A good cup of joe definitely gives you an energy boost, but it's worth mentioning that coffee has health perks too, Daniel Guerra, RDN, says.
Drinking one to three cups of coffee per day has been linked to a decreased risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Plus, coffee is said to have several antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties," Guerra says.
To make some flavorful brew, of course, you'll need a coffee maker. That's why we've rounded up 11 of the best coffee makers — including drip, pour-over, French press and more — that'll make your favorite hot or iced beverage just the way you like it.
We spoke to six registered dietitians for their top picks for coffee makers based on the following criteria:
Not only does this Ninja coffee maker make up to 12 cups of coffee, but it also boasts impressive features you won't want to miss — parts that are dishwasher-safe, a removable reservoir that holds up to 60 ounces of water and an advanced boiler that keeps coffee at the perfect temperature.
This Ninja appliance also has a 24-hour programmable delay, allowing you to prepare your brew days in advance. Plus, it comes with a permanent filter you can reuse again and again, so gone are the days of buying and replacing paper filters.
"This model is relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and makes plenty of coffee," Guerra says. "Paired with a separate coffee grinder — a must-have for a more flavorful cup of joe — it really does a fantastic job."
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $79.99
"What sets this single-serve coffee maker apart from the others is its versatility and its reservoir size," Guerra tells LIVESTRONG.com.
"This do-it-all Keurig can make regular or iced coffee in various sizes — from 4 to 12 ounces — and has a massive 75-ounce reservoir so won't have to worry about constantly refilling it."
And if you're not a fan of using K-cups, just spend a little extra on the Keurig reusable coffee filter and use the coffee of your choice, Guerra says.
Buy it: Keurig.com; Price: $159.99
Don't let its small size fool you — this cold brew coffee maker achieves the task of making some smooth slow brew. Not only does it use fewer coffee grounds than other coffee makers, saving you more money down the line, but it also simplifies the brewing process so you don't have to deal with messy straining to get the perfect cup.
On top of that, it's easy to clean and the parts never rust. "This coffee maker works with a standard mason jar, making prep time really quick," Rachel Rothman, RD, says.
"I love that it's small (stores easily), is easy to clean and makes smooth cold brew which is lower in acid. The brew is also very strong, so I get several days' worth of coffee from a 32-ounce cold brew concentrate."
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $19.99
Because this pour-over Chemex coffee maker brings out the delicious flavors from your coffee beans, you'll be able to enjoy a rich and full-bodied brew each time you use it.
Another added perk: This coffee maker uses non-porous Borosilicate glass materials, so it won't absorb any odors or chemicals. And the price is a plus: Because it costs just under $50, it's a great budget-friendly coffee maker.
"For someone who really enjoys coffee, this is a great way to connect more to what you're drinking," Emily Horstman, RD for Onpoint Nutrition, says. "Chemex users are encouraged to use fresh ground beans, which can lead to exploring the best sources of coffee and how to grind it at home."
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $46.48
Designed with a shatterproof beaker, frame and lid, this French press is a can't miss for java lovers. After all, it's simple to use and clean, too.
Because it's a handheld coffee maker, rest assured it won't take up as much room as your typical appliance, making it a great choice for those limited on counter space. Plus, it makes coffee in just 4 minutes. It doesn't get much better than that.
"Any French press from Bodum is a fantastic coffee maker choice," Guerra says. "This press has a great design, is simple to use and is super easy to clean."
Buy it: Bodum.com; Price: $52.99
While this coffee maker boasts other impressive features — temperature-controlled brewing, pause and pour features and a rainmaker shower head for better extraction — its programmable single-dial feature is why it's one of our top picks.
Not only does it allow users to choose cups, but you can also set the automatic wake-up timer of your unit. The even better news is that it will keep your joe at the right temperature, so it's still hot when you're ready to drink it.
"This 9-cup coffee maker by OXO has a stylish design with stainless steel and glass," Amy Davis, RD, says. "It is also easily programmable with a simple-to-use dial."
Buy it: Oxo.com; Price: $209.95
If you're looking for the creme de la creme of coffee makers, say hello to this espresso machine. Because this top-notch tool has built-in grinder settings, you can enjoy coffee and espresso drinks just the way you like. Plus, it has a steamer, so you can froth your lattes to perfection right from the comfort of your kitchen.
This coffee maker may be the most expensive unit on our list, but think of it as an investment — it will spare you from frequent coffee shop visits down the road.
"This espresso machine takes beans as well as grounds, has a frother, and an iced coffee feature that is fun to take advantage of when we want something different," Sarah Kamely, RD, says. "It's convenient to clean, heats up quickly and the coffee it yields is truly delicious."
Buy it: Crateandbarrel.com; Price: $949.45
"Percolated coffee from this coffee maker has a strong, bold flavor, which some coffee drinkers prefer," Beth Wyman, RD, says.
This coffee maker is sleek and stylish, and it won't take up a ton of room on your countertop. Not only that, but at less than $20, it's an affordable option for a quality cup of joe.
"Much like a French press method, there is no filtration, so the oils from the coffee bean remain in the drink," Wyman adds.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $15.60
"As this coffee maker is programmable, you can have hot coffee with freshly ground beans waiting for you in the morning," Ellen Albertson, RDN, says.
"It also has a charcoal water filter — which is great if your water quality isn't good. Another great aspect of this unit is that it holds half a pound of beans and you can select the strength of the brew."
"Finally, it comes with an insulated stainless steel thermal carafe, so your brew stays hot, even if you take the pot somewhere else," she adds.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $99.95
This Moka pot is compatible with gas, electric and glass-top ranges, so it lets you enjoy delicious espresso whenever you want it.
Not only is this unit speedy — it brews a cup of espresso or cappuccino in just 4 minutes — but it's also fairly simple to clean and also doesn't take up much space. And like other coffee makers on our list, this Moka pot doesn't require paper filters.
"The Moka pot is an absolute classic," Kamely says. "Using it is so straightforward and it makes delicious espresso your tastebuds will thank you for. This pot is also affordable, so it won't break your budget."
Buy it: Crateandbarrel.com; Price: $39.95
While this coffee maker may look like something found in a top-secret laboratory, it won't disappoint. Its unique vacuum brewing method ensures you get a full-bodied brew you love.
We love that this coffee maker works fast — it takes 5 to 11 minutes to brew a high-quality cup. And it can be used easily on your stovetop and does not require an outlet to plug into.
The price is another reason why it's our best vacuum coffee maker pick — it falls just under $100. "The price of this coffee maker is reasonable, it looks nice in your kitchen and other users say it's great," Rothman says.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $69.99
The market is saturated with many coffee makers, so to help you narrow down your search, Guerra advises keeping several factors in mind:
Many units can have features you may or may not even need.
"Look for features that you will actually use in a coffee maker," Guerra says. "Many coffee makers have built-in Wifi and Bluetooth. If these aren't of interest to you, then it is a waste of your money."
Equally worth taking into consideration is how easy the coffee maker will be to clean and maintain.
"An underrated aspect of a coffee maker is how easy it is to clean. If the pot has a narrow mouth that you can't reach in with your hand and scrub, then ask yourself if there is a more convenient option," Guerra says.
Next, Guerra stresses the importance of looking into how many people your coffee maker will serve — especially if you have a large family full of coffee drinkers.
"There is nothing worse than having a group of friends or family waiting for your single cup coffee maker to make 10 cups."
When there's doubt, always opt for a coffee maker that keeps things simple.
"If a coffee maker has too many features or parts, that just means it has more things that can break," Guerra says. "Always opt for something simple and uncomplicated you can use on a daily basis."