THE 6 TOP COFFEE MAKERS MADE IN USA: SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!
There seem to be fewer products made in America each year, but you can still find a few great coffee makers!
It’s not easy to find a coffee maker that is made in the USA, and it’s made even harder by manufacturers doing their best to keep you confused. That’s why I decided to do some serious research into which coffee makers are truly made in America.
I found six fantastic options to suit all coffee lovers and budgets. Buying any of these supports American workers, promotes local economies, and minimizes your environmental footprint. Plus, you’ll enjoy delicious coffee!
At A Glance:
- OUR TOP PICK: Ratio Eight Coffee Maker
- GREAT VALUE: Aeropress Original
- FOR ESPRESSO LOVERS: Slayer Single Group
Top 6 Coffee Makers Made in USA We Recommend
It’s increasingly difficult to find products made in the USA and not made in China, but a few coffee companies are bucking the trend. Here are six options spanning all styles of coffee makers.
No matter how you take your morning java, whether a smooth cold brew coffee or a creamy espresso, there’s an American coffee maker for you!
| image | product | details | |
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Ratio Eight Coffee Maker |
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| No products found. | BUNN GRB Velocity Brew |
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| No products found. | Original Aeropress |
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| No products found. | Toddy Cold Brew System |
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Slayer Single Group |
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| No products found. | Chemex |
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1. Ratio Eight Coffee Maker
Made in: Portland, Oregon
- Type of coffee maker: Automatic drip
- Capacity: 40 ounces
- Price: $$$
Based in Portland, Oregon, Ratio Coffee was founded on the premise that automatic coffee makers deserve the same attention to design and craftsmanship that we see in the current crop of high-end espresso machines.
They offer three drip coffee makers, the Ratio Four, Ratio Six, and Ratio Eight (1). Though all three are designed in Portland and have components manufactured in Taiwan, only the Ratio Eight is hand-assembled in Portland.
The idea of the Ratio 8 coffee maker is to mimic how an expert barista prepares a pour-over, including an automated bloom cycle, showerhead-style water flow, and a precise brew temperature. All you need to do is push a button.
The Ratio Eight borrows from the world of prosumer espresso machines in its design and choice of materials.
Available in white, silver, or matte black, the Ratio Eight is made from precision-machined aluminum, borosilicate glass, and hardwood. These are gorgeous American-made coffee makers.
The Ratio Eight is undeniably expensive and is even pricier if you opt for a thermal carafe. But if you want something beautiful, functional, and made in the USA, you’ll get your money’s worth.
2. BUNN GRB Velocity Brew
Made in: Creston, Iowa
- Type of coffee maker: Automatic drip
- Capacity: 50 ounces
- Price: $$
If you want an automatic drip coffee brewer that makes a great cup of coffee but don’t want to pay for the premium details of the Ratio Eight, the BUNN Velocity Brew is a fantastic choice.
Befitting its name, the 10-cup Velocity Brew can have a full coffee pot ready in just 3 minutes – about half the time of an average coffee maker. This is thanks to its internal stainless steel hot water tank and accompanying 800-watt heater, which can provide perfect 200 ℉ brewing water on demand.
The water is delivered to the coffee grounds via a showerhead, which yields a noticeably better extraction than the average cheap coffee machine.
The Velocity Brew has a glass carafe, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, I’d consider upgrading to the BUNN Speed Brew. It has a stainless steel thermal carafe to keep your coffee warm and a slightly more modern aesthetic.
BUNN is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. Though they source components for their machines worldwide, BUNN coffee makers are assembled in Creston, Iowa.
3. Original Aeropress
Made in: Palo Alto, California
- Type of coffee maker: Immersion brewer
- Capacity: 10 ounces
- Price: $
The AeroPress is an incredible coffee maker. Period. This affordable single serve brewer is one of my favorite coffee makers overall, not just among those made in the USA.
Made in Palo Alto, California, the AeroPress is the brainchild of longtime inventor and engineer Alan Adler. Fed up with trying to brew a decent single cup from a drip coffee machine, he devised the AeroPress as an alternative (2).
So I drew a sketch, and I made something in my shop. And it just tasted delicious. It tasted so much less bitter than regular drip coffee.
It’s an immersion brewer, similar to a French press coffee maker. But it’s different enough to yield a cup of coffee uniquely its own – less bitter and without the oiliness or sediments of a French press brew. It’s a strong and rich but clean-tasting cup of coffee.
I love the AeroPress for its broad appeal. It’s easy enough for a beginning barista to master, while serious coffee nerds will appreciate its surprising versatility. It’s popular with campers and hikers because it’s light and durable. There’s even an AeroPress World Championship (3)!
