7 Best 5-cup Coffee Makers Reviewed

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on October 5th, 2022

Coffee has become an integral part of our daily lives and most of us cannot thrive without having at least a cup of it in the morning. The growing love that people have for coffee has made coffee-making machines a hit in the market.


Regardless if it is a portable one or a heavy-duty machine, what matters is that it can brew that perfect cup. Coffee machines come in different variants and specifications, and you can always choose from a wide variety of choices – one of the great options being the 5-cup coffee maker.

coffee and laptop

This works perfectly for small households of 1-3 people with limited kitchen counter space and those who want to conserve energy and minimize waste as well. 

In this article, we will focus on the best 5-cup coffee machines available in the market and why they are a great choice. 

Best 5-cup coffee maker picks.

If you’re always moving places, preserving space on your kitchen counter, or you simply think that a heavy-duty coffee maker is a bit too impractical for you, but a single-serve coffee machine is also not enough, then you’re in luck because we are about to present to you some of the best choices for 5-cup coffee makers. 

1. Bonavita 5-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker – Best Quality

For our number one pick, we have the Bonavita 5-cup one-touch coffee maker. As the name implies, it only takes a single touch to start the brewing process. The machine is compact and small in size, which is great for small counter spaces. 

It is the fastest coffee maker on this list!

The carafe is constructed with stainless steel and can provide great-tasting coffee for you in just in a short amount of time. 

It is built in such a way that the cross-shaped showerhead distributes water evenly over the coffee grounds to achieve that rich flavor. The heater uses a 110-wattage, so there is no fluctuation in the power consumption, and a steady temperature is maintained throughout the entire brewing process. It also has an automatic shut-off feature for safety purposes as well. 

The stainless steel carafe has good heat retention and durability with a 5-cup capacity like the rest. It uses the standard #4 cone-shaped filters, which are long-lasting.

The lid of the Bonavita carafe, along with the filter basket and showerhead, are easy to wash because they are removable and safe for the dishwasher.

The plastic material integrated into some parts of the construction is BPA-free, so you can be sure that it is safe to use for brewing. 

Pros

  • BPA- free
  • Retains optimal temperature
  • Even saturation of coffee grounds
  • German stainless steel thermal carafe
  • Pre-infusion mode allows fresh coffee to degas and bloom
  • High-quality stainless steel exterior
  • 6 minutes brewing time for 5 cups

Cons

  • Carafe design could be better

2. Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker – Best Overall

We have the Capresso 5-cup mini coffee maker. Don’t be fooled by its small size. This coffee maker has a lot to offer, such as programmable features and a hot plate auto-shutdown mechanism.

Let’s have a run down on the features first. The programmable features allow the user to set a brewing schedule beforehand, and the machine will automatically start to operate at the time that was set.

You can put the water and coffee grounds before going to sleep at night and set the time according to your waking schedule. That way, you already have a freshly brewed supply upon waking up, and you no longer have to wait.

For the hot plate, it keeps your coffee hot for two hours after brewing and then automatically shuts off. 

The Capresso coffee maker produces good quality brewed coffee with its superior mechanism where jets of hot water is sprayed evenly onto the coffee grounds for an even distribution of flavor at the optimal temperature.

The filter being used in this machine is the GoldTone filter which is of high quality, but if you want extra filtering capacity, you can get additional paper filters.

Because it can only brew a maximum of 5 cups at a time, it does not take a lot of time to finish. You can enjoy a hot cup of coffee within 5-6 minutes of waiting time.

You can also fill your cup while it is brewing because of the drip stop feature. All you have to do is remove the carafe. You do not have to worry about leaks and drips. 

Overall, this is one of the most impressive models we have on this list. With its small size, user-friendly features, and quick brewing time, it’s perfect for those who are always on the go.

It is a little bit on the pricey side due to its superiority in some aspects, like the construction quality and the features. 

Pros

  • The warming plate with 2-hour Auto-Off
  • 24-hour Auto-On programmable function
  • Low wattage usage

Cons

  • Extraction could be better

3. AmazonBasics 5-Cup Coffeemaker

This is another genius masterpiece that AmazonBasics launched. Another addition to their line of kitchen appliances, the AmazonBasics 5-Cup Coffeemaker is the perfect combination of top-notch quality and reasonable pricing. It possesses multiple functions packed within its compact size. 

Like the others, this one can also brew 5 cups of coffee with a 5-oz capacity in a single brew which is perfect for solo drinkers or households with 1-3 people. You can pause the brewing as you wish if you are in a rush or just want a small, quick sip to fuel yourself for the day. 

The carafe of this machine is constructed with premium quality glass that is pretty easy to clean but may not be that durable when it comes to heat resistance. You should exercise extra caution when handling the carafe.

