain caffeine?

Experts all told me that decaf coffee still contains low levels of caffeine, in the same that dark chocolate and cocoa have caffeine. There are trace amounts. If you're having trouble sleeping, it might not be the wisest idea to have a decaf coffee before bed, but you can drink it much later in the day than you could with a normal coffee.

Is decaf coffee healthy?

Good quality decaf coffee will provide all the health benefits of normal coffee, just without the acidity and caffeine hit. Gentle methods of extraction will not damage the antioxidants or oils in your coffee beans.

What are the pros and cons of decaf coffee?

Decaf coffee is a brilliant drink for you if you like the taste of coffee, but you don't want the caffeine. The only downside is that it will cost you more money because there is another stage of processing that takes place between the bean and your cup.

If you love coffee for the taste, decaf coffee is a brilliant way to keep drinking it late into the afternoon. Lots of cheaper decafs will have used chemical or harsher methods of decaffeination, so always look for the Swiss Water Process. If you buy good quality beans, you'll enjoy a light and flavorful cup without the acidity and buzz of a regular cup of coffee.

It's Amazon Prime Day, and all the best coffee maker deals you can think of will be on their site. I've seen Amazon slash prices by hundreds of dollars, but name brands aren't always the cheapest to buy, even in their sales. A prime (sorry, couldn't help myself) example is this Keurig, which I've found reduced by another $50 at QVC.

Perfect for one, this slim and stylish machine will brew you delicious coffee, hot or over ice. It retails for $149.99 and I wouldn't blame you for rushing to get your hands on one for $117.98 at Amazon this Prime Day — but don't. 

This Keurig is just $69.98 at QVC, and if you're a new customer, you could check out with a Keurig having only paid $39.98. You just need to use the code NEWQVC30.

To put it a little more simply, at Amazon, you can save $30. That's not bad. At QVC, you'll be saving $80. If you're lucky, you'll save $110, walking away with a top-quality coffee machine for only $40. This is why I love sales.

What is it?

Getting down to the technicalities, this is a compact, slim, single-serve coffee maker. You can brew hot and cold coffee in a range of different cup sizes, so it's an excellent option if you like to mix up your brews. At less than 5 inches wide, it's a subtle addition to your countertops, especially if you have a petite kitchen. Here are the product specs, so that you can check whether it's right for your space.

Is it any good?

Full disclosure: We're yet to test this machine. We've got lots Keurig reviews pending, but we need a little more time to make our conclusions.

However, I've read hundreds of user-reviews for this Keurig and the consensus is that this is excellent. Not all coffee makers are iced-coffee friendly and even those that are don't often get the flavors right. This Keurig pre-cools your coffee before it hits the ice, so that you don't get the dramatic temperature change which might make your iced coffee taste bitter. 

I was a little sceptical, but reviewers have assured me this is a game-changer, not a gimmick. The only other Keurig that offers this technology is the K-Supreme which will set you back around $170. Comparatively, the K-Slim will save you money and space without compromising on quality.

Every single review I read said that this Keurig's coffee was smooth, balanced, and flavorful. It brews a cup in under two minutes and you can make up to four cups of coffee before needing a re-fill. The fact that it is sleek, small, and straightforward to use only adds to my conviction that this is an excellent buy. 

When it comes to cleaning, this has a descale setting and is really easy to have sparkling again. You can even remove the resevoir for cleaning and re-filling, although it doesn't have a handle, so use both hands. The K-Slim is available in a range of colors, so it'll co-ordinate with your kitchen colorscheme.

Before leaping into a purchase, it's worth noting a few things. This is single-serve, so if you want to make batches of coffee, you'd be better-off buying a drip coffee maker, like this Moccamaster at Amazon.  Some reviewers felt that the hot coffee was inconsistent in temperature, but that's to be expected from a lower-cost option.

FAQs

My Verdict

If you're looking for a dorm room coffee maker, space saving caffeinator, or the perfect cup-of-joe creator, you've found it. I can't stress enough what incredible value this is. Buying on a budget has never been easier and, just in case you missed it, you can buy a Keurig K-Slim at QVC for between $40 and $70.

There are two types of people when it comes to packing: the organized, over-prepared type, who has everything neatly folded and color-coded, or the last-minute packer who turns up with nothing but a backpack.

When it comes to college, it's smart to be somewhere in between. You should enjoy your last summer break before you're thrown into student life, but also be prepared with everything you need – which is why it's worth finding out exactly when you should start packing for college. 

There are college checklists to make, shopping to be done, and of course the packing itself. And if you're planning on decorating your room, or upgrading on comfort with one of the best mattress toppers for dorm beds, you might need to do some research too. 

To save you spending too much time on getting yourself freshman year-ready, we've spoken to an organization expert and ex-student for their advice on the best time to begin the all-important college prep. 

When should you start packing for college?

It can feel like there is a lot to learn for freshman students, i and packing for college is a pretty huge deal. Feelings of excitement but also nerves are normal as you prepare for a new chapter, living elsewhere. As professional organizer Caroline Roberts explains, 'you'll want the comforts of home, but usually, you'll have a fraction of the space.'  Because of this, it's important to start packing a few months (or even maybe a year) ahead of moving to ensure you get it right. 

Of course, this doesn't mean getting all of your essentials together in a suitcase a whole 12 months before you're set to start. Rather Caroline recommends 'keeping a moving box or large tote available so you can toss things into them as you buy them or think of them'. She also suggests 'keeping a notepad in the tote, so you can jot down things you know you'll want to pack but are still using or are yet to purchase'. 

Around 2-4 weeks before you're due to move, you can then re-evaluate, buy the things you have yet ticked off the list, and add anything to your packing. 'You may change your mind, or realize you have enough of something, so at this point, you can go through things with a critical eye' says Caroline. 

