For all the debate over whether the best coffee comes from a Chemex or a French press or an AeroPress, sometimes you just want to turn on a machine and let it do all the work. We asked 14 coffee experts — baristas, roasters, food-industry professionals, and just plain coffee snobs — what coffee makers out there will give you a good, simple at-home brew without all the fuss. Below are their eight favorite machines for people who think the best part of waking up is having a gadget make their cup.

Best overall coffee maker

Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker

According to our research, the Bonavita Connoisseur is respected industry-wide, with four experts recommending the model specifically by name and two others naming Bonavita as generally the best brand of coffee maker. A key feature of the Connoisseur, cited by everyone who recommended it, is the machine’s ability to brew at the proper water temperature. According to Ken Nye, the owner and founder of Ninth Street Espresso, one of the “parameters that most machines don’t achieve is temperature. Very few consistently bring water to that 198-202 degree range,” which he calls the “broadly agreed upon standard.” As Nye puts it, the Connoisseur is made to heat the water to the correct temperature and “maintains that temp throughout the brewing process.” Furthermore, Nye adds, it brews directly into an insulated thermal carafe so you can keep your coffee warm without heating it from below (where you risk burning the coffee).

Another important factor, mentioned by multiple sources, is that it evenly distributes the water over the coffee grounds while brewing. It does this with the help of a showerhead-like spout above the filter basket that “showers all of the coffee evenly so it all brews at the same time,” according to Joanna Larue, general manager at Blue Bottle Park Slope. The machine also has a flat-bottomed brew basket that Nye and George Howell, the owner and founder of George Howell Coffee, both cite as essential to ensuring an even brew. “The flat bottom spreads the grounds out evenly on the bed,” explains Howell, so it’s easier to distribute the water and ensure an “even extraction.” This model might not be as full-featured as some of the other options on this list — or on the market in general — but the experts recommend it over all the others due to its more approachable price point, ease of use, and most of all, its reliability. “It’s consistent from start to finish,” says Howell.

Best high-end coffee maker

Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Brewer, 40-ounce

Cited by three experts, the Technivorm Moccamaster was the second most-recommended coffee maker. It’s pricey, but the experts who use it said that it’s worth the premium if you want to invest in the best equipment out there. Like the Bonavita Connoisseur, the Moccamaster received high marks on its temperature-control ability and even brewing. One of the areas where it really stands out from the crowd, however, is its quality construction. “You want something that’s well-made and has good temperature control,” says Jim Munson, the founder and president of Brooklyn Roasting Company, who highlights the fact that the Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands. Suyog Mody, the founder of Driftaway Coffee, is another fan. He says that while the “brewing mechanics” are similar to those used in less-expensive drip coffee makers, the Moccamaster “is made with better parts and with solid construction. I’ve been using it daily for the past three-plus years with zero issues. It’s just no fuss.” He adds, “And honestly, it looks good on the kitchen counter.” While the design is certainly appealing and the construction quality means it should last for a long time, the experts wouldn’t recommend this coffee maker if it didn’t also… make great coffee. “I taste coffee from all types of brewers, and this one gives a consistently better cup,” says Munson.

Best dupe for a Moccamaster coffee maker

Motif Essential Pour-Over Coffee Brewer with Thermal Carafe

Mud Coffee co-owner Yasmina Palumbo says this coffee maker from Motif makes a nice alternative to the “better known and much more expensive” Moccamaster. “It heats up water very fast, and its dispersion system soaks the grinds evenly, making a fuller-flavored brew,” she says.

Best programmable coffee maker

Bonavita Programmable Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe

Many home brewers like having a programmable coffee machine that can be set to turn on automatically at a certain time. If you’re looking for one of those, two of the experts recommend this model, which has the same brewing mechanics as the top pick but comes with a digital clock and timer with the ability to schedule automatic brewing. “It’s a great option for coffee lovers who want to brew at the touch of a button without sacrificing quality,” says Connie Blumhardt of Roast Magazine. Michael Bonavita (no relation to the company), the owner and founder of Goodlife Coffee Company, says this is the machine he uses at home because he loves how simple it is to program.

