College life can be tough. Whether you’re an enthusiastic freshman or a burnt-out senior, you need coffee to keep you going. The beverage contains caffeine which increases brain activity to help you stay active and awake.
But let’s face it: to survive college, instant coffee just won’t cut it.
Instead, you need a reliable coffee maker for your dorm room.
These machines are great for making the best cup of coffee to refresh your mornings. However, they aren’t cheap and have different specifications. So which machine should you choose?
This post will guide you through some of the best dorm coffee makers you can find. Plus, we’ve shared useful tips for buying an ideal ground coffee maker. So, let’s see what we’ve got!
The 8 Best Coffee Makers for Your Dorm Room
You can find a ton of coffee makers online and in stores. Yet, you can’t buy just any machine for your dorm room.
Most colleges have strict rules regarding the electrical appliances you can use in your room. When buying a ground coffee maker for college, you should be careful to get a machine that abides by those rules.
To save you precious time, we have listed the best products available for college students. Here, take a look:
- Cuisinart DCC-3200P1
College students are like busy bees. As a student, you may barely have the time to wait for the machine to fill your cup with coffee. Luckily, the incredible Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 coffee maker will save the day.
This brilliant machine can offer coffee on demand all day long. It has 24-hour functionality with multiple automatic functions. The machine can start brewing whenever you like and powers off automatically when not in use.
Another impressive feature of this ground coffee maker is its self-cleaning ability. This way, you do not need to clean your device multiple times after every use. The appliance also has a filter cup in attractive golden hues to make filtration easy.
This model also features options to pause the brewing process. Its coffee stays hot, so you can instantly recharge your brain for an all-nighter. Moreover, the machine’s large glass carafe can hold fresh coffee for up to 14 people.
Pros
- Better filtered coffee
- No need for frequent cleaning
- 24- hour programmability
- Hot brews
- Brews up to 14 cups
Cons
- May produce steam
- The water reservoir lid doesn’t open very widely
2. Mueller Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker
Here’s an affordable and great coffee maker for college with attractive looks and a practical design. The is easy to use and can make delicious coffee with multiple functions and options for brewing.
As a college student, you need to get things done quickly. Your mornings are often rushed, and you probably have half a dozen different errands to run.
Yet, you can’t miss your coffee. After all, it’s the fuel which is going to help you survive the day. This is why Mr. Coffee ensures you can have a nice, warm cup of coffee before class.
If you’re running late for class, you simply press the pause button to interrupt the brewing cycle, grab the carafe, and pour your medium-brewed ground coffee to freshen your mood.
The coffee maker’s reservoir and carafe feature windows for measuring liquid quantity. This way, you never have to stress about overfilling.
It also has an easily removable and cleanable filter basket. Thus, you can conveniently make your coffee whenever you want. To clean the machine, all you have to do is lift the unit, clean it, and put it back.
Pros
- Auto-pause features
- Makes coffee for up to 12 people
- On/off LED lights
- Easy cleaning
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Coffee can get very hot
- No timer
- No auto shut-off feature
3. Black+Decker CM1160B
Most affordable machines lack a lot of convenient options. However, with an intuitive and incredible design, the Black+Decker CM1160B might be an ideal choice. That’s because the machine offers several essential features.
This great coffee maker may be perfect for your dorm room due to its simple interface. It has an LCD screen and a few buttons to handle multiple functions.
The device can be easy to use during all-nighters as it has colored and backlit digits on the screen. As a result, you can easily see the screen when it’s dark.
The brew basket is an important feature of any perfect coffee maker. You cannot enjoy your favorite coffee if it is unclean or in poor shape.
Additionally, you may need to change the brew basket frequently. However, the Black+Decker CM1160B offers a high-quality and durable brew basket that can preserve the flavor of your coffee.
The coffee maker also has an auto-pause option, which means you can stop the brewing process temporarily to sneak a cup-no having to hang around for ages waiting for the whole cycle to finish. In addition, it has an impressive auto-shutoff feature for saving power. When the machine is not in use, your coffee maker will shut off automatically to maintain its good condition.
Pros
- Elaborate interface
- Ideal brew basket
- Non-stick carafe
- Pause features
- Good quality buttons
- Automatic Shut-Off features
Cons
- Filtration could be improved
- Auto-brew features can be unreliable
4. Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker
Who doesn’t enjoy a cup of premium coffee for less? The Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker for K-cup pods is an incredible brewer that ensures high-quality coffee with true coffee aroma and flavor.
