Nothing beats starting your morning by drinking coffee. It spikes up your caffeine levels to help you kick-start your day. But having to line up at Starbucks, McDonald’s, or Tim Horton’s is time-consuming and costly. Why not make coffee at home with the best coffee maker in Canada and bring it to-go to work or school?
We’ve tested several coffee makers in the market to help you make a wise purchase. We will discuss the main features to help you narrow down your options.
Our Pick
We find that the Hamilton Beach 49950C FlexBrew Coffee Maker is the best coffee maker for several reasons. It has versatile features as it has both single-serve and carafe options. It is convenient to use because it is programmable.
What brought us to this decision is the fact that one unit has both features. You can save up space and money from buying one unit instead of two separate units. Lastly, you can use either or both options for the appropriate occasion. You can use the single-serve if you’re alone, and you can have lesser dishes to wash.
If you invite people over to your home, you can use the carafe to serve coffee to your guests. And if a guest asks for milk with their coffee, you could froth milk up for them in no time with Canada’s best milk frothers. It is a wise decision to have this model.
Our Top 10 Best Coffee Makers in Canada
- Hamilton Beach 47950 12-Cup BrewStation Coffee Maker
- Hamilton Beach 49950C FlexBrew Coffee Maker – Best Coffee Maker
- Mr. Coffee SK13 12-Cup Coffee Maker
- Ninja CE201 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
- AmazonBasics MA-D03A 5-Cup Coffee Maker
- Cuisinart DGB-650C 10-Cup Grind and Brew Thermal Automatic Coffee Maker
- Zojirushi Zutto EC-DAC50SA
- OXO 8710100 On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker
- Black + Decker CM618C Single Serve Coffee Maker – Best Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
1. Hamilton Beach Drip Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach BrewStation brew coffee maker made it on the list because of its functionality. This coffee machine is convenient to use as it can brew a cup of coffee or a batch of up to 12 cups. If there’s a lot of people at home or work, this will be a bonus feature.
The brewed coffee is stored in an internal tank so that it remains to have that freshly-brewed taste without bitterness. Plus, you can adjust its function to keep the coffee hot for up to 4 hours. When you’re ready to drink, it has an easy-push bar for convenient dispensing of the coffee.
Do note that you would need to put your coffee maker close to a wall or place a rubber pad underneath, so it can keep the coffee maker in place while pressing on the dispensing bar.
It works like a traditional coffee maker but is better since it has programmable features. You can program it to make coffee for you 24 hours in advance. So there’s no need for you to wake up too early to prepare your coffee. You can even brew coffee in advance for your co-workers at the office.
The best part is that it is easy to use. With just one press of a button, you can choose which type of coffee you would want to make– bold, regular, or iced coffee. It is also easy to clean because the water reservoir and internal tank are removable. There won’t be any issues with the wirings getting wet.
Pros
- Programmable features
- Availability of brew strength options
- Easy to clean parts
- Lesser fragile parts (e.g., no carafe)
Cons
- Requires to be held down when dispensing
- It takes up more counter space
- Requires frequent cleaning
2. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Drip Coffee Maker (Best Coffe Maker in Canada)
This is the best coffee maker on the market. There are two sides to Hamilton Beach 49950C FlexBrew Coffee Maker. One is the single-serve side, while the other is the carafe side, making up to 12 cups. Both sides have a water reservoir and a window to check on the water levels.
We begin with the single-serve side. The prominent feature that made us want it was that it allows you to brew using a K-cup for up to 10 ounces or a single brew basket for 14 ounces. Plus, the maker is spacious enough to fill a cup or an 8-inch tumbler.
As for the carafe side, the feature that stood out the most was its programmable feature. You can easily schedule when you want your coffee ready as long as it is within 24 hours from the time you set it. There is a 2-hour keep-warm feature; then, the machine will automatically turn off after the 2 hours is over.
If you’re the type who couldn’t wait for the whole batch to finish brewing, this would be a good option. You can remove the carafe while it is still brewing without dripping issues. It will automatically pause the process.
Pros
- Single-serve and carafe options
- Less stain gold-tone permanent filter
- Programmable
- Availability of 2 brew strength options
Cons
- It takes up more counter space
- Requires longer brewing time compared to other models
- Non-thermal carafe
3. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Brew Coffee Maker
We included this Mr. Coffee SK13 12-Cup Coffee Maker model on our list since this is a straightforward coffee maker.
This drip coffee maker is perfect for those who want a no-fuss coffee maker. It is easy to use, yet it can still brew a great-tasting coffee of up to 12 cups. The warming plate can keep the coffee in the carafe warm for up to 2 hours.