Best coffee maker with built-in grinder

Capresso CoffeeTeam TS with conical burr grinder and thermal carafe

If you want to take the convenience factor beyond programmable timing, you can get a coffee maker with a built-in grinder so you truly have everything you need in one machine. “On mornings when I don’t make a pour-over (weigh out the water, the beans, all that fun stuff), the Capresso drip machine yields the cleanest-tasting cup,” says Kat Odell, the author of Day Drinking. The built-in burr grinder “saves you from having to buy a separate gadget, too,” she adds. (Burr grinders, it should be noted, are also the style favored by every expert we consulted for our roundup on the best coffee grinders.)

Best coffee maker for a quick brew time

BUNN Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Brewer

Anyone who can’t start their day without a sip of coffee knows that another important quality to consider is brew time. That’s where this coffee maker excels, according to Bonavita, who describes it as “very fast, consistent, and user-friendly.” He adds that Bunn has a great reputation in the commercial space, and that this model is a “great at-home version” of those higher-volume machines for which the company is known.

Best simple coffee maker

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Jamie McCormick, the co-owner of East Village coffee shop Abraço, told us that he prefers to keep things as simple as possible when it comes to coffee machines. “People make a big ‘to do’ over a lot of nothing” when it comes to brewing equipment, he says. Although he admits that he doesn’t quite know why, he thinks a plain old Mr. Coffee is a great choice for any “amateur coffee roaster who wants to flatter their grounds.” Since this doesn’t have a high-tech mechanism for distributing the water evenly like some of the other models on this list, he offers one key tip: Open the machine up while it’s brewing and “stir the grounds. Make sure all the grounds get hydrated.”

Best cold brew coffee maker

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a cold-brew coffee maker, this one comes recommended by Dennis Ngo, the chef and co-owner of restaurant Di an Di in Greenpoint. “I got hooked on the smoothness and low acidity of cold-brewed coffee,” says Ngo, who, before making his own cold brew, would go out and buy it from the coffee shop Gimme! near his apartment. “It lets me tinker with different beans and concentrations, and produces enough cold brew to last me two weeks at a time. It also stacks compactly for storage, which is an absolute requirement for my tiny New York apartment.”

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Bike commuting is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving, faster than walking, and cheaper than a few months’ worth of MetroCards. But getting started can be intimidating. If you’re interested in riding to work, you may wonder how you’ll carry your stuff, where you’ll store your bike, what to do if it rains, and, most importantly, what type of bike you should buy.

To demystify the process, we spoke with bike store owners, retailers, and bike commuting advocates. They explained what features to look for in commuter-specific bikes and how much you should be ready to spend. While a top-of-the-line, aerodynamic racing bike can set you back a few grand, the experts we spoke to agreed that you can find a dependable commuting bike in the $350–$750 range. But be wary of anything much cheaper, as they’ll likely have lower-quality parts that will wear out more quickly. Read on for their 16 picks for the best commuter bikes (most are available in men’s and women’s versions) on the market. Because these bikes are all so different, and each rider will have their own specific needs, we organized the suggestions by category — hybrid, upright, and folding — as opposed to choosing one best overall model.

Best hybrid commuter bikes

Jamis Coda S3

The experts we spoke with recommend “hybrids” as the best commuting bikes for most people because they offer some of the speed of a road bike, along with the sturdiness and comfort of a simpler upright bike (more on uprights to come). Alex Gonzalez, a sales specialist in action sports at REI Soho, describes hybrids as “a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike.” The tires are somewhere in between the narrow, smooth tires of a road bike and the wide, nubby tires of a mountain bike, and the frame is going to let you sit upright, in a more “relaxed” position than if you were sitting on a road bike. Susi Wunsch, the founder of bicycling lifestyle website Velojoy, says that “a hybrid will be more versatile, especially if you’re riding for both commuting to work and fitness on weekends. It’ll also be a little bit lighter and faster.” Instead of the wide handles you’d find on an upright bike, hybrids generally have a flat handlebar that allows for a more active riding position, and the ability to accommodate add-ons like fenders and racks (if they don’t already come with these attached).

