The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of brewing without hands. However, they can also be heavy and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
The best drip machines are simple in design and are simple to use. Some drip machines include extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning mode to make your morning coffee more personalized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can be made from whole beans to a large carafe using just a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) which measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating the need for plastic filters and pods.
It also has a range of options for the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of the traditional carafe. It pours the coffee in your choice of vessel, ranging from large cups to tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that don't typically fit under drip machines. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers love to invent 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. But really, that's simply marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, efficient and doesn't create a lot of mess when making coffee. It's not able make a short shot or a lengthy shot of espresso as well as it doesn't come with steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I recommend looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee machines on the market. It consistently produces delicious, hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also loved the ease at which we were able to alter the brewing process. With just a dial turn you can select the size of your cup (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can also make cold brew with the touch of a button, or choose from a variety of special options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design isn't as elegant as the other more sophisticated models we tested. For instance, the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a refreshing break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is on. It takes a little 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 make use of K cups that are pre-packaged, which eliminates the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They can also be controlled in brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is much quicker than a drip machine.
filtered coffee machine that we tested created a lot more mess than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone that leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also make a snarling loud sputtering noise while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, with a removable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups with three temperature settings and a user-friendly menu. It also comes with an milk frother that can be used to froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to brew a different cup of coffee each morning or for those with large families that require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another ideal choice for anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can brew many cups before needing to be refilled. And it can also brew a cup using your own ground coffee, a rare feature in the form of a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, but the machine communicates with tones and chirps, not a display, making it difficult to know the moment when a coffee is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine comes with everything you require to begin your day. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and a clear window to indicate the water level. It is simple to use because of the large buttons that have clearly labeled labels. The grinder and filter that can be removed can be cleaned easily in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector, which lets you select from three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filtering that can help absorb 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 coffee.
Another benefit: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a specific time. And the pause button allows you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot has finished making it, which can be helpful in hectic mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It's also a very attractive design coffee maker, with an elegant design that appears more at home on the kitchen counter than most boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a more affordable price point and smaller footprint. The single-button system emulates the pour-over process, and comes with a precise measured flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine uses 1400 watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing cycle within five to six minutes. This is significantly faster than the majority of the less expensive models we tested. This speedy brewing is in part due to the bloom process, which allows grounds to settle prior to when the shower head delivers the remainder of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique in order to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means it maintains the right temperature of brewing throughout the entire cycle of brewing.
The Six is sleek, minimal and minimalist in design. It has an stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the need for a heated plate and helps keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen display has cute icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or when you're making just half a pot, you can use the One to Four cups feature). The machine allows you to set the timer, and turn the brew cycle-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that lets you adjust the size and intensity of your coffee. It takes a little time to become familiar with the machine however once you've mastered it, the machine is easy to use. It includes many of the features you would expect to find in higher-end models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee at once. This could be a problem if you're serving several people. It's still a good choice if you're looking for a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the flexibility to make different kinds of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker made to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. Its sleek glass cup sits atop a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to brew a full or half pot, and is certified to brew at the ideal temperatures and times recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stop," a small lever located beneath the brew pot which will stop the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe while making coffee.
This machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth the cost for those who want to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. All parts that come into contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools for workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.