Ever feel like your kitchen counter is a battleground? Between the toaster, blender, and that fancy air fryer you swore you’d use, there’s barely room for a cutting board. That’s where the genius of an under cabinet coffee maker comes in. It tucks neatly out of sight, freeing up precious real estate for actual cooking. No more sacrificing your morning brew to the clutter gods—just flip it down when you need it and stow it away when your done.
But is this space-saving solution actually a good coffee maker, or just a clever gimmick? We tested one of the popular models to see if it brews a decent cup and holds up to daily use. Let’s dive into whether mounting your caffeine fix overhead is the kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Under Cabinet Coffee Maker
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BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, Programmable, Washable Basket Filter,…
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9.6 |
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BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch, Easy…
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9.4 |
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Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker, Programmable PerfecTemp Glass Carafe Coffee…
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9.3 |
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Elite Gourmet EHC9420 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee…
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9.1 |
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Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
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8.9 |
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Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, 2 Brew Styles, Adjustable…
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8.8 |
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Gourmia 12 Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker – Pause and…
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8.6 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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8.4 |
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BLACK+DECKER CM2045B-1, 12-Cup
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8.3 |
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Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Borosilicate Carafe, Auto-Off,…
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8.1 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Under Cabinet Coffee Maker
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, Programmable, Washable Basket Filter, Sneak-A-Cup, Auto Brew, Water Window, Keep Hot Plate, Black
The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker is designed for straightforward, reliable mornings. It focuses on the practical details that make your daily routine a little smoother, from setup to that last cup. At its core is the 12-cup Duralife glass carafe. It’s built to be sturdy and has clear measurement markings right on the side, so you can add water directly to the carafe for perfect accuracy.
The handle is shaped for a comfortable, secure grip, which is a small thing that makes a big difference when your pouring. Remember, a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, which is a standard coffee maker measure. One of it’s most handy features is the Sneak-A-Cup function. We’ve all been there, waiting impatiently for the whole pot to finish brewing when you just need one cup now. This feature lets you pause the flow temporarily.
You can slide your mug in, pour a cup without drips or mess, and let the brewing resume. It’s a simple solution to a common annoyance. Programming your brew time is straightforward with the digital controls. The buttons have a rubberized feel that makes them easy to press, and the display is clear and simple to read. You can set the 24-hour auto brew feature the night before, so the machine starts on its own. Waking up to a ready pot of coffee is a genuine luxury on busy mornings.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch, Easy Pour, Non-Drip Carafe with Removable Filter Basket, Vortex Technology, Black
The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker is designed to be a straightforward, reliable part of your morning routine. It focuses on delivering a consistently good pot of coffee while adressing the common little hassles that can slow you down. From brewing to pouring to cleanup, its features are built around simplicity and avoiding messes.
At the heart of its brewing is Vortex Technology. This isn’t just a fancy name; it refers to the specialized showerhead inside.
Instead of water just dripping down, it’s designed to evenly saturate all the coffee grounds in the basket. This even coverage is key for proper extraction, meaning you get more of the rich flavor from your grounds and less of the weak or bitter notes that come from uneven brewing. It’s a simple idea that makes a noticeable difference in your cup.
We’ve all been there, waiting impatiently for that entire pot to finish before you can grab your first cup.
The Sneak-A-Cup feature solves that. If you need a cup before the brewing cycle is done, you can just lift the carafe out. The flow of coffee pauses temporarily so you can pour without a mess. Just remember to place the carafe back on the heated plate within 30 seconds so brewing can resume and the pot doesn’t overflow. It’s a small but thoughtful touch for those rushed mornings.
Once your coffee is ready, the No-Drip Perfect Pour Spout on the carafe takes over.
Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker, Programmable PerfecTemp Glass Carafe Coffee Machine with 1-4 Cup Setting, Brew Strength Control and Brew Pause, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200NAS
The Cuisinart DCC-3200NAS 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is designed for households that value both volume and personalization in their daily brew. This stainless steel machine goes beyond the basics, offering a suite of features that put you in control of your coffee’s taste and temperature from start to finish. A central feature is the Adjustable Carafe Temperature. Unlike machines that just keep coffee hot, this one lets you choose a Low, Medium, or High warming plate setting.
