7 Best 5-Cup Coffee Makers – Reviews & Top Picks Updated 2021
When it comes to finding a new coffee maker, there’s a lot to think about. Metal filters or paper? Glass or thermal carafes?
To help you decide, we looked at many coffee makers to determine which were the best 5-cup coffee makers.
Our top pick was the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker. However, it’s not the only excellent 5-cup coffee machine out there.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites to help you find the machine that’s right for you.
Our Top Pick: Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
- 650-watt drip coffeemaker brews up to 5 cups of coffee
- Filter cone sits inside decanter making it more compact and easier to use
- Concealed, removable water reservoir; automatic keep-warm function
- Replaceable water filter; measuring spoon and user manual included
- Measures 6 by 8-7/8 by 10-5/8 inches; 1-year limited warranty
When it comes to finding the best 5-cup coffee makers, the Zutto 5-Cup Drip Machine is our top pick.
It’s a compact machine at six inches long by 11 inches tall, making it ideal for economically sized kitchens or people trying to save on counter space.
Despite the compactness of the Zutto Drip Coffee Maker, it includes:
- Removable water reservoir
- Removable charcoal filter
It also comes with:
- A replaceable filter
- A measuring spoon
- User manual
Its cone basket sits inside the carafe, adding to the streamlined design. For even better taste, the Zutto 5-Cup Coffee Maker’s charcoal filter purifies water.
The machine also includes a keep warm feature that activates automatically, ensuring your coffee never gets cold.
Last but not least, we like the affordability of the Zutto Coffee Maker. The additional features and one-year warranty ensure you get good value for money without considerably denting your bank account.
Customers say that they appreciate the space-saving design and the high-quality taste of the coffee. They add that for the best result, finely ground coffee beans are best.
However, some users said that to keep the coffee spilling out of the carafe, they had to hold the lid in place, while others reported a sharp drop in quality after as little as six months. But many agree it’s an elegant design for a reasonable price that produces excellent coffee.
More Top Picks for the Best 5-Cup Coffee Makers
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick | Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker,Silver |
| Check Price |
Best One-Touch Coffee Maker  | Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer, Stainless Steel |
| Check Price |
Best Budget Coffee Machine  | Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker, Black and Stainless Steel |
| Check Price |
Best Coffee Machine to Take Camping  | BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, Black, CM0700BZ |
| Check Price |
A detailed look at the best 5-Cup Coffee Makers
Best One-Touch Coffee Maker: Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer
- Powerful and precise 1100-watt heater maintains optimal brewing temperature of 195 Degree-205 DegreeF (91 Degree-96 DegreeC)
- Optional pre-infusion mode saturates freshly roasted ground coffee to allow degassing before brewing
- Carafe lid, filter basket, and showerhead are dishwasher safe and all plastic is BPA-free
- Specially designed showerhead for ideal extraction in small batch sizes
- One-touch brew operation with auto-off
Few hot beverages require your water to be at the actual boiling point. Often you get a better result just below water’s boiling point. Bonavista knows this, and it’s reflected in their 5-Cup One-Touch Thermal Coffee Brewer.
While not our top pick, we still consider this one of the best 5-cup coffee makers there is. It’s more expensive than the Zutto model, but it also relies on a higher wattage to heat its water, using an 1110-watt heater rather than a 650-watt.
Moreover, whereas the Zutto 5-cup coffee maker is plastic, this is stainless steel carafe. This has the effect of making it heavier than other models, but the emphasis is on performance and high-quality coffee above all else.
The Bonavita 5-Cup Coffee Maker includes various accessories, all of which are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. These are:
- Carafe lid
- Filter
- Showerhead
- Basket
For ease of use, this coffee brewer includes a one-touch brew option and auto-off, so you’ll never accidentally leave your machine running. Moreover, the showerhead is perfect for extracting small batch sizes.
