The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of making coffee hands-free. However, they can also be heavy and bulky taking up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinet.
The best drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some are equipped with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more customized such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee - it goes from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures the proper amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also has a variety of settings that can be adapted to the size and design, from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced coffee and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, from big cups to tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that do not normally fit in regular drip machines. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit the beans you choose. That's all marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't create a lot of mess when making espresso. It's not able brew either a short shot or a lengthy shot of espresso as well as it doesn't have a steam wand. If drip machine coffee looking for those features, I would suggest checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently and cleanly from sleek, compact equipment that is easy to operate--all for an incredibly affordable price.
We also appreciated the ease with the ability to customize the brewing experience. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings to a full carafe) and the strength you prefer by simply turning a dial and also choose between a regular or french press setting. You can make cold brew at the push of a button or select from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models we tested. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome alternative to the traditional models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark while the brew is being made. It takes some time and thought to start the process in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that are pre-packaged which eliminate the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They also allow you to control the brewing time. These machines can also make the cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is a lot faster than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested make a lot of mess--much more than drip machines. The spout that pours out hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area that spills out droplets all over the drip tray machine, counter and. They also make an annoying, loud sound when you're brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, and comes with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups with three temperature settings and a customizable menu. It also has a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth whole, skim and nondairy milk. This is an excellent option for those who wish to make different coffees each morning or for large families that need a larger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve machine that is easy to use and simple to use. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can make many cups before needing to be filled. Additionally, it can brew a cup using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a unique feature of the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, however the machine does communicate with tones and chirps, instead of a screen which makes it difficult to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you need to start your day. It has a huge reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows the water level. It is simple to use thanks to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The grinder and filter that can be removed can be cleaned easily in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult-to reach places. It also includes a handy brew-strength selector, which allows you to select between three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filtering that can help absorb metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water. This can cause coffee to taste flat or burnt. This means less maintenance, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The pause button allows you to pour a cup or two before the entire pot has finished making coffee. This is useful during busy mornings, or when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a very attractive coffee maker with a sleek and attractive an elegant design that appears more at home on the kitchen counter than most boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides a premium experience with the same price, but smaller footprint. The single-button control simulates 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 process within five to six minutes. This is much faster than the majority of the less expensive models we tested. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming process which allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head delivering the rest of the water for optimal extraction.
The Six also features a distinctive heat shield to safeguard the spray head during brewing and to ensure that the water is kept at the optimum temperature. It is among a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature of brewing throughout the entire cycle of brewing.
The Six is sleek, minimal and minimalist in design. It comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot, without the need of a heated plate. This helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact and sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen features cute icons that let you choose one-touch commands. For instance you can select Bold or, if you are only making half a pot of coffee, you can select the One to Four Cups feature. The machine also lets you 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 allows you to adjust the size and the strength of your coffee. It takes some time to get used to how the machine operates but it's easy once you do. It also has many of the features you'd expect to see on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it can't brew an entire carafe at one time this could be a challenge if you're serving a lot of people. But it's a solid choice if you're looking for drip coffee maker that has an integrated grinder and the flexibility to make different types of drinks. It has a one year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker that's built to last. It's manufactured by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with a full pot or a half pot, and is certified to brew coffee at recommended temperatures and times 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 which will stop the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe while making coffee.
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 parts that are in contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models, but still faster than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's distinctive, reminiscent design of tools for workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.