The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of making coffee hands-free. However, they can be heavy and heavy taking up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines are simple and easy to use. Some drip machines come with extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning modes to make your morning cup of coffee more customized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in just one step from whole beans to a cup of coffee in just a couple of presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from espresso machines made by De'Longhi) that calculates the correct amount of grounds. It then compacts them prior to brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a range of settings that can be adapted to the size and style, from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can pour coffee into any container you prefer regardless of whether it's a big cup or a tiny espresso cup. It can even make tea!
drip brew love to invent ridiculous technical-sounding jargon and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the choice you make. It's actually nothing more than marketing. What matters is that it's a breeze to use, fairly fast and doesn't make much of a mess when making coffee. It does lack the ability to brew either a long or short shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for these features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of coffee that brew quickly and efficiently from sleek, relatively compact components that are easy to operate--all for an incredibly affordable price.
We also loved the ease at that we could modify the brewing experience. By turning a dial, you can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-sized carafe) and the strength you want and whether you'd like French or regular press setting. You can also make cold brew at the touch of the button, or select from a variety 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. For example the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like a gleaming Easter egg and is a welcome departure from boxy competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is being made. It takes a little more thought and effort than most consumers might want to make part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and regulate brewing times. They can also brew the cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested make lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout which dispenses hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area, which spills out droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create an irritating, loud sound when you're making coffee.
The Keurigs that we tested performed very well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes as well as three temperature settings and a program that can be customized. It also has an milk frother that can be used to froth skim, whole or non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who want to make different coffees every morning, or for families who require the capacity of a larger.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another excellent option for those who is looking for a simple, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be filled. It can also create a cup of coffee using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a unique feature of a Keurig. The controls are simple and simple, though the machine communicates with tones and chirps, instead of a screen, which makes it harder to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This durable, mid-priced machine has all the features that you require to get your day started. It has a big 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. The grinder and filter that can be removed can be cleaned easily in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach places. It also includes a handy brew-strength selector that lets you choose between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter which helps to remove metals as well as unpleasant flavors and odors from tap water. This can cause your coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less work, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brewing to a specific time. The button to pause allows you to pour a cup of coffee or two before the pot has finished making coffee. This is a great feature for busy mornings, when you need an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design, which is more comfortable on the kitchen counter compared to most boxy drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
Similar to its older sibling, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a more affordable price and a smaller footprint. The single-button controls mimic a pour over, with a precision metered flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the full brewing process in about five to six minutes, which is much less than the majority of the cheaper models we've tested. This rapid brew time is partly 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 needed 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. This is one of few brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it will maintain the proper temperature of brewing throughout the entire brew cycle.
In terms of design in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimal 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 heating plates and helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It produces a delicious tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands. For example you can select Bold or if you're making a half-pot of coffee, you can select the One to four cups feature. The machine allows you to set the timer and turn on or off the audible tone that signifies the end of the brew cycle.
The built-in grinder and the ability to dial in the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It takes a little time to become familiar with the machine however once you've mastered it, the machine is easy to use. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
The only downside is that it's unable to make a full carafe at once, which can be a challenge if 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 as well as the ability to make a variety of types of drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a top 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 set atop a warmer that keeps the coffee at an optimal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with a full pot or a half-pot and is rated to brew coffee at recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stopper," that's a small lever beneath the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe during the brewing process.
Although this machine is more expensive than most other models on the market it's well worth the investment for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that come in contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models but still much faster than pour over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.
