The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of brewing without hands. They can be big and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The top drip machines are simple and simple to use. Some come with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more flexible, like programmable timers and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can go from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken from espresso machines made by De'Longhi) which measures the correct amount of grounds. It then compacts them before brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also has a range of settings for your preferred cup size and style, from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It can pour coffee into any container you prefer whether it's a large mug or a tiny espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers love to dream up bizarre technical terms and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the choice you make. That's it for marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, fast and doesn't cause a lot of mess when making espresso. It does, however, not have the ability to make a short or long shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with steam wands for milk. If you're looking to get those features, I suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee machines available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the ease at that we could alter the brewing process. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings to a full carafe) and your desired strength by simply turning an dial as well as select between either a french press or regular setting. You can make cold brew at the push of a button, or choose from a variety of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design isn't as elegant as the other more sophisticated models we've tried. For example the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like a gleaming Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the boxy models. Its narrow opening and slim tank can be tricky to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is on. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to get going in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers utilize K cups that come pre-packaged that eliminate the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They also let you control the time of brewing. These machines can also make one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested create lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying loud sputtering sound when making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes with three temperature settings, and a customizable program. It also comes with a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth whole, skim and nondairy milk. This is a great choice for those who want to brew different coffee every morning, or for families who require the capacity of a larger.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a good choice for anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can brew multiple cups before having to be filled. It can also create a cup of coffee using your own ground coffee--a unique feature of the form of a Keurig. The controls are straightforward and simple, though the machine communicates with tones and chirps, instead of a display, which makes it harder to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine comes with all the features that you require to get your day started. It has a huge reservoir that holds 14 cups, and a clear window to indicate the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed are both easily cleaned in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult to reach places. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different options, including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filters that help to remove metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water, which could cause your coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less work and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit: the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brewing to a certain time. And the pause button allows you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the entire pot is finished brewing, which can be beneficial for busy mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design that is more comfortable on the counter of your kitchen compared to most boxy drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a more affordable price and smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics an expert pour over, with precision metered water flow and a perfect temperature for coffee. The machine uses 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the full process in five to six minutes--which is much less than the majority of the cheaper models we've tested. The speedy brewing time is in part due to the bloom cycle, which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head delivers the rest of the hot water needed for optimal extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique in order to keep the water at a perfect temperature and protect the spray head. This is among the few brewers that have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the right temperature for brewing throughout the brewing process.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist and comes with a stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps brewed coffee warm, without the need of heated plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, relatively compact design that doesn't take up lots of counter space. The touchscreen features cute icons that let you select single-touch commands. For example you can select Bold or, if you are only making a half-pot of coffee, you can choose the One to four cups feature. The machine lets you set the timer, as well as turn on or off the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder and ability to dial in the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It takes a while to learn how the machine functions but it's easy when you've done. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to see on higher-end models.
It's not able to brew a whole carafe of coffee at once. This can be a problem if you're serving several people. However, it's a great option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the ability to make various types of drinks. It also comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. Its sleek glass carafe sits on top of a warming device that keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to make a full or half pot, and it's certified to brew at ideal temperatures and times recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically hidden drip stopper," which is a tiny lever below the brew basket that stop the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe during brewing.
While this machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, it's worth the extra cost for those who wish to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that come in contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. drip brewer Coffeee brewing process is slower than other models, but still quicker than pour over making. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or other scientific equipment, adds a touch of class to your kitchen.