1. Prepare your checklist

The first step to packing for college is putting together a checklist. Look through what you already own and what you need. By collating a list, you're able to see which items may need a little more budget. You can also which products need to be bought first as well as items you can leave until the last minute or pick up when you get a chance. 

We've put together a checklist for you to help differentiate between the necessities and luxuries. Dorm room essentials include bedding, like affordable bed sheets, storage containers to help stay organized – even after you arrive – and cleaning supplies. There are some other great dorm room items you can take to make your experience more comfortable, such as small appliances, like a coffee maker or personal blender. While not essential, these personal add-ons are sure to make your space feel more homely. 

The checklist will be personal to you. Despite some staples, it's worth considering what you simply cannot live without too. Getting your checklist sorted early is key as it gives you enough time to not only tick it off but also add to it if you remember or think of something else you'd like to bring. 

2. Start shopping

It's a good idea to start building up your dorm room packing as early as possible. As soon as your first draft checklist is done you can begin to scroll and shop for any things you don't already own. Starting at least a few months before allows you to pick up little items in your, as well as research and find the best value buys. Doing it this way helps to avoid you doing a huge online shop and spending most of your paycheck in one go. Spread the load and buy your dorm essentials when it suits you. 

You should also look out for summer sales like Prime Day that often happen a few months before college start dates. If you've had your eye specifically on something like the Keurig K-Mini at Amazon, small and perfect to take to university, but not an essential worth spending too much on, it's worth waiting for when it's on sale at Amazon. 

3. Packing effectively

After you've bought everything you need and have built up a pretty large pile of items to take with you to college, it's time to pack. You should set some time aside, around a day or two, to carefully fold, organize and pack things effectively. Start by packing your lesser-used items first, keeping out any things you need to hand until the actual day. 

If you're flying to college, taking public transport, or driving yourself in a small car you'll want to think about how to best pack to save space without having to compromise. Make sure any fragile things like cookware and ornaments are wrapped in newspaper, grocery bags, or bubble wrap, and any small, delicate items are packed in boxes or tubs to keep them safe. 

At this stage, you should also remember that you don't have to take everything with you from home. Household essentials like food and toiletries, can be bought once you've arrived. Amazon Prime is also going to be your best friend here. Ordering items to your new home will mean you can carry less and have them arrive at your dorm when you need them. 

FAQs

Preparation is key. Whether you're moving to college for the first time, or going back to school, it's always good to get a head start on plans. But the truth is, as long as you've got the essentials, there's no need to stress or over-worry about having everything you need straight away. There will be a local store you can pick up the glassware you didn't get to buy in time, and there's always delivery services like Amazon Prime. 

Coffee is big business, and as technology improves, home coffee makers are increasingly popular. They save you time and money and are increasingly essential as more of us work from home. 

However, there are so many different styles of coffee; there's drip, espresso, latte, filter, cold brew, and many more – and no one wants to buy a separate machine for each one. Some people opt to invest in one of the best espresso machines, which is great, but these can get expensive.

Enter the Ninja DualBrew Pro. This coffee maker means that you can make both drip coffee as well as use K-Cups. That's saying nothing of the milk frother, iced coffee function, or the independent water line to make tea. 

I tested every function of this coffee maker in my own home to see how it stacks up against the best single-serve coffee makers. I found a versatile appliance that will let you make a wide range of drinks for a fair price, although you'll need to clear a lot of room first.

Specfications

Unboxing

The Ninja DualBrew Pro comes in a large box, and you’ll find a user manual and quickstart guide inside. This coffee maker is great for many types of brew types and brew styles, and it even has a display that will adapt depending on the brew type and keep you posted on the progress of your brew. Overall, the Ninja DualBrew Pro is relatively compact, and it even has a retractable arm for the frothing tool and room to store the Ninja smart scoop on the machine itself. The only loose item is the Ninja pod adapter, which can be stored separately when not being used. However, it's a very tall appliance. 

For coffee grounds, you can brew 8 to 55 ounces, and pods are designed for 6 to 12 ounce brews. Hot water can be from 2 to 60 ounces. To prime the brewing process, fill the water vessel with water and run the 55-ounce brew cycle in the carriage. The water vessel is detachable, so it’s easier to refill at the sink and reattach. The brew basket is used when brewing pods or grounds, and there is a Ninja pod adapter that is locked in place over the brew basket when brewing pods.

What's it like to use?

To use the Ninja DualBrew Pro, start by choosing your brewing method, preferred size, and brewing style. Brew styles can be rich, classic, over ice, or a specialty brew, Classic brew styles are more balanced, whereas rich brews tend to have stronger flavors. The over ice brew style is more concentrated and is designed to be made over ice without being watered down. The specialty brew is made for coffee drinks like lattes, macchiatos, and other coffee shop drinks, and this only brews 4 ounces.  When it comes to making drip coffee or coffee from a pod, Ninja DualBrew heats up the water to a consistent temperature and evenly saturates the coffee ground so they’re all used equally. 

You can place a travel mug or carafe on the warming plate, or pull down the cup platform and set a mug on it. Once you’re ready, press the Start Brew button to start brewing, and you can track progress using the illuminating progress bar. The Ninja DualBrew will beep several times when your coffee is ready. 

Test 1: Coffee pods

If you want to make coffee quickly and without having to measure out your grounds, brewing coffee pods is a great option. If you’re using the pod mode, install the Ninja pod adapter in the brewer over the brew basket and ensure that the indicator on the left side is aligned with “Lock.” This can be a little tedious to add and replace if you alternate between brewing pods and coffee grounds, but the ability to do both methods from one machine makes it worth it. 