The Coda, a sport hybrid, comes recommended by Rich Conroy, the director of education at Bike New York, who says it’s a commuting bike that’s durable enough for city streets. The steel frame won’t be as lightweight as that of an aluminum-frame bike, but he says that for the price, you’ll get a solid bike strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting.

Giant Escape 3

The least expensive hybrid on our list (by about $20), this Giant bicycle is another simple but solid commuter bike that won’t break the bank, according to Andrew Crooks, the owner of bike shop NYC Velo, who says it’s a “really good value.” Notably, it’s got the lighter-weight aluminum frame you’d find on more expensive racing bikes, and also comes with 21 gears, so you’ll have a lot of options for customizing the ride and adapting to the terrain.

Specialized Alibi

Due to potholes and bumpy roads, flat tires are one of the most common issues city commuters face — and one that can mean showing up to work late. The eight-speed Alibi, which also has an aluminum frame, was a top pick for both John Keoshgerian of Zen Bike and Bicycle Habitat’s Charlie McCorkell because of one very cool feature: its semi-solid tires never go flat. “This resonates with new commuters,” according to Keoshgerian. “If they don’t want to be bothered with pumping a tire, a flatproof bike is pretty darn good.”

Pure Cycles Urban Commuter Bike

Gonzalez says this eight-speed bike from Pure Cycles is a “great bike for commuters,” mainly because it’s so hard to find a solid bike with disk brakes at this price point. “Disk brakes are much smoother than traditional rim brakes, and great for stopping,” he says, adding that disk brakes generally require less maintenance. This bike uses mechanical disk brakes as opposed to hydraulic disk brakes, which are more advanced but also more expensive. It has a steel frame, so it won’t be as lightweight as an aluminum-frame bike, but Gonzalez and the other experts told us that many commuters prefer steel because it’s better at bearing weight and more durable.

Kona Dew

Crooks told us that Kona makes some great commuter bikes, and for a midpriced option, he recommends a bike from its Dew line. “Kona is an old-school mountain-bike company,” he says, adding that he likes how it has “translated a lot of the durability of their mountain bikes over to the hybrid.” Like the Pure Cycles bike above, this one is an eight-speed with mechanical disk brakes. But the Kona has a lighter-weight aluminum frame.

Specialized CrossTrail — Hydraulic Disc

For a slightly higher price, you can get an aluminum-frame hybrid bike with hydraulic disc brakes, which work to stop the wheel with a pressurized fluid. “It’s the same fluid that your car uses to brake,” explains Jonnie Ling of the Community Cycling Center in Portland, Oregon. Ling told us that while either form of disc brake is going to be better than a rim brake, hydraulic discs are “more powerful and responsive,” and don’t require as much pressure to activate. Hydraulic disc brakes are also fully sealed, which is one reason why Keoshgerian calls them a “crucial, New York City must-have” for dealing with bad weather and uneven roads. He likes that the CrossTrail incorporates this feature while still being a relatively affordable bike.

Cannondale Quick CX 3

Unlike mountain bikes, hybrids don’t typically feature shock absorbers. That’s why Gonzalez is a fan of the aluminum-frame Cannondale Quick CX 3. “The front shocks are good if you aren’t riding on smooth pavement; they absorb the imperfections of the road.” He adds, “It would be great for people who need to take trails or cut through a park” on their way to work. (It also has 16 gears to help “climb bridges and hills.”) Between the front shocks, gear range, and wide textured tires, this hybrid should be able to keep up with most mountain bikes.

Surly Cross-Check

It might seem counterintuitive for a steel-frame hybrid to be the most expensive option on this list, especially considering that another steel-frame hybrid in the roundup is the least expensive. But, echoing some of his fellow experts, Crooks told us that most hardcore city bikers actually prefer steel. “Steel bikes are basically universal among the employees at NYC Velo,” he says, noting that the material is more “flexible” than aluminum, making it naturally shock absorbent and, as we discussed before, extremely durable. For shorter distances and light-to-average use, the comparatively lower maintenance and lighter weight of aluminum will be better, but if you want something truly built to last, you might be better off with steel. Crooks says that while this model is expensive, the price is justified by the especially “high-quality steel and components.” It’s also “super utilitarian,” he says, adding that it “has a bunch of mounts for any bag or rack.”

