Who this is for: Anyone who wants a solid drip coffee maker that will make a pot of great-tasting coffee that stays hot for hours. If you already own a great grinder (which is the most important part of any coffee setup) and pay a premium for gourmet beans, this machine will get the most out of them.

Why we like it: The OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker is fast and convenient, with features like a programmable start time and an automatic pre-infusion cycle (which briefly wets the coffee before brewing, for better extraction). In our tests for the best drip coffee maker, we found that the coffee was pleasant and much better than the coffee we made with some of the competitors. The coffee maker has a handsome design, with a well-made thermal stainless steel carafe that pours easily and keeps coffee hot for hours.

The OXO’s digital interface is sleek and easy to use once you get the hang of the single-button system. Photo: Michael Hession

The OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker can make a full pot in just under 7 minutes. Photo: Michael Hession

The OXO’s digital interface is sleek and easy to use once you get the hang of the single-button system. Photo: Michael Hession

The OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker can make a full pot in just under 7 minutes. Photo: Michael Hession 1 of 2

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The OXO’s unintuitive interface means that programming the timer without reading the manual can be difficult, but it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. In our years of long-term testing, we’ve also noticed that the lid on the OXO’s carafe tends to trap old coffee; even a good rinse isn’t enough to flush everything out. Another thing to note is that the OXO is tall at 17.2 inches, so you may have an issue fitting it under your cabinets—especially because the lids for the water tank and the grounds basket need an additional five inches of clearance to fully open. (For comparison’s sake, our also-great pick, the Bonavita BV1901TS Connoisseur, is only 12.2 inches tall.)

The OXO was beaten in our taste tests by the Bonavita BV1901TS Connoisseur, which you should consider if you prioritize flavor over all else (the Bonavita lacks some convenience features, including a timer). Lastly, if the OXO’s $200 price seems a bit steep, consult our budget coffee makers guide.

Dimensions: 15 by 8.3 by 17.2 inches

Capacity: 9 cups

Brew time: under 7 minutes