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Best Under Cabinet Coffee Makers (Coffee Makers that Use Space Effectively)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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I love my morning java. I love it more than any other part of my day and I actually look forwards to going to bed every night, just so I can wake up and enjoy that first sip of rich, dark coffee in the morning.

As much as I love my first cup of joe each day, I equally love having a clean and minimal kitchen. Too many coffee makers these days take up so much room in the kitchen that’s it’s difficult to fit anything else in alongside them.

If this issue sounds like your kitchen then you’re not alone. I’m here to put an end to bulky coffee makers that stand too tall to fit into any space you need them to. This is why I’ve researched the finest under cabinet coffee makers. These options either fix to the underside of your cabinets or they stand at under 14″ so fit under there no bother.

Have a browse through the options available and if you like the look of any of these models then click the ‘Price and Reviews’ button to check current prices on Amazon. We will start off today with Black and Decker and their brilliant little, space-saving coffee maker.

Top 5 Best Under Cabinet Coffee Makers

• 1. Top Choice – BLACK+DECKER SpaceMaker Under The Cabinet 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
• 2. Runner Up – Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve
• 3. Budget Option – Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
• 4. Best Single Serve – Keurig K-Supreme Coffee Maker
• 5. Gold Standard Option – OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker

1. Top Choice – BLACK+DECKER SpaceMaker Under The Cabinet 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

The perfect choice for those who struggle to find room for their kitchen appliances is a coffee maker that fixes to the bottom of your upper cabinets. This saves space in smaller kitchens and is a great option for moving spaces as well such as in an RV or caravan.

It’s not too tricky to install as it comes with all the necessary fixings as well as a template so you can get the spacing right. Once the machine is secured in place you can remove the water tank for easy refilling.

It comes with a glass carafe that has a 12 cup capacity and warming plate to keep the coffee hot until you’re ready to enjoy it. There’s an LED sensor that stays on for 20 minutes after brewing and this indicates how fresh the coffee is.

It’s fully programmable with easy touch buttons and a digital clock to allow automated brewing and auto shut off turns the coffee machine off to help save power and avoid burnout.

The only downside with this machine is it doesn’t brew as hot as other, similar models. Some people find the coffee cools down pretty quickly if you add milk or creamer to it so that’s worth considering.

2. Runner Up – Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve

Espresso machines are usually not a great option for small spaces or any kitchen that struggles for counter space. This little option by Lavazza, not only squeezes away nicely under any kitchen cabinet but also doubles as a single-serve coffee maker. It stands at just under 14 inches tall (35cm) so fits very well in most kitchens.

It comes with a range of drink options from espresso-based beverages to longer shot, brewed coffee. It even doubles as a milk frother jug to make lattes, cappuccino, and macchiato.

It’s really easy to use, all you need to do is add a Lavassa capsule, fold the handle and press a button. The machine stores your used capsules and can hold up to 7 of these so you can brew several cups of coffee in one go.

This is a compact, easy-to-use option, perfect for small kitchens without much countertop space.

3. Budget Option – Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

If you’re looking for a space-saving coffee pot on a budget then this 12-cup coffee maker by Mr Coffee is a great option. It’s fully programmable with a brew later feature and if you can’t wait, auto-pause allows you to grab a cup before it’s finished.

The water level window makes it easy to top up and the filter basket is removable for easy refilling and cleaning. It has a 4-hour automatic shut off so won’t burn out on you.

At under 14inches tall, it’s a compact design that fits well on most kitchen counters under the cabinet. The only downside is it’s an all-plastic model but BPA free so it is perfectly safe to brew coffee in. This is a great budget option that makes really delicious coffee and is the perfect choice for most coffee lovers.

4. Best Single Serve – Keurig K-Supreme Coffee Maker

If you’re more a fan of a single cup coffee maker then Keurig is a great option. The K-Supreme stands at 12.2 inches tall so can tuck away under your kitchen cabinet easily. It does need an extra 4.8 inches when open so that’s worth taking into account as well.

It accepts Keurig K-cup pods so there are hundreds of brewing options or you can use reusable pods and just add your favorite coffee. The drip tray can be easily adjusted to accommodate a travel mug and you can customize your brew to make it stronger or even enjoy it over ice.

The best thing about this model is the adjustable water tank. It can sit to the side or behind the machine so it’s a space saver coffee maker. The downside with this model is you can’t pre-program it for your favorite drinks so if you’re keen on this feature, try the K-Supreme plus instead.