Best upright commuter bikes

Public Bikes V7 seven-speed city bike

Generally called “upright” bikes or “cruiser” bikes, this style prioritizes comfort, so many of the bike commuters we spoke to say people prefer them for shorter trips. As Crooks explains, with these bikes “you’re sitting in a position that is comfortable. You’re fairly upright and not straining your back or your neck to look at traffic signals, cars, or other road users.” When it comes to choosing an upright bike, Wunsch recommends one with multiple gears, like this classic-looking seven-speed bike from Public, to give you some options when you hit any hills.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3

Opting for a single-speed bike may save you some cash, but since most commutes involve hills or bridges, Conroy agrees that a multiple-gear style would be better for regular commuting. If seven speeds seem like too many, the Franklin 3 is a three-speed bike with an internally geared hub that he recommends. According to Conroy, it “looks like a single speed, but all the gears are inside the hub. The chain doesn’t move when you switch gears, so it’s easy to operate and maintain, and it looks nice.”

Linus Dutchi 1

Wunsch likes step-through upright bikes with low top tubes because she says the design allows for more modesty and comfort — especially for those wearing skirts or dresses to work. If you’re looking for a step-through, she says this “Dutch-style upright bike is the most basic, sturdy, and least complicated [type]; best for riding on mostly flat terrain and shorter distances.”

Linus Roadster Sport

The Linus Roadster is a stylish upright bike that McCorkell likes for riders who want to prioritize comfort and style over speed. He recommends upright bikes for those seeking what he calls the “retro urban style” — or bikes resembling the European models of the ’60s and ’70s that have been updated and modernized so they aren’t as heavy. The Roadster Sport also comes fully decked out with a rack for carrying your stuff and fenders to protect you and your bike from dirty, wet streets.

Best folding commuter bikes

Brompton M6L folding bike

City commuters love the convenience of space-saving folding bikes, but a smooth and easy-to-use folding mechanism can be an investment. When it comes to folding commuting bikes, Brompton makes the hands-down favorite among our experts, four of whom recommend its top-of-the line model. It was also the top pick of Streetsblog editor Gersh Kuntzman, who tested out a variety of folding bikes for us. While the Brompton is pricey, Kuntzman found that it was truly the best around. As he puts it, “Every part of this bicycle has been engineered for maximum compactness.” Conroy agrees: “If money is no object, go with a Brompton. They’re really well-made folding bikes that fold up to nothing.” Crooks, also a Brompton fan, says the bike’s “utility allows a much easier way to do a multi-modal commute: You can take a folding bike on the train during rush hour without bothering your commuting peers and then unfold the bike in a matter of seconds and complete your commute.” And McCorkell says that watching it seamlessly fold up is “a visual experience.”

Made in England, Brompton bikes are extremely well-constructed, according to Crooks, who says that “all the things that typically fail [on other folding bikes], like hinges, are bombproof on the Brompton.” He adds that, unlike other folding bikes that “typically still need an additional bag or strap” to carry around, “Bromptons fully fold into themselves and are designed with miniature wheels so you can glide them along even while folded up.” One more convenient feature is the fact that the bike can support itself when folded. “You fold it halfway and it becomes its own kickstand,” says Gonzalez.

Dahon Launch D8

For a less expensive alternative to the Brompton, Wunsch recommends Dahon folding bikes, and Kuntzman’s testing backed that up: the Dahon Launch D8 was his “runner-up.” In his review, Kuntzman describes the D8 as pared down, without fenders or a rear rack, but says it has a “sexy yet sturdy aluminum frame” and performs well where it counts most. Notably, it “folds up smoothly and compacts to half its size with magnets that hold the wheels together,” and it was the only model he tested with disc brakes.

Tern Link C8 folding bike

Generally known for their folding electric bikes, manufacturer Tern also makes regular folding bikes. For something even more budget-friendly, Keoshgerian recommends Tern’s entry-level models like this C8. While still not cheap, it is nearly half the price of the Brompton.

