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10 Best Minimalist Coffee Makers USA 2022 (Less is More)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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A minimalist home just announces to the world that you have got your life together. Clean, clear worktops are aesthetically pleasing and signify that you are ready to tackle any challenge that may come your way.

If you love a clutter-free home but you also love coffee then you may have faced the dilemma I have. Which coffee maker is best for a minimalist home?

I’ve done some digging and have discovered that there are actually tonnes of brilliant choices out there that won’t negatively impact your clean and open kitchen. From tiny coffee makers that can fold up into a drawer to delightfully simple machines that blend into the background, there’s a perfect choice for everyone out there.

Have a browse through these 10 fantastic coffee makers, starting with our top choice and you’re bound to find the perfect choice for your kitchen.

Top 5 Best Minimalist Coffee Makers

• Top Choice – Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
• Runner Up – Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG
• Best French Press – Bodum 1928-16US4 Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
• Best Pour-Over – CHEMEX Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
• Best Single Serve – Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer

1. Top Choice – Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker

If you love a minimalist look but you also love excellent tasting coffee then the top choice has to be an AeroPress coffee press. The lightweight and compact design make it the best coffee maker to have tucked away in a drawer or cupboard ready to go when you need it.

It’s made of highly durable, phthalate-free, and BPA-free plastic so is safe and long lasting. It uses specially designed round paper filters that remove all the bitter notes from your coffee leaving a rich and sweet, full-bodied brew.

The AeroPress works by using a syringe-type action to force the mix of coffee grounds and hot water through the filter and directly into your favorite mug.

It’s a great option to have tucked away in your kitchen, at work, or for when you go traveling as it takes up next to no space. It’s lightweight, extremely affordable, and just about the downside is that you do need a kettle or some method to heat the water alongside this press.

2. Runner Up – Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG

Next up, this coffee brewing device strikes the perfect balance between coffee shop quality coffee and minimalist design.

The Moccamaster takes drip coffee-making to the next level as it uses a copper coil heating element. This allows it to heat the water extremely quickly and it doesn’t need a pump. It gets the water to the perfect temperature and the cleverly designed dripper evenly disperses this over the coffee grounds to allow optimal blooming.

The hot plate has two temperature settings which means it keeps your coffee piping hot but will never burn it. It guarantees a perfect cup of coffee every time thanks to its superior brewing process and this drip machine will last you a lifetime.

It is expensive to buy but the functionality and durability of this machine make it well worth it. It comes in a variety of color options so you can choose one that blends into your kitchen and no annoying knobs or handles makes it the perfect minimalist coffee maker.

3. Best French Press – Bodum 1928-16US4 Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Nothing screams minimalist more than the classic french press and this model by Bodum is very attractive and understated. The carafe is made of borosilicate glass which resists stains and odors. It has a stainless steel, mesh plunger that removes sediment whilst leaving the rich oils and subtle flavors that a paper filter removes.

It takes only 4 minutes of brew time to produce delicious hot coffee but the brewing method does require some practice to achieve perfection. Ideally use whole coffee beans and a burr grinder to achieve an even, coarse grind and avoid excess sediment.

The glass jug and filter are dishwasher safe so clean up is a breeze.

This simple yet functional piece looks at home on any kitchen counter, is easy to hide away in a cupboard if necessary and it makes a great cup of coffee once you get that technique perfected.

4. Best Pour-Over – CHEMEX Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker

If minimalist is your goal then look no further than the Chemex. The hourglass design blends in so perfectly it’s almost invisible. The Chemex is well known for its beautiful aesthetic and has its own place in the museum of modern art in New York. Now that’s pretty hard to beat!

It’s not just a pretty face, this 6 cup coffee maker produces barista-quality coffee with ease thanks to a few clever features.

The carafe is made from non-porous, borosilicate glass which is odor and stain resistant and safe to reheat on a stove-top. The Chemex uses bonded filter papers that absorb all the bitter and unpleasant coffee flavors leaving only the tastiest notes.

This coffee maker is minimalist right to its core and makes delicious coffee but it does have a downside. Being made from glass it is more fragile so not ideal for a very busy kitchen or if you know you’re prone to dropping things.

