This is a review of the best stainless steel coffee makers. Read on to find more.
I want a coffee maker that’ll last for years. Finding a stainless steel coffee maker is one of the best ways to ensure that. This desire led me to write this guide.
I chose the Bonavita BV1900TS as the best overall choice because it’s certified by the SCA. This certification and its other features work best for folks who don’t want to put too much effort into great-tasting, consistent drinks.
Bonavita BV1900TS: Best Overall
- Price: $$$
- Dimensions: 12.4 × 6.8 × 12.2 in (D, W, H)
- Water Capacity: 8 cups
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip
- Carafe Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 2 years
This machine isn’t entirely made of stainless steel—it has some plastic components. Check out our other recommendations to see plastic-free machines.
Let’s do this.
Best Stainless Steel Coffee Makers for Home Use
- Bonavita BV1900TS: Top pick
- Cuisinart DCC-3200: Beginner-friendly
- OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker: Includes thermal carafe
- Stanley French Press: Best French press
- Farberware Yosemite Percolator: Best plastic-free camping percolator
- Gator Pour-over Coffee Maker: Best for pour-over
- Braun BrewSense: Best for drip coffee
- Bialetti Venus: Best for stovetop espresso
- Krups Simply Brew: Most compact
- Hamilton Beach 2-Way: Best 12-cup maker
- Presto Percolator: Best stovetop percolator
Top Stainless Steel Coffee Makers
The following sections will review the best stainless steel coffee makers. I’ll cover each machine’s advantages and disadvantages, specs, and additional information to help you determine their worth.
Why stainless steel coffee makers?
These coffee makers usually have stainless steel bodies—and sometimes components. Such materials allow the machine to withstand wear and tear better than plastic, which will help the device last longer.
It also eliminates the risk of chemical smells from your machine or a weird taste from your drink. Many of these machines have some stainless steel around the body and aren’t plastic-free.
Some machines have no plastics, though.
Let’s dive into the first pick.
1. Bonavita BV1900TS: Best Overall
Price * | $$$ |
Dimensions | 12.4 × 6.8 × 12.2 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 8 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip |
Carafe Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- SCA certified.
- Includes pre-infusion.
- Could use it with a Chemex.
Cons
- Lacks strength control.
- Can’t program it to brew later.
- Requires a lot of vertical clearance.
The Bonavita BV1900TS is ideal for coffee aficionados seeking a high-quality, easy-to-use home brewer that replicates the precision of manual pour-over brewing.
A drip coffee maker automates the process of brewing coffee by heating water and dripping it through a basket of grounds into a carafe. It’s perfect for those seeking consistent, hassle-free coffee at home or work.
The Bonavita BV1900TS is well worth the cost. It’s beginner-friendly due to its lack of buttons, and excellent for coffee snobs due to its SCA certification.
However:
It’s a bit too beginner-friendly. There’s no ability to set it to brew before waking up. But you could fix this by getting a smart plug and scheduling it to power on when waking up.
The machine doesn’t offer any features to tailor your coffee’s strength. Despite my previous comment, I see that as un-beginner-friendly because you’d need to adjust the amount of coffee beans and water to adjust your coffee’s strength.
For instance, you’d need to grind beans to a finer consistency and use more coffee grounds to have a stronger-tasting drink.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) seal of approval means this machine underwent many tests and met the criteria that qualify it to make “Golden Cups.” I’ve found at least 9 criteria under the checklist that allows machines for this certification.
One of the requirements is that brewing temperatures will never exceed 205 °F [1]. Because of this, you’ll have coffee that’s never over-extracted and that has consistent temperatures.
The pre-infusion feature further enhances your coffee’s flavor by gently wetting beans prior to brewing. This process helps extract more flavors from your beans to create a richer drink.
If you’re a Chemex fan, you could replace the carafe and the filter holder with it. Giving you more flexibility to create cleaner-tasting coffee.
Because of this machine’s robust(ness), it demands a lot of vertical clearance. If you have low-hanging wall cabinets, I wouldn’t recommend this machine. Unless you place it in an open area—like a dishwasher or coffee cart.
If you think this isn’t friendly enough for beginners, consider the next pick.
