There’s no denying it: drip coffee makers are affordable, accessible, and versatile, making them perfect for many homes. If you’re a coffee aficionado on the hunt for a drip coffee maker that will brew just the right amount for your household (or maybe just you, we don’t judge), then you’ve come to the right place! Read on to find out more about some of the best 5 cup coffee makers and decide for yourself.
At a Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker
Quick Summary: Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker
 | MR. COFFEE 5-CUP MINI BREW SWITCH COFFEE MAKER |
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 | KRUPS SIMPLY BREW COMPACT DESIGN FILTER DRIP COFFEE MAKER |
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 | BLACK+DECKER 5-CUP COMPACT DESIGN COFFEE MAKER |
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 | HOLSTEIN HOUSEWARES 5-CUP COMPACT COFFEE MAKER |
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 | AMAZON BASICS 5-CUP COFFEE MAKER WITH GLASS CARAFE |
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 | BOENG 5-CUP TABLETOP SIPHON COFFEE MAKER |
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Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
As far as drip coffee machines go, this offering from Mr. Coffee is about as basic as you can get, which may be its best feature for many! There’s no fuss or unnecessary features in this machine, only a simple and easy-to-use brewing system that consistently produces delicious coffee.
With its sleek, clean, white design and one-button brewing system, this is the perfect coffee maker if you’re looking for a quick and simple brew. The stainless steel carafe is also a plus.
Things We Like:
- The design is small and simple enough to travel with if needed.
- The included warming plate helps keep your coffee warm and fresh all morning.
- The space-saving design is perfect for kitchens with very little counter space.
Things We Don’t Like:
- The coffee doesn’t brew as hot as we’d like.
- You can only view the level of the water reservoir from one side of the machine, which is pretty inconvenient.
- This machine isn’t designed very well for left-handed coffee lovers.
KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Design Filter Drip Coffee Maker
Want a budget-friendly drip coffee machine that looks high-end and stylish! This 5-cup drip coffeemaker from Krups perfectly combines form and function with a sleek, stainless steel finish and minimalist design. With a permanent filter and a one-button brewing system, it’s the perfect option for someone with a busy morning routine.
Things We Like:
- It has an elegant design and a classically modern look that will stand out in any kitchen.
- The hot plate stays hot and automatically shuts off after about an hour.
- The machine brews very quietly, and the water heats up nice and hot.
Things We Don’t Like:
- Since the water indicator is on the side of the machine, it’s difficult to see when you’re filling your water tank.
- Coffee grinds might slip through the permanent mesh filter.
- The machine doesn’t shut off automatically, which can be inconvenient.
BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Compact Design Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for a simple coffee maker that gets the job done while still looking slick and modern, this Black+Decker 5-cup coffeemaker is the one for you. With a removable filter basket and a fantastic Save-the-Cup feature, this machine has everything the average coffee enthusiast needs to quickly and conveniently enjoy their morning cups of coffee!
Things We Like:
- The included warming plate keeps your coffee piping hot for as long as you like.
- The coffee brews quickly and quietly, which is great for busy mornings.
- The Save-the-Cup feature means you can take the coffee pot out of the machine to pour yourself a cup, and the coffee maker will automatically stop the brewing process until the carafe is replaced.
- The design is beautiful and super-streamlined. With only one button (on and off), brewing hot coffee couldn’t be simpler.
Things We Don’t Like:
- There’s no auto shut-off feature, which can be a safety concern.
- The design might be a bit too tall to fit under some kitchen cabinets.
Holstein Housewares 5-Cup Compact Coffee Maker
Want to add a pop of color to your morning coffee experience? Check out this small and beautiful drip coffee maker from Holstein Housewares! This coffee maker comes in a variety of bright and cheery colors, and it’s a simple and easy-to-use design that will easily fit into just about any kitchen.
With a convenient pause and serve function and all the necessary accessories, this is a complete, convenient coffee setup that will add a bit of cheer to your morning coffee cup!
Things We Like:
- The bright, cheery color options are a fun and bold design choice.
- The auto-pause function means you can pour a cup of fresh coffee mid-brew.
- The coffee maker is easily small enough to fit under cabinets and on any kitchen counter.
Things We Don’t Like:
- The permanent coffee filter may allow some sediment to leak through (you can buy paper filters to help with this problem).
- Condensation builds up under the lid of the coffee maker and may spill out when you open it.
- The carafe is plastic, not glass, making the coffee machine feel a bit less premium.
Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe
There’s not much to this simple 5-cup coffee maker from Amazon, but the design’s simplicity makes it perfect for those that want a quick cup of coffee during hectic mornings. No need for paper filters since the reusable coffee filter comes included. And with the tiny, compact design, this drip coffee maker will fit into just about any kitchen, no matter how small!
The coffee maker also has an auto shut-off feature to prevent your coffee from burning.
Things We Like:
- The on-off switch is located in front of the machine for easy and convenient access.
- The vents on the side of the machine allow steam to escape rather than condensing under the carafe lid.
- The reusable filter saves you money in the long run versus continuously buying paper filters.
Things We Don’t Like:
- To avoid coffee spilling onto your counter, you must be careful when aligning the filter with the hot water dispenser.
- The coffee doesn’t brew as hot as we’d like.