Not only that, with the Sboly coffee maker you can have a hot cup of coffee within three minutes. Imagine rushing off for an early morning class without having to wait for your coffee!
Additionally, the machine for K-cup pods offers optimum heat for balancing the cream and coffee perfectly. If you like your coffee creamy, this is the coffee maker for you.
It also has adjustment settings for water. This ensures that your coffee maker uses the accurate amount of ground coffee to make your favorite cup. In addition, it also prevents the appliance from wasting your precious ground coffee.
This coffee maker is suitable for single servings. It features two buttons for cleaning and can also turn itself off when not in use. At an affordable price, this compact coffee maker is ideal for use in dorms.
Pros
- Water adjustment settings
- Quick brewing
- Durable, slender, and compact design
- Brews K-cup and traditional coffee
- Auto-shutdown and cleaning features
Cons
- Measuring water can be difficult
- Complex manual
- Nespresso Essenza Mini
This one is for espresso lovers who want their coffee extra strong to survive the day. For this, the Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso machine is an excellent choice.
It has a gorgeous sleek design with curves, and is portable, so you can easily carry it around the dorm room. Additionally, you can fit it anywhere in the room as it’s super compact.
With just the press of a button, the machine can serve your coffee within a few minutes. The Espresso machine can brew your coffee in just nine minutes and turns itself off automatically. It also features a cup holder with a drainage system to prevent spillage.
Want a lungo? It’s just a button away. The Nespresso Essenza Mini can serve a lungo or an espresso in just a few seconds. All you have to do is to determine exactly how much coffee you need, press the button, wait for 30 seconds, and enjoy delicious coffee.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Simple and compact
- Ideal for dorm room
- Fast brewing
- Makes coffee in 30 seconds
- Makes lungo and espresso in an instant
Cons
- It can be expensive for most students
- Can fit conventional cappuccino and espresso mugs only
- Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker
Many college students prefer carafe-based models, while others vote for a single-serve coffee maker. But what if you could have both features in one?
For this, the Hamilton Beach 2-way coffee maker is the right choice. Whether you need a hot cup of coffee just for yourself or need to brew up a pot for a bunch of friends, this machine has got your back.
Firstly, it has incredible programmability. You can set the machine to automatically make your coffee. What’s better than waking up to an aromatic, freshly brewed cup of coffee?
Overall, this coffee maker is convenient and versatile. It also features various other smart features.
For instance, you can adjust your coffee flavor from regular to bold with its settings. Additionally, it can keep your cup warm before powering off.
Pros
- 2-way brewer
- Keeps coffee warm for longer
- Saves power with auto shut-down options
- Auto-brew features
- Options for bold and regular brew
Cons
- Doesn’t brew very quickly
- The carafe quality could be improved
- Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker
Single-serve coffee machines often come with a handful of features. Such is the case with the Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker. It’s a premium and elegant machine with a sleek design. It features a giant mug holder and a flexible cup reservoir.
Usually, a single-serve coffee maker does not offer different cup sizes. Instead, the machine always brews the same quantity of coffee.
The Keurig coffee machine can help you end this inconvenience. That’s because you can choose between three varying mug sizes with just a button.
Additionally, the coffee maker also has a huge cup holder to fit multiple mug sizes. This can allow you to easily fill a 7-inch-tall mug with warm coffee. The machine offers cup settings to pour 12, 10, or 8 ounces, respectively.
The coffee maker also has a large reservoir, which allows you to brew four mugs of coffee before refilling. Not only that, but it also has an auto shut-down feature to save energy.
After its last brew, the coffee maker will automatically shut down in five minutes.
Pros
- Three varying cup size options
- The water reservoir cap holds water for up to four cups
- Quick brew
- Easy-to-fit design
Cons
- There can be spillage in smaller cups
- Can struggle while handling steam pressure
- Proctor Silex Coffee Maker
So far, we’ve explored 14-cup makers and 12-cup coffee makers. Now it’s time for the Proctor Silex 10-cup efficiency model.
It’s smaller and more compact than most other coffee makers using a carafe. The model’s size is big enough to conveniently fit a carafe. It causes less spillage and can securely hold the carafe in place.
Additionally, the machine offers several automated features. These include the highly appreciated auto-pause feature.
This causes the machine to pause right away once you remove the carafe to minimize the risk of spillage.
This feature can also come in handy when you need to fill your cup with coffee before the brewing process is complete.