Once you’ve added the adapter, which will be detected automatically by the coffee maker, take your Ninja-compatible K-Cup place it in the top vessel, and choose your ounce amount, which can be 6 to 12 ounces. Firmly press down the handle to pierce your pod, choose your quantity, and then press the round button to start brewing. There is a drip stop that can be used to stop the brewing process, and this can be closed or reopened at any point during the brewing process.

Test 2: Coffee Grounds

This machine doesn’t come with a coffee grinder, so you’ll need to grind your own coffee beans or buy grounds. If you’re brewing coffee grounds, use the included Ninja Smart Cup to measure coffee grounds and follow the guidance for the number of scoops for each brew size, which can be found on the handle of the Smart Scoop.

This was my preferred method because it uses less waste than pods, and I was able to add more grounds if I wanted a stronger brew. I found that the Ninja DualBrew Pro did an effective job of saturating the coffee grounds so my brew was rich and balanced every time. 

Test 3 - Frothing Milk

If you like to enjoy your coffee with frothed milk or creamer, you can also use the frothing tool to foam up half a cup of milk, a milk alternative, or creamer. To do so, swing the arm of the frother and install the frother whisk by twisting up and to the right. Ensuring that the frothing whisk is submerged just below the surface, and press and hold the frothing button for 30 to 45 seconds. Then remove the frother by twisting up and to the left and clean at the sink or dishwasher.

Overall, I found that the frother made cold almond milk creamer pretty bubbly and sweeter but not foamy, so this machine isn’t replacing my reliance on Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother, available at Amazon for cold foam. However, this frother was much more effective with oat milk. The milk frother also won’t heat up the milk, so you’ll need to do that on your own first.  

Test 4: Hot water

You can boil hot water to two different temperatures, which can be used for things like oatmeal, hot chocolate, or tea. To switch to hot water mode, turn the dial to the water droplet icon. Then, water will be dispensed next to the coffee outlet.

Test 5: Keeping coffee warm

The warming plate turns on and stays on for two hours if you’re brewing at least ¼ of a carafe on classic or rich brew, and will be off automatically otherwise. The warming plate can also be turned on manually for up to four hours using the “Keep Warm” button at the front of the coffee maker, and you’ll know the warming plate is on when the triangular icon at the base of brew is illuminated. 

When I prepared my coffee in an open vessel like a mug but forgot to turn on the warming plate, I often needed to warm it up again after 15 to 20 minutes. However, coffee tended to stay hot when prepared in the closed carafe or travel mug, or when I turned on the warming plate before preparing my coffee.

Taste Test

The taste of the coffee from the Ninja DualBrew Pro varies depending on the brew style, but it doesn’t get watered down. Coffee made on the specialty method is designed for espresso-based drinks and is well-balanced when combined with dairy or creamer. 

However, this method didn’t stand up as a replacement for my espresso machine because it didn’t have a robust enough flavor, though the brew was stronger than a classic brew overall. The classic brew style tastes rich without being overpowering, and the over-ice option prepares a stronger brew so it doesn’t get watered down when prepared over ice.

Overall, the Ninja DualBrew Pro brews a consistent cup of coffee every time, and you can turn off the brew at any point if you choose the wrong size.

Cleaning And Maintenance

If you’re brewing pods, you can remove the used pod from the Ninja pod adapter and then remove the adapter from the brewer.

The Ninja DualBrew Pro is made with modular parts that can be easily removed, so it’s easy to remove Ninja pod adapter, frothing tool, and water reservoir for cleaning. They're all dishwasher safe, saving you from washing them by hand. 

How does it rate online?

People love the Ninja DualBrew. If you look online you'll find nothing but praise for the versatility offered by the Ninja. The people who seemed to enjoy theirs the most were those who switched between the different brewing methods. This tended to be large households with lots of different coffee drinkers: everyone could enjoy their coffee how they liked it.

Flavor-wise, people seemed satisfied, especially since you can adjust settings and try out different pods. They all said that it was easy to use, and quick to brew, and lots of people appreciated that the warming plate can keep coffee hot for up to four hours.

However, a tiny handful of users on Amazon felt that the filter isn't quite perfect. They could see residual grounds in the bottom of their coffee cup, whilst others felt that the espresso could be a little bolder.  

How Does It Compare?

The fairest comparison is with the De'Longhi All In One Combination Coffee Maker, another combination coffee maker. It ultimately comes down to styles of coffee. The All In One makes espresso, drip coffee, and lattes; the DualBrew makes drip coffee, single-serve, lattes and teas. If you're devoted to K-cups or Nespresso, the DualBrew is the clear winner, but if you want proper homemade espresso, you have to go with the All In One. However, you should also bear in mind that the DualBrew is usually $100 cheaper, depending on sales. 

While we love that you can steam milk in the DualBrew, it's an extra step that takes practice and effort. A machine like the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic can make milky coffees like lattes and cappuccinos automatically without you having to take any extra steps. 

It's also pretty tall on a countertop, so you might be better off with a more compact coffee pod machine like the Nespresso Vertuo Next if you have low cabinetry. 

Should you buy the Ninja DualBrew Coffee Maker?

The Ninja DualBrew Pro retails for $230, and it’s a great coffee maker for people who want the flexibility and convenience to brew with grounds or pods all-in-one coffee maker. From the frothing tool and display with the illuminating progress bar to the removable water vessel, even the small details are well considered. For the average coffee maker at home, this is a great option. 

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, our testing process is rigorous across all coffee makers. We have a standard series of coffees that we ask every coffee machine to make: espresso, Americano, and cappuccino. Espresso shows us how well the machine extracts the fundamental flavors of your coffee, an Americano shows us how well it can balance and dilute the espresso: there’s real skill in keeping coffee hot, but not burning it. Cappuccinos can be tricky to test because not every machine has milk-frothing functions. If they do though, we look for smooth, silky milk (on both dairy and non-dairy options), which adds sweetness to the normally more punchy and acidic espressos.

