The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow for hands-free making. However, they can also be big and bulky and take up valuable counter space or a spot under cabinets.
The top drip machines are simple and easy to use. Some drip machines include extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning modes to make your morning coffee more personalised.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step - from whole beans to a carafe of coffee in only two presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) that measures the correct amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful pods and filters made of plastic.
It also has a variety of settings that can be adapted to the size of your cup or style, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee and 40oz for the standard carafe. It pours the coffee in your choice of vessel, ranging from large cups to tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that do not normally fit in regular drip machines. It even makes tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with ridiculous technical-sounding jargon and this one comes with the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the choice you make. However, it's really simply marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, quick and doesn't cause a lot of mess when making espresso. It does lack the ability to brew either a long or short shot of espresso and lacks a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for those features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee makers on the market. It makes consistently delicious and hot cups of joe that are brewed efficiently and quickly from sleek, compact components that are easy to operate, all at an extremely affordable price.
coffee drip maker Coffeee loved the ease at that we could alter the brewing process. You can select your cup size (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of a dial as well as select between either a french press or regular setting. You can even make cold brew at the touch of an ice cube, or choose from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that the design isn't as elegant as some of the other more sophisticated models we've tested. The Smeg drip maker that is rounded is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a nice change from the boxy competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is being made. It takes some concentration and effort to get going in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers make use of prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the necessity to measure and grind grounds and regulate brewing times. They can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested created much more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee leaves a 2-inch splash area, and spills out droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also make a snarling, loud sputtering sound while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, featuring an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes for K-cups and three temperature settings and a customizable menu. It also has a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth skim, whole, and nondairy milk. This is an excellent option for those who wish to make different coffees every morning or for large families that need more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is a excellent option for those who wants a straightforward single-serve machine that is easy to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it needs to be refilled. And it can also brew a cup using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature in the form of a Keurig. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, but the machine communicates with tones and chirps, instead of a display which makes it more difficult to tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine comes with everything you need to get started on your day. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows the level of water. It is easy to use due to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The filter and grinder that are removable can be cleaned easily in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different settings including strong.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filters that help soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water. This can cause your coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less maintenance, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The pause button lets you pour a cup or two before the whole pot has finished making coffee. This is a great feature for busy mornings, when you need an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a very attractive design coffee maker, with an elegant design that appears more at home on the counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It offers a premium experience with an affordable price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics an expert pour over, with precision metered water flow and ideal coffee temperature. The machine consumes 1400 Watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing process within five to six minutes. This is much more efficient than the lower-end models we test. The speedy brewing time is largely due to the bloom cycle which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head releases the rest of the hot water for optimal extraction.
The Six also uses a unique heat shield to protect the spray head while making and to keep the water at an optimal temperature. It is among the few brewers to be Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brewing process.
In terms of design In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal and comes with a stainless steel carafe that is placed on the top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot, without the need of heating plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi brews great-tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, compact design that doesn't need much counter space. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or in the case of making just half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup option). The machine also lets you set the timer and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
It's great to have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to adjust the size and intensity of your coffee. It takes a while to get used to how the machine functions, but it's intuitive once you do. It also has many of the features that you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it's not able to brew an entire carafe at one time which could be a problem if you're serving multiple people. It's a good choice for those who want a drip coffeemaker with a built in grinder, and the capability to create different drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is an excellent drip coffee maker designed to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. The stylish glass carafe is placed on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with a full pot or a half pot and is certified to brew coffee using the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stopper" which is a small lever beneath the brew kettle which will stop the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe from the making coffee.
Although this machine is more expensive than most others on the market, it's worth the extra investment for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without spending too long in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with water or ground are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's still faster than pour-over making. In addition, the Moccamaster's distinctive design that is reminiscent of workshop tools or other scientific equipment will add the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.