Once you connect the machine to a smart plug, it will allow you to create schedules and set up the auto shut-down feature with voice control. The carafe can be washed in a dishwasher, so cleaning up after each brew is a breeze.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe carafe
- Connecting to a smart plug can unlock amazing features
- Auto-pause features
- Can brew up to ten mugs
- Compact design
Cons
- No visible interface provided
- Separately sold smart plugs
Why Should You Buy a Coffee Maker?
Not sure why you should invest your money in a coffee maker? Here are five major benefits of having a coffee maker in your dorm room:
Saving Money
Although buying a coffee maker can be expensive for some college students, it’s worth it in the long run. That’s because that daily 12-ounce cup of coffee from your local coffee shop is soon going to add up to a lot more than just buying your own machine!
Other types of coffee, including mocha and cappuccino, can be even more expensive. If you buy a coffee maker, you can save money per cup and enjoy more coffee in your dorm room.
Fresher Flavor
When compared to instant coffee, your own ground coffee will always have a better taste. Coffee maker coffee has a deeper, fuller, and richer flavor.
You can tell the difference by just smelling the aroma. If you grind your own coffee from beans your coffee will be even more delicious.
Healthier Coffee
The coffee you buy from a Starbucks or elsewhere often includes a large amount of sugar and cream, which can cause you to gain weight. They also generally contain way less caffeine compared to a freshly brewed cup.
In contrast, coffee made with a coffee maker offers more health benefits. For instance, natural coffee contains many important nutrients like manganese, potassium, and vitamin B. It’s also jam-packed with antioxidants.
Home-brewed coffee won’t only help boost your energy but also burn fat and enhance physical activity.
Easy to Make
College students are always hustling and often don’t have the time to prepare a cup of coffee every morning. In this case, a convenient coffee maker can make your life so much easier.
You can easily set up the machine and then wake up every morning to a freshly brewed cup of your favorite beverage.
Make More Coffee in Less Time
Hanging out with friends in your dorm is one of the greatest experiences college life can offer. While studying as a group you can serve your friends a nice cup of coffee to help them unwind and relax.
All you need to do is set up your coffee maker, and within a few minutes, your coffee will be ready. With carafe coffee makers, serving up to 12 people is easier than ever.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Great Coffee Maker
A coffee maker is an expensive investment. Therefore, you should consider various factors before making your final purchase. Here are some important things you should check about your coffee maker to pick the best one:
Machine Type
Coffee makers come in various types. Each type features several distinct functions and features. Here, take a look:
Single-Serve coffee Maker
Single-serve coffee makers are suitable for college students who consume minimal coffee or drink one cup at a time.
These small-size machines are ideal for easy and quick cleaning. Additionally, they can brew coffee within a few seconds with the press of a button.
They work well with prepackaged cups or coffee pods. They’re also low maintenance and can offer multiple iced coffee flavors.
Bean To Cup Makers
A bean-to-cup coffee device can grind your beans to preserve their oils and flavors. This machine is ideal for students with multiple roommates.
Drip Coffee Makers
A drip coffee maker is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. These machines heat water and then flow it over coffee grounds in a filter.
The beverage then drips through the coffee filter into a carafe. These are ideal for dorms as they are affordable, reliable, and efficient. Additionally, they can serve coffee for up to 12 people at once.
Capsule Coffee Machine
These types of coffee makers deliver professional coffee within seconds. To use this type of model, you only need to insert a coffee pod. This is convenient and suitable for college students on the go.
Filter Coffee Makers
These coffee makers are reliable and affordable and can easily brew a large coffee pot in one go.
For this purpose, you can add your preferred ground coffee and cold water to make tasty coffee.
Coffee Type
When buying a coffee machine, make sure you consider the type of coffee you usually drink. That is because most models can serve only one specific type of coffee.
If you like to switch choices occasionally, you should search for a hybrid coffee maker.
Speed and Capacity
An ideal dorm coffee maker should make coffee in less time. After all, you don’t want to wait for ages to enjoy your coffee in the morning.
So, make sure the machine you buy is efficient and quick. Additionally, you should evaluate your coffee requirements.
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker or need to make coffee for your roommates, you should buy a machine that can brew more than just one cup.
Maintenance
Maintaining your machine is just as important as enjoying your morning coffee. If you don’t maintain your machine, it will affect the coffee maker’s functionality and longevity.
Most coffee makers have varying requirements for maintenance. Thus, you should pick one that needs less care to ensure longer use.
Chip Smart
With improved technology, our daily lives are becoming faster and more efficient. For this reason, you should get a machine that can easily fit into your routine.
