The Best Easy-to-Clean Coffee Makers (Pod + Ground) — Fewer Parts, Dishwasher-Safe, and Built for Low-Maintenance Coffee

1/3/20262 min read

If you love coffee but hate scrubbing filters, rinsing tiny parts, or dealing with stubborn buildup, the best solution is choosing an easy-to-clean coffee maker that’s designed for low maintenance, fewer parts to wash, dishwasher-safe components, and built-in self-cleaning or descaling features.

In this guide, we review two of the best easy-to-clean coffee makers — one pod + ground combo machine and one stainless-steel drip coffee maker — so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying great coffee.

If you’re looking for a coffee maker with pods and ground coffee in one machine — and you want something that’s easy to maintain with dishwasher-safe parts and a self-cleaning mode — the Ninja DualBrew Pro is one of the best choices available.
Why It’s a Top Easy-to-Clean Coffee Maker
  • Dual brew system — compatible with K-Cup pods + ground coffee

  • Dishwasher-safe removable parts (brew basket, carafe, pod adapter, drip tray, reservoir — top rack)

  • Built-in self-clean & descaling feature with cleaning indicator

  • Stainless-steel accents and smooth surfaces that wipe clean easily

  • Designed with fewer hidden parts, reducing trapped coffee oils

Real-World Cleaning Experience

This is a low-maintenance coffee maker that requires very little daily effort:

  • Rinse or dishwash the brew basket / pod adapter

  • Empty and rinse the drip tray

  • Wash the carafe or reservoir as needed

  • Run the self-clean / descale cycle when the light turns on

Because so many components are dishwasher-safe, cleaning time stays short, even if you brew multiple cups a day.

Best for: Anyone who wants a versatile dual-brew coffee maker that is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, and has fewer parts to wash.

Best Easy-to-Clean Stainless-Steel Drip Coffee Maker: Cuisinart 14-Cup DCC-3200

For coffee drinkers who prefer ground coffee and a full carafe, the Cuisinart DCC-3200 is one of the best easy-to-clean stainless-steel coffee makers thanks to its simple design, minimal parts, and built-in self-cleaning mode.

Cleaning-Focused Features
  • Stainless-steel exterior — resistant to stains and easy to wipe

  • Self-clean / descaling feature

  • Dishwasher-safe carafe lid & filter basket (top rack recommended)

  • Fewer removable parts to clean

  • Option to use paper filters for even less mess

Real-World Cleaning Experience

Maintenance is straightforward:

  • Rinse the carafe & filter basket after brewing

  • Wipe the warming plate before spills bake on

  • Run the self-clean cycle when notified

With its simple internal design, there are no complex tubes or milk systems to clean — just a clean, dependable drip machine.

Best for: Families or daily coffee drinkers who want a low-maintenance drip coffee maker with fewer parts to clean and dishwasher-safe components.

What Makes a Coffee Maker Truly Easy to Clean?

When choosing a low-maintenance coffee maker, look for:

  • Fewer total parts

  • Removable components

  • Dishwasher-safe coffee maker parts

  • Self-clean or descaling mode

  • Stainless-steel surfaces that wipe clean

  • Simple internal design (no hidden tubes or milk systems)

Both models above check all the boxes — which means less cleaning time and longer machine life.

Final Recommendation
  • If you want one machine for pods and ground coffee that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, choose the
    Ninja DualBrew Pro CFP301 — versatile, low-maintenance, and designed with cleaning in mind.

  • If you prefer a stainless-steel drip coffee maker with fewer parts to wash and a reliable self-cleaning feature, choose the
    Cuisinart DCC-3200 — simple, durable, and truly easy to maintain.

Pro Cleaning Tip (Under 1 Minute a Day)
  • Rinse removable parts right after brewing

  • Use paper filters when convenience matters

  • Keep parts on the dishwasher top rack

  • Run the self-clean / descale mode when alerted

Small habits = no scrubbing, no buildup, better-tasting coffee.