Machines like the Ninja work on different brewing styles, so we make sure to test those out too. Essentially, every function that a model offers, we make sure to test. Once we've scored the flavors, time, and temperature of each cup of coffee, we'll tale a step back and evaluate whether the machine is good value for money. We compare it to other models on the market, look at other reviews, and make notes on how we found using it longer-term too.

If you want to find out more, you can find all the details on our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers.

If you want yours to keep making delicious coffee, you need to know how to clean a drip coffee maker properly. It's one of the most important but often overlooked routines that you'll need to get into once you've invested in one.

Unlike cleaning a coffee maker, or cleaning a Keurig, drip coffee makers have most of their components on show, making it a little easier to clean up after a fresh cup of coffee. The downside to this openness, however, is that coffee and water spit around the inside of the device into every nook and crevice, making frequent deep cleaning essential.

Here is how to clean a drip coffee maker to prevent mold and bacteria with the things you likely already have in your kitchen cabinets.

How to clean a drip coffee maker

The best coffee makers need the best care to keep them producing the perfect cup of coffee, and this means regularly cleaning out the machine – even when it is a faff to do so. ‘On coffee and espresso machines, limescale can build up on the pumps and heating element. This can affect the heat of the coffee, as well as the taste. And if the buildup is not removed, the machine may stop working altogether,’ explains Tonya Harris, founder of Slightly Greener and author of The Slightly Greener Method, on Amazon.

‘Descaling is removing scale (or limescale) from parts of equipment where it can build up. Water contains minerals and calcium that can form limescale, which can build up over time, and can hinder the flow of water when it comes to water faucets. It can also affect items like coffee machines.’

For the best results, you should clean your coffee maker every use, and descale and deep clean at least once a month. Here is how to do both.

You will need:

• Fresh water
• Vinegar – such as Aunt Fannies 6% cleaning vinegar on Amazon
• Bottle sterilizing tablets – like these steramine tablets from Walmart
• A soft bottle brush – like these foam brushes from Amazon
• Dish soap – like Dawn from Walmart

How to clean a drip coffee maker daily

1. Dump out used coffee grounds and filters  

‘If brewing grounds allow the brewer to cool, then remove the brew basket by pinching the basket and lifting it out,’ says the experts at Ninja. ‘If you use a paper filter, discard the filter and the used grounds into your waste bin.’

You may also want to consider using coffee grounds for plants as fertilizer too if you are looking to be more sustainable at home.

2. Wash the filter basket and carafe in warm, soapy water  

To clean the filter basket and water reservoir, check if your model can be placed in the dishwasher. If so, ‘place it in the bottom rack of your dishwasher with the open end facing downwards, recommend Ninja experts. Otherwise, wash the removable parts by hand with warm soapy water in your kitchen sink.

‘We recommend cleaning your carafe after each use with warm, soapy water,’ they advise. ‘To clean the carafe more thoroughly, we recommend using a soft foam brush,’ they add, ‘do not use a wire brush as this will damage the glass.’

3. Dry thoroughly before reassembling  

Drying the drip coffee maker components thoroughly is essential to ensuring any soap suds have been wiped away and you are not leaving water marks behind on your freshly cleaned machine. Use a clean, dry dish towel, like these whimsical cotton dish towels at Anthropologie, to help buff and dry any clean parts.

4. Soak a reusable coffee filter in vinegar and water  

A coffee filter, like a coffee maker, is one of the many things you can clean with vinegar. If you use a reusable coffee filter like this from Amazon, then cleaning this after every use is important for preventing contamination and mold growth.

After you have scooped out any used coffee grounds, wipe any excess out of the filter before soaking it in a pot of equal parts white vinegar and water. Distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled down is best for this.

After leaving it to soak for 15 minutes or so, remove it from the solution and clean it with warm soapy water before rinsing and leaving it to dry completely.

How to deep clean a drip coffee maker monthly

On top of regular washing, deep cleaning a drip coffee maker at least once per month can help to prevent blockages in the pipes and sanitize your drip coffee maker to prevent mold and bacteria growth and poor-tasting coffee.

‘Descale coffee and espresso machines every one to three months, depending on how heavily they are used,’ recommends Tonya Harris of Slightly Greener.

1. Run vinegar through the reservoir  

While some companies make descaling liquids (especially for coffee and espresso machines), I recommend using vinegar. It’s cheaper and most likely already in your pantry, and because of its acidic nature, it’s great at removing limescale buildup. It's also a non-toxic way to descale.

‘To descale a coffee maker, fill the machine with approximately a half-pot of vinegar and let it run without coffee in it. Do this a couple of times, and then fill the pot with just water and run until you can no longer smell the vinegar – it may take a couple of times.

‘While I always use vinegar because it’s non-toxic, some experts say vinegar may be too harsh,’ Tonya adds. ‘I recommend reading your coffee or espresso machine’s care instructions, but personally, I’ve never had a problem with vinegar.’

2. Use a bottle sterilizing tablet in the carafe  

Although soap and water do a great job of refreshing a carafe after each use, a baby bottle sterilizing tablet and warm water can be perfect for deodorizing, removing stains, and killing any lingering bacteria in drip coffee pot carafes. It can also help to get rid of any stubborn coffee oils that can make even freshly brewed coffee taste bitter. Simply drop a tablet into the carafe of water and allow it to sit for half an hour or so before rinsing and drying.

FAQs

Can you run soapy water through a coffee maker? 

Although it may seem logical to run soap through the internal components of a coffee maker, an abundance of soap bubbles are hard to flush out of the internal pipes making coffee taste bad. Instead, use soapy water to clean the removable parts only and use a descaling solution of vinegar to clean the internal parts instead.