2. Cuisinart PerfecTemp: Best for Beginners
Price * | $$ |
Dimensions | 7.75 × 9 × 14 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 14 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Charcoal filter cleans water.
- Includes Gold Tone mesh filter.
- Carafe temperature control.
Cons
- Can’t remove water reservoir.
- Not many strength control options.
- No point to the “1–4” cup button.
The Cuisinart PerfecTemp (DCC-3200) is best for home or office users who seek convenience and multiple brewing options.
A drip coffee maker heats water, then drips it through a basket of ground coffee into a carafe. It’s ideal for people needing multiple cups of coffee daily.
Get the Cuisinart PerfecTemp if you’re after an easy-to-use machine that doesn’t cost too much.
This machine includes many more features, unlike the previous pick. For instance, you could program your coffee machine to brew anytime. Best if you want it to brew you coffee before waking up.
It also includes carafe temperature management. Don’t like the temperature most warming plates set carafes at? Customize whether you want low, medium, or high temperatures.
However, this could risk burning your coffee if you keep the temperatures high for more than 40 minutes.
I wish there were more coffee strength control features other than the “Bold” button, which extracts coffee slower for a more enhanced taste. What if you wanted a more diluted coffee?
Nope.
Instead, we get a 1–4 cup button. It’s useful for folks who want to brew 1 to 4 cups of coffee. But useless for anything else.
Speaking of filling the water reservoir, this one isn’t removable. That’ll make cleaning a bit more complicated. Since you’ll need to open the machine’s lid and reach over to add water or clean it. If you have this thing under a wall cabinet, you must move the entire machine.
But it has a charcoal filter to keep your water clean. I’ve noticed a huge difference in coffee makers with charcoal filters than ones without. They make my coffee have a less chlorinated taste [2].
This one isn’t SCA certified. Consider the next machine if you’re after one that also includes more features.
3. OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker: Best Coffee Maker with Stainless Steel Carafe
Price * | $$$ |
Dimensions | 8.3 × 15 × 17.2 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 9 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Carafe Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Takes 7 minutes to brew.
- SCA-approved.
- Shower head disperses water evenly for better flavor.
Cons
- No 1-cup mark on water reservoir.
- Cone-shaped filter holder.
- Continues to drip after brewing.
The OXO Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker is best for coffee enthusiasts seeking precise, automated brewing control and consistent, high-quality results at home.
A drip coffee maker heats water, which flows through a filter filled with ground coffee. The liquid coffee then drips into a carafe. It’s ideal for those needing a straightforward, hands-off brewing process.
You’re spending your money wisely if you get the OXO Barista Brain due to its consistent-tasting coffee and various features.
If you didn’t read our top pick in this piece, SCA means Specialty Coffee Association. They’re an organization that strives to create a world with better-tasting coffee.
Coffee machines that receive their seal of approval (the certification) underwent various tests and have met strict standards. For instance, brewing time on approved machines must be between 4 and 8 minutes. And it must have a carafe temperature between 176 and 185 °F prior to brewing [3].
The Brain brews coffee in 7 minutes. Quicker than most machines, which usually take upward of 10 minutes.
All the standards SCA-approved machines must meet ensure the coffee maker produces great-tasting and consistent coffee without requiring the user to tweak it.
The brewer’s shower head disperses water evenly over the grounds, which helps in blooming (degassing) your beans. And it’ll help enhance your drink’s overall flavor. The cone-shaped design of the filter holder won’t, though.
This design choice results in stronger-tasting flavors, but doesn’t enhance overall flavor extraction like flat-bottomed filter holders. You likely won’t notice the taste difference unless you’re a coffee snob.
The water reservoir has measurement lines from 2 to 9 cups. Making it an unideal option for folks who want to measure out single cups easier.
Once you finish brewing, the machine tends to continue dripping upon removing your carafe. Keep a rag nearby to wipe any messes.
This machine doesn’t have all stainless steel components, though. The next coffee maker does.
4. Stanley French Press: Best Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker
Price * | $$ |
Dimensions | 8 × 12 × 6 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 48 oz = 8 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | French press |
Carafe Material | NA |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros
- Plastic-free.
