Bridge the gap between single-serve and carafes. You don’t always need a full 12-cup pot, but a single mug sometimes just isn’t enough either. That’s where the humble 5 cup coffee maker truly shines, offering a perfect middle ground for small households or your daily solo brew.
It’s the unsung hero of the kitchen counter, saving you from wasted coffee or that second, weaker pod. We tested a popular model to see if it delivers on flavor and convenience without the bulk. Let’s dive in and see if this size is your new perfect match.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best 5 Cup Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, DCM600B Black
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics Coffee Makers, 5-Cup Coffee Machines with Reusable…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet EHC9420 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker 5 Cups with Auto…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
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8.6 |
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Mr. Coffee 2134286 ® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 5 Cup, One-Touch Brew,…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker: Stainless…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
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Electactic 5-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker, a compact coffee…
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 5 Cup Coffee Maker
BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, DCM600B Black
The BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, DCM600B Black, is a straightforward solution for anyone who needs a reliable, no-fuss machine for their daily brew. It’s built with practicality as it’s main focus, offering just what you need without taking up precious counter space.
Its compact design is a real highlight. If you live in a small apartment, an RV, a dorm room, or simply don’t drink a huge amount of coffee, this coffeemaker fits perfectly.
It brews up to five cups, which is ideal for one or two people, ensuring you have fresh coffee without waste. The small footprint means it won’t dominate your kitchen, leaving room for other essentials.
Durability is key with the Duralife Glass Carafe. This isn’t your average glass pot; it’s reinforced to resist chipping and cracking from everyday use. It’s designed to last, which adds to the overall value of the machine.
The carafe also features clear coffee and water markings on the side, so you can measure your water directly in the pot for the right coffee-to-water ratio everytime. The handle is sturdy and comfortable to grip, making pouring simple and secure.
Cleaning up is refreshingly easy. The filter basket removes completely, and it’s safe to put in your dishwasher. This makes getting rid of used grounds a quick task.
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers, 5-Cup Coffee Machines with Reusable Filter, Coffee Pots, Black & Stainless Steel
The Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker is a straightforward, compact machine designed for simplicity and reliability. It’s built for one person or a small group who just wants a good, hot cup of coffee without any fuss or taking up to much counter space. If your looking for a no-nonsense brewer that gets the job done, this model covers the essentials. Its core appeal is its convenient size.
With a 5-cup capacity, it fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office corners where space is premium. You won’t have to rearrange your entire counter to make room for it. The design is clean and functional, available in a classic black and stainless steel finish that blends with most decors. It’s the kind of appliance you can set up and basically forget about until you need your morning brew. Operation could not be more simple. There’s just one ON/OFF switch to press.
A clear indicator light lets you know the machine is working, so your not left wondering. You add water to the reservoir, place your coffee grounds in the reusable filter basket, and press the switch. That’s it. The drip brewing process is automatic, delivering a full pot in minutes. The included reusable filter is a nice touch—it means you don’t need to keep buying paper filters, which saves money and reduces waste.
Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve, Glass Carafe, Reusable Filter, On/Off Switch, Keep Warm, Water Level Indicator, Black
The Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker is designed for simplicity and efficiency in your daily routine. This compact coffee maker focuses on delivering a straightforward, reliable cup of coffee without any complicated settings or large, wasteful batches. It’s built for an individual or a small household where a full pot is often to much. Lets break down what it offers. Starting with the semi-transparent water reservoir, it holds exactly four cups.
The clear design and water level indicator make it easy to see exactly how much water you’re adding, so you never have to guess. This means you can brew the perfect amount every single time, avoiding weak or overly strong coffee. It pairs with the 4-cup glass carafe, which is the ideal size for filling a large travel mug or serving a couple of cups at the breakfast table. The glass is sturdy and allows you to see your coffee, which some prefer over stainless steel.
A key feature for those rushed mornings is the Pause ‘N Serve function. If you hear the coffee dripping and really need to grab a cup before the cycle fully finishes, you can simply slide the carafe out for a quick pour. The brewing pauses temporarily, so you don’t end up with a mess on the hot plate. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference when your in a hurry. After brewing, the Keep Warm function activates automatically.