Giant Expressway folding bike

The least expensive folding bike for commuting recommended by our experts is the Giant Expressway. Crooks says that “by nature of the frame design — the top tube is very low — most people can ride them, so it’s good for people who have trouble fitting on other bikes.” It also made our list of the best folding bikes. Of it, Kuntzman says “it performed the most like a real bike” of all the models tested, and that it has a “strong, proprietary Aluxx aluminum frame that provides extra support when riding up a steep incline.”

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The world of record players and vinyl can be intimidating to the uninitiated because the gear that playing records requires (preamps, amps, receivers) can make it seem like an expensive, overly complicated hobby. But that’s not true, according to the experts we spoke with — including DJs, record store owners, and general vinyl geeks — all of whom assured us that you don’t need more than a turntable and a pair of powered speakers, or speakers with a built-in amplifier, to get started (Audioengine powered speakers, like the A2+ model on this list, are a good brand to start with, according to DJ Prestige of Flea Market Funk).

When we chatted with the experts on the best turntables for people new to the world of playing records, each had their own favorites, but they all advised avoiding one very popular, all-in-one record player that comes in a suitcase. “Whatever you do, don’t get a Crosley,” said Prestige, who claims that if you’re serious about your new hobby, you should look for machines with better sound quality (and with needles that won’t “eventually ruin your records”). The turntables below are best suited for those new to playing vinyl, but they aren’t necessarily “entry level” because even the least expensive of the lot contains quality parts and will last for some time with regular care. Most models on this list contain a built-in preamp, since our experts say that such turntables are the easiest and most straightforward to use. “See how that works, and then if you see yourself wanting something better, you can upgrade slowly down the line,” explains Mike Davis, owner of New York City’s Academy Records.

The best overall turntable

Audio-Technica AT-LP120X USB Direct Drive Professional USB Turntable

The Audio-Technica LP 120X is modeled — not so subtly — after what is probably the most iconic turntable of all time, the discontinued Technics 1200. It actually replaces our experts’ beloved LP 120 (although discontinued, the 120 is still in stock here), which Mark Steinberg, the chief technologist and turntable specialist at B&H Photo and Video, says he’ll recommend to any customer — but he especially suggests it to those newer to vinyl who want something a little nicer to play their records on.

This record player’s key feature is the magnet-powered “direct drive,” which is usually only found in professional-grade turntables or other, more expensive units. Unlike turntables with a “belt drive” (a motor powered by replaceable belts that wear down with use and may need to be swapped depending on the type of record you play), a direct drive will rarely, if ever, need service, explains Prestige. He says it can handle records of all sizes without any fiddling under the hood. “If I were starting over right now, I’d probably get this” due to the quality you get for the price, says the DJ of 20 years. Although Davis has never used the 120 or the 120X, he says, “I bought a 120 for my nephew and he loves it. And he bought one for his friend, who loves it too.”

For Steinberg, Prestige, and Davis, this record player checks other appealing boxes, too. Its maker, Audio-Technica, has a great reputation in the industry; it has a built-in preamp, so the only other thing you need to use it is a powered speaker; and it features a USB output that allows you to connect it to your computer in case you want to archive your vinyl.

And now it’s even better. According to Steinberg, the 120X “has a more efficient motor, so it needs less energy and gets up to speed faster.” Audio-Technica does a great job of listening to customer feedback, Steinberg says, and the 120X reflects that, with its lower profile, stronger preamp, and a power supply that’s built into the charging cord instead of the turntable itself. And it’s $50 cheaper.

Best less expensive turntables

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable

Steinberg says this lower-priced Audio Technica model, which features a belt drive, is a perennial bestseller at B&H and the first one he shows people. “This is the bread-and-butter piece for most people. It will get the job done really, really well,” he says, adding that he thinks of it as “an entry-level serious turntable. It’s not a toy. It’s not going to damage your records.” The $99 model also has a built-in preamp, and for incrementally higher prices, you can get a USB-equipped model for archiving and recording or even one with Bluetooth capability (which you should be able to connect to a standard Bluetooth speaker for wireless, vinyl-powered sound).