Is vinegar or baking soda better for cleaning a coffee maker?

Vinegar is best for cleaning the internal mechanisms of coffee makers, however adding baking soda to the carafe can help to break down, and greasy coffee residue and modernize the pot for better-tasting coffee.

Next, learn how to spot the tell-tale signs of mold in your coffee maker, and what to do about it.

Dishwasher tablets have been designed to help tackle the toughest of food and grease stains, and it turns out they can be used to clean a variety of things around the house with very little effort. 

Dishwasher tablets are used in a variety cleaning tips, and for good reason. These small, concentrated blocks are perfect for breaking down tough marks, lifting stains, and deodorizing drains without the need for an expansive cleaning product collection.

Here are the 13 surprising things you can clean with a dishwasher tablet, according to professional cleaners.

What to clean with a dishwasher tablet  

Dishwasher tablets are some of the best concentrated cleaners available commercially, however, they should always be used with caution around the home. 

‘While dishwasher tabs are generally safe for skin contact when used as directed, they are designed to clean dishes and other kitchenware and may contain a variety of chemicals that can be harmful to the skin if not used properly,’ explains Karina, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. 

'‘This can be particularly problematic for items that are used frequently or for those that come into contact with skin, such as upholstered chairs or couches.’ 

When using dishwasher tablets as a generic household cleaner, always consider wearing cleaning gloves, at Amazon to prevent skin irritation.  

1. Oil stains on patios and driveways

Oil stains can ruin the appearance of driveways and paved patios, but dishwasher tablets are perfect for breaking down the oil molecules and lifting the mark away – especially when the oil is still wet. To clean a deck, driveway, or patio, ‘mix a crushed tablet with hot water and use a brush to scrub the affected area,’ suggests Justin Carpenter, cleaning expert, CEO, and founder of Modern Maids. ‘Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing away with a hose or pressure washer for sparkling clean surfaces.' 

'You can also sprinkle crushed dishwasher tablets over the oil spill to absorb as much of the oil as possible,’ adds Karina, of Spekless Cleaning.

2. Jewelry

Although expensive jewelry should be cleaned with specialized metal cleaners, dishwasher tablets can be used to polish everyday accessories as an extra step before organizing jewelry. ‘Simply mix a tablet with hot water, submerge your jewelry, and let it soak for a few minutes,’ says eMaids president and founder, Miriam Kahn. ‘Rinse and dry for a sparkling finish.’ 

3. Patio furniture

Patio furniture is particularly hard to keep clean and pristine due to it being exposed to the elements, but dishwasher tablets can be used to help shine up metal and remove grit. 

‘Throughout the long winter months, patio furniture made of plastic and metal still gathers dust, pollen, and other natural grit, even if it is covered. By thoroughly cleaning it with a dishwashing tablet, you can make your outdoor furniture sparkle and look brand-new for the spring and early summer,’ suggests Cynthia Hamilton at Oglf, a beauty product testing company.

‘There are two ways to accomplish this. You can either use a moist tablet to wash the furniture directly for tackling tough stains, or you may dilute the tablet in warm water and then dunk a sponge in it to gently rinse the furniture.

A dishwasher tablet is not ideal for all outdoor furniture, however. ‘Cleaning wicker and wooden outdoor furniture using a nutritious, oil-based soap is recommended,’ Cynthia adds. 

4. Showerheads

Showerheads are particularly prone to limescale build-up – even in areas with soft water. To make cleaning a bathroom easier, you can use a dishwasher tablet to help clean a showerhead and soak off limescale without scrubbing. 

Dissolve a dishwasher tablet in bowl of hot water and soak your shower head in it for a half hour, then rinse and dry it off with a cleaning cloth.

5. Fabric stains

Whether you are looking to remove coffee stains, or remove red wine stains, a dishwasher tablet can help to clean upholstery and clothing without you spending a fortune on dedicated cleaning products. 

‘Test this out on an inconspicuous area of fabric first, but you can soak stained clothes in a solution of warm water and a dishwasher tablet. Then wash the garment normally,' says Millie Hurst, section editor at Homes & Gardens. You can also dab the solution onto stains on furniture and upholstery.

6. Tile grout

Cleaning tile grout is one of the more awkward spots to restore to new with almost every method requiring harsh scrubbing and chemical cleaners. You can use a dishwasher tablet to help break down stubborn soap deposits, however, and restore some of the original color. 

Create a cleaning paste at home by combining a small amount of warm water with a dishwasher tablet and use it to clean the with a brush. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse.

7. Coffee makers

There are myriad ways to clean a coffee maker in a pinch if you are out of descaling solutions, such as using vinegar to descale a Keurig – or, using a dishwasher tablet. Add water to your coffee machine as normal and add a dishwasher tablet before running a cycle and rinsing it with water. You may want to run a few plain water cycles before using the machine to make coffee to ensure any residue is flushed out of the pipes. 

8. Clogged drains

If you have foul odors coming from your sink drain, or have a slow draining sink, then a dishwasher tablet could be perfect for dissolving grease and fat and freeing up your pipes. 

‘Drop a dishwashing tablet into each drain in your home to neutralize odors and leave behind a pleasant scent. You can follow up with boiling water to help to dissolve any blockages or grease build-up, allowing the water to flow freely again,’ says Justin Carpenter, cleaning expert at Modern Maids.

A dishwasher tablet is not ideal for unclogging a shower drain, however, as they are not designed to help dissolve hair blocks and boiling water can warp plastic pipes.  

9. Your washing machine

If dishwasher tablets can help to clean a dishwasher, then it is only logical that they can be used to clean a washing machine too. 

‘Add two dishwashing tablets directly into the drum and set the washing machine on a hot cycle,’ says Justin Carpenter, cleaning expert at Modern Maids. ‘This will help to remove any build up of soap scum or detergent residue from inside the machine helping it to run more smoothly and prevent musty smells.’  

