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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! 

AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP 3 PICKS

Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker, Fast Brewing, Stainless Steel (49981A)
  • One-cup brewer with fresh grounds (no plastic capsules!)
  • Quick & easy process
  • Travel mug friendly

Cuisinart Thermal - Also Great

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Thermal Coffeemaker, 12 Cup Carafe, Silver
  • Large carafe but can brew smaller quantities
  • Customizable
  • Available in several styles

Hamilton Beach 46205 - Strong Coffee

Hamilton Beach 46205 Programmable, Coffee Maker, Standard
  • Practical drip option
  • Programmable
  • Brew pause feature

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.

under cabinet coffee maker

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!

Best Under Cabinet Coffee Makers of 2020: Low Footprint, High-Quality Coffee [Top 8 Reviews]

As we promised, here’s something for everyone:

Amazon Product
Hamilton Beach Scoop
  • No K-Cups needed
  • Scoop becomes a filter
  • Innovative award-winning product
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
Cuisinart Thermal Coffeemaker
  • Programmable, with large 12-cup carafe but 1-4 cup setting available
  • Both reusable & paper filters
  • Various styles & colors
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
Hamilton Beach 46205
  • 3 brew strengths
  • Programmable & brew pause
  • Practical swivel base
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup
  • Great value for money
  • Automatic brew-pause feature
  • Black or white design
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
Cuisinart CHW-12P1
  • Hot water on demand (for tea, drinks, oatmeal, etc.)
  • Programmable
  • Available in lots of colors
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
Nostalgia RCOF12AQ
  • Iconic retro, diner-style design
  • Programmable
  • Anti-drip carafe
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
De'Longhi BCO430BM
  • Both drip & espresso
  • Steaming wand for frothy drinks
  • Programmable & brew pause
See on Amazon →
Amazon Product
Keurig K-Mini Plus
  • Most compact: less than 5” wide
  • Portable features
  • K-Cups or reusable filter
See on Amazon →

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

Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker, Fast Brewing, Stainless Steel (49981A)
  • Type: single-serve drip (8-14 oz)
  • Filter: permanent
  • Size: 8.35 x 6.7 x 8.67 inches

Best for: single-serve coffee but with fresh grounds

While we’ve all been busy associating single-serve coffee makers with K-Cups, Hamilton Beach has gone and created a refreshing alternative. (1)

If you ever find yourself throwing out a K-Cup and then you remember that 13 billion went into landfills last year, do you feel okay contributing to that? - Mike Hachey, The Atlantic 

Instead of unrecyclable plastic, this compact under cabinet coffee maker relies on a simple method: scoop, place, brew.

You scoop up the coffee grounds with its mesh scoop filter, place it inside the coffee maker, and press the brew button. No wonder it won the Good Housekeeping VIP Award! (2)

The process is so easy… and yet the difference from K-Cup coffee is remarkable. By using fresh grounds, you unlock so many more flavor nuances.

Featuring a handy automatic shut off, the Hamilton Beach Scoop is a single-serve coffee maker for both traditional mugs and travel mugs (it brews up to 14 oz!). 

You can also choose from a regular or bolder taste.

Bottom line: the best single-serve coffee maker for environmentally conscious coffee lovers.


Cuisinart Stainless Steel Thermal Coffeemaker, 12 Cup Carafe, Silver
  • Type: drip (1-4 or 12 cups)
  • Filter: permanent or paper
  • Size: 9.00 x 7.75 x 14.25 inches

Best for: an effortless carafe of drip

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.


3. Hamilton Beach 46205 - Strong Coffee

Hamilton Beach 46205 Programmable, Coffee Maker, Standard
  • Type: drip (1-4 or 12 cups)
  • Filter: paper
  • Size: 9.26 x 7.41 x 14.75 inches

Best for: those who can’t resist a strong-tasting cup

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.


4. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker - Budget-friendly Option

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Black
  • Type: drip (12 cups)
  • Filter: paper
  • Size: 8.43 x 11.76 x 12.56 inches

Best for: a small, affordable coffee maker that you can always rely on

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?


5. Cuisinart CHW-12P1 - For Coffee & Tea

Cuisinart CHW-12P1 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker Plus Hot Water System Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
  • Type: drip (12 cups)
  • Filter: reusable 
  • Size: 10.25 x 9.5 x 14.3 inches

Best for: those who like to alternate their morning brews

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.


6. Nostalgia RCOF12AQ - Most Stylish

Nostalgia RCOF12AQ New & Improved Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker With LED Display, Automatic Shut-Off & Keep Warm, Pause-And-Serve Function
  • Type: drip (12 cups)
  • Filter: filter
  • Size: 7.75 x 10.25 x 14.25 inches

Best for: those who can’t resist the charm of retro design

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.


7. De'Longhi BCO430BM - Best Under Cabinet Espresso Machine & Filter

De'Longhi BCO430BM All-in- One Combination Maker & Espresso Machine + Advanced Milk Frother for Cappuccino, Latte & Macchiato + Glass Coffee Pot 10-Cup
  • Type: drip (10 cups) & espresso
  • Filter: reusable
  • Size: 11 x 14.5 x 12.7 inches

Best for: those who want a two-in-one solution for their morning brew

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.


Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, Comes With 6 to 12 Oz. Brew Size, K-Cup Pod Storage, and Travel Mug Friendly, Black
  • Type: drip single-serve (6-12 oz)
  • Filter: K-Cups or reusable (sold separately)
  • Size: 11.30 x 4.50 x 12.10 inches

Best for: single-serve coffee and a portable machine

Ok, when you said ‘a small under cabinet coffee maker’ you meant extremely compact. Like, even portable. Like… a less than 5” wide kind of ‘small’?

Trust us: it doesn’t get any more portable than this model, one of the best Keurig coffee makers

As well as having the tiniest countertop footprint, it’s full of portability-focused features like cord and pod storage: why not take it on holiday with you?

You can brew a small 6 oz mug, a larger one, or easily fit your faithful 12 oz travel mug.

Although K-Cups are the most obvious option, we recommend purchasing Keurig’s compatible reusable filter to make the most of fresh ground coffee.

Bottom line: the slimmest machine for a quick cup of coffee.


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/

giada

Born in Italy but currently brewing from the UK, Giada is a highly-caffeinated coffee expert with a soft spot for espressos. She worked in cafés for years and has recently fallen in love with the practical Kalita Wave (just don’t tell her Italian moka pot!).

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