- Keeps drinks hot for 4 hours.
Cons
- Not ideal for backpacking due to weight.
- Could have a metallic taste with coffee.
Thanks to its durable construction, the Stanley French Press is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
A French press coffee maker brews coffee by steeping grounds in hot water and then separating them using a plunger with a built-in filter. It is best for those who want a customizable brewing process without electricity.
You’ve found your match if you’re a camper or traveler looking for a portable coffee maker that’ll keep coffee hot or cold for hours.
Not if you’re backpacking, though. This weighs 2.5 pounds and isn’t the lightest companion to haul.
That heavy weight allows this thing to keep your drink for 4 hours thanks to the double-walled stainless steel body and the thick chunk of steel beneath the lid. It helps trap heat inside the French press.
Is keeping your drinks hot for 4 hours not good enough?
I saw someone make a coat out of Reflectix and duct tape and surround the French press with it. Reflectix is high-efficiency insulation to maintain temperatures. This contraption may help you keep your drink hotter for longer.
You’re trading taste for durability with a stainless steel French press.
Since you’re not using glass, you risk having a metallic taste in your coffee. If you’re camping, backpacking, or traveling and want to avoid this, consider a ceramic manual pour-over coffee maker.
This is an all-stainless steel coffee maker with no plastic. Due to the lack of plastic, you won’t have a factory smell from your coffee maker when opening the package. You also eliminate the risk of any chemicals leaching into your coffee.
And stainless steel is easier to clean since oils won’t penetrate it like plastic.
French presses are suitable for serving 1 or 2 people, though. Here’s another stainless steel coffee maker to consider if you’re serving groups.
5. Farberware Yosemite Percolator: Best Stainless Steel Coffee Maker with No Plastic
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 8.86 × 7.28 × 10.83 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Percolator |
Carafe Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Non-reactive interior coating.
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Cons
- No features.
- Heavier than some other percolators.
The Farberware Yosemite Percolator is ideal for individuals seeking to brew coffee for groups of 12 or fewer.
A percolator coffee maker heats water in a lower chamber, forcing it up a tube into a perforated basket containing coffee grounds. The process repeatedly cycles until the coffee reaches the desired strength.
This method is perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate a bold taste and don’t mind a little extra brewing time.
Despite having no features, Faberware’s percolator coffee machine is a worthwhile investment.
It’s heavier than many other percolators, but the added weight allows it to make 12 cups. I don’t think you’d be lugging this thing around anyway.
It has a non-reactive interior coating, which ensures no metallic taste will leach into your coffee. A perk most percolators don’t have.
Another boon comes from its dishwasher-friendly nature. You don’t need to worry about it rusting or the handle shattering.
There’s not too much to say about the Yosemite. It’s a percolator that uses no plastic or rubber and serves large groups of people. There’s no automation with percolators, meaning you must watch the coffee while it’s brewing to ensure you don’t ruin your drink.
Though harmless, you may still worry about the coating inside the Yosemite. This next coffee maker doesn’t have any coating.
6. Gator Pour-over Coffee Maker: Best Stainless Steel Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 5.5 × 5.5 × 6.8 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 14 oz = 2 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Manual pour-over |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Pros
- Borosilicate glass carafe.
- Includes a handle for easier handling.
Cons
- Must practice caution when handling carafe.
- Can prove difficult to clean mesh.
The Gator Pour-Over Coffee Maker is ideal for coffee enthusiasts seeking control over brewing variables.
A manual pour-over coffee maker works by gradually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter. This process allows for the optimal extraction of coffee flavors. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate the ritual of brewing and desire a personalized cup of coffee.
The Gator pour-over is worth the cost for anyone who wants a portable coffee maker and an excellent carafe.
Gator made the carafe out of borosilicate glass, a non-toxic glass that resists shattering and retails heat. However, it still requires careful handling. As you could easily break the glass if it’s mishandled.
Many manual pour-over coffee makers don’t include cool-touch collars that prevent you from burning your hands when handling the device. Many other pour-over coffee makers are easier to clean, though.
The Gator has a stainless steel mesh body. It eliminates the need for paper filters and the costs related to them.