The only downside to the AeroPress coffee maker is its small capacity, which can be inconvenient if you’re brewing for a crowd. Technically, you can brew four intense, espresso-style shots at a time and dilute them into four coffees, but in my experience, this brewer is best for serving one or two coffee drinkers at a time.
The newer AeroPress Go is another great affordable option from the brand designed specifically for portability. It’s smaller than the original and includes a mug that doubles as a carrying case.
4. Toddy Cold Brew System
Made in: Loveland, Colorado
- Type of coffee maker: Cold brew
- Capacity: 37 ounces
- Price: $
Cold brew is one of the easiest ways to brew coffee at home, particularly if you have a purpose-built coffee maker like the Toddy Cold Brew System (4). It requires no electricity and uses a patented cold water filtration process to prepare a rich and low-acid coffee concentrate.
The concentrate stays fresh for up to two weeks, so I recommend taking advantage of the Toddy’s large capacity to brew in batches. When the cold brew craving hits, you’re well prepared and won’t be forced to spend big bucks at a cafe.
Even if you’re not a cold brew fan, you can still enjoy the low-acid coffee from this brewing system. Just dilute the concentrate with hot water for an ultra-smooth java.
Toddy is a women-owned business based in Loveland, Colorado, where all their coffee makers are made. If you want to shop around, the Filtron Cold Brew Coffee Maker is also made in America. It’s a bit more expensive but comes with a beautiful glass carafe.
5. Slayer Single Group
Made in: Seattle, Washington
- Type of coffee maker: Espresso machine
- Capacity: n/a
- Price: $$$$
I’ll say this right off the bat. You can probably scroll past this review if you don’t have an unlimited budget for coffee gear.
Still here? Okay, then, I’ll also say this. If you have the funds and a passion for espresso, Seattle-based Slayer espresso machines are easily the best American-made machines money can buy (5). They’ve won numerous awards and are found in high-end coffee shops worldwide (6).
The first thing you’ll notice about a Slayer espresso machine is its stunning design. These beautiful (and customizable) machines make a statement. But it’s what’s inside that makes it top-of-the-line.
The Slayer uses a patented needle valve to control water flow, which allows you to grind coffee finer without risking over-extraction.
Have you ever wondered just how flavorful coffee can be? This is how you find out.
The Slayer Single Group also has double boilers, an electronic group head, PID temperature control, a rotary pump, and every other high-end option you can imagine. If I ever win the lottery, the Slayer on my countertop will be the first sign.
6. Chemex
Made in: Chicopee, Massachusetts
- Type of coffee maker: Pour over
- Capacity: 24 ounces
- Price: $
The Chemex coffee maker, with its glass carafe, wooden handle, and leather tie, is the most iconic coffee brewer that is made in the USA (7). Launched in the 1940s, they’re found in modern design museums and high-end coffee shops – yet remain affordable enough for any home brewer.
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that uses uniquely thick conical paper filters to produce a crisp and clean cup. If you love lighter roast coffees, you’ll appreciate the way Chemex highlights their bright acidity and complex flavors.
The emergence of the Third Wave coffee movement brought the Chemex to the attention of specialty coffee lovers. One of the early adopters was Doug Zell, co-founder of the highly esteemed Intelligentsia Coffee (8).
It works well with our sweet, clean coffees, and I also think from a design standpoint it is simple and beautiful.
The Chemex factory is in Chicopee, Massachusetts, but the only thing truly made there are the special filters. The Chemex itself is only assembled at the plant. The glass comes from Croatia and Taiwan, and the wood comes from Malaysia. The leather ties are American-made; they come from Tennessee.
How To Choose The Right Coffee Maker Made In USA
With so few coffee brewers made in the USA, finding the perfect one is challenging. You certainly won’t be overwhelmed with choices, and the few options can feel limiting if you have specific needs. That’s where this buyer’s guide comes in, with everything you need to make the right decision.
Made In USA versus Manufactured In USA
Let’s start with a quick clarification. In most contexts, we can use the terms “made” and “manufactured” interchangeably, but this isn’t how the Federal Trade Commission classifies consumer goods.
For a product to be made in the United States, nearly all materials must come from the US. On the other hand, when a product is manufactured in the US, its components can be made overseas. They only need to be assembled in the USA. For this reason, it is far more common to find products labeled as being manufactured in the USA. Many companies also love to specify that their products are designed in the US before being produced elsewhere.
As a consumer, buying a product made in the USA is an admirable choice, especially as it is usually more expensive. Buying as close to home as possible supports local economies and workers and reduces the impacts of transportation on climate change. Even if a product is only manufactured in America, you are reaping these benefits to a lesser extent.