This means you can keep your coffee at the exact level of warmth you prefer without scorching it, which is perfect for those who like to savor a pot over the morning. Paired with this is the Brew Strength Control. With a simple switch, you can select a regular or bold brew, ensuring whether you prefer a smoother cup or a more robust flavor, the machine adapts to you. Convenience is thoughtfully built in.
The fully automatic system is programmable up to 24 hours in advance, so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee. The 1-4 Cup Setting is a standout for smaller batches, ensuring that when you only need a few cups, the coffee is still brewed at the optimal temperature and strength for full flavor. The handy Brew Pause feature lets you sneak a cup as soon as there’s enough in the carafe, without interrupting the cycle—no need to wait for the entire pot to finish.
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 designed for straightforward, no-fuss coffee brewing. It focuses on the essentials, making it a reliable choice for your daily routine or for serving a few guests without complication. Its compact size is ideal for kitchens with limited counter space, dorm rooms, or offices where simplicity is key. At the heart of this coffee maker is its 5-cup capacity.
The semi-transparent water reservoir has a clear level indicator, so you can easily see exactly how much water you’re adding—no more guessing. This means you can brew the perfect amount, from a single mug up to a full carafe, without waste. The matching 5-cup glass carafe is the right size for an individual who drinks multiple cups or for sharing with a couple of friends. It keeps your coffee hot and ready to pour. One of the most practical features is the Pause ‘N Serve function.
If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the full brewing cycle to finish, you can gently pull the carafe out to pour a cup mid-brew. The machine pauses the flow so you don’t make a mess, then continues brewing once you slide the carafe back in. It’s perfect for those mornings when every minute counts. You get your coffee fix without the wait. This model also includes a reusable, permanent filter housed in a swing-out basket.
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 convenience in your daily routine. Its compact footprint makes it an ideal solution for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or any space where a full-sized coffee maker just won’t fit. You get a fresh, hot pot of coffee without sacrificing valuable counter space.
The updated ergonomic carafe is easy to hold and pour from, and its clear glass construction with ounce markings lets you see exactly how much you’re brewing and serving for perfect measuring every time.
One of the standout features of this mini brewer is the Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause function. This means if you just can’t wait for the entire cycle to finish, you can simply slide the carafe out to pour an early cup.
The brewing process automatically pauses so you don’t end up with a mess on the warming plate, then resumes when you slide the carafe back in. It’s a small touch that adds a lot of practical flexibility to your morning. The Lift & Clean Filter Basket is another thoughtful addition aimed at making your life easier. The entire basket assembly lifts right out, so you can dispose of the used grounds and rinse it clean without any fuss or complicated disassembly.
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, adapting to your daily routine rather than the other way around. It starts with giving you control over your brew’s character. The 2 Brew Styles let you choose Classic for a well-rounded cup or Rich for a more intense, bolder flavor.
Both options utilize a Hotter Brewing Technology system that manages temperature and water flow for even saturation, aiming for a consistently flavorful result without bitterness, whether your making a full pot or just a few cups. Speaking of batch size, this brewer excels at flexibility. The dedicated Small Batch Function is a game-changer for mornings when you’re only brewing 1 to 4 cups. It adjusts the brewing parameters so your coffee isn’t watered down, ensuring a robust flavor every time.
Of course, it also handles a full 12-Cup Glass Carafe effortlessly, making it just as suitable for weekend guests. The 60oz Removable Water Reservoir makes refills simple; just carry the entire unit to your sink instead of trying to pour water into the machine. Convenience is built in with thoughtful features. The 24-hour programmable Delay Brew means you can set it the night before and wake up to a freshly brewed pot.
