Consumer Reports' Highest-Rated Drip Coffee Maker In 2026 Isn't Cuisinart, Ninja, Or KitchenAid

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In a world of pour-overs, French presses, cold brew, and espresso drinks, traditional drip coffee often finds itself somewhat ignored. Despite a tendency to be overshadowed, this familiar workhorse is the go-to for countless coffee drinkers who prize its simplicity and consistency. Still, not every drip coffee machine on the market produces an equally satisfying cup. When Consumer Reports sized up more than 160 coffee makers, the Bunn HB Heat N Brew narrowly took the top spot, edging out familiar brands like Cuisinart, Ninja, and KitchenAid.

The programmable coffeemaker scored especially well in the categories of owner satisfaction and brand reliability. Its solid ratings for brew performance and ease of use narrowly outpaced competitors (and fellow programmable models) like the Haden 14-cup and the Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-cup, which took second and third place, respectively. The Ninja Fresh Brew 14-cup and Calphalon 14-cup rounded out the top five.

Consumer Reports praised the Bunn HB Heat N Brew for its convenient setup, ease of use, and cleanup. The nonprofit publication also noted that the machine brewed close to recommended time and temperature guidelines for drip coffee. Bunn was second place among the 29 brands in Consumer Reports' owner satisfaction and reliability surveys. 

Bunn doesn't have the same brand name recognition as Cuisinart, Ninja, or KitchenAid. However, the company has a long history, with a beverage equipment division dating back to the 1950s. The lack of familiarity doesn't seem to bother coffee drinkers — the Bunn HB Heat N Brew earned a 4.2-star rating on Amazon, based on over 3,600 reviews. Praise ranges from "EASY to use, brews DELICIOUS coffee and is actually pretty FAST," to "Now I know what I've been missing all these years!"

Alongside the praise for this model, are a few aspects that may give some coffee lovers pause before buying. The Bunn HB Heat N Brew typically sells for around $175 – a significant investment for a small appliance. Most of Consumer Reports' highest-ranked drip brewers sell from $90 to $110, with one option in the top 10 as low as $30. And, unlike other popular coffee makers, Bunn's carafe can't be removed while coffee is brewing, so you'll need to wait the full 12 minutes for the pot to brew before grabbing a cup.

A satisfying cup of coffee involves more than investing in quality equipment. It also involves picking the right beans and avoiding the coffee mistakes you're probably making at home, such as grinding your coffee too long before you brew it. Those who want to set themselves up for homemade drip that rivals their best local coffee shop should consider Consumer Reports' top coffeemaker recommendations when sizing up their next purchase.