What style of brewer is for you?
There is a diverse array of American made coffee makers, so considering how you enjoy your coffee is an easy way to narrow down your options.
Do you like a clean cup with a light or medium body? Do you generally prefer lighter roasts? I’d steer you towards the Chemex or one of the automatic drip coffee machines. If you prefer coffee on the other end of the spectrum, with a bold flavor and heavy body, you’ll be better off with an espresso machine or AeroPress.
Also, consider how much effort you want to put into making your coffee. Do you enjoy the process of getting up early and preparing the perfect cup? Then you might like a pour over coffee brewer, AeroPress, or espresso machine. Do you just want to roll out of bed and get some caffeine in your bloodstream? An automatic coffee maker or prepared coffee concentrate will suit you better.
How much capacity do you need?
It’s important to consider how much coffee you drink and how often when you set out to buy a new coffee maker. A brewer that is too small will drive you crazy with its inconvenience, whereas something too large will waste money and space.
Something compact like the AeroPress is perfect if you only make a cup or two a day. But if you and your family can quickly get through a full carafe of coffee, a drip machine or large-model Chemex makes more sense.
What’s your budget?
The coffee makers in this list range from under $50 to nearly $10,000, so set a budget before you start shopping. I’ve used a rough price scale in this round-up to give you an idea of what you can afford.
| $ | ~<$100 |
| $$ | ~$100 – $300 |
| $$$ | ~$300 – $1,000 |
| $$$$ | $1,000+ |
Remember to take into account more than just upfront costs. Consider how long each product is expected to last, how much maintenance it will require, if it needs any accessories, and what warranty the manufacturer offers.
The Verdict
It’s not easy to find coffee makers made in the USA these days, but I dug deep to round up these six options to suit all styles of coffee lovers. Whichever you choose, you should feel good about supporting American jobs, the local economy, and the environment. And, just as important, you can brew great coffee.
My top pick is the stunning Ratio Eight brewer – equal parts coffee machine and art piece. With just the press of a button, you’ll enjoy a morning brew that rivals the nearest coffee shop.
FAQs
No, Keurig coffee makers are not made in the USA. Unsurprisingly, these low-cost plastic coffee makers are made in China and Malaysia. The K-Cups used in these coffee makers, on the other hand, are made all over the world, including the USA.
Cuisinart coffee makers are made in China. For a long time, the Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus was made in America, but it has recently been discontinued.
Yes, most Delonghi coffee machines are made in China. However, the company is based in Treviso, Italy, which is where its coffee and espresso machines are designed and engineered.
Yes, coffee is grown in the USA but not in the continental US, at least not commercially. The only commercially grown coffee comes from Hawaii, which has just the right combination of climate and geography for Arabica plants to thrive (9).
References
- Bryman, H. (2019, April 8). A First Look at the New Ratio Six Coffee Brewer. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2019/04/08/a-first-look-at-the-new-ratio-six-coffee-brewer/
- Levy, S. (2015, March 16). First Alan Adler Invented the Aerobie. Now He’s Created the Perfect Cup of Coffee. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2015/03/first-alan-adler-invented-the-aerobie-now-hes-created-the-perfect-cup-of-coffee/
- Yentch, K. (2021, May 28). The World Aeropress Championship is Back. Retrieved from https://www.baristamagazine.com/the-world-aeropress-championship-is-back/
- Boydell, H. (2018, October 10). Cold Brew Coffee: Different Brewing Methods Compared. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2018/10/brew-methods-compared-how-should-you-make-cold-brew-coffee/
- Rosenberg, M. (2017, December 1). Seattle’s Slayer Espresso, maker of pricey espresso machines, bought by Italian coffee-equipment firm. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/business/local-business/seattles-slayer-espresso-maker-of-pricey-machines-bought-by-italian-coffee-equipment-firm/
- Luxury Lifestyle Awards. (2020). Slayer Espresso. Retrieved from https://luxurylifestyleawards.com/winners/coffee-maker/slayer-espresso-2
- Solano, F. (2015, May 28). Chemex – The History & Brewing Guide. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2015/05/chemex-the-history-brewing-guide/
- Clayton, L. (2015, March 10). Journey To The Center of the Chemex Factory. Retrieved from https://sprudge.com/journey-to-the-center-of-the-chemex-factory-72186.html
- Dible, M. (2018, August 1). A climate for coffee: Researchers work to get ahead of potential threats to Hawaii’s signature crop. Retrieved from https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2018/01/08/hawaii-news/a-climate-for-coffee-researchers-work-to-get-ahead-of-potential-threats-to-hawaiis-signature-crop/