Gourmia 12 Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker – Pause and Serve with Automatic Keep Warm, Easy View Water Window, Compact Design, Stainless Steel Accents, Black
The Gourmia 12 Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker is designed to be your reliable, everyday coffee station. It focuses on simplicity and function, so you can get a good cup of coffee without any fuss. Whether your day starts with a quiet moment alone or a busy kitchen full of people, this machine aims to fit right in. Its core feature is flexibility. The 12-cup glass carafe means you can brew exactly what you need.
Make a full pot for weekend guests or a smaller batch just for yourself on a Tuesday morning. The one-touch operation is as straightforward as it gets: add water, add coffee, and press the button. There’s no complicated programming, which is perfect when you’re not fully awake yet. A helpful transparent water window on the side makes filling easy and prevents overflows, so you get the right strength every time. We’ve all been there—needing that first cup before the brewing is done.
The Pause & Serve function is a practical solution. If you hear the coffee dripping and need to head out the door, you can gently interupt the cycle to pour a cup without making a mess. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in your routine. Once your coffee is ready, the automatic keep warm plate takes over. It keeps the remaining coffee at a drinkable temperature until you turn the machine off, so your last cup is as warm as your first. Cleanup is designed to be just as simple.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass Carafe And Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black with Stainless Steel Accents, 49980RG
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 49980RG, is designed for households where everyone’s coffee routine is different. Its core idea is simple: one machine gives you two completely seperate brewing systems. You can brew a full 12-cup pot into the included glass carafe for a group or for your daily thermos, or you can make a single, fresh cup directly into your travel mug—up to 14 ounces—without any extra pods or accessories. This flexibility starts with the design.
The machine has two distinct sides, each with its own easy-fill water reservoir and clear water window. This means you can keep both sides ready to go without having to switch settings back and forth. For the single-serve side, Hamilton Beach includes a reusable mesh scoop. You just add your own ground coffee—any brand or roast you prefer—directly into the scoop, place it in the brewer, and start.
It’s a straightforward process that emphasizes choice and reduces waste, since you’re not buying or thowing away plastic pods. Programmability adds another layer of convenience for your morning. You can set the clock and program the machine up to a full day in advance, ensuring coffee is ready when you wake up, whether you’ve prepped for a full pot or just your single cup.
BLACK+DECKER CM2045B-1, 12-Cup
The BLACK+DECKER CM2045B-1 12-Cup coffeemaker is designed for reliability and a consistant hot cup of coffee. Its core feature is the 4-layer vacuum sealed thermal carafe. This isn’t your average glass pot. It combines a stainless steel exterior, a vacuum seal, a copper coating, and a stainless steel interior to lock in heat. The result is coffee that stays at a hot 154°F for up to two hours after brewing, so your last cup is as warm as your first.
You won’t need to rush to finish the pot or worry about a warming plate scorching the flavor.
Brewing is centered around flavor extraction. The exclusive Vortex Technology inside the machine is engineered to manage the water flow. It aims to saturate the coffee grounds more evenly for a fuller taste in every 5-ounce cup. You have further control with the programmable features. The 24-hour clock lets you set the machine the night before, so its ready when you wake up.
The Brew Strength Selector gives you a choice: a standard brew or a slower, more intense cycle for a bolder cup when you need an extra kick.
Maintenance is straightforward, which is a big plus for daily use. The auto clean system runs a cycle to help decalcify and flush the machine’s internal components, helping it perform well over time. For daily cleanup, the filter basket removes easily.
Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Borosilicate Carafe, Auto-Off, Reusable Filter, Anti-Drip, Keep-Warm Function, Clear Water Level Window Coffee Machine, Kitchen Essentials & Accessories
The Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker is designed for reliability and simplicity in your daily routine. It focuses on delivering a consistant, hot pot of coffee with features that prioritize durability, safety, and convenience, all without unnecessary complexity. Starting with the carafe, it’s a standout component. Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, this 60-ounce carafe is built to last.
Borosilicate glass is known for its resistance to thermal shock, meaning it won’t crack easily from temperature changes, and it’s non-porous so it won’t ever retain old coffee flavors or odors. The generous capacity lets you brew up to twelve cups for a group, or you can just as easily make a smaller batch of two or four cups. The handle is designed for a secure, comfortable grip to help prevent drips and spills when your pouring. This coffee maker includes a reusable, permanent filter.