But it becomes more difficult to clean. Finer coffee grinds could wedge themselves into the mesh, proving difficult to remove. Or they could bypass the mesh and escape into your drink.
If you still want the Gator, use flat-bottomed paper filters if that’s not ideal.
Whether you’re brewing coffee or tea, you could take the Gator traveling with you without worrying about it shattering. Unlike ceramic pour-over makers like the Hario V60, which have fragile bodies.
This brewing method requires your undivided attention. Consider the next coffee maker if you want to automate things.
7. Braun BrewSense: Best Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker
Price * | $$ |
Dimensions | 7.9 × 7.9 × 14.2 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Includes Gold Tone & charcoal filters.
- Descaling notification.
Cons
- Not much strength control.
- No alarm to notify you when brewing finishes.
The Braun BrewSense is best for discerning coffee drinkers who value a consistently well-brewed cup, convenience features, and a sleek, modern design.
A drip coffee maker works by:
- Heating water.
- The water ascends through a tube.
- It spills over a perforated basket containing ground coffee.
- It then drips into a carafe as brewed coffee.
It’s ideal for busy individuals or families needing multiple cups simultaneously, favoring convenience, ease of use, and a predictable flavor profile.
This coffee maker’s a great investment for those who want an affordable machine with a boatload of features.
One of those features should have been coffee strength control. It’ll allow you to choose between regular and bold—stronger-tasting coffee. But that’s it. There’s no “Iced Coffee” option.
The BrewSense also doesn’t have the sense to notify you when it finishes brewing. Not ideal if you’re busy with other household duties and don’t have time to check when your machine finishes brewing.
In that case, focus on kitchen-based activities while it brews. It should take up to 10 minutes to brew, which gives you time to do dishes or clean your countertops.
It has a descaling notification, which tells you when it’s time to clean the mineral buildup from your coffee machine. That’ll make maintenance and cleaning easier since you won’t need to guess when to descale.
The reusable Gold Tone filter replaces stainless steel mesh filters many drip coffee makers include. These don’t accumulate oil as much as their steel counterparts, which results in an easier-to-clean filter and better-tasting coffee.
Charcoal filters inside the water reservoir further enhance your coffee’s taste by removing chlorine and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your water. I’ve never been the biggest fan of chlorine-flavored coffee.
This machine isn’t entirely plastic-free. The next coffee maker is.
8. Bialetti Venus: Best Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Maker
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 4.92 × 4.92 × 7.48 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 4 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Stovetop |
Carafe Material | NA |
Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Non-stick coating in bottom compartment.
- Works on induction stovetops.
Cons
- No automation.
- Doesn’t serve many people.
The Bialetti Venus is ideal for lovers of traditional Italian espresso who prefer simplicity and elegance in their kitchen appliances.
A stovetop coffee maker uses pressure from steam to force water through coffee grounds. It’s best for people who enjoy a hands-on approach to stovetop brewing without needing electricity.
If you don’t need much coffee and want great-tasting drinks, this is worth the investment.
Unlike other Bialetti Moka Pots, this one isn’t made of aluminum. Allowing you to use it on induction stovetops. Other Bialetti models (e.g., Express) have aluminum bodies, which aren’t magnetic. And induction stovetops only heat magnetic materials.
You’d need to buy a stainless steel adapter that costs double the price of the Express to get it to work. That’s not the case with the Venus.
The non-stick coating inside the Venus’ bottom compartment prevents oils from your coffee beans from sticking to it. Oils accumulate in other stovetop coffee makers and become difficult to clean.
Or it’ll lead to cross-contamination of flavors. Or the accumulated oil will become stale, and your coffee will have a weird taste.
Unlike percolators, stovetop coffee makers don’t serve many people. Making it ideal for groups of 3 or fewer.
This isn’t a drip coffee maker or semi-automatic espresso machine, meaning there’s no automation. You must watch the brewing process to avoid over-extracting your coffee.
Over-extraction means the coffee brewed for too long, and now it’s bitter.
While annoying, you’ll eventually gain a 6th sense that’ll allow you to instinctively know when it finishes brewing.
This isn’t the machine for you if you want automation and coffee that isn’t strong. You’ll want to consider our next pick in that case.