Elite Gourmet EHC9420 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter, On/Off Switch, Water Level Indicator
The Elite Gourmet EHC9420 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker is a straightforward machine designed for simplicity and everyday use. It focuses on delivering a reliable cup of coffee without any fuss, making it a solid choice for individuals or small households. Its compact size is a key feature, perfect for kitchens with limited counter space or for those who don’t need to brew a full pot every morning. You’ll appreciate the semi-transparent water reservoir, which holds up to five cups.
The clear water level indicator makes it easy to see exactly how much water you’re adding, so you can avoid overfilling and ensure you have just the right amount for your brew. This pairs perfectly with the included 5-cup glass carafe. It’s the ideal size for making enough fresh coffee for yourself and maybe a guest or two, minimizing waste and ensuring your coffee is always hot and recently brewed. One of the handiest features is the Pause ‘n Serve function.
If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the full cycle to complete, you can gently pull the carafe out to pour a cup mid-brew. The machine will pause the dripping so you don’t make a mess, then resume once you slide the carafe back in. It’s a simple solution for those mornings when every minute counts. Another practical aspect is the reusable filter housed in a swing-out basket. You simply add your ground coffee, brew, and then just rinse the filter out.
Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker 5 Cups with Auto Pause Glass Carafe Compact Design Black
The Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker 5 Cups with Auto Pause Glass Carafe Compact Design Black is a straightforward solution for your daily coffee routine. Its core purpose is to deliver a reliable, freshly brewed pot with minimal fuss, especially designed for smaller households or personal use. Let’s break down what it offers so you can see if it fits your needs. First, the compact design is a major plus.
It doesn’t demand much counter space, making it a great fit for cozy kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or RVs. You won’t have to rearrange your entire kitchen just to make room for it. The 25 oz. capacity is practical—it brews up to about two good-sized mugs of coffee. This is perfect for starting your day solo or easily sharing a pot with one other person without wasting coffee. It’s not meant for a crowd, and that’s exactly the point for many users.
The programmable “Brew Later” feature is where convenience really shines. You can set the timer the night before, adding your coffee grounds and water. Then, you wake up to a freshly brewed pot, eliminating that morning wait. It’s a simple feature that makes a noticeable difference in a busy morning routine. Coupled with this is the auto shut-off, which turns the machine off after two hours. This provides peace of mind for safety and helps save on energy if you forget to turn it off manually.
Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
The Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black is designed for simplicity and efficiency in your daily routine. Its compact footprint makes it an ideal solution for kitchens, offices, dorm rooms, or any area where counter space is precious. You won’t have to sacrifice a full pot of coffee for the sake of saving room. This brewer is all about giving you just what you need without any fuss.
One of the standout features is the Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause function.
If you’re in a hurry and can’t wait for the full cycle to finish, you can simply pull the carafe out mid-brew to pour yourself a cup. The brewing pauses automatically, so you don’t end up with a mess on the counter. It then resumes once you slide the carafe back in place. This is perfect for those mornings when every minute counts and you need that first sip pronto.
Cleanup is often the least enjoyable part of making coffee, but this model aims to simplify it.
The Lift & Clean Filter Basket is a straightforward design that makes removing used grounds quick and easy. You just lift the basket straight out, dispose of the filter and grounds, and give it a rinse. There’s no complicated assembly or hard-to-reach corners. The glass carafe itself is designed with updated ergonomics for a comfortable grip, and it includes clear ounce markings on the side.
Mr. Coffee 2134286 ® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, White
The Mr. Coffee 2134286 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, White, is designed for simplicity and efficiency in your daily routine. It brews up to 25 ounces of coffee, which is ideal for a couple of good-sized mugs or for ensuring you have just enough for yourself throughout the morning. Its compact footprint means it won’t dominate your countertop, fitting perfectly in a small kitchen, dorm room, or office. One of its standout features is the easy-to-use switch with a power indicator light.
This light clearly shows when the machine is on, serving as a helpful reminder to turn it off after your coffee is ready. The updated ergonomic carafe is designed for a comfortable grip and smooth pouring, with ounce markings on the side so you can measure water directly for consistent results everytime. No more guessing how much water to add. The Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause function is a practical touch.