The Bonavista coffee brewer also heats the carafe as coffee brews. But, many customers agree that you need to preheat the carafe with warm water for a superior cup of coffee.
Another reviewer found that the power cord was inconveniently short and added that the machine was taller than measurements led them to anticipate when the carafe lid was open.
Best Budget Coffee Machine: Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker
Capresso’s 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker is hard to beat.
It’s small, inexpensive, and programmable, ensuring your cup of coffee will always be ready as and when you need it.
It also eliminates the need for a paper filter by using a GoldTone filter instead. Not only that, but the filter helps bring out your coffee’s natural flavors for better-tasting coffee while reducing how much you need to clean up later.
The Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker also features a keep warm option that keeps the coffee maker hot and your coffee warm and drinkable for up to two hours. After this, it switches off automatically.
It’s also possible to pour a cup of coffee while the machine is still brewing by using its Drip Stop feature.
Reviewers say that the water level indicator is clear and easy to read. They also say that programming the coffee maker is straightforward and intuitive.
Other reviewers had problems with the machine brewing coffee that tasted plastic or metallic. One said the glass carafe shattered after a single-use.
Best Coffee Machine to Take Camping: BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker
When it comes to finding a drip coffee maker that is economical and compact, the Black+Decker 5-Cup Coffeemaker is easily the most affordable coffee maker you’ll find.
Like other coffee makers on this list, it uses a reusable filter instead of a paper one for a better brew.
Its compact size makes it ideal not only for apartments but for RVs and camping excursions.
It features:
- On/off switch and indicator light
- One-touch control
- Sneak-a-Cup feature
- Permanent grounds filter
The sneak-a-cup option allows you to briefly stop the machine and pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle finishes.
This coffee machine also includes a removable filter basket that’s easy to clean.
Reviews warn that since the coffee maker lacks an automatic shut-off, it remains running as long as it’s switched on or plugged in. This may take getting used to for customers used to machines with an auto-off option.
Other reviewers said they found the coffee not hot enough, but this isn’t universal; Other reviewers said they needed to let the coffee cool before drinking.
Some wish the filter was cone-shaped but add that it gets the job done as-is. But the overall consensus is that for an inexpensive, long-lasting, and economically built coffee machine, this Decker’s 5-Cup model is of the best 5-cup coffee makers there is.
Best Programmable Coffee Maker: Mr. Coffee Advanced Brew 5 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
While not the most compact coffee machine, this one is first-rate when it comes to the best programmable 5-cup coffee makers.
Moreover, the Mr. COffee user interface compensates users for any lack of compactness.
Programmable features include:
- Delay timer that you can program to make coffee in advance
- Pause and Wake cycle prompts to stop for coffee mid-brew cycle
- Auto shut-off after one hour
Additionally, the water tank has an easy-to-read water window to eliminate chances of overflow and mess. It further reduces clean-up by relying on a removable filter basket that washes effectively and efficiently.
Stylish and sleek, this coffee machine produces
Reviewers say that they love the programmable brewing feature and the ability to wake up to fresh-brewed coffee.
While some expressed concern that only the thermal carafe keeps the coffee warm, others disagree. Mr. Coffee does include a hot plate in addition to the thermal carafe, and the majority of customers experience no difficulty using it.
They add that while it will never be the coffee maker for large families, it’s perfect for smaller households and appreciate that the auto shut-off feature prevents the coffee from burning.
Most User-Friendly Coffee Maker: Holstein Housewares – 5-Cup Compact Coffee Maker
One of the most distinctive things about Holstein Housewares 5-Cup Compact Coffee Maker is the cheerful array of colors the machine comes in.
Charming and cheerful, the machine uses a glass carafe and touch-screen to brew your coffee.
It comes with:
- Removable Filter cone
- Measuring spoon
- Glass carafe
Notably, the glass carafe has delineated water levels clearly indicated to help you gauge exactly how much water you need for a pot of coffee.
