Mainstays 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker vs Mainstays 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Both are basic drip machines with the same 4.5-star average, so the choice comes down to batch size and counter space. The 5-cup is the better fit for one or two people, a small kitchen, or filling a single travel mug. The 12-cup brews a full pot for households, guests and meal service, and its much larger rating count suggests it is the more widely owned of the two. Neither has a timer, programmable start or strength control, so expect simple push-button brewing from both.

• Choose the Mainstays 5 Cup if you brew for one or two people, have limited counter space, or mostly want enough for a travel mug.
• Choose the Mainstays 12-Cup if you regularly make coffee for a household or guests and want a full pot from one cycle.