If you just can’t wait for the full pot to finish, you can pour a cup mid-brew without making a mess. This is perfect for those mornings when you need that first sip right away. Cleaning up is straightforward thanks to the Lift & Clean filter basket, which removes easily for quick rinsing. The machine uses a reusable filter, saving you money on paper ones and reducing waste. You’ll also appreciate the easy-to-view water window on the side.
Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 5 Cup, One-Touch Brew, Pause & Serve, Adjustable 4 Hr Keep Warm, EZ-View Water Window, Black
The Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 5 Cup is designed for simplicity and efficiency in your daily routine. It’s a straightforward machine that focuses on delivering a reliable cup of coffee without taking up your whole counter. If your mornings are rushed or your kitchen space is limited, this brewer aims to fit seamlessly into your life.
One of it’s standout features is the 24-hour programmability.
You can set the timer the night before, and wake up to a freshly brewed pot ready exactly when you need it. This set-and-forget convenience means you don’t have to fiddle with measurements first thing in the morning. The machine also includes an adjustable keep-warm function.
You can set the hot plate to stay on for anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours, and a built-in timer shows you how long the coffee has been sitting, so you always know it’s at it’s peak flavor.
The compact size is a major plus. With a slim footprint of just 9 inches deep and weighing only 3 pounds, it tucks easily into small kitchens, office break rooms, or dorm corners. It brews up to 5 cups, which is the perfect amount for one or two people without any waste.
KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker: Stainless Steel Design, Pause & Brew, Keep Warm, Reusable Filter, Drip-Free Carafe
The KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker is designed for those who value simplicity and space. If your kitchen counter is limited or your office breakroom is small, this stainless steel machine fits perfectly. It brews exactly five cups, which is ideal for one or two people. This means you get a fresh pot without the waste of a larger brewer, making it a smart choice for singles, couples, or small households. You won’t have to drink stale coffee just to finish the pot.
A key feature is the Pause & Brew function. Ever wished you could grab a cup before the brewing cycle is done? With this coffee maker, you can. Simply remove the carafe mid-cycle, and the brewing pauses automatically. It lets you pour that first cup right away, then you place the carafe back to let it finish. No spills or mess, just immediate enjoyment. After brewing, the Keep Warm feature takes over.
It maintains your coffee at a good drinking temperature for about 30 minutes, so your second cup is just as warm and satisfying as the first. No more microwaving cold coffee. Using it is straightforward. There’s a simple on/off button, a top-fill water tank for easy refilling, and it even comes with a measuring spoon. A major plus is the included reusable, permanent filter. You won’t need to buy paper filters ever again, which saves you money and reduces waste.
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter, On/Off Switch, Water Level Indicator
The Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker is a straightforward machine designed for simplicity and efficiency. It brews just the right amount for your personal morning ritual or for sharing with a couple of friends. With a focus on uncomplicated operation, this coffee maker gets you from beans to brew with minimal fuss. A key feature is its 5-cup capacity, which is clearly managed thanks to the semi-transparent water reservoir.
The built-in water level indicator lets you see exactly how much water you’ve added, so you can always ensure you have the correct amount for your brew. This eliminates guesswork and helps you avoid making coffee thats too weak or too strong. The coffee drips directly into a matching 5-cup glass carafe, which keeps your coffee hot and ready to pour. We all know those rushed mornings. Thats where the Pause ‘N Serve function becomes really handy.
If you need a cup before the full brewing cycle is complete, you can simply pause the machine and pour. This means you don’t have to wait for the entire pot to finish if your in a hurry for that first, vital sip. Its a small feature that makes a big difference in daily routine. This model also considers long-term convenience and sustainability. It includes a re-usable, permanent filter housed in a swing-out basket.
Electactic 5-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker, a compact coffee machine with a digital clock and 24-hour programmable timer, featuring Auto Shut-Off, and a Removable Filter Basket for Home & Office.
