Looking for the best under cabinet coffee maker? Check out our top picks and a buying guide so you can choose the right machine for you.
Short on time? Our top choice is the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker!
What’s the best under cabinet coffee maker?
I’m glad you asked. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to narrow down your choices.
That’s why I compile a list of my top choices to make it a little bit easier on you.
I even included a short buying guide to help you make a more informed decision.
Let’s get started!
Top 9 Under Cabinet Coffee Makers
- OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker (Best Overall)
- Black and Decker ODC325N Spacemaker Coffee Maker (Best Mounted Machine)
- Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CP301 (Most Drink Options)
- Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker (Best for Budgets)
- The Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker (Best Programmable Machine)
- Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (Best for Easy Brewing)
- Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve (Best for Espresso)
- Keurig K-Supreme Coffee Maker (Best for Coffee Pods)
- Breville Precision Brewer (Most Advanced)
OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker
This is easily my top choice. It’s the highest-quality coffee.
The rainmaker showerhead on this OXO drip coffee maker means you get a better and more even extraction. Extraction is what determines how smooth and balanced your coffee tastes.
Plus, the double-walled thermal carafe keeps your coffee warm for hours. That means you can brew one pot and drink hot coffee all morning.
And you get controls for the water temperature and brewing cycle. It’s a lot of control over the final taste of your pot of coffee.
You also get options for brewing single cups or full carafes. So, if you want a single cup, you don’t have to brew a whole pot and waste the coffee.
The only thing to note is that it’s expensive for a machine that only brews coffee.
Pros
- The rainmaker shower head gives you a better and more even extraction
- The double-walled carafe keeps your coffee warm for a long time, so you can enjoy hot coffee without making another pot
- You get control over the water temperature and brewing cycle, which means you get more control over the taste of your coffee
- It has the option for single-serving or full carafes, so you don’t need to brew a full pot to get a single cup of coffee
Cons
- It’s on the expensive end for not having a ton of extra features
Black and Decker ODC325N Spacemaker Coffee Maker
This is one of the few available machines that actually mount underneath your cabinet. As in, it mounts to the underside of your cabinet, so you save all that counter space.
But the counter space you save doesn’t mean you sacrifice the size of your pot. You still get a huge 12-cup capacity from this machine. That’s plenty enough, even for heavy coffee drinkers.
The Spacemaker also has a Sneak-A-Cup feature that lets you pour a cup of coffee before the brew is finished. That’s great for busy mornings when you can’t wait for the whole pot to brew.
Plus, you get a two-hour automatic shutoff. So when you do rush out on that busy morning, you don’t have to worry about the machine staying on all day.
This machine does put a lot of stress on your cabinet. So be sure you mount it correctly.
Pros
- You can mount it under your cabinet, which means your kitchen stays clutter-free
- The 12-cup capacity is more than enough for just about anyone, you don’t have to worry about making enough coffee
- The Sneak-A-Cup feature allows you to pour a cup before the brewing is finished, which is nice for busy mornings when you can’t wait
- It has a two-hour automatic shutoff, so you don’t have to worry about the machine staying on
Cons
- This machine has been known to put a lot of stress on your cabinets, so make sure you mount it correctly
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CP301
If you’re looking for an all-around great under-cabinet machine, the Ninja CP301 is a great option.
It has 6 different brew sizes, so you can choose from a single cup all the way through a full carafe.
Not only that, there’s a fold-away milk frother that lets you froth milk for specialty drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.
The milk frother isn’t the best, though, because it doesn’t heat up the milk for you. So you’ll have to either microwave or use a saucepan to heat the milk before you froth it.
This machine does let you brew tea, though. It actually comes pre-programmed with different steeping times and temperatures for tea. If you live in a house with tea drinkers, this Ninja is certainly one to consider.
And don’t forget that this Ninja machine actually has a cold brewing mode, too. That means you can brew straight for iced coffee.
Pros
- With 6 brewing sizes, you can choose from a single cup to a full carafe and a lot in between
- The fold-away frother allows you to make some specialty drinks like cappuccinos with either hot or cold milk
- You can brew specifically for tea, there are pre-programmed for different temperatures and steep times
- A specific cold brew setting lets you brew cold for iced coffees
Cons
- The milk frother doesn’t heat up the milk like a regular steam wand, so you have to microwave or use a saucepan for your milk
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
I’m a huge fan of this Hamilton Beach coffee maker.
The biggest selling point? The front filling basket and water reservoir.
Most undercabinet coffee machines still require you to pull them out to fill the basket and water tank. But not this Hamilton Beach.
Instead, the brew basket and water tank are accessible from the front, which makes it significantly easier to get your coffee going.
You can also pause the brew part way through to pour your first cup. That’s a great feature for when you’re running late and can’t wait for the pot to finish brewing.