5. Gold Standard Option – OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker

To really guarantee a consistently great-tasting cup of coffee there are certain coffee makers that fulfill enough high-quality design features to qualify them as SCA approved coffee makers. The main benefit they boast is the temperature control that brews coffee in the optimal temperature range for the best flavor and aroma but never burnt.

It has a rainmaker showerhead that allows the coffee to expand and bloom evenly. You can choose whether you want single-serve or brew up to 8 cups into the thermal coffeemaker server. It’s a good idea to preheat the carafe if you like your coffee to remain as hot as possible.

Oxo has designed this as a compact coffee maker at 13.5 inches tall so is the perfect balance of design and functionality.

Under Cabinet Coffee Maker Buyers Guide

Single Serve vs Drip Machine

The kind of coffee maker you opt for depends on your coffee needs. Single-serve coffee makers are great for ease of use and quick clean-up. Add your coffee pod, press start, and enjoy!

Drip machines are best for larger volumes of coffee as well as giving you the freedom to enjoy any variety of fresh coffee beans you enjoy best. Nothing tastes as good as freshly roasted beans, ground up and ready to use and a drip machine allows you to reap all the benefits here.

Water Tank Position

The water tank position will make or break your user experience with your coffee maker. If you bought the machine to fit under the kitchen cabinet then a rear-positioned water tank can be a pain to refill. Often they have to be dragged forwards to pour fresh water into them.

Adjustable or front fill water tanks give easier access and some machines even have a removable water reservoir which is even easier to fill. Just be sure that the tank is securely back in place when re-attached to the machine or you will end up with leaks.

Brew Basket and Filters

Just like the water tank, the brew basket has to be easily accessible if you plan to keep your coffee maker under the kitchen cabinet. Some machines have a hinged lid and these are less useful as there’s not as much room above to load them up with coffee. The best option is a swing-out or slide-out basket as this makes for easier access.

The kind of filter you use can influence how your coffee tastes dramatically. Paper filters remove all the sediment giving a smooth and delicate cup of joe. They also remove some oils from the coffee, so reduce some of the more intense and bold flavors. Mesh filters allow some more coffee oils through so give a bolder brew. It’s really down to personal preference which method you go for.

Programmable

A fully programmable coffee maker allows you to set it up the night before and it will automatically start brewing your coffee. Coffee makers with a built-in timer can be a real life-saver on those bleary-eyed, early mornings. All you have to do is add your filter and coffee the night before, set the timer, and awake to the smell of fresh coffee the next morning.

Glass vs Thermal Carafe

Some coffee makers come with a glass carafe and heat plate and some options have an insulated, thermal carafe to brew your morning java into. Both these options have pros and cons.

The glass carafes keep your coffee really warm on the hotplate and make for a clean-tasting brew. The downside is, if the hotplate isn’t designed with a sensitive thermostat then it can burn the coffee as it sits in the pot.

Thermal carafes avoid this issue and the insulated walls keep your coffee warm. The downside is that they need to be pre-heated with hot water before you brew your coffee otherwise it will cool as it first hits the pot.

F.A.Q.s

Is it OK to put a coffee maker under the cabinet?

It’s always worth considering the potential impact the coffee maker can have on your kitchen cabinets. Coffee machines heat up water and this causes steam. Steam rises and can end up causing damage to the underside of your cabinets. Before you install a coffee maker under the kitchen cabinet make sure you have a waterproof, heatproof material there.

How do I protect my kitchen cabinets from coffee maker steam?

If your cabinets are not steam safe then you can always add a waterproof shield, such as paper tile backing to the underside. A heat shield is another good option, plastic and metal options work well. It’s important to ensure you have adequate ventilation in your kitchen so a good cooker hood nearby will also help. Finally, make sure you wipe down the underside of your kitchen cabinets regularly to remove residual moisture and any dirt that has built up here.

What goes in a coffee station?

To create your perfect coffee set up you will need several things. The first is a good quality coffee maker to brew your favorite kind of java. Next, you’ll need a decent, burr grinder so you can enjoy freshly roasted coffee beans every time. A selection of your prettiest mugs plus a jar or cup to hold spoons/stirrers. It can be a nice touch to arrange syrups alongside any sweeteners you like to use stored in a mason jar for a classy finish.