5. Best Single Serve – Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker, Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer

If you’re looking for the simplicity of a single cup coffee brewer then Keurig has got you covered. This ultra-slim, minimal design has a tiny footprint on your kitchen countertop. It’s a matt finish which makes it really attractive and there are a few color options to suit any home.

The drip tray is removable to allow you to fit your travel mug in with ease. You can brew any cup size between 6 and 12 ounces and it even has coffee strength settings so you can get the taste just right for you.

Despite its small design, it has storage for 9 k-cup pods so is ready to go whenever you are and the drip tray can hold a full brew so it won’t make a mess if turned on by accident. The water tank is fully removable to allow easy filling and cleaning.

With over 400 varieties of K-cup pods to choose from this machine will suit all coffee drinkers out there. The only issue with pod machines is that the capsules are quite wasteful. The good news is that you can always remedy this by purchasing some reusable k-cup filter baskets and re-fill them with fresh coffee.

Coffee Maker Buyer’s Guide

Design

The first thing you want to consider when choosing a coffee maker to suit a minimalist home is the design. Do you want the machine sitting out on the kitchen counter or do you want to be able to tuck it away?

The next thing to consider is the type of coffee you enjoy the most. If it’s filter coffee then consider a drip machine or a pour-over device like the Chemex. If you like espresso-like coffee then consider the AeroPress or Moka pot.

Capacity

How many cups of coffee do you need to get yourself going in the morning? Are there a few coffee drinkers in your home or is it just you?

Coffee makers can vary a lot from single-serve to 10 cups and more. Make sure you choose one with a capacity to suit your needs otherwise you’ll be facing a lot of frustration. It’s worth considering the size of the water reservoir as well as the serving size.

Ease Of Use

Coffee lovers generally fall into one of two categories. Those whole love taking their time to brew the perfect pot of coffee and those who just want their espresso or latte in an instant.

If you love a morning coffee ritual then consider a pour-over or french press type coffee maker. These models can be tricky to get the brew just right but they give you loads of room for tweaking your method to perfection.

If you’re too bleary-eyed to think in the morning and just need some steamy java to wake up your brain then a pod machine or automatic drip machine can be just the ticket. Some can even be set up the night before so you awake to the delicious smell of fresh coffee without even having to get out of bed.

Footprint

The space taken up by your coffee maker is likely an important consideration if you’re trying to keep your home to a minimalist aesthetic. Make sure you check the dimensions of your new machine before you buy it to ensure it fits into the space you have in mind. If the machine is too big or bulky then it’s going to look very out of place.

Extra Equipment

Added extras can make or break your coffee deal. Some coffee makers come with everything included and all you need to do is just press a button. Other models require filters, grinders, kettles, scales, timers, and the list goes on.

Make sure you have all the extra equipment to hand otherwise you’ll be disappointed when your machine arrives and you have to wait for the rest of the components to arrive in order to use it.

F.A.Q.s

How often should you replace a coffee maker?

Most decent coffee machines should last you around 5 years. If they are well looked after this can increase to 10 years.

Are expensive coffee makers worth it?

The more expensive coffee machines tend to have more sensitive temperature control which heats the water to the correct coffee brewing temperature. They also have a larger brew head which will evenly cover the coffee allowing for a better bloom. If you love great tasting coffee then an expensive machine is well worth the investment.

What is the best inexpensive coffee maker?

The Mr. Coffee drip machine is a really good, reliable machine for a small price tag. It’s easy to use and makes great coffee and is the perfect addition to any coffee brew station.

What is the healthiest coffee maker?

The Chemex rates pretty high when it comes to healthy brewing. The non-porous glass doesn’t hold onto any odors or residues and the specially designed filters remove coffee oils that can contribute to high cholesterol.

How can I make my coffee stronger but not bitter?

Generally setting the grinder to a coarser setting and a quicker brew time can help produce a stronger, less bitter cup of joe. Using filter papers can also help remove the bitter notes of the coffee oils compared to metal filters.