10. Litter boxes

Indoor pets are our pride and joy, however, their toileting kit is some of the least glamorous to keep clean. If you have a house cat, then a dishwasher tablet can help make cleaning and disinfecting litter boxes a little simpler. 

‘Fill the litter box with warm water and add two to three dishwashing tablets depending on its size. Let the litter box soak for at least an hour and use a scrub brush to clean it. Rinse the litter box thoroughly with warm water and let it air dry before refilling it,’ suggests Karina of Spekless Cleaning.

11. Silverware

Cleaning silver without streaks and watermarks can be time-consuming, and while popping them in the dishwasher with aluminum foil can help to remove some tarnish, polishing by hand is the best way to get a perfect sparkle. ‘Dissolve a dishwasher tab in hot water and soak the cutlery for at least an hour,’ says Karina, operations manager at Spotless Cleaning. ‘Scrub with a soft-bristled brush and rinse it thoroughly with hot water. Dry the cutlery with a clean towel or let it air dry. 

‘This method is best for cleaning and polishing stainless steel or silver cutlery only,’ Karina adds. ‘It may not be as effective for other types of metal or for cutlery with more severe tarnish or discoloration,’ she warns.

12. Remove burnt food from ovens

Given that dishwasher tablets are made for cleaning food from dishes, it makes sense that you can use them to clean an oven too. 'You can use a dishwasher tablet to make your own multi-purpose oven-cleaner,' says Justin Carpenter of Modern Maids. 'Simply combine a crushed dishwashing tablet with a cup of warm water and mix into a paste. Apply to the inside of your oven and allow it to sit for half an hour before scrubbing away. However, avoid using the paste on your glass oven door as abrasives can wear away the protective heat coating causing it to shatter,' he warns.

13. Outdoor furniture

If you have splashed out at some of the best places to buy outdoor furniture, then keeping it in top condition will likely be the top of your spring cleaning checklist. Using a dishwasher tablet can help to refresh outdoor furniture after long winter months. Especially given that they gather dust and dirt even when covered, reveals Cynthia Hamilton, cleaning expert and MD at Our Good Living Formula. 'There are two ways to accomplish this,' she explains. 'You can either use a moist tablet to wash the furniture directly or you may dilute the tablet in warm water and then dunk a sponge in it to obtain the amazing stuff. Always be sure you wear gloves. 

'Cleaning wooden and wicker furniture using a nutritious, oil-based soap is recommended, however,' Cynthia adds.

FAQs

Always check a small area on anything you clean with a dishwasher tablet to ensure that what you are cleaning won't be damaged by its chemicals. And remember, always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

It might not be top of your priority list, but descaling your Keurig with vinegar won't just keep your morning coffee tasting great – it will remove mineral deposits and prolong the life of your machine, too.

Luckily, it's not a tricky task to undertake, and you don't need any pricey specialist products to clean both the interior and exterior of your machine, either.

I spoke to professional cleaners and coffee appliance experts for their descaling with vinegar tips so even the best Keurig coffee maker doesn't get sidelined by limescale.

How to descale a Keurig with vinegar easily and quickly

Keurig descaling essentials

• White vinegar such as this White Distilled Vinegar available at Target
• Distilled water
• A cup or mug, to catch the used solution
• A clean cloth such as the bestselling Great Value Multipurpose Microfiber Household Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart
• Dish soap such as the MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Liquid Dish Soap available at Amazon, which has a biodegradable formula and is made with plant-derived cleaning ingredients.
• A replacement filter, Keurig sells filters that fit all their machines. Check your product number for the exact type you need.

1. Empty the machine's reservoir

To start, turn off your Keurig and empty the reservoir of existing water. Diana Crane from Keurig also advises, 'remove any K-Cups, and the water filter if applicable.'

At this stage, Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless recommends turning off the auto shut-off feature on your machine, to prevent any interruptions in the process.

2. Combine equal parts water and vinegar

Next, pour distilled water, such as the Pure Life Distilled Water available at Amazon, to the halfway mark in your Keurig's reservoir, before filling the rest with white vinegar. You can roughly eyeball this, or measure it using the bestselling Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cup available at Walmart.

Kayla Stavridis, former Starbucks barista from Barista HQ, explains that this process works because 'vinegar is highly acidic, making it effective at dissolving mineral deposits without leaving chemical residues.'

Better yet, coffee blogger Johnny Morrison adds that vinegar is 'much cheaper than specialized descaling solutions,' typically costing around 40 cents per descale.

3. Run the brewing cycle

With your DIY cleaning solution in place, put a large empty mug under the spout and run a regular brewing cycle using the largest cup setting. You will have to repeat this process a few times, emptying the mug after each cycle, until the reservoir is empty.

Diana from Keurig notes that the fill reservoir light will illuminate on the front of your machine once it is empty to avoid overfilling the machine.

Alternatively, some Keurig machines have a self-descale function built in. If this is the case for your appliance, simply set the machine to run and leave it until the cycle is complete. You can check your manual for more instructions if you are unsure.

4. Flush the vinegar out with regular water

When the reservoir is empty, allow your coffee maker to sit for at least one hour and up to four hours before removing the reservoir and washing it thoroughly with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, using a gentle dish soap, such as the Method Dish Soap available at Walmart.

After drying, replace the reservoir and refill it with plain water before running a regular cycle to flush the vinegar out of the system and make coffee taste better.

5. Clean the filter and exterior

After descaling, clean the exterior of your Keurig and replace the water filter for better-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting appliance. Always unplug your appliance first.