9. Krups Simply Brew: Best Small Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 5.71 × 8.07 × 10.08 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 5–10 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Includes reusable filter.
- Warming plate doesn’t automatically power off.
Cons
- Water tank window is on machine’s side.
- Can’t program to brew later.
The Krups Simply Brew is ideal for minimalists and novice baristas.
Drip coffee makers work by heating water and dripping it over a filter containing coffee grounds. The water extracts the coffee flavors, creating a brew that drips into a carafe.
This is perfect for those desiring simplicity and consistency, ideal for busy individuals and households who need a hands-off method for making several cups of coffee.
The Simply Brew is an excellent investment for anyone who wants a simple, affordable drip coffee maker.
And by simple, I mean it doesn’t include many features. The warming plate doesn’t automatically power off. It gives you more control over how long to keep your coffee warm, but what if you forget to turn it off?
You’ll probably burn your coffee. Don’t rely on this feature if you have a habit of forgetting to power off electronics.
You can’t program the Simply Brew to make coffee at a specific time. If you’re after a coffee maker that’ll brew coffee when you wake up, get a smart plug and schedule it to power on this machine at a specific time.
It includes a mesh stainless steel coffee filter, which could save you $18 a year otherwise spent on paper filters. These tend to accumulate oils from coffee beans, though. This could lead to stale-tasting coffee or a harder-to-clean machine.
I don’t understand why coffee manufacturers always place the water tank window on the machine’s side. It’s impossible to see if you surround your coffee maker with other appliances or kitchen goods.
The only way to combat this is by placing the Simply Brew on the edge of your counter.
Perhaps you’re looking for more flexibility with your coffee maker. The next one brews single cups and full carafes.
10. Hamilton Beach 2-Way: Best 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
Price * | $$ |
Dimensions | 10.6 × 12.1 × 13.6 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Offers flexibility with brewing options.
- Easy to use with clear instructions.
- Automatically powers off after a couple hours.
Cons
- Demands a lot of counter space.
- No specific features on brew types, though it supports them.
- Not many cup customization options.
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way is ideal for offering flexibility for individual use or entertaining guests.
A drip coffee maker brews fresh coffee into a pot by heating water and distributing it over coffee grounds. This type of coffee maker is excellent for households or workplaces due to its ability to produce multiple servings simultaneously.
This coffee maker’s a great buy for anyone who wants to brew single cups or full carafes of coffee.
Many dual coffee makers require you to use K-Cup or Nespresso pods on the single-serve side, but this one doesn’t. You open the grounds’ bin on either side of the machine and fill it. From there, shift the knob to the carafe or single-serve side.
Afterward, select your brew option and brew now or later. Its programmability allows you to brew at specific times—e.g., when waking up. But it doesn’t give you the most strength options.
There’s regular or bold. The latter extracts coffee slower to draw more flavors from your beans. I would have loved to see an “Over Ice” option. However, if you want more watered-down coffee, use less beans.
This machine isn’t the best appliance for lazy people.
But it’s excellent for anyone who forgets to turn things off. It’ll automatically power off after a couple of hours. Giving you an automated drip coffee machine.
And it also demands a lot of counter space due to all the included features. Making it a less-than-ideal machine for studio apartments or small kitchens.
This coffee maker does include plastics in some components. If you want something that’s free of plastics, check out the last pick.
11. Presto Percolator: Best Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
Price * | $$ |
Dimensions | 5.25 × 9.12 × 12.37 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Percolator |
Carafe Material | NA |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- No plastic, all stainless steel.
- Takes a similar amount of time to brew as drip coffee maker.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Can’t touch any parts of the Presto while brewing (except handle).
The Presto Percolator is perfect for those preferring larger brewing capacities due to its design and capacity options.
A percolator coffee maker cyclically boils water through a tube and drips it over the coffee grounds, resulting in a strong brew. It’s ideal for those who love a bold flavor and require large-volume coffee preparation.
Get the Presto percolator if you need an all-stainless steel percolator with no plastic components.
But why should you get it over the Farberware Yosemite I mentioned when it’s taller?