What we like about this model is its auto-pause feature. You can remove the carafe while it’s brewing, then it will just automatically pause the process. It automatically resumes once you put the glass carafe back in its place.
There’s nothing much to say about this model, except that it works as advertised. It is simple, but it gets the job done.
A final tip, use distilled water or softened water to avoid mineral build-up in the coffee maker. If there is a mineral build-up, then it will produce lesser coffee over time. If you follow this tip, then this model will keep you satisfied for a long time.
Pros
- Size fits perfectly in cupboards.
- Auto-pause feature
- Higher brewing temperature compared to other models.
- Carafe spout pours into the cup without spilling.
Cons
- It makes too much noise while brewing.
- Mineral build-up causes the coffee maker to clog.
- Non-thermal glass carafe
- Not programmable
4. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Ninja is a well-loved brand, so it was a no-brainer to include it in this list.
This Ninja CE201 12-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker boasts of its Custom Brew Technology. So we put it to the test and found that it did well as promoted.
There were different options on how you can prepare your coffee with this coffee maker. You can make a batch of 1 to 4 cups in one go or up to 12 cups.
The problem when you make a batch lesser than the maximum capacity, the coffee tastes not as rich and flavorful. It’s hard to get the taste right. But, with this coffee maker, the brewed coffee tasted just right.
Even the brewing styles were accurate. It was easy to distinguish the rich from the classic flavour, which is a win for every coffee addict.
The other notable features were its warming plate and the flavoured straw.
The warming plate can keep the brewed coffee warm for up to 4 hours, then automatically turn off after 2 hours. The precision temperature feature of the warming plate ensures that it keeps the coffee warm without burning it.
The flavour-straw feature isn’t common in other coffee maker models. It’s supposed to allow the coffee to circulate so that every cup will be hot and taste as flavorful as the rest.
One thing to look out for with this model is its brew basket. It doesn’t filter the coffee grounds as well, so it would be best to add a paper cone filter to ensure there won’t be sediments in your coffee.
Pros
- Mid-brew pause feature
- Programmable delay-brew within 24 hours
- Removable water reservoir for convenient water refills
- Auto-clean feature
Cons
- Bulkier than other models
- Requires separate cone paper filters
- Non-thermal glass carafe
5. AmazonBasics 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
We included the AmazonBasics MA-D03A 5-Cup Coffee Maker for those searching for one that doesn’t consume too much space and just needs about 5 cups of coffee or less.
This coffee maker is similar to Mr. Coffee’s SK13 model because it is quite straightforward. It doesn’t have programmable features, but it still gives you good-quality coffee.
It can keep your coffee warm with its warming plate. It can also pause the brewing cycle when you want to have that first sip as soon as there’s enough coffee brewed, and you can’t wait anymore for it to finish brewing.
This coffee maker differs from Mr. Coffee’s SK13 model in the sense that it is better for those who don’t consume too much coffee in a day. It is also better for those who have little space in their dorm, home, or office but would still want a well-performing coffee maker in their midst.
Pros
- Mid-brew pause feature
- Reusable filter basket
- Compact size ideal for smaller countertops
- 36-inch long power cord
Cons
- Not programmable
- Only brews up to 5 cups
- Non-thermal glass carafe
6. Cuisinart 10-Cup Grind and Brew Thermal Automatic Coffee Maker
Cuisinart is another well-known brand for coffee makers. We couldn’t pass on the opportunity to include the Cuisinart DGB-650C Coffee Maker on our list because this drip coffee machine takes your coffee drinking experience to a whole new level.
This model has the features of the usual coffee maker. You can program your coffee maker in advance to prepare your coffee whenever you want it ready. It will automatically pause the brewing process when you remove the carafe. It will resume the process once you return the carafe to its position.
What made us want this model so much was the built-in coffee bean grinder that came along with the coffee maker. Any coffee lover would know the importance of having our fresh coffee from the grinding down to the brewing. With this model, it is possible to do all those.
This coffee maker makes everything convenient with the use of one machine. You wouldn’t need to buy another coffee grinder and transfer the coffee grounds to the coffee maker. It saves up time and energy.
Even though this coffee maker only makes 10 cups, which makes it lesser than the other models, the coffee grinder makes up for its shortcoming.
Pros
- It has a double-wall insulated thermal carafe
- Programmable
- Brew pause feature
- Separate automatic grinder before brewing
Cons
- The grinder makes too much noise.
- Can’t keep the coffee warm for too long
- The grinder gets damp from the moisture from brewing.