There is a hot plate included in the AmazonBasics coffee maker that can keep your coffee hot for a while after it is brewed. The filter allows for multiple uses, so there is no need to purchase separate paper filters for it but if you really want that additional filtering power to ensure zero solid particles in your cup, feel free to do so. 

Simplicity is the core of this coffee maker. It does not have any other advanced features to offer aside from the main function of brewing and filtering. There are also no other color variants. It only comes in a classic black design. 

Pros

  • Reusable filter
  • You can pause mid-brew
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • The glass carafe should only be washed by hand 

4. BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker

Living an independent life? You may want to spare the BLACK+DECKER 5-cup coffee maker a second glance.

This brand has constantly been manufacturing quality kitchenware for many years now and is known for its simplicity and usability. The BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker CM0700BZ is great for adults living alone or in a household with 1-3 coffee drinkers only. 

It works great for limited kitchen counter space because of its small size. It comes with a pause feature just like the AmazonBasics variant that allows you to temporarily stop the brewing process if you want a quick fill by simply removing the carafe from the hot plate. 

The hot plate built within the machine can retain the optimal temperature for a long period of time, so you won’t have to constantly reheat your coffee. Duralife technology is integrated with the carafe, which makes for safer and more comfortable handling and fewer drips and spills when pouring. 

The filter used in the BLACK+DECKER is similar to most, but its defining aspect is that it is safe in the dishwasher, which takes away the hassle of cleaning it by hand.

There is also a small window in the front portion of the carafe where you can see the water level from the outside. 

If you want a coffee maker that does not have any other extra features and just does its intended purpose, you can go for the simplicity brought by the BLACK+DECKER.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly 
  • Easy to use on/off switch
  • Reusable filter

Cons

  • Narrow options for coffee types that you can brew

5. Holstein Housewares 5-Cup Coffee Maker

Holstein Housewares is a brand that values aesthetics in the kitchen appliances that they manufacture. You can be sure that their products are always boldly and creatively designed to bring color to your kitchen counter.

Their line of 5-cup coffee makers is proof of that. For this article, we feature the teal-colored variant. But even though they put extra effort into the visuals, quality is also guaranteed. 

The exterior of the machine itself is coated with a vibrant teal color, as well as the handle of the carafe. It is also easy to handle and store because the power cord has a stow-away feature. 

Included in the package are a coffee filter and a measuring spoon. The filter is the conventional basket-type filter that can easily be detached and cleaned.

However, there have been some consumers complaining about the unusual shape of the filter, which makes finding replacements and refills difficult. 

This is basically just a simple and straightforward coffee maker without any advanced features. It is budget-friendly and does the job well, plus it adds a splash of color to your kitchen counter. 

Pros

  • Comes in different colors
  • Anti-drip feature
  • Comes with filter and measuring spoon
  • Affordable
  • Most compact machines.

Cons

  • No auto shut-off

6. Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

The Mr. Coffee brand is well-known among coffee drinkers and home brewers because they offer versatile and multifunctional coffee-making machines that a lot of users enjoy. For this article, we feature their 5-cup programmable coffee maker – a real space saver and a great quality model that you will surely appreciate. 

We’ll tell you in advance that this particular brand is a little bit on the pricey side because of the added functions and features. Depending on your lifestyle, you may or may not need these functions.

But if you want more comfort and convenience and it is well within your financial capability, we recommend that you try this model. 

Delayed brewing is one function that is integrated into this coffee maker. You can basically set a timer for when you want the machine to actually start brewing coffee.

Another impressive feature of this model is that you can also adjust the strength of the brew, which is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to have a say in just how strong they want their coffee to be. 

The carafe is made of premium quality stainless steel. The material is great for maximum heat retention and adds to the elegance of the appearance.

If you remove the carafe, it automatically pauses the brewing process. 

Out of all the ones we feature in this article, this is the one that packs the most features. Habitual coffee drinkers would really appreciate and benefit from the many functions that the Mr. Coffee 5-cup programmable coffee maker brings to the table.

However, you are only limited to one design option, which is the classic black for now. 

Pros

  • Produces good quality-tasting coffee
  • Safe and energy-efficient
  • User-friendly 
  • Great for serving 1-2 people
  • Easy to handle when pouring

Cons

  • Reservoir window is placed on the right side which is inconvenient for lefties
  • Prone to leaks while being filled with water

6. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Coffee Maker

The Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Coffee Maker is built for relatively small countertops. It can still produce 5 cups of coffee in a single brew, even though its size might make you think otherwise.

The transparent glass carafe allows for easy monitoring of the water level and the brewing process itself. The cone filter is also built into the carafe for that minimalist design. 

The water reservoir is detachable, so you can keep it when not in use. There is also a measuring spoon that comes with the package so you can precisely measure the number of coffee grounds to match the volume of water for that perfect concentration. 

This model lasts long and produces good quality brewed coffee. The only feature that it lacks is an automatic shut-off mechanism, so you need to manually turn it off when it is done brewing. 