To replace a Keurig's water filter:

1. Remove the old filter using your appliance's dedicated manual and dispose
2. Soak the new filter in water for at least five minutes, then rinse it under running water for a minute to saturate it and rinse away any factory dust
3. Insert the new filter into place and clip the filter holder back into place
4. Repeat every two to three months

To clean the exterior of your Keurig, use a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth from Target, dampened with either warm soapy water or a multi-purpose kitchen cleaning spray, and wipe over the surfaces, paying close attention to the drip tray.

For hard-to-reach spots like the drip tray and coffee pod holder, you can remove them and use a brush. Finish by drying the appliance with a clean, dry towel.

How often should you descale your Keurig coffee machine with vinegar?

As a rule of thumb, you should aim to descale your appliance at least quarterly, or every three to six months, advises Diana from Keurig.

She explains, 'However, this can depend on the water you use and its mineral content. Harder water will cause a quicker build-up of calcium deposits than softer water, which is why we recommend using bottled or filtered water,' so keep this in mind when it comes to both daily use and running descaling cycles.

A study by the United States Geological Survey found that most of the US suffers from hard water, with states in the Midwest and Southwest particularly affected. This may mean that you have to descale your Keurig coffee maker more often than others, or use a stronger descaling solution to get through tough deposits.

Most Keurig machines come with a descaling alert light, which Diana assures will prompt you when it's time to run a cycle. 'Although you can postpone the warning for six weeks, the sooner the descaling, the better,' she adds.

Alternative ways to descale a Keurig coffee maker

While cleaning with vinegar is a great chemical-free option to descale and create a non-toxic home, it is not without its faults. For instance, Vinegar is not as powerful as commercial descaling solutions, making it more effective in softer water areas where larger, tougher deposits are less likely to build up inside your machine. Vinegar's high acid content has also been reported to damage some rubber seals over time, meaning that repeated use could damage your appliance over the years.

If you still want to use a chemical-free descaling solution, consider cleaning with citric acid instead. Simply add a tablespoon of citric acid crystals, such as the Roots Circle All-Natural Citric Acid, to one gallon of water in your Keurig before running it a few times and adding clean water. Again, repeat until the water runs clear, without any mineral or limescale deposits.

Otherwise, opt for a commercial Keurig descaling solution, available with fast delivery at Amazon, which can descale your machine without the worry of deposits being left behind. Remember to thoroughly clean and rinse your appliance after, however, to remove any lingering chemicals.

FAQs

Why is the descaling light still flashing after I have descaled my Keurig with vinegar? 

If the descaling indicator remains lit, this suggests that the machine hasn't been adequately rinsed following the descaling process.

You should thoroughly rinse the Keurig again with clean water. Take out the water tank, refill it to the 'max' line using tap water, and initiate the water rinse cycle in your machine's settings.

You might need to try using dedicated descaling solutions, like this Coffee Machine Descaler Descaling Solution available at Amazon, if vinegar doesn't seem to be cutting it for your machine.

Vinegar is also a great non-toxic solution to clean drip coffee maker, and kill mold lurking in your coffee maker, too.

Knowing how to clean your coffee maker is crucial if you want to enjoy consistently delicious cups of coffee for years to come. It might not be glamorous, but it doesn't have to be hard. We asked experts for their coffee maker cleaning tips.

If you've invested in one of the best coffee makers on the market, you'll want to keep it fresh with regular making. That means ensuring there isn't any dust or fingerprint marks on the outside and that the inside isn't covered in scale and dried milk.

People always ask: can you clean a coffee maker with vinegar? The short answer is no, though there are elements of a coffee maker that can be refreshed with white vinegar. More on that, below.

How to clean a coffee maker

To ensure every cup tastes delicious, these tips from coffee experts reveal how to clean a coffee maker, be it a drip coffee machine, or a more intricate espresso maker. There is also advice on cleaning specific parts such as the water reservoir and pot. A morning coffee enjoyed with the weekend papers never tasted so good.

How to clean a coffee maker with vinegar

Many of us know that cleaning with vinegar can be really effective, but what might be fine for sinks and countertops is not always good for appliances. Most coffee brands, including Lavazza and Smeg, do not recommend cleaning your coffee maker with vinegar. In fact, doing so might well invalidate your guarantee.

Why shouldn't you clean a coffee maker with vinegar when every other website you visit is urging you to? Well, the strength of the acidity will rot the rubber seals and parts if you use vinegar regularly, which will, in the end, limit its life.

One area where you can use vinegar to clean a coffee maker is in the water reservoir. Joyce French, cleaning expert at HomeHow says: 'Some models with an integral reservoir can be cleaned by running white vinegar through the machine, then running water through to remove the remaining residue and vinegar.

'Alternatively, lemon juice can work just as well for this.'

How to clean an espresso machine

It should be relatively easy to clean an espresso machine.

'An espresso machine can be cleaned by simply running the portafilter under warm running water,' says Clare Edwards, Head of Consumer and Retail Events at Smeg. 'For a deeper clean. The filter can be soaked in a degreasing solution.'

Dave Cutler-Colclough, Coffee Specialist and Lavazza’s Brand Ambassador and Head of Training, breaks down the process. He explains: 'To clean an espresso machine you should use a stiff plastic brush. You should scrub around the shower screen and the rubber gasket in the group head.

'You can also use chemical powder specifically for espresso machines.'

How to clean an espresso machine with a chemical cleaner:

1. Place a small amount (1/2 tsp) of the chemical powder into a blank filter holder.

2. Insert into the group and flush the water for 10 seconds to build pressure and then release.

3. Repeat this three or four times to 'backflush' the machine.

4. Then, remove the handle and replace the blank filter with a regular one.

5. Insert into the group and run water through it for 10 seconds.

6. Repeat three or four times to rinse.

7. Separately in a small tub add hot water and ½ tsp of the chemical powder to soak the handle and filter basket

8. Remove all old coffee oils before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

How to clean a drip coffee maker

Drip coffee refers to coffee that has been made by putting coffee grounds into a filter, adding hot water to it and then collecting the coffee that drips out of the filter in the jug below.

