Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, without sacrificing precious counter space. Does your kitchen feel a little too crowded? Maybe you love your morning coffee but hate the clutter that comes with a traditional coffee maker. You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a tidy kitchen and a delicious cup of joe.
Choosing an under-cabinet coffee maker can be tricky. There are so many brands and features to think about! You want one that fits your space, brews great coffee, and is easy to use. But sifting through all the choices can feel overwhelming. You might worry about installation or if it will even fit your cabinets.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect under-cabinet coffee maker. You’ll learn what to look for, what makes some models better than others, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to upgrade your kitchen and your morning routine!
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Coffee Maker Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Braun BrewSense 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Pause & Pour Mid Brew | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Under Cabinet Coffee Maker Detailed Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, FrontFill Drip Coffee Maker is a great choice for anyone who loves a hot cup of coffee without the fuss. This coffee maker makes brewing your morning cup simple and convenient.
What We Like:
- The FrontFill design makes adding water and coffee grounds super easy, even under low cabinets.
- You can set it up to 24 hours ahead of time, so your coffee is ready when you wake up.
- The “CLEAN” light reminds you when it’s time for a cleaning cycle, keeping your coffee tasting fresh.
- Auto Pause & Pour lets you grab a cup before the brewing is completely finished.
- The Select-a-Brew feature lets you choose between regular, bold, or even a smaller 1-4 cup brew.
- The easy-view water window with clear marks helps you see exactly how much water you’re adding.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the programmable timer is great, some users might wish for more advanced scheduling options.
- The auto-shutoff time is fixed, and there’s no way to adjust it.
This Hamilton Beach coffee maker offers a lot of convenience for its price. It’s a solid option for busy mornings and anyone who enjoys a customized brew.
2. BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
Rating: 8.6/10
Wake up to the perfect cup every morning with the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker. This coffee maker is designed to make your coffee routine simple and enjoyable. It brews a full 12 cups, perfect for families or for when you have guests. The sleek black design looks great on any kitchen counter.
What We Like:
- The 12-cup Duralife glass carafe is strong and has clear markings for just the right amount of coffee.
- You can grab a cup before the brewing is all done thanks to the Sneak-A-Cup feature, and it won’t drip!
- The Easy-View Water Window lets you see exactly how much water you’re adding.
- Digital controls are easy to use with large, rubberized buttons. The screen shows the time and brewing info clearly.
- You can set the QuickTouch Programming to auto brew your coffee up to 24 hours in advance.
- The 2-Hour Auto Shutoff gives you peace of mind.
- The Keep Hot Plate keeps your coffee warm.
- The basket filter is washable, which is convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “cup” size is a bit smaller than a standard measuring cup (about 5 ounces), so keep that in mind when filling.
This coffee maker offers a lot of convenience for its price. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves a good, hot cup of coffee without any fuss.
3. Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker
Rating: 9.1/10
Wake up to perfectly brewed coffee every morning with the Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker. This machine is designed for coffee lovers who appreciate control and convenience. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop, and it brews enough coffee for a crowd or just a few cups for yourself. You can customize your coffee exactly how you like it, from strength to temperature.
What We Like:
- You can set the warming plate temperature to keep your coffee just right, whether you like it low, medium, or high.
- Choose between regular or bold brew strength to match your taste.
- It’s fully automatic: program it up to 24 hours ahead, brew just 1-4 cups, and it even turns off on its own.
- The brew pause feature lets you grab a cup before the whole pot is done.
- Filling the water is easy thanks to the clear water window.
- It makes a generous 14 cups of coffee (about 5 oz per cup).
What Could Be Improved:
- The “cup” size is a bit smaller than a standard mug, so keep that in mind when measuring.
- Some users might prefer a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot without continuing to heat it.
This Cuisinart coffee maker offers a lot of great features for a delicious and personalized coffee experience. It’s a solid choice for anyone who enjoys a good cup of coffee made just the way they like it.
4. Braun BrewSense 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Pause & Pour Mid Brew
Rating: 8.5/10
Wake up to perfectly brewed coffee every morning with the Braun BrewSense 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker. This stylish machine is designed to fit easily on your countertop, thanks to its smaller footprint and lower profile. The simple control panel makes it a breeze to use, and you can even store the cord neatly when not in use. Enjoy richer flavor with the Braun gold-tone filter, which lets those important coffee oils through, unlike paper filters. A charcoal filter cleans your water for even better taste, and the self-clean function helps keep your machine in top shape. Plus, the anti-drip system lets you sneak a cup mid-brew without making a mess.
What We Like:
- The gold-tone filter lets coffee oils through, enhancing flavor.
- The charcoal filter purifies brewing water for a cleaner taste.
- The anti-drip system allows you to pour a cup before the brew is finished.
- It has a 24-hour timer to set your coffee to be ready when you wake up.
- The 1-4 cup function is great for making smaller batches.
- The self-clean feature makes maintenance easy.
- The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- The LCD display is clear and easy to read.
- Parts are dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
What Could Be Improved:
- You must read the user manual before the first use.
- The cleaning feature needs to be adjusted for different water hardness levels.
This coffee maker offers a great blend of style and smart features for delicious coffee every day. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves a good cup of coffee.
5. Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
Rating: 8.5/10
Looking for a coffee maker that fits your busy life and small kitchen? The Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker in sleek black is designed just for you. It’s compact, so it won’t take up much counter space. Plus, it makes brewing your morning cup super simple.