More Minimalist Coffee Machines Reviewed

Bialetti Moka Pot Express Stovetop Coffee Maker

One of the most compact and minimal ways to make a rich espresso-like coffee has to be the Moka pot. A traditional piece, this Moka pot is made in Italy where the quality craftsmanship is second to none.

The Moka pot is simple to use. Simply add water to the lower portion (the water level should sit just below the air inlet valve), add fresh ground coffee to the basket, and then assemble the pot. You do need a heat source so a stove-top is required. This makes this coffee brewer an ideal minimalist addition to any kitchen but may not be suitable for the workplace (unless you have a stove there as well).

The pressure from the boiling water forces this up through the coffee grounds and out a spout into the upper portion of the Moka pot. It produces a rich and dark brew, similar to espresso and this can be used to make specialty coffee like lattes and cappuccino as well.

Breville BDC450BSS Precision Brewer Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe

This drip machine by Breville is a sleek, minimalist design that looks pretty unassuming. Behind that stainless steel casing, this machine hosts a wide array of features that really makes it stand out.

With features like the gold cup setting that automatically adjusts the temperature to achieve the perfect brew or cold brew option, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can set the strength of the brew, volume and there’s even a customizable program so you can set bloom time and flow rate to suit your taste.

The thermocoil heating system efficiently delivers pure water and the filter basket can be swapped out for flat bottom or cone-shaped filters. In summary, this machine is customizable in pretty much every way imaginable, and the thermal carafe is a lovely added extra to keep your coffee warm for hours.

The price tag reflects all these positive features as this coffee machine isn’t cheap. It’s well worth the investment though if you love having control over your coffee brewing.

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

This drip coffee machine by Mr. Coffee is simple, functional, and in-expensive. It’s the perfect starter machine to get you introduced to the world of home-brewed coffee and once you taste how fantastic it can be you’ll never look back.

You can set the machine up the night before thanks to the programmable timer to have fresh coffee brewing as you wake up. It has a 2-hour auto-shutoff feature and a grab-a-cup auto-pause so if you’re feeling impatient you can help yourself before the machine is finished the brewing process.

It has a glass carafe which is essential for that lovely pure taste and it’s dishwasher safe so cleanup is a breeze.

It’s a little slow to heat up so isn’t ideal for those who need coffee in a hurry. Otherwise, it’s a well built, simple to use machine that makes delicious hot java.

Nespresso EN80B Original Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

It doesn’t get much more minimal than this compact little pod machine by Nespresso. The smooth black curves make this machine melt away into the background and you’ll barely notice it’s there.

It has a water reservoir at the back that’s removable and the drip tray folds up when it’s not in use. It’s really simple to use and has two coffee size options; a small espresso type drink and a larger, less intense option. It heats up very quickly so this removes all the fuss from coffee brewing.

It’s very energy efficient but unfortunately, the coffee pods are not so eco-friendly. If this is a concern to you then consider buying reusable coffee pods that can be re-filled with ground coffee for each use.

Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser with Spout

Last but certainly not least I had to include an option for all those cold brew fans out there. Cold-brew is a slow infusion brew that results in a delicate, sweet coffee flavor that can be re-heated, enjoyed over ice, or used for any manner of cool specialty coffee or coffee cocktails.

This Airtight infuser by Ovalware takes all the hard work out of cold brew coffee thanks to its special design. It has a built-in infuser basket so you don’t need to manually remove the coffee grounds. It’s specially designed to fit in your fridge and all the components are BPA-free so safe and healthy to use.

The air-tight seal keeps coffee fresh for up to 2 weeks and it has a non-slip, cushion base for added protection. The design of this coffee maker is ideal for iced tea or even for making hot, loose-leaf tea.

The only downside with this jug is it’s quite fragile as it’s made from glass so you need to be careful when handling it.

Final Thoughts

If you want to keep your home with a minimalist aesthetic then you may have been worried that a coffee machine would do the exact opposite. Luckily, coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes and whether you’d like one that will fold up into a drawer or just a simple machine that won’t take up a large footprint then there’s a perfect option out there for you.

I hope this article has been helpful in giving you some pointers towards which coffee maker is the best addition to your home and as ever, happy brewing!

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