Infuse your kitchen with vintage aesthetics and modern function. You can finally have that classic 50s diner look without sacrificing your need for a great, fast brew. A retro style coffee maker delivers exactly that. It’s a charming centerpiece that actually works wonders for your morning routine.
But does it make coffee as good as it looks? We tested a popular model to see if it’s all style or has real substance. You might be suprised by how well these machines perform. Let’s dive into the details and see if one deserves a spot on your counter.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Retro Style Coffee Maker
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Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, 2 Brew Styles, Adjustable…
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9.5 |
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MUELLER HOME 12-Cup Drip Green Coffee Maker, Borosilicate Carafe,…
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9.3 |
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bella 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Marker, Reusable Dishwasher Safe…
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9.1 |
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BELLA 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Marker, Reusable Dishwasher Safe…
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9.0 |
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Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, Regular & Strong…
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8.8 |
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Amaste Drip Coffee Maker, Coffee Machine with 25 Oz…
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8.6 |
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Amaste Retro Style Coffee Machine with 25 Oz Glass…
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8.4 |
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Amaste Coffee Maker, 25 Oz Drip Retro Style Coffee…
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8.2 |
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Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker With LED Display,…
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8.1 |
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Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker With LED Display,…
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7.9 |
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Smeg 50’s Retro Style Aesthetic Drip Coffee Machine with…
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7.7 |
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Quick Review For Top 11 Retro Style Coffee Maker
Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, 2 Brew Styles, Adjustable Warm Plate, 60oz Water Reservoir, Delay Brew – Black/Stainless Steel
The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer in Black/Stainless Steel is designed to be the last coffee maker you’ll need to buy, offering a level of control and consistency that fits right into your daily routine. It starts with two distinct Brew Styles: Classic for a well-rounded cup, and Rich, which uses a slower, more intense extraction for a bolder, never-bitter flavor. This choice puts the final taste of your morning cup directly in your hands.
One of it’s core technologies is the Hotter Brewing system, which precisely controls temperature and water saturation. This ensures every ground is evenly extracted, resulting in coffee that’s ultra-flavorful from the first sip to the last in the 12-cup glass carafe. But you’re not always brewing for a crowd. The dedicated Small Batch Function is perfect for those quieter mornings, optimizing the brew cycle for just 1 to 4 cups so your coffee is full-strength and never watered down.
Convenience is a major theme here. The 24-hour programmable Delay Brew means you can set it up at night and wake to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The Adjustable Warming Plate then lets you choose how hot to keep that coffee, preserving its flavor for up to four hours without scorching. If you need a cup in a hurry, the Mid-Brew Pause function lets you sneak a pour before the cycle finishes.
MUELLER HOME 12-Cup Drip Green Coffee Maker, Borosilicate Carafe, Auto-Off, Reusable Filter, Anti-Drip, Keep-Warm Function, Clear Water Level Window, Green Kitchen Accessories & Décor
The MUELLER HOME 12-Cup Drip Green Coffee Maker is designed to be a reliable and thoughtful centerpiece for your kitchen routine. Its core is the 60-ounce borosilicate glass carafe, which brews up to twelve full cups or a smaller batch for just you. This high-quality glass is dishwasher safe, resists absorbing old coffee odors, and its excellent heat retention means your coffee stays hot through the entire pot.
The easy-grip handle and anti-drip spout make pouring straightforward and clean.
You’ll apreciate the included reusable, permanent filter. It eliminates the need to constantly buy paper filters, saving you money and reducing waste over time. Many users find it allows more of the coffee’s natural oils through, enriching the flavor in your cup. Of course, if you prefer the convenience of paper filters, you can still use them—the machine gives you the choice.
Cleaning the permanent filter is simple, just rinse it out after use.
For safety and convenience, the keep-warm function is smartly designed. It activates after brewing to maintain your coffee’s temperature, but it won’t stay on indefinately. The warming plate automatically shuts off after two hours, giving you a wide window to enjoy your coffee without worrying about leaving it on.
bella 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Marker, Reusable Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Easy LCD diaply, Auto Shutoff, 900 watt, Seaglass
The Bella 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker in Seaglass is designed to simplify your morning routine without any fuss. It’s a straightforward appliance that focuses on reliability and ease, helping you start your day with a fresh pot of coffee exactly when you need it. The core idea here is convenience, and every feature is built around that simple goal. One of it’s standout features is the 24-hour programmability.
You can set everything up the night before, and wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. No more waiting or fumbling with filters when you’re half-asleep. The easy LCD display makes programming intuitive, with a clear readout for the time and settings. Even on your groggiest mornings, the interface is simple to navigate. The 900-watt system ensures a quick and efficient brew cycle, getting your coffee ready fast. We all have those rushed mornings where time is critical.