What We Like:
- The Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause feature is a lifesaver. You can pour a cup mid-brew, so no more waiting for that first delicious sip.
- Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the Lift & Clean Filter Basket. Just lift it out and rinse.
- Its compact design makes it ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where room is limited.
- The updated carafe is easy to hold and pour from. It even has ounce markings, so you can measure your coffee perfectly every time.
- The glass carafe is durable and lets you see exactly how much coffee is left.
What Could Be Improved:
- Remember to check the user guide before your first use to ensure you get the best results.
- This model brews up to 5 cups, which might be too small for larger households or coffee gatherings.
This Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew is a practical choice for anyone who enjoys a quick and easy cup of coffee. It’s a smart addition to any small kitchen.
Choosing the Best Under Cabinet Coffee Maker: Your Guide to Brewing Bliss
Are you tired of precious counter space being taken up by your coffee maker? Do you dream of waking up to a fresh pot brewed right above your head? An under cabinet coffee maker might be your perfect solution! These clever appliances save space and keep your counters clutter-free. Let’s dive into what makes a great under cabinet coffee maker.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Brewing Capacity: How much coffee do you need at once? Most under cabinet models brew 8-12 cups. If you’re brewing for just yourself, a smaller capacity might be fine. If you have a coffee-loving family, aim for a larger size.
- Programmable Timer: This is a game-changer! A programmable timer lets you set your coffee maker to brew at a specific time. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee without lifting a finger.
- Brew Strength Control: Some machines let you choose how strong you want your coffee. This is great for satisfying different tastes.
- Pause and Serve: Ever need just one cup before the whole pot is done? This feature lets you grab a cup mid-brew without making a mess.
- Water Filter: A built-in water filter improves the taste of your coffee by removing impurities.
- Removable Filter Basket: This makes cleaning much easier. You can simply take out the basket and wash it.
- Auto Shut-off: For safety and energy saving, this feature turns the coffee maker off after a set period.
- Carafe Type: Most use glass carafes, which are easy to clean. Some higher-end models might offer thermal carafes to keep coffee hot longer.
Important Materials
The materials used can tell you a lot about a coffee maker’s durability and how it affects your coffee.
- Plastic: Most under cabinet coffee makers use BPA-free plastic for the housing and some internal parts. Look for sturdy, high-quality plastic that doesn’t feel flimsy.
- Stainless Steel: Some models feature stainless steel accents or entire bodies. This material is durable and can give the appliance a sleeker look.
- Glass: The carafe is typically made of glass. Ensure it feels thick and well-made to avoid accidental breakage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make or break your under cabinet coffee maker experience.
- Ease of Installation: How easy is it to mount the coffee maker under your cabinet? Clear instructions and all necessary mounting hardware are crucial. A difficult installation can be frustrating.
- Ease of Use: Once installed, is it simple to add water and coffee grounds? Are the controls intuitive and easy to understand? A complicated design will reduce your daily enjoyment.
- Cleaning: Coffee makers need regular cleaning. Removable parts, like the filter basket and carafe, make this much simpler. Hard-to-reach areas can become breeding grounds for mold, reducing quality and hygiene.
- Durability: Well-built machines last longer. Check reviews for comments on how the machine holds up over time. Cheaply made components can break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Under cabinet coffee makers are fantastic for anyone wanting to maximize kitchen space.
- Small Kitchens: If counter space is limited, this is a perfect solution. It frees up valuable room for food prep.
- Busy Mornings: The programmable timer means you can have coffee ready the moment you wake up. This saves precious minutes when you’re rushing.
- Neat Freaks: Keeping your coffee maker off the counter reduces visual clutter, contributing to a tidier kitchen.
- Entertaining: If you often have guests, a larger capacity model can brew enough coffee for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I install an under cabinet coffee maker?
A: Installation usually involves mounting a bracket to the underside of your cabinet. Then, the coffee maker attaches to this bracket. Most come with clear instructions and all the needed hardware.
Q: Will it drip coffee onto my counter when I remove the pot?
A: Many models have a “pause and serve” feature. This stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe, so it shouldn’t drip.
Q: How much space do I need above my counter?
A: You need enough space to swing down the coffee maker for filling and cleaning, and to remove the carafe. Check the product’s dimensions and required clearance.
Q: Can I use any type of coffee grounds?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite ground coffee. Some machines come with a reusable filter, but you can also use standard paper filters.
Q: How do I clean an under cabinet coffee maker?
A: You should clean the carafe and filter basket after each use. The machine itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Some models require occasional descaling.
Q: Are they noisy when brewing?
A: Like most coffee makers, they make some noise during brewing. The sound level can vary by model. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how loud a specific unit is.
Q: What if my cabinet is too low?
A: If your cabinets are very low, an under cabinet coffee maker might not fit. Measure the clearance carefully before buying.
Q: Do they use a lot of electricity?
A: Coffee makers use electricity to heat water. Most are energy-efficient, and the auto shut-off feature helps save power.
Q: Can I use coffee pods or K-cups with these?
A: Most under cabinet coffee makers are designed for ground coffee. If you prefer pods, you would need to look for a specific pod-compatible model, which are less common in this style.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of an under cabinet coffee maker?
A: With proper care and cleaning, a good quality under cabinet coffee maker can last for several years, often between 3 to 5 years or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.