The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are robust machines capable of making coffee hands-free. They can be huge and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The best drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some are equipped with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible with timers that can be programmed and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in just one step - from whole beans to a carafe of coffee in only two presses. It has a built in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the correct amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating plastic pods and filters.
It also has a range of settings for your preferred cup size and style, from 3oz espresso-style drinks, to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of a standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into your choice of vessel, from big mugs to the tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that do not normally fit in regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Manufacturers love to invent absurd technical jargons, and this one has the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the beans you choose. But really, that's just marketing. The most important thing is that it's a breeze to use, pretty quick and doesn't create a lot of a mess while brewing. It is not able to brew either a short shot or a long shot of espresso as well as it doesn't include steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee machines available on the market. It produces consistently flavorful, hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently.
We also appreciated the simplicity of customizing the making process. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and your desired strength by simply turning a dial, as well as choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can prepare cold brew at the press of a button or choose from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that the design doesn't match the other more sophisticated models we tested. The rounded Smeg drip maker, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a nice change from the boxy competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is underway. It requires a bit more thought and effort to get started in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and regulate brewing times. They can also brew the cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is significantly faster than a traditional drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested made a lot more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews the hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area, and spills out droplets all over the drip tray machine, counter and. They also produce an annoying, loud sputtering sound while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most advanced model, featuring a detachable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups with three temperature settings and a customizable menu. It also comes with a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth skim, whole, and non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who want to brew different coffee every morning, or for families that require more capacity.
best drip coffee machine is a excellent option for those who wants a straightforward and easy-to-use single-serve device. It has a 78-ounce tank that can brew multiple cups before needing refilling. And it can also create a cup of coffee using your own ground coffee--a unique feature of the form of a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use however, the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than a display, making it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with all the features you need to get started on your day. It comes with a large 14-cup reservoir as well as an easy-to-read indicator of the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed can both be cleaned in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options, including bold.
The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter which helps to remove metals and unpleasant flavors as well as smells from the tap water. This can make your coffee taste bland or burnt. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brewing to a particular time. And the pause button allows you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the whole pot has finished making coffee, which is useful for busy mornings when you require energy. It also has a sleek design and will look more at home on the counter in comparison to other drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a more affordable price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics an expert pour over, with precision metered water flow and a perfect temperature for coffee. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing cycle within 5 to 6 minutes. This is significantly more efficient than the less expensive models we test. This rapid brew time is in part due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head is able to deliver the rest of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique in order to keep water at the optimal temperature and protect the spray head. It is among few brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct brewing temperature throughout the entire brew cycle.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in design. It has a stainless steel carafe on top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate, which helps to keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small elegant coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute little icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a cup, the One to Four cup option). The machine lets you set the timer, and turn on or off the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It can take some time to get used to how the machine works however, it's easy once you do. It has many of the features you would expect to find in more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make the entire carafe in one go which could be a problem when you need to serve multiple people. But it's a solid choice if you're looking for a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the ability to make various types of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker built to last. It comes with a 5 year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The elegant glass carafe can be positioned on the top of a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up six minutes. It can be programmed for a full pot or a half pot, and is certified to brew coffee at the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically hidden drip stopper," which is a tiny lever below the brew basket that stop the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe during the brewing process.
This machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, however it's worth the cost for anyone who wants to have consistently great coffee without spending too much in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all components that are in contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's still quicker than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of workshop tools and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.