- It only makes 10 cups of coffee.
7. Zojirushi Zutto Brew Coffee Maker
Zojirushi is another beloved home appliances brand. The Zojirushi Zutto EC-DAC50SA made it on the list mainly because we found this model very interesting. We can tell that the brand paid close attention to details with its simple features yet well-thought-out design.
The design of this coffee maker is compact but enough to make 5 cups of coffee. Two things stood out the most: the charcoal water filter and the cone basket.
The coffee maker comes with a charcoal water filter. Most models don’t include water filters. Hence, this feature alone makes it stand out a lot. The water filter is important because it avoids flat-tasting brewed coffee.
The cone basket is attached to the carafe. It is not like the usual models wherein they are attached to the coffee maker itself. The design is unique, yet it serves its purpose.
Pros
- Equipped with replaceable charcoal water filter
- Automatic keep-warm feature
- Removable water tank
- Compact size
Cons
- Not programmable
- The glass carafe is not dishwasher safe
- Non-thermal carafe
8. OXO On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker
We saw that this OXO 8710100 On Barista Brain 9-Cup Drip Coffee Maker was certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as an exemplary home brewer. That immediately caught our attention, so we decided to test it out.
Aside from the fact that the design of this coffee machine is unique, its features aren’t too bad.
The feature that made us fall for it was the rainmaker showerhead. The rainmaker showerhead distributed the water evenly over the coffee grounds. It used up all the coffee grounds as it is supposed to. Hence, the coffee was rich, flavorful and saturated.
The internal mixing tube worked perfectly with the programmed brewing temperature in getting the taste right, from the first sip until the last sip.
Pros
- Programmable within 24 hours
- The insulated double-wall thermal carafe
- SCA-Certified
- LED interface
Cons
- The drip stop is not functional, resulting in leakage
9. Black + Decker CM618C Single Serve Coffee Maker
This coffee maker works exceptionally well for those who have a busy lifestyle. The Black + Decker CM618C Single Serve Coffee Maker is ideal for students and workers alike. It is easy to operate with a one-touch button and an auto-shutoff feature.
It has a compact design that fits perfectly for a dorm or your table at work. Also, the machine and mug are dishwasher safe. It’s not like other drip coffee makers where it is time-consuming to clean the unit.
What we loved the most with this coffee maker was the two-way brewing option. You can use coffee grounds or coffee pods, depending on your preference. This model is compact, so the two-way brewing option was a surprise to us.
The other features of this coffee maker are similar to the usual models. It has a removable yet permanent filter, so you can save up on buying paper filters.
What we found missing in this coffee machine is the programmable feature. If only it allowed us to pre-set the brewing in advance, this would be the perfect go-to coffee maker for busy individuals.
Pros
- It comes with a 16-oz thermal mug
- Dishwasher-safe machine
- Two-way brewing
- Auto-shutoff feature
Cons
- Not programmable
- The water reservoir has a small opening
10. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker 611247373590
There’s nothing much to say about this coffee maker except that it stays true to its name. It is mini, sleek, and slim. The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker 611247373590 is best for coffee lovers with limited space at home or in the office.
This coffee machine is simple and straight to the point. It can brew not only hot coffee but also tea, hot cocoa, and other specialty drinks. For such a small size yet functions for multiple purposes, this is worth the purchase.
Unlike the Black + Decker CM618C Single Serve Coffee Maker, this model has only one brewing option. You can only use a K-Cup pod to brew coffee.
Pros
- Multi-purpose brew coffee maker
- Sleek and slim design
Cons
- K-cup pod brewing only
- Not programmable
- Longer brew time than larger models
- The water reservoir has a small hole
Buying Guide
There are many coffee makers in the market, and it can be hard to pick which one would be the best drip coffee maker to buy. You must identify and set your priorities based on your needs to be easier to narrow down the list. Also, your satisfaction depends on this. No matter how many features your coffee maker will have, it will be useless if it doesn’t meet up the demands of your daily life.
Here are a few factors to look out for as you go through your search for a coffee maker:
Capacity
Capacity refers to the number of cups a coffee maker can brew in one cycle.
You should ask the main questions: will you need this at home, at the office or in your dorm? How many coffee drinkers would use it?
If there are many people who would use the coffee maker, then it would be wiser to buy a model that can make 10 to 12 cups in one go. If you are the only one, go for those models that can make a single-serve cup, or if you have a few cups in a day, then go for those that can make up to 5 cups in one cycle. Just find a model that has a keep-warm feature so you won’t have to keep brewing over and over again.
