The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of making coffee hands-free. They can be huge and bulky, occupying valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The best drip machines are streamlined and easy to use. Some have extra features that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible, like programmable timers 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 carafe of coffee in just two 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 before making coffee, eliminating the need for pods and plastic filters.
It also has a variety of settings to fit the size and style, from 3oz espresso drinks, up to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It is able to pour coffee into any container you like, whether it's a large mug or a tiny espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit your selection. However, it's really just marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't cause lots of mess when brewing. It's not able to make a short shot or a long shot of espresso as well as it doesn't have a steam wand. If you're looking for those features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of joe that brew efficiently and cleanly from sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a affordable price.
We also appreciated the ease of customizing the method of brewing. With just a dial turn you can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you want a regular or French press setting. You can make cold brew at the touch of a button, or choose from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design doesn't resemble the other more sophisticated models we've tried. For instance, the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark while the brew is in process. It requires a bit more time and thought than many consumers would want as part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the necessity to measure and grind grounds, and also control the brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is much faster than a drip maker.
But the Keurigs we've tested create quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout that spews the hot coffee leaves a two-inch splash area that creates droplets all over the drip tray machine, counter and. And they produce an annoying, loud sound when you're brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, and comes with a detachable reservoir, four K-cup sizes with three temperature settings and a user-friendly menu. It also comes with a milk frother that can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's a great choice for anyone looking to brew a different cup of coffee every morning or for those with large families that require more capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a excellent option for those looking for a single-serve machine that's easy to use and simple. It comes with a 78 ounce tank that can make multiple cups before needing to be refilled. And it can also brew a cup using your own ground coffee, a rare feature in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, however the machine does communicate with tones and chirps, rather than a screen which makes it more difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with everything you need to get started on your day. It has a large 14-cup reservoir as well as an easily-readable water level indicator window. It is easy to use because of the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. Additionally, the filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to clean ground from difficult-to-access areas. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different settings, including strong.
The reservoir also has charcoal filters that help to remove metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water. This can cause your coffee to taste dry or burned. drip coffee pot means less work and a better tasting coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a specific time. The button to pause allows you to pour a cup or two before the entire pot is done brewing. This can be helpful during busy mornings, or when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which looks more at ease on the kitchen counter compared to the majority of drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It offers the best experience, but at a slightly lower price and smaller footprint. The single-button system emulates the concept of pour-over, with a precision 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 cycle within 5 to 6 minutes. This is significantly faster than the majority of the less expensive models we tried. This rapid brew time is in part due to the bloom cycle which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head releases the rest of the hot water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to safeguard the spray head during making and to keep the water at the optimum temperature. This is one of the few brewers to be 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 in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimalist and comes with a stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate that helps keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a small and sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or in the case of making just half a pot, 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 some time to learn to use the machine but once you've done it, the machine is easy to use. It also has many of the features that you'd expect to see on more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee in one go. This could be a problem if you're serving several people. It's a good option if you want drip coffeemaker that has a built-in grinder and the ability to create different drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a great customer service.
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 placed on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for as long as six minutes. It can be programmed for 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 has a "practically invisible drip stopper" which is a small lever beneath the brew kettle that will stop the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe when making coffee.
This machine is more expensive than many other models on the market, but it's worth it for those who want to enjoy consistently great coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. While the brew process takes longer than other models, it's still quicker than pour-over making. In addition, the Moccamaster's distinctive design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or other scientific equipment and adds an elegant touch to your kitchen.