The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of hands-off brewing. However, they can also be heavy and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinet.
The top drip machines are sleek and simple to use. Some have extra features that make your morning cup of coffee more customizable, like programmable timers and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can be made from whole beans to a complete carafe with a few presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) that measures the proper amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to making the coffee - eliminating pods and filters made of plastic.
It also comes with a variety of settings to suit the size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced brewed coffee or 40oz of traditional carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, ranging from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit under regular drip machines. It even makes tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to the beans you choose. However, it's really nothing more than marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, efficient and doesn't create many mess while brewing. It does, however, lack the ability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso and doesn't have a steam wand for milk. If you're looking to get those features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It produces consistently flavorful and hot cups of joe that brew quickly and efficiently using sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a reasonable price.
We also loved the ease with the ability to alter the brewing process. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and the strength you want by simply turning a dial, as well as choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can make cold brew with the touch of a button or select from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that the design isn't as elegant as some of the more sophisticated models we tested. For example the Smeg drip's rounded machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a welcome contrast to the boxy models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark while the brew is being made. It takes some thought and effort to start the process in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that are pre-packaged, which eliminates the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They also let you control the brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is much faster than a drip maker.
The Keurigs that we tested created much more mess than drip machines. The spout, which 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 bothersome loud sputtering sound when making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig, the most advanced model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K cups sizes, three temperature settings and a customizable program. It also comes with a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can be used to froth skim, whole and nondairy milk. It's a great option for those who want to brew a different cup of coffee every morning or for families with large families that require an extra capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another excellent option for those seeking a single-serve machine that is easy to use and simple. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can brew multiple cups before needing refilling. And it can also make a cup with the coffee you grind yourself, which is a unique feature of a Keurig. The controls are simple and simple, though the machine does communicate with tones and chirps, instead of a display which makes it more difficult to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with everything you require to begin your day. It comes with a large 14-cup reservoir as well as a clear water level indicator window. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed can both be cleaned 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 allows you to select between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also has charcoal filters that help to remove metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water, which can cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. That means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of joe.
Another benefit is that the programming feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a specific time. The pause button allows you to make a cup of coffee or two before the pot has finished brewing. This is a great feature in busy mornings when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which will look more at home on the kitchen counter compared to most boxy drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
Similar to its older sibling, the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a lower price and a 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 consumes 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing process in between five and six minutes. This is significantly quicker than the less expensive models we test. The speedy brewing time is partly due to the bloom cycle which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head delivers the rest of the hot water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique to keep water at the optimal temperature and protect the spray head. This is one of few brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature throughout the cycle of brewing.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal, with a stainless steel carafe that is placed on the top of a filter holder that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate, which helps to preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi brews great-tasting coffee and has an elegant, compact design that doesn't require any counter space. The touchscreen panel has cute icons that allow you to choose one-touch commands. For example you can select Bold or If you're only making a half-pot of coffee, you can use the One to four cups feature. The machine also lets you set the timer and switch the brew-cycle tone tones that sound audible or off.
It's great to have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to adjust the grind size and intensity of your coffee. It takes a while to understand how the machine functions however, it's easy once you do. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to see on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it can't brew the entire carafe in one go, which can be a challenge if you're serving multiple people. It's still a good choice if you're looking for a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder as well as the ability to make various types of drinks. It also comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. Its sleek glass carafe sits on top of a warming device that keeps the coffee at an optimal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with either a full or 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 kettle that will stop the flow of coffee when you take off the carafe from the making coffee.
While coffee filter maker is more expensive than others on the market, it's worth the extra investment for those who want to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models, but still much faster than pour-over brewing. Additionally, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific devices, adds a touch of class to your kitchen.