The 5 Best Drip Coffee Maker Brands in Kenya

Looking for a great drip coffee maker in Kenya? Here are the 5 best brands to check out, whether you want something budget-friendly or a top-tier brewer, there is something for you

I love coffee just as much as the average guy, not as much as real coffee drinkers, but I will never spend more than 20,000 Ksh on a single purpose appliance that brews ” an aromatic bean soup”. Still, even if I loved coffee that much I’m a cheapskate, who am I even kidding ; I’m poor, okay?

If you’re here then, coffee is non-negotiable. I’ve been a die-hard French press user for years—mainly because it’s cheap, reliable, and doesn’t require disposable filters.

But as life gets busier, I’ve realized that automation is not the enemy. Sometimes, you just need to hit a button and let the machine do the work.

Drip coffee makers are the most common way to brew coffee at home, for convenience and consistency. French press coffee normally tastes muddier (look at me making up words).

Table of Contents

The Art of Coffee Brewing….

The process is simple: water heats up, drips over coffee grounds in a filter, and extracts all that caffeinated goodness into your cup. Some models even come with built-in grinders for a fresher, fuller-bodied coffee experience.

For a good brew, aim for a ratio of 1 part coffee to 18 parts water. Tap water is fine as long as it’s not hard water. Use medium roast beans and a good grinder.

When it comes to water temperature, you don’t want it at a full boil. A pre-boiling temperature of around 95°C is ideal, as it extracts the right flavors from the beans.

Brewing should be optimal—not too fast or too slow—ideally taking no more than 7 minutes. So, when choosing a coffee maker, look for one that heats up to that desired temperature.

Most machines don’t spend much of their brew cycle in the right range, so be sure to research different models.

For this post, I’ll just recommend solid brands to consider and point out which ones to avoid.

But, not all machines are constructed equal. The key factor for me? A coffee maker that actually gets the water hot enough. Too many budget machines fail to do this, resulting in weak, lifeless coffee.

Unfortunately, finding a completely plastic-free automatic coffee maker is nearly impossible. If avoiding plastic is your top priority, a French press is still your best bet.

For those willing to embrace automation, here are the top five coffee makers available in Kenya, somewhat ranked.

5. Philips Drip Coffee Maker

Philips is that reliable, no-frills brand for small appliances people swear by—because it just works. Their coffee makers follow the same formula: simple, dependable, and reasonably priced.

If your budget is under KSh 10k, Philips is a solid pick—but not exactly thrilling. It’s not as feature-packed as the competition in the same price range. Personally, I’d skip Philips and go for Black+Decker next.

Oh, and a word: steer clear of the usual budget suspects like Von and Ramtons. I had a Ramtons that was always leaking when brewing coffee, creating a mini flood on my counter, and a friend’s Von only brewed lukewarm coffee.

Safe to say, neither brand got invited back for breakfast in this post.

4. Black + Decker Coffee Maker

Black + Decker isn’t just about power tools; their coffee makers are sturdy, well-built, and easy to use. If you’re skimming for a solid drip coffee machine that gets the job done without fancy gimmicks, this is a great pick.

Some models come with programmable timers, meaning you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee every morning.

Taking a look at its budget model that goes for KSh 5,500 at time of writing, it keeps your coffee warm for up to 40 minutes after brewing, it’s a stainless steel build with plastic, the jug is glass and dishwasher safe, and up to 10 cups of coffee with one water reservoir

3. DeLonghi Coffee Machines

DeLonghi is a brand that screams quality, and their coffee makers are a step up from your typical budget options.

Even if you want a simple drip coffee maker or a more sophisticated espresso machine, DeLonghi is still relevant either way, but not so much on the budget end.

Their machines also tend to be more stylish, so they’ll look good on your kitchen counter and most importantly, functional and durable.

If you are that serious person about coffee, I think you should start looking from here and above, the other recommendations before are for people who just want okayish coffee

The cheapest model from DeLonghi is at Ksh 8,495, pricier than most of the other entry level models…unlike the cheapest Black + Decker that is 750W, this DeLonghi is 1000W, meaning it will operate at a higher brewing temperature and thus extracting more, so possibly better coffee…

But the downside here is this is an almost all full plastic build, but if all you care about is coffee quality, then this is the best one so far

2. Breville Coffee Machines

Breville is all about precision. Their coffee makers tend to come with advanced features like pre-infusion technology, adjustable temperature control, and integrated grinders.

If you want a coffee maker that gives you more control over the brewing process but still offers automation, Breville is an excellent choice.

Build quality is second to none, almost stainless steel the entire build, hardly any plastics except maybe at the handles, if you care about everything, but most importantly, durability? Can’t beat a Breville…

The problem is finding them in stock here in Kenya, it is not exactly that easy, and wherever you find them in stock, they are overpriced for what they are..You are likely to find these puppies at the ex-UK used small appliances store

Also Read: Should You Buy ex-UK goods? Yes and No

1. Moccamaster by Technivorm

This is the holy grail of drip coffee makers. Moccamaster machines are handcrafted in the Netherlands and are known for their perfect brewing temperatures, long-lasting build, and sleek designs.

They are on the pricey side, but if you want the best automatic coffee maker that consistently brews at the ideal temperature, this is it.

Plus, they use high-quality stainless steel and glass components, making them one of the least plastic-heavy options out there, well, these and Brevilles

Moccamasters are undoubtedly pricey, about KSh 45,000 for a unit, but this price is justifiable… it’s one of those “buy it for life” appliances, Kitchen Aid stand mixers and Vitamix blenders also cost as much as this…and they are worth it, always worth it.

Moccamasters are definitely worth the price. They always get great reviews for brewing excellent coffee—flavor, consistency, ease of use, and even how quiet they are.

On top of that, they come with a standard 5-year warranty, and the company provides replacement parts for all models, even long after they’ve been discontinued. The design is simple yet incredibly well thought out.

This year, they’re launching a 60th-anniversary edition with a lifetime warranty. It’s essentially the same machine as usual, just with a fancy finish.

If you’re someone who buys coffee daily, this could pay for itself in about six months. It’s the perfect example of “do one thing well” engineering. Just descale it as recommended, and you’ll be all set.

Where to Buy?

Most of these can be bought at Hotpoint Appliances. Not affiliated with them—I just think they’re the best appliance store in Kenya.

That said, some models can be a bit expensive. You can also find the same items at other appliance stores in Nairobi for cheaper; just make sure wherever you buy from is reputable.

Carrefour usually has the best prices but limited availability. So if what you want is available at both Carrefour and Hotpoint, chances are it’ll be cheaper at Carrefour.

Hotpoint is the go-to if you want every recommended brand. As of now, Carrefour only stocks Philips, while Hotpoint carries all the other brands except the top two.

As for Moccamaster, you’ll only find it at Spring Valley Coffee—my favorite coffee shop in Nairobi and a must-visit for any serious coffee lover.

They also sell coffee-making equipment for home use, including the Moccamaster and some excellent coffee beans. Just try their coffee at the café first, and if you like it (which you will), go ahead and order their beans.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on a budget and still want quality coffee, a Philips or Black + Decker machine will serve you well. If you’re willing to invest a little more, DeLonghi and Breville offer excellent quality with more control over your brew.

And if you want the best automatic coffee maker money can buy, Moccamaster is your answer. I know there are machines out there that cost as much as a Toyota, but realistically I think Moccamaster is good enough even if you are a coffee snob

For the ultimate frugal and plastic-free coffee experience, though? Stick with a French press. It may require a bit more effort, but nothing beats the simplicity of freshly brewed coffee without the need for filters or electricity.