Plus, you can set up delayed brewing up to a day in advance. So, you can wake up to a fresh pot.
It also allows you to choose from regular or bold brewing options.
The only thing is that this machine is cheap, and feels cheap.
Pros
- Filling both water and coffee ground from the front makes it easier to keep this machine tucked away under the cabinets
- The Pause & Serve function lets you pour a cup of coffee before the pot is finished brewing, which is great for busy mornings
- You can set brew times up to 24 hours in advance, so you can wake up to a fresh pot
- It has up to 12 cups of capacity, but settings for 1-4 cups and regular or bold options, meaning you can brew coffee to any taste
Cons
- You get what you pay for, this machine feels cheap and might not last as long as you might wish
The Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker
Cuisinart Programmable Coffeemaker is really a simple machine. So simple that it might not be a great choice for everyone. But if you just want a coffee machine to make coffee, then it’s ideal.
You get up to 24 hours of programmable brewing, which means you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee in the morning.
This also comes with an integrated water filter and reusable coffee filter. That means you save money on coffee filters and get higher water quality.
The glass carafe is ergonomic and easy to use. Plus, you get a temperature-controlled warming plate with low, medium, and high settings.
The only downside is that it does one thing: make coffee. It doesn’t have any other capabilities.
Pros
- Set brewing times up to 24 hours in advance, which means you can wake up to a fresh pot
- The low, medium, and high-temperature settings give you more control over how hot your coffee stays
- You get both a water filter and a reusable coffee filter with this machine, which means you save money on filters and get better water quality
- The glass carafe is high-quality and ergonomic, so it’s comfortable to use and pour with and stays warm with the warming plate
Cons
- It doesn’t have a ton of features, it’s a very simple machine
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
This programmable coffee maker is great for when you need to set a pot to brew in advance.
In fact, that’s the biggest selling point for this machine. The ability to delay the brew for up to 24 hours is really nice if you like to wake up to the smell of coffee in the morning. .
Plus, this machine has the Grab-a-Cup feature that pauses the brew while you pour a cup of coffee.
The filter is easily accessible through the top of the machine. That makes cleaning really simple.
The water-level viewer makes it easy to tell where your water level is to prevent overflowing.
The only downside is that you have to refill the water tank from the back every time. So, you have to pull the machine out from under the cabinet.
Pros
- The easily viewable water display makes it simple to tell where your water level is to prevent overfills
- You get the Grab-a-Cup auto-pause feature that lets you pour a cup of coffee before the whole pot is finished brewing
- The filter is easily accessible through the top of the machine, which makes cleaning really simple
- You can set a delayed start for up to 24 hours, which means you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee
Cons
- You have to refill the water tank from behind, which means pulling it from under the cabinet every time
Lavazza Expert Coffee Classy Plus Single Serve
Look, there has to be space in this list for the espresso drinkers out there. After all, everyone enjoys an espresso every now and then.
With the Lavazza expert machine, you get six different brewing options – from single espresso to an 8 oz regular coffee. That’s a ton of versatility from such a small machine.
But not only that, this is a coffee pod machine. That means it works with coffee capsules, and you don’t have to worry about filters or grinding or any of that extra stuff. Just pop in a pod and hit brew.
The 42 oz water tank is big enough for a handful of drinks before you need to refill it.
Plus, this machine has a built-in milk frother attachment. That means you can make drinks like cappuccinos or lattes right in the machine without extra effort.
The only downside is that this only works with Lavazza Expert Capsules and no third-party pods.
Pros
- This comes with a built-in milk frother attachment, which means you can make drinks like lattes
- You get six different brewing options from espresso to an 8 oz coffee, so you have a lot of versatility from a small machine
- It works with coffee pods, meaning you don’t have to worry about dosing or grinding coffee
- The 42 oz water tank is big enough to brew a handful of coffee before needing a refill
Cons
- It’s only compatible with Lavazza Expert Capsules
Keurig K-Supreme Coffee Maker
I’ll admit, even I enjoy a single-serve pod brewer every now and then. There’s definitely a space for them in my heart.
And this Keurig K-Supreme is a great option for an under-cabinet pod brewer.
The dual-position water reservoir means you put it at the side or the back. That can save you even more space on your counter.
The K-Supreme has MultiStream technology, which means you get a wider and more even extraction. That basically means your coffee will taste better than a machine with only one stream.
This also comes with a strong brew button, which means you can tailor your coffee taste even more.
You choose from one of four brewing sizes. Anything from six to twelve ounces. That’s usually plenty for any situation.
The only thing it doesn’t do is brew carafes, which can be a downside if you’re looking for an office coffeemaker.