Unlike the Yosemite, the Presto isn’t dishwasher safe since the electrical part connects to the percolator pot. However, this prevents you from requiring a separate heating source. And that’s why the Presto has added height.
This coffee maker could work better in motorhomes or campgrounds since all you do is plug it in and let it work.
And since you’re not relying on an external heating source, the Presto automates the brewing process. You won’t need to constantly monitor your percolator as you would with the Yosemite. And you almost eliminate the chances of over-extracting your coffee.
You must practice caution when using the Presto, though. As with all stainless steel coffee makers, you won’t want to touch the metal parts during and shortly after brewing. However, the handle will protect your hands and is safe to grab.
The machine also has a traditional aesthetic, which would match well with specific kitchen themes.
Are you still trying to decide what coffee maker to get? Use the following buying guide to help you create a checklist.
How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
Consider these factors when shopping for a coffee machine made with stainless steel:
Factor | Why It’s Essential |
Drinks It Can Make | Varies what drinks you can prepare. |
Ease of Use & Cleaning | Simplifies usage & maintenance. |
Temperature Control | Ensures optimal brewing temperature. |
Brewing Capacity | Dictates how much coffee can be made. |
Materials & Construction | Determines durability & heat retention. |
Additional Features | Can enhance functionality & convenience. |
Machine Type | Defines brewing method & taste profile. |
The following paragraphs will dive further into each criterion. Once you’re done reading, you should have a better idea as to what you want when shopping for a coffee maker.
1. Drinks It Can Make
Most stainless steel coffee makers can make the following drinks:
Americano | Black coffee | Espresso shots |
Black Eye | Mocha | Irish Coffee |
Cappuccino | Macchiato | Lazy Eye |
Latte | Flat White | Red Eye |
Only espresso makers can produce espresso shots. Those that also include steam wands, which are most of them, allow you to make milk-based drinks like macchiatos, flat whites, and lattes.
Stovetop coffee makers and percolators can technically make these drinks as well, since they produce espresso-like drinks. Get a separate milk frother or steamer, and you can also create milk-based drinks.
Drinks produced by these 2 machine types will only taste different from what espresso machines produce, since they lack crema. An important component of espresso.
Red eyes combine coffee and espresso. You’d need a combination coffee maker to make these.
Consider the coffee maker type you have and think about the drink types you want.
2. Ease of Use & Cleaning
Ease of use and cleaning saves time and effort, ensures optimal functionality, and enhances coffee taste by eliminating residue buildup. Key factors for easy usage include clear controls, programmable settings, and user-friendly designs.
Design choices for ease of cleaning include:
- Detachable water tanks.
- Removable drip trays.
- Filter baskets.
- Stainless steel exterior that resists staining & odor absorption.
- Removable water reservoir.
Typical stainless steel coffee machine features include LED displays, programmable timers, and automatic shutoff for usability. They’ll also include filter baskets, removable drip rays, and sometimes removable water tanks.
3. Temperature Control
Temperature control in coffee machines influences extraction of flavor compounds, thus affecting taste. Precise control ensures optimal flavor extraction.
It also prevents under- and over-extraction. The former leads to acidic, sour notes, and the latter to bitterness.
Stainless steel machines often feature advanced temperature regulation due to their superior heat retention, offering the chance to enjoy a balanced, flavorsome cup every time.
4. Brewing Capacity
Brewing capacity is crucial when buying a stainless steel coffee machine because it determines the quantity of coffee produced per cycle.
Machines with large reservoirs are ideal for offices or parties, providing multiple servings quickly. Larger capacities typically imply larger machines. Compact units with smaller reservoirs fit personal use or smaller spaces.
Typical stainless steel coffee makers have a capacity ranging from 4 to 14 cups, but commercial-grade models can brew significantly more. Choose based on your need for volume, speed, and available space.
5. Materials & Construction
Quality and durability are crucial when picking a stainless steel coffee machine to ensure consistent taste and longevity. High-quality machines often feature robust internal components, precision engineering, and superior temperature control.
Resulting in exceptional coffee extraction.
Stainless steel is rust-resistant, sturdy, and easy to clean, contributing to the machine’s lifespan. Durable design features often include double-walled carafes, heavy-duty pumps, and high-grade heating elements.