The Electactic 5-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker is designed for anyone who values a reliable, no-fuss morning routine. Its compact footprint makes it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens, office breakrooms, or dorm rooms, where space is at a premium but a good cup of coffee is non-negotiable. This machine focuses on the essentials of convenience and control, giving you a hot, fresh pot ready exactly when you need it. At the heart of this coffee maker is its Smart Digital Display.
This clear screen shows the time and your brew’s progress, keeping you informed without any guesswork. Programming it is straightforward, allowing you to set your brew time with ease. The key feature here is the 24-Hour Programmable Timer. You can set the machine the night before, and it will have a fresh pot waiting for you when your alarm goes off.
It then keeps that coffee hot for up to two hours, and the Auto Shut-Off feature ensures safety and energy efficiency, giving you total peace of mind if you need to rush out the door. We’ve all been in a hurry, needing just one cup before a full pot finishes brewing. The Pause & Serve function on this machine solves that problem. You can simply slide the carafe out mid-cycle to pour yourself a cup, then slide it back to let brewing continue.
5 Cup Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Select a 5-cup machine for small households. It’s the perfect size for one or two people, ensuring you get a fresh pot every morning without waste. This guide will help you find the right model for your counter and your routine.
Brew Speed & Temperature
Mornings are busy. How long can you wait for your coffee? Look for a brewer that finishes in under 10 minutes. More importantly, it must reach the proper temperature (195-205°F) for full flavor extraction. A lukewarm brew is a major letdown.
Footprint & Carafe Style
Counter space is precious. Measure your available spot! A compact, low-profile design is key. Do you prefer a classic glass carafe or a thermal one? Glass often has a hot plate to keep it warm, but that can over-cook the coffee. A thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without a burnt taste—no hot plate needed.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes a difficult clean-up. Removable parts are your friend. Can you easily take out the water reservoir and filter basket to rinse them? Check if the machine has a removable drip tray for catching spills. Some models even have a self-clean cycle, which is a huge bonus for maintaining your machine over time.
Programmability & Extra Features
Do you want to set it the night before? Programmable models let you wake up to a ready pot. Other nice features include a pause-and-serve function, a built-in water filter, or a strength selector. Ask yourself which conveniences are worth it for you, and which you’ll never actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Cup Coffee Maker
Who is a 5-cup coffee maker best for?
It’s perfect for one or two people. If you drink a couple mugs each morning, this size is ideal. It’s also great for small kitchens or offices where counter space is limited.
How many ounces is a “cup” of coffee?
In coffee makers, a “cup” is usually 5 ounces, not 8. So a 5-cup machine makes about 25 ounces total. That’s roughly two large travel mugs or three standard coffee cups.
Can I make less than 5 cups?
Yes, most models work fine making just 2 or 3 cups. Just use teh right amount of coffee grounds and water. Check your manual, as some brew best when you make at least half a pot.
What type of coffee filter do I need?
Most use a standard #2 paper cone filter. Some models come with a permanent mesh filter, which is reusable. Always check your product description to be sure which one you need.
Is it easy to clean?
Generally, yes. The carafe and filter basket go in the dishwasher. You should run a water-vinegar mix through the machine monthly to clean the internal tubes and keep it tasting fresh.
Does it have an automatic shut-off?
Many do, which is a great safety feature. It turns the warming plate off after a certain time, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. This helps prevent accidents if you forget to turn it off.
How fast does it brew?
It’s pretty quick! A full 5-cup cycle typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. That’s faster than a larger 12-cup machine, which is nice when you need your coffee fast.
Can I use it just for hot water?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Running just water through won’t clean the oils from previous coffee brews. It’s better to use a kettle for tea or instant soups to avoid off flavors.
Wrapping Things Up
Perfect for small offices or modest daily needs. This size is a real sweet spot. It gives you just enough for a couple of people or a few refills for yourself without any waste. You get a fresh pot every time, and it doesn’t take up much precious counter space. It’s a simple, reliable solution that fits right into your routine.
When you think about it, a good 5 cup coffee maker is about smart convenience. It’s for those who value a straightforward, quality brew without teh fuss. It makes your morning easy and keeps things moving. For a compact, efficient way to enjoy coffee, this category truly hits the mark. It’s a practical choice that just works well for everyday life.