Smeg's Clare Edwards comments: 'The drip filter can be easily cleaned by simply washing the removable parts in hot soapy water. This does not need to be done every time you use the machine.'

And Lavazza's Dave Cutler-Colclough agrees, adding: 'Clean the carafe or server using hot soapy water to remove coffee oils.'

How to clean a coffee pot

Dirty coffee pot? No problem. Lavazza's expert Dave Cutler-Colclough suggests that hot soapy water is all you need to clean your coffee pot, as the hot soapy water will remove coffee oils.

How to clean stainless steel coffee pots

If your stainless steel coffee pot needs a little TLC, it's easy to bring it back to a sparkling finish.

'Most stainless steel coffee pots can be kept clean with regular washing in mild soapy water,' says Joyce French. 'Rinsing and leaving them to dry thoroughly should keep them in good condition.

'However, stains can build up from time to time. And there are several tried and tested methods of cleaning heavily stained coffee pots. You could add a little water to baking soda to make a paste and scrub it clean with a cloth. Alternatively, sprinkling a cupful of baking soda into the pot and adding boiling water will loosen the residue. You may need to leave it to work for around an hour. It’s best to avoid using metal or harsh scouring pads as these can cause damage.'

Joyce adds: 'Filling the pot with hot water and dissolving a dishwasher tablet is another good way of cleaning it.

'Before you try any of these cleaning methods, it’s a good idea to check the cleaning instructions that came with your pot. You should also check that your pot is made of stainless steel rather than aluminum or chrome as these cleaning methods won’t be suitable for use on all types of metal.'

How to clean a coffee machine water reservoir

The first thing you should do before you start cleaning the reservoir is to check your machine’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. There will be recommended cleaning instructions, which should explain how to clean the water reservoir. If there is a recommended method for cleaning, then you should follow this.

However, soapy water is always a reliable way to clean your coffee machine water reservoir.

Joyce French says: 'The water reservoir is a common part of a coffee machine that people neglect to clean. But the water reservoir can build-up with limescale and bacteria.

'Many modern machines come with a removable water reservoir that can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.'

According to Clare Edwards of Smeg, the water filter 'can be washed with hot soapy water and rinsed' for a thorough clean.

Cleaning advice for specific coffee makers

If you want specifically tailored advice for how to clean your coffee maker, our experts have plenty of advice to give. Here are links for our specific buying guides:

• How to clean a coffee percolator
• How to clean a French press
• How to clean a Cuisinart coffee maker
• How to clean a Ninja coffee maker
• How to clean a Keurig coffee maker
• How to clean a steam wand

FAQs

How often should you clean your coffee machine?

'Cleaning your coffee maker depends on how much you use it, and the type of machine you are using,' says Smeg's Clare Edwards. 'The espresso and drip filter machines need less cleaning than the bean to cup machine. Due to the beans being ground within the machine of the bean to cup, the areas where the beans travel through the machine e.g. the brew unit and waste unit, should be cleaned daily.'

What's more, there are certain parts of a coffee machine that require more cleaning than others, says Joyce French, explaining: 'If you have a machine with a steamer, then it’s sensible to clean this after every use. Carefully blast a little steam through the spout and wipe over the arm with a clean cloth to prevent it clogging and building up with bacteria.

'Leftover coffee grinds from bean to cup, traditional espresso and drip filter coffee machines should be removed after use as leaving them will encourage mold to grow. Manufacturers often recommend rinsing coffee makers through with water after use and it’s also a good idea to rinse any removable filters to prevent them from clogging up too.

'Modern coffee makers such as single serve coffee makers and bean-to-cup machines usually have removable drip trays and baskets to help make cleaning easier. So, if you use your coffee maker every day, it’s a good idea to rinse or wash these daily to avoid spending time removing built-up dirt and stains.

'Descaling your coffee maker every three to four months should keep it limescale-free. However, if your water is very hard you may need to descale it every two to three months to stay on top of it.'

Finally, your coffee maker’s manual should have a section on cleaning and maintenance, which is always a good idea to follow to keep your appliance in good working order.

How do you know if your coffee maker needs descaling?

Depending on the manufacturer, some machines will have a warning light to alert you to the fact your coffee maker needs descaling. If yours does not come with this feature, there are a couple of things that could occur that may indicate that descaling is required.

'Signs that your coffee machine may need descaling include dripping or blocked outlets and white residue appearing on the surfaces,' says Joyce French. 'Other tell-tale signs may include unusual noises coming from your machine while you use it or the water not heating up as it should.

'However, there aren’t always obvious signs that it needs descaling. So, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance guidelines. And to check what products it recommends using or avoiding, as some cleaning methods may not be suitable for your machine. Most models will have some descaling instructions, which should be followed to prolong the life of your machine.'

'Some coffee machine models will have a warning message, or a red or orange light that will alert you when it’s time for descaling. However, many don’t offer this handy function, so it can be useful to make a note in your calendar when it’s time for the next routine descale.'

What happens if you don't clean your coffee maker?

If you don't clean your coffee maker, coffee residue and limescale will build up inside it. Both will make your machine less efficient in terms of running – there are likely to be clogs – and the taste of your coffee will be affected, too.

How often should the milk wand be wiped?

The milk wand should be wiped each time you use the coffee maker with a clean, damp cloth that you use only for this job. The best way to wipe the milk wand clean is how they do it in coffee shops: by wrapping the damp cloth around the wand tightly, then twisting it before turning on the steamer (carefully) for a few seconds.

Next, learn how to spot the tell-tale signs of mold in your coffee maker, from unpleasant smells, to unusual tasting brews.