The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of hands-off brewing. They can be big and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The best drip machines are simple in design and are simple to use. Some are equipped with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning settings.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is the perfect place to buy coffee. It can go from whole beans to a full carafe with a few presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures out the proper amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before brewing – eliminating wasteful pods and filters made of plastic.
It also comes with a variety of settings to suit the size of your cup or style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can pour coffee into any vessel you like, whether it's a large cup or a small espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit your selection. But really, that's just marketing. What matters is that it's easy to use, fairly quick and doesn't cause a lot of a mess when making coffee. However, it does not have the capability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso and lacks a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for these features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that brew quickly and efficiently using sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a affordable price.
We also loved the ease with that we could customize the brewing experience. With just a dial turn, you can choose your cup size (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you want French or regular press setting. You can prepare cold brew at the touch of a button or choose from a variety of specialty options, such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we tested. The rounded Smeg drip maker, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome contrast to the more boxy models. The narrow opening and slender tank can be tricky to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is in. It takes some time and thought 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 prepackaged, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds, and also control the brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested create lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout that pours out the hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area, and leaves droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying loud sputtering sound when brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes as well as three temperature settings and a user-friendly program. It also comes with a milk frother which can be used to froth skim, whole or non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for those who want to brew a different cup of coffee each day or for those with large families that require a bigger capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a good choice for anyone who wants a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a 78 ounce tank that can brew several cups before needing to be filled. It can also brew using grounds from your own coffee, a feature that is not often found in a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, however the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than a screen which makes it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This durable, mid-priced machine has all the features that you require to get your day started. It has a large 14-cup reservoir as well as a clear water level indicator window. The large buttons clearly labeled make it easy to use. The filter that is removable and the grinder can both be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to clean grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector, which allows you to select between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also has charcoal filters that help absorb metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water. This could cause your coffee to taste dry or burned. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of coffee.
A second benefit: the programmability feature allows you to set your coffee's brewing time to a particular time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the entire pot has finished making coffee, which is helpful in busy mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design and is more comfortable on the kitchen counter compared to the majority of drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
Similar to its older sibling, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a more affordable price and a smaller footprint. coffee drip maker -button system emulates a pour over, with a precise metered flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine utilizes powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the entire brewing cycle in around five to six minutes. This is much less than the majority of the lesser models we have tested. The speedy brewing time is largely due to the bloom cycle, which allows grounds to settle prior to when the shower head is able to deliver the rest of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six also uses a unique heat shield to safeguard the spray head during making and to keep the water at an optimum temperature. This is one of 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.
The Six is sleek, minimal and minimalist in design. It has an stainless steel carafe that sits on top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot without the use 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 any counter space. The touchscreen display has cute icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or in the case of making just half a cup, the One to Four cup option). The machine also lets you set the timer and switch the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that allows you to adjust the size and the strength of your coffee. It takes a little time to get used to the machine however once you've mastered it, the machine is easy to use. It also has many of the features that you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it can't brew the entire carafe in one go, which can be a problem when you're serving multiple people. It's a great choice if you want drip coffeemaker that has a built in grinder and the ability to create different drinks. It also comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It's manufactured by Technivorm in the Netherlands and is backed by a five-year warranty. The elegant glass carafe can be set on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for as long as six minutes. It can be programmed to brew a whole or half pot, and is certified to brew at the optimal times and temperatures suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stop," an incredibly small lever that is located below the brew pot that stops the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe while making.
The machine is more expensive than many other machines on the market, however it's worth the cost for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently great coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all components that come in contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. While the brew process takes longer than other models, it's quicker than pour-over brewing. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific devices, adds a touch of class to your kitchen.