The last two components are a tub or tray to store those all-important coffee filters and a dump bucket/container for the used coffee grounds.

How do you make the best coffee?

The best coffee comes from using freshly roasted and freshly ground up coffee beans. Make sure you only grind up the amount you wish to use every time as coffee goes stale quickly once it’s ground up.

Use coffee to water at a 1:15 ratio (or adjusted to suit your taste preferences) and make sure you use filtered water for your beans.

More Under Cabinet Coffee Makers Reviewed

Braun KF6050WH BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker

Another great option for a compact counter coffee maker is this Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker. It’s inexpensive to buy and has loads of great features that make it a really user-friendly machine. The programmable 24-hour timer allows you to awake to a fresh pot of coffee or choose the 1-4 cup option.

It’s designed with a smaller footprint and a low profile to fit easily under your kitchen cabinets. The gold-tone filter means you can choose to use this instead of paper filters if you prefer a cup of joe closer in taste to a french press coffee.

A charcoal water filter helps purify the water to ensure a better tasting coffee and the glass carafe is designed with anti-drip technology for a clean pour. The only thing missing from this machine is a brew strength adjustment setting but with a bit of practice, you can adjust your water to ground coffee ratio to suit your tastes.

Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach has designed this coffee maker with an emphasis on utility. The brew basket swings out to the front making it really easy to fill up and the water tank is also front accessible. This means the coffee machine can easily stay tucked away under the cabinet without needing to be moved.

It’s fully programmable with an easy to use, digital control panel and the 2-hour auto shut-off makes it safe from burnout. The bold brew, strength selector gives you more control over the coffee you brew so you can get the taste perfect.

Automatic pause and serve gives you the option to grab a quick cup of coffee before the brew cycle is complete. A downside with this option is the carafe spout has a tendency to drip when you’re pouring your coffee which can be a bit of a pain.

BUNN CSB2B Speed Brew Elite 10-Cup Coffee Maker

BUNN are well known for their professional and commercial coffee makers and this high-quality craftsmanship has been passed on to the speed brew elite. The sleek and simple black design of this machine is enhanced with stainless steel accents that really make this one stand out.

Brew-fast technology will cut your brew time in half so you won’t have to wait around. The showerhead that soaks the coffee has a unique design that ensures even saturation and coffee that is brewed to perfection.

This option doesn’t have a brew strength selector but the clever design of the brew head males up for this so even if you’re after a stronger brew you can just add a bit more coffee and still enjoy similar results.

The carafe is designed to be drip-free and this makes serving your coffee a mess-free procedure. This is a powerful little machine that will deliver the best-tasting coffee in no time at all and it stands at under 14 inches so fits under the cabinet no bother.

Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker

Cuisinart knows a thing or two when it comes to brewing delicious coffee and this compact little machine is no exception. The 14 cup carafe holds enough coffee to satisfy your coffee cravings all day and the easy-to-use, pushbuttons make it really user-friendly.

Have your coffee ready for when you wake up thanks to the programmable timer and you are in full control over the strength you brew your coffee as well as how hot it is.

There’s a gold-tone filter included that is reusable so this is a good option if you prefer a richer cup of joe. You can always swap this out for paper filters as well if that suits you best.

The only downside is the pouring spout is poorly designed so you may end up with a bit of mess as you go to serve your morning java. Although this is annoying, it’s not a deal-breaker for such a well-designed and cost-effective coffee maker.

KRUPS Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker

Last up we have Krups with this all-in-one coffee maker. You no longer need to fill up your countertops with appliances as this coffee maker has a built-in grinder. Simply add your coffee beans and let the machine work its magic.

It’s a conical burr grinder so the best quality option available and it has 5 grind settings so you can play around with this until you get the brew perfect. It’s fully programmable with auto start and a keep-warm function so your coffee will be hot and ready for exactly when you need it.

3 coffee strength settings allow you to get your coffee as bold as you need it and the sneak-a-cup feature means you can grab a quick cup before the full brew cycle is complete. The one downside with this machine is the clock goes very dull when the machine is turned off so doesn’t work great as a digital clock for your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it for under cabinet coffee makers. I hope I’ve helped show you that a decent coffee-making station doesn’t have to take up much space in your home. A minimal kitchen is a lovely aesthetic and your love of coffee doesn’t have to impact this. Best of luck with your coffee journey and I hope you find the perfect machine for your home!