This is a great feature for both your wallet and the environment, eliminating the need to constantly buy disposable paper filters. It’s easy to remove and clean under the tap. Of course, if you prefer the taste from a paper filter, you can still use one. The brewing process is straightforward, with a clear water level window so you can always see exactly how much water you’ve added, taking the guesswork out of it. Once brewing is complete, the keep-warm function activates.
Under Cabinet Coffee Maker Buying Guide
An under cabinet coffee maker mounts right beneath your kitchen cabinets, freeing up your precious counter space. It’s a smart solution for small kitchens or anyone who wants a cleaner look. When you’re looking for one, a few key features really stand out.
Installation and Mounting
How it attaches is the first thing to consider. Some models use simple screws, while others have a mounting plate for easier removal. Check if you can reach the water reservoir and controls easily once it’s installed. You’ll want to make sure the mounting spot is near an outlet, too—extension cords are a tripping hazard.
Brewing Capacity and Speed
Think about your daily routine. Do you need a full carafe for the family, or just a quick single cup for yourself? Carafe sizes vary, and brew times can too. A machine with a faster brew cycle is a lifesaver on busy mornings when every minute counts.
Footprint and Clearance
Measure twice, buy once! Know the exact height under your cabinet. You need enough space for the machine itself and to slide a mug or carafe underneath the spout. Don’t forget to account for the swing of cabinet doors above it; you don’t want them banging into your new coffee station.
Ease of Cleaning
Since it’s mounted, you can’t just move it to the sink. Look for features like a removable water tank and a drip tray that’s easy to pull out and rinse. A model with a descaling alert or self-clean function can save you a lot of maintence hassle over time.
Extra Features That Matter
Programmable timers, strength settings, and a built-in grinder are nice bonuses. A pause-and-serve function is super handy if you need to grab a cup mid-brew. Just remember, more features can mean a higher price and more parts that could potentially need fixing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Cabinet Coffee Maker
What is an under cabinet coffee maker?
It’s a coffee machine that mounts directly under your kitchen cabinet. This saves valuable counter space. You get a full-featured brewer without it taking up your work surface.
Are thay difficult to install?
Most require a semi-permanent mount, but it’s usually straightforward. You’ll need to drill a few holes into teh cabinet bottom. Always check the manual and make sure you have the right tools. Some models are more simpler to install than others.
Can I use my own coffee grounds?
Yes, absolutely. Many under cabinet models use standard ground coffee or pods. Just check the product details to see which type it accepts. You’re not locked into one specific brand.
How do you fill it with water?
They typically have a removable water reservoir at the front. You just slide it out, fill it at the sink, and slide it back in. No need to lift a heavy pot or reach behind the machine.
Will it fit under my cabinets?
You need to check your clearance. Measure the height from your countertop to the bottom of the cabinet. Then compare it to the machine’s height. Don’t forget to account for the space needed to open the brew basket.
Is the coffee pot easy to access?
Yes, that’s a key feature. The pot sits on the counter like normal. The machine is just above it. You can easily remove the pot to pour without any awkward reaching.
Can it make more than just coffee?
Some models are just coffee makers, while others are combo units. You might find ones that also include a hot water dispenser or a built-in grinder. Think about what features you’ll actually use.
How do I clean it?
Cleaning is similar to a regular coffee maker. You’ll descale it periodically to remove mineral buildup. The brew basket and water reservoir are usally removable for easy washing. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
Bottom Line
So, is one of these machines right for your kitchen? It really comes down to your daily routine and how much you value counter space. If you start every day with coffee and find your counters are always cluttered, this can be a fantastic solution. It keeps your main workspace clear and puts your morning brew right where you need it.
Think about how you use your kitchen now. If you’re constantly moving a regular coffee maker to make room for other tasks, an under cabinet coffee maker could simplify things. It’s a practical choice for keeping your kitchen feeling organized and efficient, without giving up that important morning ritual. You just get to enjoy teh convenience.