This coffee maker comes with a user manual, also available digitally, to help talk you through the coffee-brewing process, as well as a one-year warranty.
Customers found that although there was no automatic shut-off, the machine became noisy towards the end of brewing, making it easy to tell that the pot was nearly full.
Additionally, reviewers say that the touch-screen display is intuitive and the manual instructions clear and comprehensive.
However, several customers experienced difficulty replacing the coffee pot if and when it broke and said they had to buy whole new coffee machines. Others found the machine continued to drip after removing the coffee pot, despite using all the water.
Still, other customers said they couldn’t use standard filters. These things aside, customers praised the compact design, bright colors, and ease of use.
Best Basic Coffee Machine: AmazonBasics 5-Cup (25 Oz) Coffeemaker
The AmazonBasic 5-Cup Coffee maker is another of the best 5-Cup coffee makers out there.
It’s a good size and takes up minimal counter space while also being affordable and lightweight.
It comes with:
- Glass carafe
- Removable filter basket
- Reusable soft mesh filter
However, it’s noteworthy that the constituent parts of this machine, such as the filter or carafe, are dishwasher-safe.
That aside, it’s an uncomplicated machine that reduces mess and spillage through the reusable mesh filter and basket.
For safety, the AmazonBasic 5-Cup Coffeemaker features an auto shut-off triggered if the carafe becomes too hot. There’s also an anti-drip feature that allows users to pour a quick cup of coffee while it’s still brewing.
Customers say the coffee machine brews effectively, but without a paper filter, it can appear cloudy.
Several customers have combined this coffee machine with one of Amazon’s smart plugs and operate the coffee machine through Alexa for ease of use.
Some reviewers experienced problems with the machine deteriorating over time. One customer could not get the coffee machine to shut off when the coffee pot was not in direct contact with it. Others said they experienced difficulty replacing the carafe.
However, most customers say that while the machine is basic, it’s affordable and makes good coffee, stressing these perks outweigh any disadvantages.
Buying Guide: What to look for in your dual coffee maker
At a glance, coffee makers are all alike. But making a pot of coffee is about more than adding hot water and switching the coffee machine on.
There’s more to it than the age-old debate about whether ground or unground coffee beans are best.
Coffee connoisseurs also consider:
- Carafe type
- Filter
- Brewing time or speed
- Ease of cleaning
Type of Carafe
Typically, coffee carafes come in:
- Glass
- Thermal
- Plastic
Each of these has advantages and disadvantages.
Glass Carafes
Glass carafes are often less expensive than other types. They’re also ubiquitous when looking at affordable coffee makers.
Since glass conducts heat, glass carafes typically come with coffee machines with hotplates. This is especially true of machines that promise to keep coffee hot indefinitely.
They can also be elegant as stand-alone serving vessels and prove useful at dinner parties.
Pros:
- Less expensive than other types of carafe
- Elegant and suitable for formal occasions
Cons:
- Break easily and can be hard to replace for specific machines
Thermal Carafes
Thermal carafes are usually made of stainless steel and feature a double or reinforced wall to keep your coffee hot for longer.
They’re more expensive than glass carafes, but they can also keep your coffee hot for longer independent of a hot plate. This reduces the chances of the coffee acquiring a burnt taste over time, a common problem with glass carafes.
Thermal carafes also often have a vacuum between the double walls. This minimizes heat transfer so that while your coffee stays hot, you don’t get scalded.
However, while thermal carafes are ideal for coffee mornings and church coffee hours, they lack the elegance of glass carafes and can feel less suitable for grander gatherings.
Pros:
- Keeps coffee hot longer
- Minimal heat transfer
- Durable
- Coffee doesn’t taste bitter/burnt
Cons:
Plainer than glass carafes
More expensive than other carafe types
Plastic Carafes
You don’t often see plastic carafes, but they do exist. They also have an advantage on glass carafes in that they’re more resilient and dishwasher safe.
