The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of making coffee hands-free. But they can also be big and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The best drip machines are simple and simple to use. Some come with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more customizable such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step from whole beans to a cup of coffee in just a couple of presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before brewing – eliminating wasteful plastic filters and pods.
It also comes with a variety of settings for the size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of the traditional carafe. It can dispense coffee into any container you choose regardless of whether it's a big mug or a tiny espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to your preferences. But really, that's just marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't cause lots of mess when making coffee. It is not able to make a short shot or a lengthy shot of espresso and does not have a steam wand. If you're looking to get those features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee maker s available on the market. It produces consistently flavorful, hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also appreciated the ease of customizing the making process. With a simple dial turn you can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-carafe) and the strength you want and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can make cold brew with the push of a button or choose from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that it's not as sophisticated as the more sophisticated models that 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 slim tank can be tricky to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is running. It requires a bit more concentration and effort to start the process in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers make use of K cups that are pre-packaged, which eliminates the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They can also be controlled in the brewing time. They can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced much more mess than drip machines. The spout spewing the hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying, loud sputtering sound while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, with a detachable reservoir, four K-cup sizes, three temperature settings, and a user-friendly menu. It also has a milk frother that can be used to froth skim, whole or non-dairy milk. This is an excellent option for those who want to make different coffees each morning or for large families that require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a ideal choice for anyone who wants a straightforward, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can make multiple cups before needing to be refilled. It also has the ability to brew your own coffee grounds, a feature that isn't often seen 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 tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine comes with all the features you need to start your day. It has a big, 14-cup reservoir and an easily-readable indicator of the level of water. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The filter and grinder that are removable are both easily cleaned in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach places. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings that include bold.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter which helps to remove metals and unpleasant flavors as well as smells from the tap water. This can cause the coffee to taste dull or burnt. This means less work and a more delicious cup of coffee.
A second benefit: the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brew to a certain time. And the pause button allows you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot is finished 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 a sleek design that looks more at home on a counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price and a smaller footprint. The single-button system emulates the concept of pour-over, with a precise metered flow of water and the perfect temperature for coffee. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing cycle within five to six minutes. This is a lot more efficient than the less expensive models we test. This rapid brew time is largely due to the bloom cycle, which allows grounds of coffee to settle before 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 keep the water at a perfect temperature and to protect the spray head. It is among the few brewers who have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brew cycle.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal It comes with a stainless-steel carafe, which sits on top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe helps keep brewed coffee warm, without the use of heated plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It produces a delicious 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 cups feature). The machine allows you to set the timer, and turn the brew cycle-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.
The built-in grinder and the ability to dial in the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It can take some time to get used to how the machine works, but it's intuitive once you do. It has many of the features you would expect to find in more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee in one go. This can be a problem if you're serving a lot of people. It's still a good choice if you're looking for drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the ability to make a variety of types of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is an excellent drip coffee maker built to last. It comes with a 5 year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The sleek glass carafe is set atop a warmer that keeps the coffee at an optimal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed for 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 features a "practically invisible drip stopper" which is a small lever beneath the brew pot which will stop the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe when making.
Although this machine is more expensive than most other models on the market it's worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too long in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all components that come into contact with water and grounds are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models but still faster than pour-over making. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific instruments and adds a touch of class to your kitchen.