Prestige, who recently tried the LP 60 for the first time, agrees this is a good option for anyone who can’t spring for the LP 120. It “sounded great,” he told us of his first spin with the LP 60. But unlike the LP 120 and most of the other record players on this list, the LP 60 does not feature a replaceable cartridge (the part of the turntable that holds the needle), which means you won’t be able to upgrade that part if you get more serious about your hobby down the line. Steinberg notes that this is “fully automatic,” meaning the push of a button moves the tone arm in place to start the record, and that the arm lifts off on its own at the end. This feature, he explains, could be great if you’re new to vinyl and want to make things a little easier, but purists will likely prefer the feel and ritual of manual operation.

Sony PS-LX300USB Fully Automatic USB Stereo Turntable

For another less expensive option for starter record collectors, music journalist Jessica Lipsky suggests this Sony belt-drive turntable, which she says she received ten years ago and still uses. Like the LP 60 above, it comes in a Bluetooth-equipped model for a higher price, but Lipsky told us she prefers the standard, lower-tech version. “I’ve stuck with this because it’s simple,” she says. She’s a fan of the handy dust cover, and she likes that it will be easy to plug into any system she wants in the future. Steinberg also recommends it, saying it’s one of his favorites for the price because Sony is a trustworthy brand and this model is so straightforward. Like the LP 60, it’s also fully automatic, but unlike that model, this one comes with a USB output at no extra cost.

Best-looking turntables

Music Hall MMF-1.3 Stereo Turntable

If you’re looking for something a little sleeker, this minimalist Music Hall turntable comes recommended by both Davis and Steinberg. The brand’s roots are in the audiophile-grade market, according to Davis, who says this entry-level model is very well regarded. “This would be a great place to start if you’re looking for something more serious,” Steinberg says, noting that a lot of people love Music Hall for its more “stripped down” and “bare bones” approach. This is powered by a belt drive, includes a built-in preamp, and can play 78s, while most belt-driven turntables (including all the others on this list) can only handle 33s and 45s. “For a better turntable, that’s a rarity,” explains Steinberg.

Audio-Technica AT-LP3 Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable

Steinberg also recommends this Audio-Technica model as a more stylish version of the brand’s LP 60 or LP 120. While it does have a cover, it’s less technical-looking than its sister turntables, but still includes a built-in preamp. The LP3, however, does not feature USB or Bluetooth connectivity.

Best turntable without preamp

Pro-Ject Audio Systems Essential III Turntable

Pro-Ject “pretty much only makes turntables,” says Steinberg, who notes that many of its models are priced “in the thousands,” making something like this a great choice for someone who wants to dip their toes into the higher-end market. Davis and Prestige agree that Pro-Ject turntables are known for their minimalist build, streamlined look, and high-quality materials like a cartridge made by Ortofon, a company that Steinberg says “has a long history” of producing audiophile-approved components. Listeners who are more particular about their sound systems may prefer it to others on this list because it does not come with a preamp built in, giving them more flexibility when it comes to the sound system they connect to this turntable. Nor does this have USB or Bluetooth, which vinyl purists may also appreciate.

Best turntable worth investing in

Technics SL-1200MK7 Direct Drive Turntable System

As all of our experts noted, the discontinued Technics 1200 is something of an icon in the turntable world. “The 1200 was the standard when it came out in the ‘70s, and it’s been the standard ever since,” says Davis. Prestige is a longtime fan, too. “I’ve been DJ-ing for 20 years and all I’ve had are Technics,” he says. Eilon Paz — a photographer and the author of Dust and Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting — agrees, calling the Technics 1200 a “workhorse.” After it was discontinued, there was a big outcry in the record-collecting community, according to Paz, who says the above model — which is only available for preorder right now — is Technics’ answer. It features slightly updated parts than those in the original 1200, but not too many changes, according to our experts (none of whom have tried it out due to its limited availability before officially debuting). Because of that — and the turntable’s hefty price tag — it landed lower on our list. But we felt it still merited inclusion as each of our experts specifically mentioned it. Like other high-end turntables, this one doesn’t have a built-in preamp.

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