The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are robust machines capable of brewing without hands. However, they can be heavy and bulky and take up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines are simple in design and are simple to use. Some come with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more customized with timers that can be programmed and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is an all-in-one shop for coffee. It can be made from whole beans to a large carafe by pressing a few buttons. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken from De'Longhi espresso machines) which measures the correct amount of grounds, and then compacts them before making coffee, eliminating plastic pods and filters.
It also has a variety of settings to fit the size of your cup or style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks, up to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can dispense 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 invent bizarre technical terms and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to your selection. However, it's really just marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't create many mess while brewing. It's not able make a short shot or a long shot espresso, and it does not come with a steam wand. If you are looking for these features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of joe that brew quickly and efficiently from sleek, relatively compact hardware that's turnkey to operate, all at an extremely affordable cost.
We also liked the flexibility of modifying the brewing process. By turning a dial you can select your cup size (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-sized carafe) and the strength you want and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can make cold brew at the touch of a button or select from a range of specialty options, such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it's not as sophisticated as the more sophisticated models we tested. The Smeg drip maker that is rounded is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a nice alternative to the traditional models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is underway. It requires a bit more thought and effort than some customers would like to see as part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers utilize pre-packaged K cups, which eliminates the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also allow you to 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.
The Keurigs that we tested produced quite a mess than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash zone that releases drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create a loud, irritating sputtering noise while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes as well as three temperature settings and a customizable program. It also comes with a milk frother that can be used to froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's a great option for those who want to make a new cup of coffee each morning or for those with large families who need a bigger capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another good choice for anyone who wants a straightforward, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be filled. It also has the ability to brew your own coffee grounds this is a feature that is rare in a Keurig. The controls are easy and easy to use, but the machine communicates using tones and chirps instead of a screen which makes it more difficult to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine has all the features you need to start your day. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and an easy-to-read window to show the water level. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed are both easily cleaned in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach areas. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options that include strong.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filters that help absorb metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water. This could cause your coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less maintenance, and a more enjoyable cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. And the pause button allows you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the whole pot is making coffee, which is helpful in hectic mornings when you need an extra dose of caffeine. It's also a very attractive design coffee maker, with sleek design that is more at home on a counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price and smaller footprint. The single-button controls mimic a pour over, with a precise metered flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine uses a powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the full brewing cycle in around five to six minutes, which is significantly less than many of the less expensive models we have tested. This speedy brewing is largely due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds to settle prior to when the shower head releases the rest of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique in order to keep water at the optimal temperature and protect the spray head. This is among the few brewers who have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the right temperature for brewing throughout the brew cycle.
In terms of design in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimal, with a stainless steel carafe that is placed on the top of a holder for filters that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe keeps brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate and helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a compact elegant coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute little icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup feature). The machine allows you to set the timer and turn the brew-cycle tone tones that sound audible or off.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to dial in the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It takes a while to understand how the machine functions however, it's easy once you've mastered it. It has plenty of the features that you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of espresso at once. This can be a problem when you're serving several people. It's a good choice when you're looking for an espresso maker with an integrated grinder and the ability to make a variety of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is an excellent drip coffee maker designed to last. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The elegant glass carafe can be placed on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up six minutes. It can be programmed for a full pot or a half-pot and is rated to brew coffee at the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically incognito drip stop," which is a small lever beneath the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe during the brewing process.
This machine is more expensive than others on the market but it's worth it for those who want to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. All parts that come into contact with ground or water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. Additionally, in the know is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or other scientific equipment, adds a touch of class to your kitchen.