A longer-lasting machine saves you replacement costs, maintains coffee quality, and reduces environmental impact.
6. Additional Features
Consider these features when looking for a stainless steel coffee maker:
Feature | How it Makes Life Easier |
Programmable Brew Timer | Allows for fresh coffee to be ready when you wake up. |
Built-In Grinder | Eliminates need for separate coffee grinder; saves kitchen space. |
Auto Shut-Off | Prevents accidents; provides peace of mind while away or asleep. |
Multiple Brew Strengths | Satisfies different taste preferences within the same household. |
Thermal Carafe | Keeps coffee hot longer without the use of a hot plate. |
Water Filtration System | Ensures a purer coffee taste by removing impurities from water. |
Self-Cleaning Function | Reduces time & effort spent on appliance maintenance. |
Single Cup Option | Eliminates waste when one cup of coffee is needed. |
Digital Display | Makes operation intuitive, even for first-time coffee maker users. |
Percolators and stovetop coffee makers won’t include any of these features. As they don’t have any electronics to automate any aspects of coffee-making.
Many stainless steel drip and thermal coffee makers will include digital display, multiple brew options, and auto shut-off. Some will include a thermal carafe. And dual coffee makers will include a single-cup option.
Allowing you to brew carafes or single cups of coffee. Great for improving your machine’s flexibility.
7. Machine Type
Here are many of the different coffee maker types that could have stainless steel bodies or components:
Coffee Maker | Best For | Avg. Price |
Drip Coffee Maker | Automation & saving time, large volumes. | $20–$100 |
Manual Pour-over | Precision & control, coffee connoisseurs. | $20–$60 |
Thermal Coffee Maker | Keeping coffee hot for long periods, offices. | $40–$150 |
Stovetop or Percolator | Simplicity & strong coffee lovers, small kitchens. | $20–$50 |
Semi-automatic Espresso Maker | Producing strong-tasting beverages. | $50–$5,000 |
But who should get each coffee maker?
Let’s see:
- Get a drip coffee maker if: You want to make large amounts of coffee automatically.
- Get a manual pour-over coffee maker if: You want control over every aspect of coffee-making.
- Get a thermal coffee maker if: You want to make large amounts of coffee & keep it warm for hours.
- Get a stovetop coffee maker if: You like espresso-like drinks & want to serve groups of people.
- Get a semi-automatic coffee maker if: You want some control over making espresso.
Most folks will want a thermal coffee maker if they want to drink large amounts of black coffee. Thermal carafes last longer than glass ones and keep drinks warm for hours without relying on warming plates.
Those who want more kick in their coffee should consider a stovetop coffee maker (like a Bialetti) or a percolator. The former is better for serving coffee to yourself—the latter, for groups.
Semi-automatic coffee makers produce proper espresso, but take a long time to make coffee. And usually make single shots of coffee at a time.
There are also Vietnamese coffee makers (phin). All the ones I saw are entirely made of stainless steel. Though portable, they produce strong-tasting coffee and can only brew single cups of coffee.
FAQs for Stainless Steel Coffee Makers
Read on to find frequently asked questions about stainless steel coffee makers.
Is Stainless Steel or Aluminum Better in a Coffee Maker?
Both materials have merits, but stainless steel is typically favored for durability and heat retention. Aluminum is lighter and often more affordable. Personal preference also matters.
Our Verdict
Check out our top picks:
- Bonavita BV1900TS: SCA-certified & includes pre-infusion.
- Cuisinart DCC-3200: Clean-tasting coffee w/ Gold Tone & charcoal filters.
- OXO Barista Brain: SCA-certified & uses a thermal carafe.
I chose the Bonavita BV1900TS as the best because it has the best performance uniformity and brews coffee at optimal temperatures. Making it an ideal machine for folks who want high-quality coffee without expanding much effort.
Bonavita BV1900TS: Best Overall
- Price: $$$
- Dimensions: 12.4 × 6.8 × 12.2 in (D, W, H)
- Water Capacity: 8 cups
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip
- Carafe Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 2 years
Footnotes:
- * Price will vary by model, manufacturer, and vendor.