Boeng 5-Cup Tabletop Siphon Coffee Maker
Looking for a drip coffee maker that’s truly unique? If you’re over the traditional drip coffee maker design, consider this siphon coffee maker from Boeng. It looks fantastic and doesn’t require electricity as standard coffee machines do.
It’s one of the most flexible and customizable drip machines you’ll find since you can control the brew consistency and water temperature. This is the manual drip machine for those who love the coffee brewing process!
Things We Like:
- The unique design looks beautiful on the countertop and is a conversation piece, as well.
- The design is more manual than other drip coffee makers, so it’s better suited to those who want a slower and more deliberate coffee brewing experience.
Things We Don’t Like:
- This machine has a learning curve; it takes practice and experimentation before you can consistently brew a good cup of coffee.
- The provided instructions are confusing, making it more difficult to learn how to work the coffee maker.
- There are some quality control issues. The glass pieces of the machine tend to break.
What You Should Know About Drip Coffee Makers
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Coffee?
While a cup of liquid is eight ounces, coffee, like many hot drinks, is measured differently. A serving of coffee is 6 ounces. But many coffee cups (mugs) can hold anywhere from 8 to 24 ounces.
Measuring your water and coffee according to the serving size makes a big difference when brewing your coffee, especially if you’re brewing a whole pot. So a 5-cup coffee maker will brew 25 to 36 ounces of coffee, not 40.
Is a Drip Coffee Maker Right for You? The Pros and Cons
Everyone will have their personal preferences, but here are a few things to consider if you’re looking to choose a drip coffee machine for your daily consumption.
Pros:
- Drip coffee makers are super easy to use. Simply pour the coffee grounds into the filter, fill the water tank, press the button, and wait a few minutes for a fresh pot of coffee.
- They’re very affordable. The drip coffee maker category includes some of the most widely available and affordable coffee makers on the market.
- They’re easy to clean. A simple wipe-down of the main body will keep it working great, while the carafe should be washed after each use.
Cons:
- You don’t have as much control over the coffee taste. Drip coffee machines are fully automatic, so you can’t experiment with the flavor, the water temperature, or the coffee steeping time.
- You have to worry about mold if you don’t clean after every use. Moisture accumulates quickly in the coffee pot and the chamber where the used grounds sit. Drip coffee machines are also prone to mineral buildup if you don’t use filtered water.
- The aluminum heating rods that make your coffee hot don’t get hot enough to allow the coffee’s flavor to develop, so you’ll generally get a cup with a less intense flavor. There are drip coffee makers with copper heating rods, but they’re more expensive.
How to Get the Most from Your Drip Coffee
There’s no reason that the coffee you brew in a drip machine can’t be just as good as you’d get in a coffee shop! You can make several small changes at home to ensure that your coffee is as fresh and delicious as it can be. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality coffee beans. Buy whole beans and grind them yourself, or buy the freshest ground beans you can find. Start with a good medium roast, and go from there. If you prefer a brighter and more acidic cup, choose a light roast, and if you want something deeper and more intense, go for a dark roast.
- Grinding your coffee before brewing gives you the freshest coffee possible. Pre-ground coffee will only last about a week before you notice a decline in the coffee quality. Invest in a burr mill coffee grinder (manual or electric) with a range of grind size settings so you can customize your coffee to your preferences. Fine grind is recommended for most auto-drip machines.
- Clean the coffee machine regularly. Always clean the coffee pot and empty the filter basket after each use. Wipe down the outside of the machine once per week. Also, descale the machine monthly with either white vinegar and water or a store-bought descaling solution.
- Use filtered or bottled water rather than tap. Tap water contains minerals that may affect the taste of your coffee. They can also build up in the drip machine and damage it. Get a water filter pitcher or attach a filter to your water tap.
FAQs
What is the grounds to water ratio for a 5-cup coffee maker?
For the best coffee, the National Coffee Association recommends the “Golden Ratio,” 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. For a 5-cup coffee maker, use 7-8 tablespoons of coffee and fill the water tank completely. You can always adjust as needed!
How do you make drip coffee taste better?
There are several ways to improve the taste of your coffee, and even the smallest changes can make a difference. Use filtered water rather than tap, and grind whole coffee beans with a burr mill grinder. Clean your coffee pot frequently, and choose the highest-quality coffee beans you can buy.
Is there a difference between cheaper and more expensive drip coffee makers?
If you’re worried about getting the most bang for your buck out of your drip coffee maker, consider this: a pricier machine isn’t guaranteed to produce better, flavorful coffee. Still, it will likely last longer due to better, high-quality materials, and a more expensive machine may have additional features that make the cost worth it. In the end, the choice is yours!
Final Thoughts
There are quite a few five-cup drip coffee maker options, each with its pros and cons.
Our top pick is the Black+Decker compact coffeemaker. It’s the right balance of affordability, function, and beautiful design, and we think most coffee lovers will love it.
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, the AmazonBasics 5-cup coffeemaker should do the trick at a great price.
If you want something with a more attractive design, go with the coffee maker from Krups.
Still not convinced, or want to keep your brewing options open? Check out how drip coffee machines stack up against French press or pour-over coffee makers and percolator brewing systems.
Happy brewing!
