Consumer Reports' Best Coffeemakers

Buying a coffeemaker seems unnecessarily stressful nowadays- there are so many on the market and it's hard to tell which one will give you the best value for your money. Consumer Reports tested nearly 100 coffeemakers to compile ratings based on brew performance, convenience and carafe handling. The publication defines brew performance as the machine's ability to reach between 195 to 205 degrees for five minutes, and the carafes were rated highly when their functions were clear and they were easy to handle. So, which coffeemaker topped the list?

The most highly recommended drip coffeemaker was the Cuisinart Crystal SCC-1000 Limited Edition Perfect Temp DCC-2800. This Swarovski designed coffeemaker features an advanced heater design for hotter coffee and an oversized illuminating digital display with a variety of programmable options including flavor settings. Each machine has a stainless steel plate on the back of the unit that is numbered and signed by the creator, Barbara Tara, which makes each one a unique collectors item. It looks sleek and elegant and although it's high-tech, it's also very user-friendly. 

Another highlight on the list for those on a smaller budget is the Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT. The performance rating on this one is the same as the Cuisinart Perfect Temp, but it can be bought for a much lower price of $35. One special feature of this coffeemaker is it's brewing pause 'n serve setting. It also includes a water window which shows how much water is in the reservoir, a brew strength selector, and cord storage to clear cutter off your kitchen counter. 

Prefer a pod coffeemaker? You may be surprised to find out that the Keurig machines didn't make the top 5 list for pod models, and instead Nescafe's Dolce Gusto line won four out of the five top spots on the list. The highest-rated pod coffeemaker was the De'Longhi Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T. It allows you to create single servings of gourmet-quality coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, iced drinks and more. It uses 15 BAR pressure to brew a variety of coffeehouse-quality hot and cold drinks.

Read more about these ratings and see which other coffeemakers made the list here.