This coffee maker includes a handy pause and serve function. If you hear the pot brewing and need to dash out the door, you can gently slide the carafe out to pour a cup without causing a mess or interrupting the cycle. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in daily life. For safety and peace of mind, the auto shutoff function activates after two hours, so you don’t have to worry if you leave in a hurry. Cleaning up is just as simple.
BELLA 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Marker, Reusable Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Easy LCD diaply, Auto Shutoff, 900 watt, Oatmilk
The BELLA 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is designed to simplify your morning routine from start to finish. It combines straightforward technology with practical features to deliver a reliable pot of coffee exactly when you need it, without any fuss. One of it’s core features is the 24-hour programmability. You can set the timer the night before, and the machine will have a fresh, hot pot waiting for you when you wake up.
This is ideal for busy mornings or for anyone who wants to streamline their first steps of the day. The 900-watt heating system ensures the water gets hot quickly for an efficient brew cycle. The clear LCD display makes programming simple, with a bright screen that’s easy to read even before your first cup. You can set the clock, program the auto-brew, and see the status at a glance. Convenience continues with the pause and serve function.
If you need to pour a cup before the brewing cycle is complete, you can do so without creating a mess or interrupting the machine. It just pauses the flow so you can grab your coffee and let it finish. For safety and peace of mind, the coffee maker includes an automatic shutoff feature. It will turn itself off after two hours, which is helpful if you’re rushing out the door and forget to hit the power button. This model also considers ease of cleaning and sustainability.
Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, Regular & Strong Brew Drip Coffee Machine for Home and Office, Glass Carafe, Pause & Serve, Auto Shut Off, Green & Stainless Steel
The Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is designed for those who want a reliable, feature-rich machine for daily use. It combines straightforward programming with flexible brewing options to fit into your routine, whether your at home or in a busy office setting.
Its core feature is the programmable timer. You can set it up to 24 hours in advance using the clear LCD screen, so fresh coffee is ready exactly when you need it.
This means you can wake up to a full pot or have it timed for your afternoon break without any extra thought. The machine also has a helpful brewing strength adjustment. A simple switch lets you choose between a regular brew or a stronger, bold cup, catering to different tastes throughout the day. The showerhead is designed to saturate the grounds evenly, which helps extract a full, consistent flavor from your coffee.
It comes with a permanent filter thats compatible with various coffee grounds and even loose-leaf teas, offering some nice versatility.
With a large 12-cup capacity, it can handle making coffee for a group or just ensure you have enough for several servings yourself. The anti-drip system includes a convenient pause and serve function. If you need a cup before the brewing cycle is totally finished, you can pause it and pour without creating a mess.
Amaste Drip Coffee Maker, Coffee Machine with 25 Oz Glass Coffee Pot, Retro Style Coffee Maker with Reusable Filter & Three Brewing Modes, 30minute-Warm-Keeping, Matcha Green
The Amaste Drip Coffee Maker is a compact, retro-styled machine designed to brew a great cup of coffee without complicating your morning. It combines a classic look with straightforward functionality, making it a practical and visually pleasing addition to your kitchen counter, office, or any space where you enjoy coffee.
This machine features three brewing modes—Mild, Medium, and Strong—so you can adjust the strength of your coffee to match your preference.
An integrated spray head helps distribute water evenly over the coffee grounds, which aims to extract a smoother, more balanced flavor from your beans. The goal is a rich and fresh-tasting brew everytime you use it.
You won’t need to keep buying paper filters, as the Amaste comes with a reusable mesh filter. This is a simple way to reduce waste and ongoing costs. The process is simple: add water to the marked tank, add your grounds to the filter, and select your brew strength.
The anti-drip design and clear water gauge help keep things tidy during and after brewing. Cleanup is also straightforward, with the filter basket easily lifting out for a quick rinse.
Once your coffee is ready, the 25-ounce glass carafe sits on a warming plate that keeps it hot for about 30 minutes. This feature helps preserve the coffee’s flavor for a short while after brewing.
Amaste Retro Style Coffee Machine with 25 Oz Glass Coffee Pot, Reusable Coffee Filter & Three Brewing Modes, 30minute-warm-keeping, Elegant White with Rose Gold
The Amaste Retro Style Coffee Machine with 25 Oz Glass Pot is designed for those who appreciate both form and function in their daily coffee ritual. Its elegant white and rose gold finish offers a classic, compact look that fits perfectly on a kitchen counter, office shelf, or in a cozy living space. Measuring just 6.3 by 7.8 inches, its a space-saving appliance that doesn’t sacrifice style.