And because plastic carafes have, by necessity, to be heat resistant, it’s safe to rinse them out immediately after use rather than leaving the carafe to cool. The days of shattering a carafe because you’ve gone to clean it too soon are over.
Like thermal carafes, however, they’re more utilitarian than stylish.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Less breakable than glass
- Shatter-resistant and heat-proofed
Cons:
- Utilitarian design
When it comes to carafe type, what you choose depends on a combination of practicality and personal aesthetics. That makes the type of carafe you select a matter of taste. However, it’s not your only consideration when it comes to choosing a coffee maker.
Filters
Whether you brew filter, instant, or freshly ground coffee, filters are important. The only exception is for those who use a French Press to make their coffee, but if that’s the case, they’re unlikely to be perusing a list of coffee machines in the first place.
With that in mind, consider whether you want:
- Bleached or unbleached filters
- Reusable or paper filters
- Filter shape
Bleached VS Unbleached Filters
One of the reasons so much contention surrounds whether to use bleached or unbleached filters is because many believe that it affects the taste of the coffee.
The fact is that the only real difference between bleached or unbleached filters for your coffee is the color of the filter.
What does affect the flavor of your brew is filter quality. Thinner filters send the water through the filter faster than thicker ones, and that makes a marked distinction in the taste of your coffee.
Reusable VS Paper Filters
The other thing that affects the taste of a pot of coffee is whether you use paper or metal filters.
On a purely environmental level, reusable filters have an edge. However, no two metal filters are the same and before committing to a particular filter or coffee machine, consider:
- BPA-approval
- If the filter is dishwasher safe
This last point is crucial because you cannot toss all filters in the dishwasher. It’s possible to wash a filter by hand, but like cleaning a sieve, this can be fussy, so if you’re committing to it, the taste and flavor of the coffee it produces need to be worth the effort.
Something to consider then is that metal filters don’t strip away as many of the oils from your coffee grounds as paper filters do. The result is a much bolder-tasting brew.
Filter Shape
The final point to consider when hunting for the perfect coffee filter is its shape. Filters come in three basic styles:
- Conical
- Basket
- Disc
Disc filters get most use with a French Press. So, if you’re looking for a new filter for a favorite coffee maker, you’re more likely assessing the merits of conical and basket filters.
Conical filters, as the name suggests, have a cone shape. They’re popular with drip coffee makers and homebrewers. The design tapers towards a point at the end, where your coffee drips through to the carafe.
Another version of the conical filter retains the point but sends the coffee down the tapered sides of the cone, and this is the type of conical filter prevalent with automatic or programmable coffee machines.
A basket filter, on the other hand, is flat bottomed and has a broader surface area. Because of the size of the bottom of the basket filter, it doesn’t extract as consistent a coffee brew as conical filters do, or that’s the assertion of most coffee drinkers.
Speed
But filters aren’t your only consideration when it comes to choosing a 5-Cup coffee maker. Speed is another.
Those of us working to a tight or busy schedule don’t always have time to take out of the day to indulge in our coffee, and that means how quickly your drip coffee maker can brew cups of coffee matters.
Programmable coffee machines can help with this by allowing you to pre-set the device and save time.
Ease of Cleaning
Finally, you want a coffee maker that’s easy to clean. Whether you’re looking at digital coffee makers or a standard French Press, coffee machines have many moving parts. Many of them are hard to wash by hand.
That means that ideally, you want a coffee maker that allows you to throw all those moving parts in the dishwasher and not worry about the cleaning process.
Conclusion
As is becoming apparent, coffee makers come in all types and sizes. The important thing is finding one that suits you and produces a brew you can enjoy drinking.
Our top pick is the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker because it’s affordable, compact, and includes everything you’ll need to brew a good cup of coffee.
However, creating a decent brew comes down to taste. You know your coffee preferences; Don’t be afraid to let those shape your decision. Once you’ve made it, put the coffee on and enjoy.