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Classic Coffee Machines: Retro Brewers That Still Steal the Spotlight

drinks

By Mia Patel

- Nov 1, 2025

A nod to the past with flavors of the future, retro coffee makers have been adding sparkle to breakfast tables for over a century. Emerging in the early 1900s, these classic machines, with their bold colors and vintage charm, offer a unique coffee experience, a blend of history and the morning ritual of brewing coffee. These kitsch kitchen companions are more than just appliances: they are timeless pieces that bring the past to life.

A 2018 model, the Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a celebration of classic design in modern brewing. Its 12-cup capacity, programmable timer, and keep-warm function wrapped in chrome accents and vibrant colors, make it both stylish and practical. Priced at $59.99, it offers affordable nostalgia with a solid brewing performance.

Mr. Coffee's origin dates back to the 1970s and its no-nonsense 12-cup model remains a household favorite. A classic brewer with a convenient timer, pause and serve function, and robust performance have sustained its popularity. Available for around $25 to $40, this retro model appeals to coffee lovers seeking consistency without the bells and whistles.

Introduced in the early 2000s, the Cuisinart's Brew Central cleverly marries retro-inspired design with modern brewing features. Priced at around $129.95, it extends the brewing experience with multiple settings and adjustable temperature controls while maintaining traditional vibes with a brushed metal finish and classic screen display.

Mid-2000 launched Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker stands out with its user-friendly features and compact design. Priced at $19.99, it is among the most budget-friendly options that marry vintage aesthetics with functional design.

Black Plus Decker blends the retro with the modern through its coffee maker, introduced in the 1990s. Priced at approximately $39.99, this 12-cup machine has a digital display, automatic shut-off feature, and brilliant user-friendly interface.

Bunn's GRB Velocity Brew, an early 2000s model, won hearts for its hot-speed brewing technology, brewing a full pot of coffee in under 4 minutes. Perfect for heavy coffee drinkers, its large water reservoir and commercial-grade quality ensure long-term use.

The Keurig K-Elite, released in 2018, artfully balances retro design with single-serve brewing convenience. Priced at approximately $129.99, it offers customizable brew sizes, strength options, and an iced coffee setting.

Ninja CE251 offers a modern spin on the vintage coffee maker with adjustable warming plate and small-batch settings. Priced at approximately $69.99, it caters to different brewing styles without compromising on aesthetics.

Launched in 2007, Breville's Barista Express espouses a professional espresso making experience with a retro twist. This model, priced around $699.99, boasts a built-in conical burr grinder and customizable settings.

The DeLonghi EC155 is a compact espresso-maker, introduced in the early 2000s. It features a 15-bar pump pressure system that delivers consistent, high-quality espresso shots.

KitchenAid's KCM1208OB, introduced in the mid-2010s, combines a retro design with modern brewing advancements. It offers a 12-cup capacity and a programmable timer wrapped in a stylish stainless steel finishing.

Capresso's CoffeeTeam TS is a late-2000s model priced around $299.99. This all-in-one coffee maker and grinder offers quality and convenience.

The Technivorm Moccamaster is a stalwart of the coffee making industry. First introduced in the 1960s, this model consistently delivers high-quality brew and durability.

Smeg's ECF01 espresso machine was released in the 2010s and is known for its retro aesthetics and modern espresso technology.

A true icon, the La Pavoni Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Espresso Machine was first released in the 1950s. It offers a manual espresso-making process with a lever mechanism, giving users ultimate control over their brewing.

Selecting a retro coffee maker has now become a matter of nostalgia. These vintage-inspired machines provide a stylish method to relish high-quality coffee and add a dash of history to kitchen decors.