Finding that perfect morning brew often comes down to having the right tool for your daily routine. If you’re brewing for one or two people, a full 12-cup machine can feel like overkill, leaving you with stale coffee or wasted grounds. That’s where a compact 5 cup drip coffee maker really shines, offering just the right amount of fresh coffee without the commitment of a larger pot. It’s the unsung hero for small households, dorm rooms, or anyone who values a freshly brewed cup every single time.
We’ve been testing several popular models to see which ones deliver on that promise of convenience and flavor. From programmable features to simple one-button operation, this review will help you find a machine that fits your countertop and your lifestyle, ensuring your first cup is as good as your last. Let’s dive into which models are worth your counter space.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Amazon Basics Coffee Makers, 5-Cup Coffee Machines with Reusable…
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9.5 |
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BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, DCM600B Black
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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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Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee…
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8.9 |
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Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
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8.7 |
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Mr. Coffee 2134286 ® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee…
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8.4 |
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Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker 5 Cups with Auto…
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8.2 |
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Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 5 Cup, One-Touch Brew,…
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8.0 |
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KRUPS Simply Brew Compact 5 Cup Coffee Maker: Stainless…
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7.8 |
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Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee…
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7.6 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker
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 those who need a no-fuss way to brew a small pot of coffee without taking up much counter space. With its 5-cup capacity, it’s ideal for individuals, couples, or small offices where a large 12-cup pot would be overkill and take to long to brew.
Its slim profile fits easily into tight kitchens, dorm rooms, or under a cabinet, making it a practical choice for compact living situations. Operation could not be more simple. You just add water to the reservoir, place the reusable filter with your ground coffee, and press the single ON/OFF switch. A clear indicator light lets you know it’s working, so there’s no guesswork. The machine then drips hot water through the grounds directly into the glass carafe below.
One of its key features is the warming plate beneath the carafe. This plate activly keeps your coffee at a drinkable temperature after brewing is complete, without burning the liquid, so you can enjoy a hot cup for up to an hour without it tasting scorched. Safety and durability are considered in its design. The unit includes automatic overheat protection. This means if the water level gets to low or the temperature exceeds safe limits, the coffee maker will shut itself off.
BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, DCM600B Black
The BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, DCM600B is a straightforward, reliable machine designed for simplicity and small spaces. If you’re living in a cozy apartment, a dorm room, or traveling in an RV, its compact footprint is a major advantage. It doesn’t take over your counter, leaving plenty of room for your other essentials.
This model is also perfect for anyone who typically brews just for themselves or one other person, making a full 5-cup pot without the waste of a larger machine.
At the heart of this coffeemaker is the Duralife Glass Carafe. It’s reinforced for durability, built to handle the daily routine without fuss. The carafe features clear coffee and water level markings, so you can easily measure the right amount of water for the number of cups you want. No more guessing.
A sturdy handle gives you a secure grip, making pouring simple and safe, even first thing in the morning.
Brewing is uncomplicated. You just add your favorite ground coffee to the removable filter basket. This basket is compatible with standard basket-style paper filters, which helps keep things clean and makes for a smooth brew. When your done, cleanup is genuinely easy—the entire filter basket is dishwasher-safe, so you can just pop it in and be done with it.
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 individuals or small households who value simplicity and function over complex features. A key component is its semi-transparent water reservoir. It holds exactly five cups, and the built-in water level indicator lets you see exactly how much water you’ve added, so you can avoid overfilling or underfilling.
This means you’ll always have the right amount of water ready for brewing, ensuring your coffee isn’t too weak or too strong. The coffee brews directly into a matching 5-cup glass carafe. This size is perfect if you’re making coffee just for yourself with a extra cup for later, or for sharing with one or two other people. You won’t be dealing with a large, half-full pot that sits and gets bitter on a warming plate. One of the most practical features here is the Pause ‘N Serve function.
If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the full cycle to finish, you can gently pull the carafe out mid-brew to pour a cup. The brewing pauses temporarily so you don’t make a mess, then continues when you slide the carafe back in. It’s ideal for those mornings when you need a quick coffee fix before the pot is completely full. This machine also includes a reusable, permanent filter housed in a swing-out basket. You simply add your ground coffee, brew, and then just rinse the filter out.
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. It’s built for the individual coffee drinker or a small household that values a straightfoward, fresh pot without the waste or complexity of larger machines. With a compact footprint, it fits easily on any countertop or in a small kitchen, making it a practical choice for offices, dorm rooms, or apartments. Its core feature is the 4-cup glass carafe.
This is the perfect size for brewing a full pot for yourself throughout the morning or for sharing with a couple of friends. You won’t end up with stale, leftover coffee that gets wasted. The semi-transparent water reservoir holds exactly what you need, with a clear water level indicator so you can easily see how much water you’re adding. This helps ensure you get the coffee-to-water ratio right every single time, for a consistently good brew.