The 25-ounce glass carafe is ideal for one or two people, brewing up to five 5-ounce cups, making it a personal brewer rather than a large-capacity machine. You have control over your brew strength with three simple modes. Choose Mild for a lighter cup in about 6 minutes, Medium for a balanced flavor around 9 minutes, or Strong for a more robust coffee that takes roughly 11 minutes.
An integrated spray head helps distribute water evenly over your coffee grounds, which aims to extract a smoother taste and retain the beans authentic flavor. The machine includes a reusable, permanent filter, so you can avoid the ongoing cost and waste of paper filters. Cleanup is straightforward—just remove the filter basket, rinse it, and your nearly done. Convenience is a key feature here.
Amaste Coffee Maker, 25 Oz Drip Retro Style Coffee Machine with Glass Coffee Pot with Reusable Coffee Filter & Three Brewing Modes, 30minute-Warm-Keeping, CM 1003AE-Black
The Amaste CM 1003AE Coffee Maker is a retro-style drip machine designed to combine form and function. It’s built for those who appreciate a classic look but don’t want to compromise on a good, customizable brew. With its compact footprint of 6.3 by 7.8 by 10.8 inches, it fits neatly on a countertop, a desk, or even a side table without taking over the space.
This machine is available in four distinct colors: Arabica Black, Carola Red, Elegant White with Rose Gold, and Matcha Green.
Its design aims to be a visual focal point, whether its in your kitchen, living room, or office. It’s a piece you might not want to hide away. The 25-ounce glass carafe complements the retro aesthetic and lets you see your coffee ready to pour.
Brewing is centered around choice. You can select from three strength settings—Mild, Medium, or Strong—to match your daily preference. An integrated spray head helps distribute hot water evenly over your coffee grounds.
This technique aims to better extract flavor for a smoother cup that retains the beans intended taste. The process is straightforward: add water to the marked tank, add grounds to the filter, and press the button.
Convenience is a key feature here. The coffee maker includes a reusable, permanent filter, eliminating the need for ongoing purchases of paper filters. Cleanup is simplified; the filter basket lifts out easily from the chassis.
Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker With LED Display, Automatic Shut-Off & Keep Warm, Pause-And-Serve Function, Aqua
The Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is designed to be a reliable and convenient centerpiece for your morning routine or when you have guests. Its classic retro styling hides a suite of modern features aimed at making your daily brew simple and dependable.
With a 12-cup capacity, this machine is well-suited for both everyday use in a busy household and for entertaining. You won’t need to make multiple pots when friends are over.
To help you manage that volume, the interior water reservoir has clear, easy-to-read level markings, so you always know exactly how much water your putting in. The included carafe features an anti-drip spout, which helps prevent messy spills on your counter or table when your pouring.
One of the key conveniences here is programmability.
The backlit LED display and simple three-button control panel (On/Off, Program, and Hour/Minute) make it straightforward to set the 24-hour clock and delay brew timer. You can schedule your coffee the night before, ensuring a fresh, hot pot is ready exactly when you wake up. If your morning schedule is unpredictable, the Pause & Serve function is a handy feature.
Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker With LED Display, Automatic Shut-Off & Keep Warm, Pause-And-Serve Function, Red
The Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker in Red is designed for those who appreciate classic style with modern, reliable function. Its vibrant red finish and retro shape will stand out on your countertop, offering a cheerful start to your day. But beyond its looks, this coffee maker is built for the practical needs of daily life, whether your making a pot just for yourself or for a group of friends. At its core, this is a 12-cup capacity machine.
That means it can brew enough coffee for your entire morning routine and then some, which is perfect for when you have guests over. You won’t need to brew a second pot during a brunch or family gathering. The large carafe is easy to handle and pour from, minimizing drips and spills on your table. One of it’s most convenient features is the fully programmable 24-hour clock and delay timer. You can set it up the night before with your coffee grounds and water.
Then, program it to start brewing automatically at a specific time. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee already waiting for you, without having to fumble with buttons first thing in the morning. It’s a simple luxury that makes busy weekday routines much smoother. Safety and peace of mind are integrated with the two-hour automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection. If you get distracted and leave the house or get caught up in a project, the coffee maker will turn itself off.
Smeg 50's Retro Style Aesthetic Drip Coffee Machine with 10 Cup Glass Carafe, Auto Start Feature, Keep Warm Plate, and Two Coffee Strength Settings (Cream)
The Smeg 50’s Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine in Cream is designed for those who appreciate classic design paired with modern coffee-making convenience. Its iconic 1950s aesthetic, with soft curves and a creamy pastel finish, makes it a standout piece for any kitchen counter. But beyond its looks, this machine is built to be a reliable and versatile part of your daily routine.
