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Coffee Makers: Ratings of Sources
Total of 17 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
As of Oct. 2011
Drip coffeemaker ratings
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests several dozen drip coffee makers in different sizes for brew temperature, convenience and carafe handling. While a number of models are recommended, three coffee makers earn "best buy" status.
2. Amazon.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDozens of coffee makers have accumulated hundreds of reviews; some have garnered 1,000 or more. Coffee makers with 500 or more reviews and an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5) include the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200, Black & Decker Brew 'n Go Personal Coffee Maker with Travel Mug, BUNN Velocity Brew NHBB and Black Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker.
3. Cook's Illustrated Magazine
Sept. 2008
Coffee Makers
by Editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Cook's Illustrated magazine test eight coffee makers in this older review. However, because the magazine conducts rigorous evaluations and most of the models listed are current, this is still a valuable comparison to consider. A blind tasting panel evaluates coffee produced by each machine in terms of taste, aroma, body and bitterness. Only one of the eight coffee makers evaluated earns "highly recommended" status. Brew temperature and brewing speeds are also measured.
4. Cook's Illustrated Magazine
April 2007
Coffee Makers (Inexpensive)
by Editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis review is similar in design to Cook's Illustrated magazine's 2008 review of coffee makers, although this article focuses solely on eight coffee makers costing $50 or less. In addition to flavor and brewing temperature and speed, editors consider filling area and accessibility of the filter basket. Three budget coffee makers earn a status of "recommended."
5. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
Great Coffeemakers
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Good Housekeeping recommend the five best coffee makers in various categories, such as best brewer and best basic, based on feedback from a blind taste panel. Feedback on brewing speed and ease of programming are also offered. Coffee makers included in the test that didn't make the cut are also listed.
6. Cooking.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Cooking.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCooking.com is a good place to find top-rated models, although coffee makers haven't received as many reviews here as on Amazon.com. Cooking.com does offer a list of the top 10-rated models based on those with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars (or better) in 20 or more owner-written reviews. Both the Hamilton Beach Deluxe Brew Station Digital Coffee Maker and Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 have 4.5 star ratings or better based on more than 100 reviews.
7. Target.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Target.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentOf the more than 80 coffee makers available on Target.com, many have just a few reviews. There are a fair number of coffee makers that have accumulated 50 or more reviews, however, making this a good site to check if you've already narrowed down your options. The Hamilton Beach Ensemble Automatic Drip Coffee Maker, for example, maintains a perfect 5-star average rating in nearly 70 owner-written reviews. A few other models have a similar number of reviews but less favorable feedback overall.
8. Epinions.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLike Cooking.com, Epinions.com has a mixed bag of reviews, with some models garnering hundreds of reviews while others have just a few. The Cuisinart Brew Central DC-1200 is easily the top-rated model here, with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 in more than 250 reviews. The Cuisinart's sister model, the DCC-2000, doesn't earn the same accolades from reviewers, however. The DCC-2000 has an average score of 3 stars out of 5, based on feedback from nearly 90 owners.
9. CoffeeGeek.com
As of Oct. 2011
Filter Drip Coffee Makers
by Contributors to CoffeeGeek.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCoffeeGeek.com is a website and blog dedicated to coffee making. In the review section, several coffee makers accumulate a few dozen reviews, including the Cuisinart Brew Central DC-1200 and Technivorm Moccamaster Thermal KBT741, each earning an average rating of 7.5 (out of a possible 10) or better based on more than 50 owner-written reviews. Other models have fair to good average ratings with fewer reviews.
10. Viewpoints.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCoffee makers aren't consistently reviewed on Viewpoints.com, although a number of models earn a few dozen reviews. Coffee makers earning average ratings of 4 stars out of 5 or better in more than 40 reviews include the Mr. Coffee DW12 and Mr. Coffee Switch Coffee Maker TF-4.
11. Walmart.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentA search for coffee makers on Walmart.com brings up nearly 300 products, the majority of which have just a handful of reviews. There are some exceptions, however, including the Bunn Classic 10-Cup Commercial Style Coffee Brewer, which maintains a near-perfect average rating in about 75 owner-written reviews. The Bunn-O-Matic 10-Cup Black Professional Coffee Brewer GRX-B earns an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on feedback from nearly 160 owners.
12. Whole Latte Love
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to WholeLatteLove.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWholeLatteLove.com, a coffee enthusiast site and Internet retailer, allows consumers to post reviews of thermal carafe, glass carafe and single-serve coffee makers. This site has far fewer reviews than Amazon.com, however, with most models receiving a handful of reviews. One exception is the Cuisinart Brew Central DC-1200, which earns an average of 4.4 stars (out of a possible 5) in more than 15 reviews.
13. CoffeeDaydreams.com
Not Dated
Best Coffee Makers for Under $100
by Editors of CoffeeDaydreams.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of CoffeeDaydreams.com recommend a number of coffee makers, including the single-serve variety (which we cover in a separate report). The Cuisinart Brew Central DC-1200 is deemed best among drip coffee makers. Among grinder-brewer combos, editors recommend the Cuisinart DGB-550BK Grind-n-Brew. It's not clear whether editors conduct hands-on testing of coffee makers.
14. TipsonCoffee.com
Not Dated
Best Coffee Maker
by Editors on TipsonCoffee.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of TipsonCoffee.com recommend the best coffee makers based on feedback from a member of the Specialty Coffee Association who judges taste quality, aroma and texture in a blind taste test. We're not sure who is behind this website; however, an accompanying buyer's guide is informative.
15. About.com
Not Dated
Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Makers
by Mariette Mifflin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMariette Mifflin, About.com's guide to housewares and appliances, recommends eight coffee makers with stainless-steel carafes, although it's not clear that hands-on testing has been conducted. Instead, Mifflin focuses on features, covering models with double insulating walls, pre-programming capabilities and built-in grinding capacity. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
16. Chowhound.com
As of Oct. 2011
Coffee Makers
by Contributors to Chowhound.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentChowhound.com is a forum for foodies, with a number of threads related to coffee and coffee makers. A number of threads provide recommendations for the best coffee makers; most frequently mentioned are the Technivorm Moccamaster and Zojirushi. The Hario Nouveau and Jura Capresso C9 are also recommended.
17. TheCooksDen.com
Not Dated
Coffee Makers – Best, Top-Rated for 2011
by Editors of TheCooksDen.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of TheCooksDen.com offer more than a dozen reviews of different coffee makers, but they do disclose that some of their links are affiliate links. We're not sure who's behind this site, and we wish coffee makers were ranked or rated in order of preference.
     
 

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