One of the most appreciated features is the Pause ‘N Serve function. If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the full cycle to finish, you can simply pause the machine and pour a cup mid-brew. This means you don’t have to wait an extra few minutes when you really need that coffee now. Once brewing is complete, the integrated keep warm function activates automatically. It maintains your coffee at a hot temperature, so that last cup from the carafe is as warm as the first.
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 a perfect fit for dorm rooms, offices, small apartments, or any countertop where space is at a premium. You won’t have to sacrifice a full pot of coffee just because you’re brewing for one or two people.
This little machine focuses on delivering exactly what you need without taking up unnecessary room.
One of it’s most practical features is the Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause function. This means if you’re in a hurry and can’t wait for the full cycle to finish, you can simply slide the carafe out to pour an early cup. The brewing process automatically pauses so you don’t make a mess, then resumes when you place the carafe back.
It’s a thoughtful touch for those busy mornings when every minute counts. The updated ergonomic carafe is made of glass, which is great for keeping your coffee tasting fresh. It has clear ounce markings on the side for easy measuring, and its shape is designed for a comfortable grip and a clean, drip-free pour.
Cleanup is often the least enjoyable part of making coffee, but this model aims to simplify that.
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 two good-sized mugs or for having a second cup ready for yourself. Its compact footprint makes it a great fit for dorm rooms, offices, small kitchens, or any countertop where space is precious. You won’t have to sacrifice a full pot of coffee just because you’re only brewing for one or two people.
One of it’s standout features is the Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause. This means if you just can’t wait for the whole cycle to finish, you can sneak a cup early without making a mess. The brewing pauses when you remove the carafe and resumes when you put it back. The clear water window on the side is another practical touch, letting you see exactly how much water you’ve added to avoid overfilling and ensure you get the right coffee strength every time.
The updated ergonomic carafe is designed for a comfortable grip and smooth pouring, with ounce markings along the side for perfect measuring. Cleanup is straightforward with the Lift & Clean filter basket. You can easily remove the entire basket to discard grounds and rinse it out. The machine uses a standard reusable or paper filter, giving you flexibility.
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 machine built for simplicity and convenience. It’s designed for those who want a reliable, no-fuss way to start their day with a fresh cup of coffee, without taking up much counter space. Its compact design means it fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where every inch counts. You get the essential features you need without any complicated extras.
One of it’s key features is the Brew Later function. You can set the timer the night before, adding your water and grounds, and wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. This programmability means your coffee is ready exactly when you want it to be, which is a real help on busy mornings. The machine also has a 25 oz. capacity, which is ideal for brewing up to two good-sized mugs. It’s perfect for personal use or for sharing a pot with one other person, avoiding waste.
During the brew cycle, the Auto Pause feature lets you sneak a cup before the pot is completely full. Just pull out the carafe, the brewing pauses, and then resumes when you slide it back in. You don’t have to wait for the entire cycle to finish if you need that first sip right away. For safety and peace of mind, the auto shut-off function turns the warmer plate off after two hours. This saves energy and is a crucial safety feature if you forget to turn it off before leaving home.
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 focuses on delivering a reliable cup of coffee without taking up much of your counter or your time. If your mornings are rushed or your kitchen space is limited, this machine’s thoughtful features aim to fit seamlessly into your life. Its standout feature is the 24-hour programable brew. You can set it the night before, and it will have a fresh pot waiting for you exactly when you need it.
No more waiting around in the morning. The machine itself is remarkably compact, measuring just 9 inches deep by 6 inches wide. It’s lightweight too, making it an ideal choice for a small apartment, a dorm room, or your office kitchenette. It brews up to five cups, which is perfect for personal use or sharing with a couple of friends. Once your coffee is ready, the adjustable keep-warm function gives you control. You can set the hot plate to stay on for anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
A helpful timer on the display counts up so you always know how long your coffee has been sitting, helping you enjoy it at its best flavor. Ever needed a cup before the whole pot is finished brewing? The Pause & Serve function lets you slide the carafe out mid-cycle. The brewing pauses automatically so you don’t make a mess, and it resumes once you slide it back in. This means you don’t have to wait for a full pot, and it helps prevent over-extraction of the grounds.
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 efficiency in their daily coffee ritual. Its core promise is straightforward: to deliver a reliably good cup of coffee without taking up much space or requiring complicated steps.
If your countertop is limited or you primarily brew for yourself or one other person, this machine’s scale and function are built with your needs in mind.
At the heart of its appeal is the compact, stainless steel design. It fits neatly into tight spots, like a small apartment kitchen, a office corner, or an RV. It brews a full carafe of up to five cups, which is the perfect amount to avoid waste while ensuring each pot is fresh.
You won’t be pouring stale, reheated coffee from a half-full 12-cup machine. The included reusable filter is a thoughtful touch, eliminating the ongoing cost and hassle of paper filters and making your routine a bit more sustainable.