With a 10-cup glass carafe, it’s well-suited for both your everyday needs and for serving guests.
The carafe holds up to 1.4 liters, and its lid is designed to open further back for a smoother, drip-free pour. To keep your coffee at the right temperature after brewing, the integrated keep-warm plate will maintain heat for up to 60 minutes. This means your last cup should be as warm as your first.
You have control over the strength of your brew with two simple settings: one for a lighter aroma and another for a more intense flavor.
This allows you to match the coffee to your mood or the time of day. For added convenience, the programmable auto-start feature lets you set the machine to begin brewing at a specific time. You can wake up to the smell of fresh coffee or have it ready when you get home, all without needing to be there to press a button.
Operation is straightforward, thanks to a clear LED display and simple push-button controls.
Retro Style Coffee Maker Buying Guide
A retro style coffee maker combines classic aesthetics with modern functionality. But with so many charming options, how do you pick the right one for your kitchen counter? This guide will help you focus on the key factors that matter, ensuring your new appliance looks great and brews a perfect cup.
Brewing Capacity and Size
Think about your daily needs. Do you usually make a single mug for yourself, or do you need to fill a carafe for the whole household? Models typically range from 4-cup to 12-cup capacities. Remember, a larger machine will also take up more space. Measure your available counter area to ensure a good fit, as some retro designs can be surprisingly broad.
Material and Build Quality
That vintage look should be backed by solid construction. Look for durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality, heat-resistant plastics. A glass carafe are classic, but check if it has a sturdy handle. Some carafes are insulated to keep coffee hot longer, which is a nice modern touch. The finish should feel substantial, not cheap or flimsy.
Modern Features You Might Want
Don’t assume a retro look means basic function. Many models include conveniences like programmable timers, automatic shut-off, and pause-and-serve features. A built-in water filter can improve taste. Consider what tech is important for your routine. You might love the 1950s look but really apreciate setting your coffee to brew before you wake up.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
A beautiful machine is a hassle if it’s difficult to clean. Check if the carafe and filter basket are dishwasher-safe. Are there hard-to-reach nooks where coffee oils can build up? Removable parts make life easier. Also, see if the maker uses standard paper filters or a permanent mesh one—your choice depends on whether you prefer convenience or less waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retro Style Coffee Maker
What is a retro style coffee maker?
It’s a coffee machine designed to look like models from teh past, often the 1950s or 60s. They have classic features like chrome accents, rounded shapes, and soft, bold colors. They bring a cozy, nostalgic feel to your kitchen counter.
Do they make good coffee, or are they just for looks?
Most are fully functional and make excellent coffee! Brands like Smeg or Ninja combine the vintage look with modern brewing technology. You get a stylish appliance that also makes a great cup.
Are they difficult to clean?
Not usually. Many have removable parts like carafes and filters that go in the dishwasher. The outside just needs a wipe with a damp cloth. Always check the manual for your specific model’s care instructions.
What types of coffee can they make?
It depends on the model. Some are simple drip machines. Others might offer settings for different cup sizes or brew strengths. A few even have built-in grinders or can make single-serve pods. You’ll want to check the features before you buy.
Are they more expensive than regular coffee makers?
Often, yes. You are paying for that distinctive design and brand appeal. Prices can range from moderate to quite high. Think of it as investing in a piece of kitchen decor that you use everyday.
Where’s the best place to put one in my kitchen?
Anywhere you have counter space! Their design makes them a focal point. They look great paired with other retro-style appliances, like a toaster or kettle, for a coordinated look. They really stand out against plain cabinets.
Do they use standard coffee filters?
Most do, but it’s crucial to check. Some require a specific size or shape of filter, like a cone #4 instead of a standard basket filter. The product description or manual will tell you exactly what you need.
How long do these coffee makers typically last?
With proper care, they can last for many years, just like a modern machine. The build quality is generally very good. It’s a good idea to descale it regularly to keep it running smoothly, especially if you have hard water.
Final Take
Blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary brewing convenience seamlessly. You get a machine that looks great on your counter and works reliably every morning. It’s a simple way to add character to your routine without sacrificing a good, hot cup of coffee. The best part is how it fits right in, whether your kitchen is fully modern or already has a few classic pieces.
Choosing the right retro style coffee maker means you don’t have to choose between form and function. You can enjoy a beautiful design while knowing your brew will be ready when you are. It’s a purchase that brings a little charm to your daily grind, proving that good style really is timeless. So, find the model that speaks to you and start your day with a bit of classic flair.