Programmable or Not
In a coffee maker, the programmable feature functions to delay the brewing process so you can set it up in advance within 24 hours from the time you want your coffee ready. So if you’re someone who doesn’t have the time to spare in the morning to prepare coffee, then a programmable coffee maker will come in handy. You can just set up the coffee maker the night before, and you can have your coffee ready the moment you wake up.
Auto-shut Feature
It would be good to find a coffee maker with an auto-shut feature for those who are always in a rush. There are times when we’re so busy that we forget if we turn off our appliances before leaving home.
This auto-shut feature will automatically turn off the coffee maker within 2 hours from the time the keep-warm function is over. So, it would be helpful to have this feature to avoid overheating or worse, fire.
Size
Many people who buy drip coffee makers have issues with their coffee maker not fitting their countertops and cupboards.
Before buying one, you should keep in mind how much space you have at home or the office. Some coffee makers require a lot of space, especially for those dual-purpose ones. Do remember that big coffee makers don’t necessarily mean they’re better than compact ones.
Also, keep in mind that other coffee machines would work better when placed near a wall to remain steady. So you either have to make space for it or find another coffee maker that is sturdy and stable enough to stand on its own without pushing it against the wall.
If you don’t have enough space, get a more compact one so that you won’t have issues in using it and storing it after use.
Keeping it Warm
Coffee is best when you drink it while it’s warm. Coffee lovers take their time to enjoy every sip, so it’s a given that the coffee should be kept warm until their next cup. Drip coffee makers usually come with glass carafes or thermal carafes.
Glass carafes have a warming plate that comes along with them. The warming plate helps to keep the coffee warm. With its keep-warm function, it can remain the coffee hot for 2 to 4 hours, depending on the model. But, be mindful that warming plates can cause the coffee to over brew resulting in bitter-tasting coffee.
On the other hand, thermal carafes keep the coffee warm because of their insulation properties. The upside is that it keeps the coffee warm without burning it. Hence, no bitter taste while keeping it fresh. The downside is that the coffee won’t be as hot compared to having a warming plate. In this case, you have to see to it that the thermal carafe is of good quality. Otherwise, the coffee won’t stay warm for too long inside the carafe.
Cost
Coffee machines have evolved so much. Some have very advanced features, while others stick to the basics. The extra features are usually the cause of the increase in the price of the coffee makers. However, remember that cost doesn’t define the overall performance of a coffee maker. An expensive coffee maker couldn’t perform as well as the cheaper one and vice versa.
The solution is to study the model and the brand before buying one. Keep reading reviews, then weigh your options so that you will find satisfaction in using what you got.
FAQs
What is the proper coffee to water ratio to have the perfect cup of brewed coffee?
It depends on your preference. If you prefer a strong brew, then 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of coffee is sufficient to make a good cup of 6 oz coffee. This ratio allows the coffee’s characteristics to be more defined. You can be sure that you can enjoy the strong scent and flavour of the coffee.
Before using the coffee maker, check the manual to see the suggested coffee to water ratio. These ratios change from one maker to the other. If you’re not satisfied, then use the industry-standard measurements.
What type of grind is best to use in a coffee maker?
It is better to use finely ground coffee beans for your coffee maker at home. Most coffee makers can only process finely ground beans. Take note that fine-grind coffee beans make a bolder and more bitter-tasting coffee. If you don’t like your coffee strong, use coarsely ground coffee beans.
What type of water should I use to make my coffee?
It is best to use cold filtered water. Remember that water is the main component of coffee. It means that the water you use is crucial in having a great-tasting coffee. Industry experts find that filtered water using an activated carbon filter avoids that flat-tasting coffee.
If you want a good-quality coffee, you should invest in an activated carbon filter to fully enjoy your coffee experience.
Do I need to use a coffee filter for my coffee maker?
It depends. Most coffee makers don’t need filters since they have brew baskets with mesh filters. Some find that the mesh filter isn’t enough since they find sediments settling at the bottom of the carafe.
To avoid this issue, you can buy paper cone filters so that they can filter the sediments. Just make sure to get those that fit snugly into the brew basket so it won’t affect its functionality.
Final Word
When coffee is a must for you, try getting a coffee maker that suits your wants and needs instead of wasting time lining up at Starbucks or Tim Horton’s or wasting your money. You will later realize that it’s only a matter of time and a matter of aligning your preferences until you will find satisfaction in making your coffee with a coffee maker.
We hope that this review helped you in one way or another to increase your knowledge about coffee makers and to decide which coffee maker to purchase.