Pros

  • Compact size saves space
  • Easy to store
  • Hot plate retains temperature for a long time
  • 6 minutes brewing time
  • High quality construction

Cons

  • Does not shut off automatically 

Important considerations

5-cup coffee makers are not as expensive as the regular and conventional coffee-making machines available in the market today. Since they are designed for small-scale brewing ony, they are quite affordable.

Even so, it is still important to know the right kind of machine that suits your lifestyle and needs. 

Automatic shut-off feature

This feature is very helpful, especially if you are constantly in a rush. There may be times when you will forget to turn off the machine because you’re already running late.

So the automatic shut-off feature will take care of that for you. It is great for safety purposes and convenience. There are some models that will automatically turn off after a couple of hours. 

Handle and spout

Comfort and convenience should be considered in the design of the coffee maker, so it is easy to hold, handle, and carry. The handle must be efficiently placed for safe and easy transport while pouring and serving.

The spout should also have zero to minimal tendency of leaking and spilling while pouring the coffee out of the carafe, regardless of whether it is fast or slow. 

Ease of cleaning

It is also much easier on your part if the components of the coffee maker, like the lid, filter basket, water reservoir, and carafe, are safe to be washed in the dishwasher, so you won’t have to spend time washing them by hand. 

Filters

The filter is a vital part of the coffee maker and contributes largely to the quality of the brew that it will produce. Filters can either be cone-shaped or flat.

According to most consumers, cone-shaped filters extract better, but the flat ones are easier to use and are more readily available. Some coffee machines already have reusable filters, but these usually do not do a thorough job of filtering out sediments, so we’d recommend adding another filter. 

Budget

You may be on a tight budget, especially if you’re living alone, so it’s best if you set a range on the amount that you are willing to spend on a coffee maker and narrow your choices from there.

Advanced features may be tempting, but if you do not really need them, you can always opt for the simpler ones that already do the job well. 

Design

The visual design also adds to the overall quality of the product. This device will most likely be spending most of its time on top of your kitchen counter, so if you are trying to maintain a specific aesthetic for your kitchen, the design of the coffee machine may be of concern to you.

You can never go wrong with the classic stainless steel look, or you can choose a plastic frame if you want a low-cost one but take note that they do not last as long. 

Carafe

The carafe is where the brewed coffee is stored. It is the most used and most prone to damage part of the entire coffee maker. Carafes of decent quality coffee machines can either be glass or stainless steel.

Let’s explore the perks and downsides of both. 

  • Glass

This is the most common material used for carafes of most coffee makers in various brands. Because it is transparent, you see the brewing process as well as the water level inside the carafe.

You can easily monitor if there is the presence of any extraneous solid particles. These are also the most affordable. However, glass carafes aren’t very heat-resistant and do not retain heat efficiently as well.

They are easy to clean, though, and if you ever break them, they are quite easy to replace. 

  • Stainless Steel

Simple yet classic. Stainless steel remains a timeless material to be used in a lot of kitchen appliances. Although they cost a little more, their durability and quality are guaranteed.

Stainless steel carafes have very good heat retention properties. They are also heat-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about burning yourself if you ever come in contact with it while it’s hot. Their only downside is that they are more difficult to clean. 

Features

The additional features that manufacturers have added to their coffee maker innovations are intended to provide more convenience and comfort for the users. However, these may not be necessary for your lifestyle and may not be worth the extra cost that it will add to the total price of the machine.

Evaluate whether you can manage without these features because, at the end of the day, the main purpose of a coffee machine is to be able to brew coffee in your own home. 

Dimensions

The average dimensions of a typical 5-cup coffee maker are 11 inches x 8 inches at the base. The height is around 10 inches.

Whether you want to keep it on your kitchen countertop at all times for easy access or you want to store it in a cabinet, consider the dimensions first so you know if it will fit in the space that you allocate for it. 

Warranty

Manufacturers typically offer one to two-year warranties for their products. No matter how reliable the brand may be, you still can’t be too careful because there is always a chance that a product can be defective.

Warranties ensure that you can get service for repairs or replacements without any additional cost.

Cleaning your 5-cup coffee maker

  • Rinse every after use. 
  • Do a thorough weekly cleaning using a solution of warm water and vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. Use a soft piece of cloth to remove excess residue or stains. 
  • Use a mild cleaning solution to clean the exterior of the machine itself and get rid of any coffee granules.

Conclusion

Coffee makers can be small or big. The 5-cup coffee makers are the ones that fall in between. They aren’t too small for a single brew but not too large for multiple servings.

These are perfect companions for coffee drinkers who live alone or small hour slds also only 1-3 people who drink coffee. Their small size also works for kitchen countertops with limited space. 

We have listed 7 great brands of 5-cup coffee makers that are of high quality along with their good and bad qualities. We included brands that fit small to large budgets, so there is always something here for everyone. Happy brewing!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.