8 Best Retro Coffee Makers
Waking up to the smell of your programmable coffee maker brewing the perfect morning cup is one of life’s simple pleasures. While taste, functionality, and capacity play an important part, the way your coffee maker looks has a significant impact on your kitchen’s decor. A retro coffee maker is a great way to add vintage style to your kitchen. Our comprehensive guide features the best retro coffee makers, including appliances across various styles, sizes, and budgets, ensuring you can find the perfect option for your home or office.
Retro Coffee Maker
$30.37 $27.19
Retro Coffee Maker
Holstein Housewares
$30.37 $27.19
What We Like: Compact size
Perfect For: Small kitchens or RVs
Brew a rich-tasting cup of coffee with this retro 5-cup coffee maker. This single-person pot has a compact design that saves space on your countertop, while the auto pause and serve program allows you to pour a cup before the end of the brewing cycle. The included measuring spoon and removable filter basket simplify your routine and save money on paper filters. Its retro charm adds a splash of color to your home decor.
Designer Advice:
The retro look of the coffee maker makes it a perfect fit for a vintage or mid-century modern home decor style. Pair it with some vintage-inspired ceramic mugs to enhance the retro vibe. Set it up alongside a matching toaster and electric kettle for a cohesive and functional coffee station.
What Users Say:
Great coffee maker. I love the convenience of the non-paper filter as well.
Vintage Coffee Maker
Vintage Coffee Maker
What We Like: 30-minute keep warm function
Perfect For: Office break rooms
This vintage coffee maker is a work of art and a highly functional appliance that can brew your favorite coffee, from cappuccinos to lattes. Its reusable coffee filter, anti-drip design, and visible water gauge make it convenient to use and clean. Its large capacity makes it perfect for serving a crowd. Plus, it keeps your coffee warm for 30 minutes and automatically shuts down after 30 minutes of non-use, making it efficient and reliable.
Designer Advice:
The retro-style design makes it perfect for vintage, farmhouse, or traditional home decor. Place it on a wooden countertop or table to showcase the vintage design. Add a rustic enamel tray with your favorite coffee accessories to complete the look.
What Users Say:
Love the retro look and the size. This works great and is easy to use. I’ve been using it daily since I got it and haven’t had any problems. My favorite coffee maker so far.
Vintage Programmable Countertop Coffee Maker
Vintage Programmable Countertop Coffee Maker
Ariete
What we like: Compact design means it’s ideal for small kitchen counters
What we don’t like: Limited basic functions when compared to models within its price range
Not so great for: Modern kitchens with high-tech appliances
Great for: Chic kitchens with ‘60s style decor
This simple but sleek coffee maker blends seamlessly into a vintage interior designed kitchen. The square shape means it can be conveniently stored away or displayed on your counter without taking up too much space. It includes practical features, such as an auto-timer function, LCD screen, and an auto shut down feature after 30-minutes.
One of the most convenient features of this machine is the pause and serve mode. If you’re in a hurry, but your coffee hasn’t finished brewing, you can pause the drip and pour yourself a cup.
Programmable Candy Red Retro Coffee Maker
Programmable Candy Red Retro Coffee Maker
Nostalgia
What we like: Retro look with modern programmable features
What we don’t like: Doesn’t contain a built-in grinder
Not so great for: Technologically-challenged users may find it challenging to use the controls
Great for: Kitchens with an art deco vibe
From the vintage silhouette to the nostalgic branding, this highly functional coffee maker takes you back to the 1970s. What sets this coffee maker apart from the rest is its range of modern features, including a 24-hour digital clock with a programmable timer. You can schedule your morning coffee ahead of time, guaranteeing a great start to your day.
You can brew up to 12-cups at one time, and the keep warm function heats this retro coffee pot at a moderate temperature for up to two hours. The boil-dry protection shuts off the heat after two hours to prevent potential accidents.
1950s Retro Style Semi Automatic Coffee Maker
1950s Retro Style Semi Automatic Coffee Maker
What we like: Compatible with pods or ground coffee
What we don’t like: Very high price point
Not so great for: Budget seeking coffee drinkers
Great for: Coffee enthusiasts looking for a high-quality machine
For a vintage looking coffee maker that brews barista-level drinks, this ‘50s style machine is the perfect choice for your kitchen. It’s crafted with high-quality materials, including a corrosion-resistant stainless steel filter. It also has a removable drip tray for fuss-free cleaning.
A useful feature of this machine is that it is compatible with grounds or pods. You can enjoy the traditional Italian way of brewing espresso or simply slot in a pod if you’re in a hurry.
Belgian Style Mid Century Coffee Maker
Belgian Style Mid Century Coffee Maker
BESTBUY
What we like: Eye-catching, classical, luxury design
What we don’t like: Non-programmable
Not so great for: Someone looking for a simple coffee machine
Great for: Antique collectors
This Belgian vintage style coffee maker is a stunning piece of kitchen equipment. Crafted from glass and gold-colored metal, the intricate design features various components that allow you to observe the process of coffee brewing.
