8 Best Retro Coffee Makers (Reviewed By Barista)

Buying Guide

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.

What size coffee maker can fit your countertop?

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.

Are capsules and pods better than grounds?

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.

What features to look for in a retro coffee maker?

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.

How to clean a retro coffee maker?

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.

What to consider before I buy a coffee maker?

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.

What are the useful features to look for in coffee makers?

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.