Nowadays, the market is flooded with smart coffee makers. Consider the following factors when choosing your preferred smart machine:
- Programmable clock for setting an everyday start time.
- Water level indicator so you don’t have to worry about running out of water.
- Auto-clean features for busy students who can’t regularly clean their machine.
- Auto shut-down features to save energy if you forget to turn off the device.
User Friendly
When it comes to coffee making, college students want convenience. Every student wants a machine that can brew coffee without too much hassle.
Therefore, the best coffee maker should have a user-friendly interface and convenient buttons for:
- Maintaining coffee strength as per taste
- Pausing the brew cycle
- Adjusting heater plate
- Filling water
These options should be easily accessible on your machine to help you enjoy effortless coffee every day.
Steps to Buying the Best Coffee Maker
Buying a coffee maker should not be an intimidating challenge. However, to ensure you buy the best coffee maker for your dorm, you should follow these steps:
- Consider Long-term Cost
Coffee makers are not a one-time expense. That’s because if you choose a single-serving machine, you will also need to constantly buy capsules of coffee pods to make coffee. In this case, your costs can run up to $7 per package.
In contrast, if you opt for a drip coffee device, you need to buy new beans or ground coffee and occasionally new filters.
Before selecting your coffee maker, ensure to weigh your options and choose the best alternative according to your budget.
- Check Brew Temperature
Ideally, the brewing temperature for a cup of coffee should range from between 196°F to 205°F. If you’re a serious coffee lover, you should buy a machine that can brew your beverage at a high heat.
Consult online information or the description on your coffee maker to determine the brewing temperature for that model. If the information is unavailable, it’s probably better to stay away from that model.
- Check Serving Quantity
If you can’t survive a day without coffee, you should choose coffee makers with bigger pots to brew more coffee at once.
In contrast, if you only drink a cup or two per day, single-serving coffee machines might be suitable for you.
- Look for Special Features
Special functions like the auto shut-off feature and scheduled timers can elevate your coffee-drinking experience. If your coffee maker offers such features, you can wake up to a cup of nicely brewed coffee every day.
Additionally, if you leave the dorm in a hurry without turning off the machine, don’t worry. It will simply shut itself down after a few minutes.
- Check Convenience
Before you buy your best coffee maker, make sure it suits your requirements. For instance, you shouldn’t buy an espresso machine that can’t open its lid fully when placed under cabinets.
Moreover, you should purchase machines that are compatible with your lifestyle. If you rely on a dishwasher for cleaning your utensils, get a dishwasher-safe coffee device.
- Choose Carafe Type
The carafe that comes with your coffee maker is an important part of the brewing process. Here are some considerations when looking at different carafes:
- Glass carafes allow your coffee aroma to spread throughout the dorm and please the viewer with freshly brewed coffee. They’re dishwasher friendly and can also keep your coffee hot for around 20 minutes.
- A stainless thermal coffee pot is not visually appealing. It also requires hand cleaning as it isn’t dishwasher safe. However, these pots can keep the beverage warm for nearly an hour. This way, you can always enjoy hot coffee even if you spend a few extra minutes in the shower.
Depending on your preferences, you must choose the best coffee maker with suitable carafes.
- Compare Different Options
Nobody wants to buy a coffee maker they dislike. Therefore, you should compare different options before making a decision. Additionally, purchasing a machine from a store where you can physically examine the features can help you pick the best option.
For instance, if your coffee machine doesn’t fit your needs, you can more easily return the espresso machine to exchange for a different one. However, you must comply with the store’s policy.
FAQs
Can You Use a Coffee Maker in Your Dorm?
Usually, most colleges allow students to use a coffee maker in their dorm rooms. However, some colleges can require these machines to be UL-listed.
This means that your coffee device should be approved by a third-party certification company to ensure that the device is safe to use and up to the mark.
What Coffee Maker is Ideal for a College Student?
College students should buy their coffee machine depending on their needs and requirements.
For instance, if you drink a cup of coffee every morning, you can use a single-serve coffee maker for your college dorm room. Additionally, you must also consider the kind of coffee you prefer to drink.
Final Thoughts
Coffee makers for dorms are essential for college students to stay active and focused. These machines can easily satisfy their daily coffee intake.
Coffee makers come in different models. Most models suitable for dorms are compact, have special features, and are easy to use. They can also serve varying quantities of coffee in a single go.
When choosing your favorite single serve, or drip coffee maker, you should ensure to pick one that ticks your boxes. For instance, it must be suitable for use in dorms, work silently, and most importantly, serve delicious coffee within seconds.