Pros
- The dual-position reservoir means you have more options regarding where this machine fits on your counter
- The MultiStream technology means you get a wider and more even extraction, which results in a better-tasting coffee with each pod
- You have a stronger brew option, which allows you to take some control over how your coffee will taste
- You get four different brewing sizes, so you can choose the right amount of coffee for your situation
Cons
- The only downside is that this is only a single-serve brewer and doesn’t brew carafes as well
Breville Precision Brewer
This one is for the coffee geeks.
There are six unique brewing methods, so you get the most balanced cup of coffee with every pot. Plus, you can customize the settings to tailor each brew to a specific coffee.
You also have a PID, which allows you to control the temperature and flow rates for the brews, which gives you even more control over the taste.
And it has a 60 oz reservoir and carafe, which is plenty for even a large pot of coffee.
My favorite feature is that it is pour-over compatible. That means you can use your favorite pour-over device, like a V60 or Chemex, instead of the carafe.
The only thing to note is that this is a high-level machine and takes some work to get great results.
Pros
- There are six unique brewing methods, so you get the most balanced cup of coffee, plus you can customize the brew to your specific coffee
- This machine has a PID, which means you get to control the temperature and flow rates so you can take more control of your brew
- It has a 60 oz reservoir, that’s more than enough for a whole pot for the office
- This is pour-over compatible, which means that you can use your favorite pour-over instead of the carafe for even more control
Cons
- This takes a lot of work to get great coffee, so if you’re not invested, you should look elsewhere
Choosing The Best Under Cabinet Coffee Maker – A Buying Guide
In this section, let’s break down how you might go about narrowing down your choices.
After all, there are so many things to think about before you pull the trigger.
Let’s go through the biggest choices you have to make before making a final decision.
What type of machine is best?
This really comes down to one question: do you want a mounted machine or a freestanding one?
If you’re looking for a mounted one, good luck. They aren’t very common anymore. They ran into a lot of issues with structural integrity and damage to your cabinets from steam.
I’d recommend staying away from mounted machines.
But instead, there is a whole world of countertop machines designed to tuck away under your cabinets.
These range from all-inclusive machines that brew anything from cold brew to hot tea. But there are also simpler machines out there that only do coffee.
Really you need to decide how you’re going to use your machine and go from there.
BOTTOM LINE
How are you going to use your machine? Do you use coffee pods or pre-ground? Are you looking for something simple, or do you want more control over your coffee? The type of machine you need depends on these choices.
How big a machine should you get?
The size really depends on how much counter space you have to work with.
Personally, I choose coffee brewers that are smaller because I live in a smaller apartment.
But if I had more counter space to work with, I would experiment with bigger and more advanced coffee makers.
What you need to figure out is how much space you have between your counter and your cabinets. Then you need to figure out how much space you have to dedicate to a coffee maker.
IN A NUTSHELL
Be honest with yourself about how much space you have for a coffee machine. Don’t get one that’s bigger than you need.
What special features does it have?
Unfortunately, special features on under-cabinet coffee machines aren’t very common. Most of the time, they really only brew coffee.
But sometimes they have some extras.
There are machines that have a delayed start, which is nice for when you want to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee without brewing it in the morning.
Then there are machines that brew more than just coffee. Things like tea or cold brew or even frothing milk.
But what it comes down to is what kinds of drinks you want from your machine.
If you only really drink brewed coffee, then don’t look for a machine that has pre-programmed tea settings.
But if you live with a big family that drinks all kinds of things, then look for a machine that tailors to a wider audience.
BOTTOM LINE
Find the features that make the most sense for you. And don’t get sucked into spending extra money for features you’ll never use.
FAQ
In this section, I’ll give some answers to the most frequent questions I get about under-cabinet coffee makers.
Do they still make undercabinet coffee makers?
Not like they used to.
The days of mounted coffee makers are mostly over. These days the under-cabinet world is a little different. It’s mostly smaller countertop coffee makers that are short enough to fit underneath your cabinets.
Will steam from the coffee maker destroy the cabinet?
That depends on the wood of your cabinets.
But regardless, it’s best to pull your coffee maker out from under the cabinet when making a pot of coffee just to be safe.
How do I protect my kitchen cabinets from coffee maker steam?
Here are three things you can do:
1. Make sure you have good ventilation when brewing coffee. Open a window or turn on a range fan.
2. Wipe away any condensation that builds up with a rag so that moisture doesn’t build up in your kitchen cabinet.
3. Only use your machine in a space that’s away from your cabinets, or at least out from under the cabinet.
My Final Verdict
My top choice is still the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker.
The double-walled thermal carafe keeps your coffee warm forever. That means you don’t keep wasting coffee because it went cold.
Plus, you can brew single cups instead of full carafes, which is great for when you don’t want to share your coffee with anyone.
But the biggest thing is that it makes a really tasty cup of coffee without breaking the bank.
It’s a great choice for any coffee drinker.