While this is one of the most beautifully crafted products on our list, it is also highly practical. It is a mid century modern coffee maker with vintage and contemporary features. It has a dripless spout to minimize mess, contains a built-in warmer plate to keep your coffee hot, and brews up to 15 cups at a time. It is also easy to take apart and clean.
10 Cup Large Retro Coffee Maker
10 Cup Large Retro Coffee Maker
Technivorm Moccamaster
What we like: Old-school diner-style aesthetic
What we don’t like: Large appliance that takes up a lot of counter space
Not so great for: Small kitchens and apartments
Great for: Households that consume large volumes of coffee
This American diner-style coffee machine can give your kitchen an authentic retro feel. It is easy to use with a single-switch operation and an automatic shut-off sensor.
Although this coffee maker can brew up to 10 cups at a time, the brew-value selector enables you to make a smaller volume. This machine is also extremely fast, brewing a full 40 oz. pot in just four to six minutes.
Retro Style Coffee Maker with Milk Frother
Retro Style Coffee Maker with Milk Frother
What we like: Comes with milk frother for making lattes and cappuccinos
What we don’t like: Only works with compatible pods
Not so great for: Coffee connoisseurs who prefer the traditional processes for making coffee
Great for: Those looking for a fast and efficient coffee maker
If you’re always in a rush to make your morning Americano or afternoon cappuccino, this is an excellent option. With its bright, shiny exterior, and metallic trim, this coffee maker can improve the interior aesthetic of your kitchen. If you lack counter space, the lightweight design means you can easily store it away after each use.
This machine has six settings that allow you to choose the size and strength of your drink. The coffee is made using individual pods, which may not appeal to all coffee drinkers.
Single Brew Retro Style Coffee Maker
Single Brew Retro Style Coffee Maker
frigidaire
What we like: Budget option that brews your coffee quickly
What we don’t like: Can only make a single cup at a time
Not so great for: Households with multiple people
Great for: Single-occupant studio apartments
This coffee maker’s vintage, rounded design is a stylish addition to any home coffee bar. It is small and durable, making it a perfect portable option for an RV or camper.
The main disadvantage is that it only brews a single cup of coffee at a time. However, it produces a cup of coffee in approximately three minutes, so you won’t have to wait too long.
Old Fashioned Coffee Maker
Old Fashioned Coffee Maker
Smeg
What We Like: Anti-drip system
Perfect For: Environmentally conscious coffee lovers
This stylish and functional appliance boasts a 1950s throwback design to elevate the look of your home. It features a 10-cup capacity glass carafe, anti-slip feet, and a user-friendly control panel with customizable features like automatic start mode and aroma intensity function. It comes with a reusable filter, eliminating the need for paper filters and reducing waste, making it an eco-friendly option that saves money.
Designer Advice:
The coffee maker’s throwback design makes it a great addition to retro-themed kitchens or homes with a vintage aesthetic. For a cohesive look, pair it with colorful pastel ceramic mugs and add charming 1950s vintage posters with ads for coffee on the wall.
What Users Say:
This is the best coffee maker I have ever owned…This machine brews a smooth and flavorful coffee. It’s quiet and I love the aroma setting. The machine is solid and really good quality.
Cold Brew Vintage Coffee Maker
Cold Brew Vintage Coffee Maker
Nostalgia
What we like: Allows you to add citrus slices, herbs, and spices to create homemade iced coffees
What we don’t like: Doesn’t make hot coffee
Not so great for: Families with different coffee preferences
Great for: Someone who likes to experiment with different flavors
If you fuel up on fresh iced coffee every summer, this is the maker for you. The retro look features a unique system that allows you to brew your very own gourmet iced drinks, including coffees, teas, and lemonades. The machine is intuitive and easy to use.
The removable pot is designed to trap any loose tea leaves, lemon slices, or herbs while you pour your smooth, delicious brew. It has a three-position lid, allowing you to pour with the ice guard open or closed.
Buying Guide
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
It seems like all coffee makers look drab with their dull gray or black and white finish. Although they are plain colors that are capable of fitting any kitchen décor, there are times when a kitchen requires a pop of color, especially when everything else in the space is color-coordinated. This is where retro coffee makers come in. They're becoming more popular every single day as millennial coffee drinkers are looking into adding some spice to their kitchen countertops.
If you're interested in getting your own retro coffee maker, then you're at the right place as we've listed all the factors that one needs to consider when buying this incredible machine.
Your new best friend will take a prominent space on your countertop. This means you'd want one that can fit in the space that's available. If your kitchen is expansive and you have ample counter space, then your coffee maker's size won't be of any concern. But, it would still be smart to take the exact measurements of the countertop space that you have before you purchase a unit.
Also, if you are leaning towards an appliance that's single-serve, you'd want to consider whether it'll accommodate your coffee mug or cup or not. You can check user reviews as they offer guidance on what can fit underneath an appliance's spout.
