The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that permit hands-free brewing. However, they can also be heavy and bulky taking up valuable counter space or a spot under cabinets.
The best drip machines are streamlined and simple to use. Some come with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more customized with timers that can be programmed and self-cleaning settings.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is an all-in-one shop for coffee - it goes from whole beans to a complete carafe by pressing a few buttons. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the proper amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a variety of settings for the size and style, from 3oz espresso-style drinks, to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of a standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, ranging from large cups to tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that do not normally fit in regular drip machines. It even makes tea!
Manufacturers love to invent bizarre technical terms and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the beans you choose. This is all marketing. It's important to note that it's simple to use, is pretty quick and doesn't cause a lot of a mess when brewing. It is not able to make a quick shot or a long shot espresso as well as it doesn't have a steam wand. If you're looking to get those features, I suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV 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 coffee that efficiently brew.
We also appreciated the flexibility of modifying the brewing process. You can select your cup size (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of a dial and also choose between either a french press or regular setting. You can also make cold brew at the push of a button, or choose from a variety of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design doesn't match some of the other more sophisticated models we've tested. The rounded Smeg drip maker, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a nice contrast to the more boxy models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark while the brew is underway. It takes a little more thought and effort than most consumers would want as part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and regulate brewing times. They can also brew one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is a lot faster than a traditional drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested create quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout that pours out hot coffee leaves a 2-inch splash area that leaves droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying loud sputtering sound when brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked very well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most advanced model, featuring 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 families who require more capacity.
coffee filter machine is also a good choice for anyone who wants a straightforward single-serve machine that is easy to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it needs to be filled. It can also make a cup with your own ground coffee, a rare feature for the form of a Keurig. The controls are easy and simple, though the machine communicates using tones and chirps instead of a display, which makes it harder to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you need to start your day. It has a big 14-cup reservoir, as well as a clear water level indicator window. It is easy to use thanks to the large buttons and clearly labeled labels. And the removable filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, eliminating the need to brush out grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different options including bold.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter which helps to remove metals as well as unpleasant flavors and smells from the tap water. This can cause your coffee taste flat or burned. This means less work, and a more enjoyable cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the full pot has finished brewing, which can be helpful in busy mornings when you need an extra dose of caffeine. It's also a beautiful looking coffee maker, with sleek design that is more at home on the countertop than the bulky drip machines.
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. Its single-button operation mimics an expert pour over, with precise metered flow of water and ideal coffee temperature. The machine requires 1400 watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing cycle within five to six minutes. This is much faster than the majority of the cheaper models that we test. The rapid brew is largely due to the blooming process, which allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head delivering the remainder of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six uses a heat shield that is unique in order to keep water at the optimal temperature and to protect the spray head. It is among a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means it maintains the right brewing temperature throughout the entire process of brewing.
In terms of design in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimal, with a stainless steel carafe that sits 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 need for a heated plate, which helps to keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi makes great tasting coffee and features an elegant, compact design that doesn't take up any counter space. The touchscreen has cute little icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup option). The machine also allows you to set the timer and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
It's great to have a built-in coffee grinder that lets you alter the size of the grind and the strength of your coffee. It takes some time to get used to how the machine functions but it's easy once you've mastered it. It also has many of features you'd expect to see on higher-end models.
The only downside is that it's not able to brew an entire carafe at one time which could be a challenge if you're serving multiple people. It's a good option for those who want drip coffeemaker that has a built-in grinder, and the capability to create different drinks. It has a one year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. Its sleek glass carafe sits atop a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to 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 features a "practically incognito drip stop," which is a tiny lever located below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee if you take the carafe off during brewing.
The machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, however it's worth the cost for anyone looking to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. All parts that come into contact with ground or water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.