Which Coffee Maker Is Right for You?
Answer five quick questions and we'll recommend the best way to make coffee at home — no machine required. Takes about 30 seconds.
The four ways to brew (without a machine)
Not sure the quiz got you? Here's the quick version of what each brewer does best, so you can choose for yourself.
Moka pot
Strong, concentrated, espresso-style coffee that stands up to milk. A short daily ritual. See the best moka pot guide.
AeroPress
Clean, smooth, low-bitterness coffee, quick cleanup, and it travels anywhere. See the best AeroPress guide.
Cafetière
Full-bodied coffee in any quantity, with the simplest routine. See the best cafetière guide.
Pour over
Clean, bright, aromatic coffee that shows off the bean. See the best pour over guide.
Still weighing two up? Our comparisons help: moka pot vs AeroPress, moka pot vs cafetière and moka pot vs pour over.
Frequently asked questions
Which coffee maker should I buy?
It depends on the cup you want and how you brew. Choose a moka pot for strong, espresso-style coffee and milk drinks; an AeroPress for a clean, smooth cup and easy travel; a cafetière for full-bodied coffee in any quantity with the least fuss; or a pour over for a clean, bright, aromatic cup. Our quiz recommends one in about 30 seconds.
What is the easiest coffee maker for beginners?
A cafetière (French press) or an AeroPress. Both are hard to get wrong: add coffee and hot water, wait, and plunge or press. A moka pot is only slightly trickier once you learn to keep the heat low and take it off early.
What is the best coffee maker without a machine?
For strong, espresso-style coffee, a moka pot. For a smooth, full-bodied mug, a cafetière. For a clean, portable cup, an AeroPress. For a bright, aromatic filter cup, a pour over dripper. All make excellent coffee for well under £40.
Which coffee maker is best for milk drinks like lattes?
A moka pot. It brews a strong, concentrated, espresso-style base that stands up to milk, so it is the best of these brewers for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites. Froth some warm milk by hand and you have a café-style drink at home.