8 Best Under Cabinet Coffee Makers of 2021: Small But Mighty

Let’s be realistic: some coffee machines look great and make awesome coffee but… they’re SO. FREAKIN’. BIG.

If you only have some fairly limited countertop space left or, worse, low cupboards, they just ain’t gonna fit.

Luckily, the best under cabinet coffee makers solve that problem while still brewing delicious java!

After a handy buying guide to help you narrow down your choice, we’ll show you some quick and helpful reviews of the best models on the market.

The right one for you is bound to be among them! 

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Under Cabinet Coffee Makers - Essential Buying Guide

Now, ‘under cabinet coffee makers’ is such a wide term. Let’s first make sure you know exactly what you need in order to match your coffee habits.

What type of coffee is your go-to fuel?

There are several categories of under cabinet coffee makers, so think of what type of coffee you like to drink and in what quantities:

• Single-serve: ideal if you usually brew one cup of coffee at a time;
• Drip: with a big carafe, these coffee makers are perfect for large households or for those who drink a lot of coffee every time they brew some;

PRO TIP: if you want the option of brewing a full carafe but you could occasionally do with smaller quantities, you need to look for a drip model that also offers single-serve or half-carafe options;

• Espresso: if some mornings call for a stronger shot.

Torn between two? Don’t worry: we’ve also included some dual-use coffee makers that combine different styles.

Type of filter

When you opt for drip, you also have to choose between reusable filters and paper options (although, luckily, some models let you use both). 

Reusable filters are a cheaper, more eco-friendly choice and, because they let the coffee oils through, they result in a bolder brew. More similar to French press coffee, basically.

Paper filters, on the other hand, make clean-up time oh-so-easy and they’re your best option if you prefer the cleaner flavor of drip-style java.

The right brewing features for you

Not knowing which features to look for could either result in you spending more money than needed or cursing yourself for realizing you’ve picked a coffee maker without that perfect perk.

So, what do you want from your coffee maker?

Among the most popular features that you can scout for are programmability, strength control, and brew pause, which means that you can pour yourself a cup of coffee before the rest of the carafe has been brewed.

Other coffee makers might also have a steaming wand for frothy drinks and a button for hot water on demand.

Size (height, in particular!)

If you’re already concerned about size, you really, really cannot afford to overlook this step. 

Whether it’s your low cabinets or narrow countertop space that worries you, pictures can be deceiving. Check the exact measurements of your preferred coffee maker to avoid disappointment!

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As we promised, here’s something for everyone:

Now that you know what you can expect, let’s find the best under cabinet coffee maker for you!

This under cabinet coffee maker offers lots of quantity and flavor options without complicating your life. 

While its 12-cup carafe is perfect for large households, it also has a clever 1-4 cup setting for whenever you need to brew for fewer people.

You can chuck the grounds into its reusable gold-tone filter or choose paper options.

Finally, you can opt for regular coffee or a bolder flavor.

Thanks to its programmable feature, this Cuisinart model can even wake up before you do and ensure that your morning fix is ready and still piping hot when you make it downstairs.

Plus, because it relies on a wide showerhead, it’ll always be perfectly and evenly extracted.

This Cuisinart coffee maker is available in many different colors and, if you were hoping for even larger quantities of coffee, you can opt for its 14-cup variant (as long as you’re happy to swap the stainless steel carafe for a glass one).

Bottom line: a versatile choice for drip lovers who could do with some handy features.

If you really liked the sound of the Hamilton Beach Scoop but you need waaaaaaaay more coffee than what a single-serve model can offer you, meet its cousin!

With a 12-cup carafe, we’re pretty sure that your coffee thirst will be taken care of. However, you can always brew 1-4 cups, too.

This under cabinet coffee maker is programmable, has a brew pause feature, and is easy to use thanks to the swivel base.

What we like the most about it, though, is the fact that it offers three different brew strength options: perfect to get the most out of different roasts!

Bottom line: another Hamilton Beach gem, this simple but clever coffee maker combines handy features and enhanced flavor options.

If all you’re looking for is a quick carafe of joe, you can’t go wrong with Mr. Coffee: life couldn’t be simpler than when you can start your day with a one-button brew!

Still, this under cabinet coffee maker has the coveted automatic brew-pause feature of some higher-end models.

Available in black and white, it’ll be a breeze to match it to the style of your kitchen.

Bottom line: why pay more money when all you want is a tasty carafe of drip?

We’re part of the coffee squad (obviously), but we can’t deny that sometimes it’s nice to enjoy some other hot drinks, perhaps a herbal tea before bedtime. This dual-use under cabinet coffee machine makes it super easy!

The left side is a traditional drip brewer with a large glass carafe and a hot plate, whereas the other features a hot-water-on-demand button. You could use it for tea, instant coffee, oatmeal, or (why not?) even soups.

At the same time, it maintains some sought-after drip features such as the programmable option, auto-off, drip-free pour spout, brew pause, and removable drip tray to fit a travel mug.

This Cuisinart model is available in different colors and, if you’re happy to switch to a 10-cup carafe instead of 12, a thermal option, too.

Bottom line: if your household consists of both coffee and tea addicts, this dual-use coffee maker will end all drink-related arguments.

This under cabinet coffee maker is enough to turn your kitchen into a traditional 50s diner. A guaranteed conversation-starter whenever you have guests around, this Nostalgia brewer is true to its name.

However, it also includes modern perks like programmable features, automatic shut-off, brew pause, and an anti-drip carafe.

Oh, and it makes damn fine coffee, of course!

Bottom line: a beautiful vintage addition for your coffee addiction.

Some mornings call for a large carafe of drip, some others can only be faced with the help of a strong espresso shot. This under cabinet coffee maker caters to both!

Next to the usual carafe of drip coffee (programmable and with a brew pause feature) you’ll find an authentic 15-bar espresso machine.

Want more? How about a professional steaming wand to make lattes and cappuccinos?

This De’Longhi model guarantees easy access to both reservoirs and, allowing you to add a carbon filter, ensures a purer brew.

Bottom line: from drip to espresso and frothy drinks, this under cabinet coffee maker will turn your morning brew into a coffeehouse-like experience.

FAQs

1. What is the best compact coffee maker?

The best compact coffee maker is the Keurig K-Mini Plus. Less than 5” wide, it has the smallest countertop footprint and, because it’s compatible with Keurig’s reusable filter, it lets you use ground coffee if you’re not a fan of K-Cups.

2. What is the best cheap coffee maker?

The best cheap coffee maker is the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker. It’s affordable and simple but includes some higher-end features like the brew & pause option.

3. Will the steam from my coffee maker under cabinet ruin my cupboards?

Whether or not the steam from your under cabinet coffee maker will ruin your cupboards depends on their material and coating. If yours are fairly delicate, we recommend pulling your under cabinet coffee maker forward to brew the coffee and pushing it back when you’re done using it.

References

1. Hamblin, J. (2015, March 2). A Brewing Problem. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/03/the-abominable-k-cup-coffee-pod-environment-problem/386501/
2. (n.d.). (2013, March 20). Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single Serve Coffeemaker. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/coffee-maker-reviews/a29216/hamilton-beach-the-scoop-single-serve-coffeemaker-70/