Functionality is where this coffee maker truly shines for everyday use. The Pause & Brew feature is incredibly practical. If you hear the coffee starting to drip and you need to run out the door, you can simply slide the carafe out to pour that first cup.
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 designed for straightforward, no-fuss coffee brewing. It’s a compact machine that focuses on the essentials, making it a reliable choice for your kitchen counter, office, or any space where simplicity is key. With a 5-cup capacity, it’s perfect for an individual who enjoys multiple cups or for serving a couple of people without the waste of a larger pot. A central feature is the semi-transparent water reservoir.
It holds exactly what you need for a full pot, and the built-in water level indicator takes the guesswork out of filling. You can easily see how much water you’ve added, ensuring you always have the right amount for brewing and helping you avoid overfilling. The coffee brews directly into a classic 5-cup glass carafe. This size is practical; it keeps coffee hot and fresh without leaving you with stale leftovers, making it ideal for daily use when you don’t need a huge amount.
One of the handiest functions is the Pause ‘N Serve feature. If you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the full cycle to finish, you can gently pull the carafe out mid-brew to pour a cup. The brewing pauses temporarily, so you don’t make a mess, and then resumes when you slide the carafe back in. It’s a simple touch that respects your time. Another practical aspect is the included re-usable filter. It sits in a swing-out basket for easy filling and cleaning.
5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker Buying Guide
For a small household or a single coffee drinker, a 5 cup drip coffee maker hits a real sweet spot. It’s designed to brew just enough for a couple of mugs without taking up much counter space. You’ll want to focus on a few key things to get a machine that fits your morning routine perfectly.
Brew Speed and Pause & Serve
Mornings can be rushed. Check how long it takes to brew a full pot. Some models can do it in under 5 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re running late. Also, look for a “pause and serve” function. This lets you sneak a cup before the brewing cycle is totally finished, so you don’t have to wait.
Carafe Style: Glass or Thermal
This is a big comfort choice. A classic glass carafe sits on a warming plate, which is great if you sip slowly over an hour. But that heat can sometimes make coffee taste bitter. A thermal carafe doesn’t use a hot plate; it insulates the coffee to keep it hot for hours without that burnt flavor. It’s one less thing to plug in, too.
Filter Type and Programmability
Most machines use standard #2 paper filters, which are easy to find. Some include a permanent mesh filter, saving you from buying disposables. As for features, a simple on/off switch might be all you need. But if you love waking to a ready pot, a programmable clock timer is a fantastic convenience. Just set it up the night before.
Size and Footprint
Don’t forget to measure your counter! The beauty of a 5-cup model is its compact size. Compare the machine’s width and depth to the space you have available, especially if you have cabinets above. You want to easily fit the carafe underneath without any awkward maneuvering every morning. A smaller footprint leaves room for your other essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker
What does “5 cups” really mean?
It can be confusing! For most coffee makers, a “cup” is a 5-ounce serving, not a full 8-ounce mug. So a 5-cup model makes about 25 ounces total. That’s perfect for 2-3 regular mugs or a small pot for yourself.
Is a 5-cup brewer good for one person?
Absolutely. It’s a great size for a single coffee drinker. You can make a fresh pot just for you without waste. It also saves counter space compared to a large 12-cup machine.
How much coffee grounds do I need?
A standard rule is one tablespoon of grounds per 5-ounce “cup” of water. For a full 5-cup pot, you’d use about 5 tablespoons. You can adjust this to match your taste for stronger or milder coffee.
Can I make less than 5 cups?
Most models let you brew a smaller amount, like 2 or 3 cups. It’s best to check the manual, as some work better with a minimum amount of water to ensure proper brewing and avoid burning the coffee.
Are they easy to clean?
Yes, generally they are. Many have removable parts like the carafe, filter basket, and sometimes the water reservoir. Regular cleaning with vinegar helps prevent mineral buildup, which is important for taste and machine life.
What features should I look for?
Look for a programmable timer if you want coffee ready in the morning. A pause-and-serve function lets you pour a cup mid-brew. A permanent filter is a nice eco-friendly option, but paper filters work fine too and makes cleanup simple.
Do they brew fast?
They’re quite quick! A full 5-cup cycle usually takes between 5 to 10 minutes. This is much faster than a large pot, so you get your coffee without a long wait.
Is the coffee carafe glass or thermal?
Most 5-cup makers use a glass carafe that sits on a warming plate. Some newer models might offer a thermal carafe instead, which keeps coffee hot without a hot plate that can effect flavor over time.
What to Remember
Choosing the right coffee maker is really about your daily routine. Think about how many people you’re making coffee for most mornings. Consider how much counter space you have and how simple you want the process to be. A good machine should fit easily into your morning without any fuss.
For a single person or a couple, a 5 cup drip coffee maker is often the perfect match. It makes just enough without waste, and it’s usually quick and straightforward to use. You get a fresh pot without taking up to much room on your kitchen counter. It’s a reliable way to start your day right.