Capsule and pods are your convenient choices. However, a coffee maker that makes use of coffee grounds is more economical. There are even people who say that grounds taste better. There are retro coffee makers that limit you to only use capsules, more specifically, a certain brand of capsule. Make sure you check what the coffee maker can be used with and find the model that will match your preference.
Coffee makers, even ones that have been retro-styled, have a basic function and that's to make coffee. However, there are devices that offer so much more. You may want a unit that offers a hands-off experience. If so, then pick a machine that's been equipped with the advanced or latest technologies. Yes, even when it's retro! Added features that you may want out of your coffee maker include a digital display, an auto-off function, flavor-strength settings, a clock, temperature control, and programmability. Remember, the more features your coffee maker has, the more it will cost you.
Coffee makers are often easy to use. You'd want one that can be operated and cleaned easily. It is important that you clean your coffee maker regularly to keep it free from calcium buildup and coffee splatter. Cleaning will ensure that the machine lasts a long time. If you want to maintain your coffee's quality, then you'd also want to clean your appliance.
Look for a coffee maker that has dishwasher-safe and removable parts. If the device that you have chosen has parts that must be cleaned by hand, then you must read product reviews to see how easy or hard the cleaning process will be. There may be design flaws which can make the cleaning difficult and messy.
Now that you've been introduced to the wide variety of machines available, let's start thinking a bit more deeply about the things we need to consider when choosing a coffee maker.
- Managing Your Budget
- Luckily, there is no shortage of cheap and effective coffee brewers available on the market. Most of these will be drip coffee brewers or single serve coffee brewers. If you're trying to keep your budget minimal, choosing either single serve or drip coffee makers is a good option. Cold Coffee brewers and French presses are even more budget friendly than our first two options, however they tend to be less commonplace.
- Your coffee maker itself shouldn't be your only budget consideration. Coffee filters and most coffee grounds are cheap, however Single serve pods can become a significant expense over time. Saving a little on your coffee maker can open up your budget for higher quality coffee grounds.
- Counter Space and Sizing
- Size matters when it comes to coffee makers, so you'll need to find out how big your desired model is prior to purchase. A standard drip coffee maker are typically around 12 inches tall, 8 inches wide and 10 inches deep, so typically they don't require much counter space.
- Espresso machines on the other hand can be larger than drip coffee makers by significant amounts. Espresso machines that can brew multiple cups at once for example can be nearly 80 centimeters long, although the number of compact, single cup espresso machines on the market keeps your options open.
- Options for Programming - planning your coffee in advance
- If you're the type of person that starts everyday early or has a really tight schedule, you should consider choosing a coffee maker with programmable brewing options. These options will allow you to set up your brew the night before or even have a recurring time everyday where your coffee maker automatically starts brewing whatever you've loaded up.
- Many drip coffee makers and single serve coffee makers have programmable options like these. Espresso machines tend not to, except in the very expensive models which can be $1000 and up.
- Having an espresso automatically brewed every morning can also be challenging to manage. If left standing espresso can start changing its flavor profile quite quickly - even when kept warm. So, you'll need to plan appropriately and make sure you're awake in time to enjoy your cup of espresso.
- Optional Grinders
- If you're a dedicated coffee drinker or are considering grinding your own coffee beans, to have the freshest brews possible, you may want to give some thought to a built-in bean grinder. The first thing you'll have to consider here is the fact that these machines typically run a premium rate.
- Having a built-in grinder means a lot more parts and need for space optimization, which can drive the price up, since designs have to be more complex. Built-in grinders also run some extra risk around maintenance due to their complex designs, however they are normally well built from stainless steel as opposed to the plastic commonly seen in drip coffee makers.
- Water Filters
- Having a water filter in your coffee maker can seem a bit excessive - and to some degree it is. The quality of water you use in your coffee maker can affect the flavor of your brew and the longevity of your machine.
- You see, low quality tap water can lead to scale build up in the heating channels of your coffee maker. This can be especially true for espresso machines since they tend to generate more steam. Scale build up in the long-term can negatively affect the function of your machine, but definitely can impact the flavor of your coffee.
- If you're living in an area notorious for poor water quality, want to preserve your machine for slightly longer or just want the best possible flavor for your coffee, consider getting a model with a built-in water filter.
- You'll have to replace the water filter every few months, but the process tends to be simple once you have a compatible replacement available. As per usual, extra features tend to make the price of coffee makers go upward, so be sure to bear your budget in mind.
- Thermal Carafe - for prolonged coffee drinking from a single brewing
- If you're a prolific coffee drinker and have multiple cups throughout the day at various times, a thermal carafe is something you can consider. In a nutshell a thermal carafe is a modified coffee pot that is designed to keep your coffee piping hot for several hours at a time, without the use of electricity. Making it ideal for prolific coffee drinkers, who like to enjoy multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.
