The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow hands-free coffee making. However, they can be big and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinet.
The top drip machines are simple in design and are simple to use. Some have extra features that make your morning cup of coffee more customized such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning settings.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is the perfect place to buy coffee - it goes from whole beans to a large carafe using just a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to making the coffee - eliminating plastic filters and pods.
It also offers a variety of settings for the size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced brewed coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It dispenses the coffee into your choice of vessel, from big mugs to those tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that don't typically fit under drip machines. It even makes tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to the beans you choose. That's all marketing. It's important to note that it's easy to use, is pretty quick and doesn't create a lot of a mess when brewing. Coffeee 's not able brew either a short shot or a long shot of espresso, and it does not come with steam wand. If you're looking for those features, I suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently and cleanly using sleek, compact hardware that's turnkey to operate--all for an incredibly affordable price.
We also appreciated the flexibility of modifying the brewing process. You can choose your cup size (from 5-ounce single servings to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of dials, 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 wide range of special options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we tested. For instance the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like a gleaming Easter egg and is a welcome departure from boxy competitors. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is being made. It requires a bit more time and thought to get going in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the necessity to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. These machines can also brew coffee in under two minutes. This is much faster than a drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested created quite a mess than drip machines. The spout spewing the 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 while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked well despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, with a removable reservoir, four K-cup sizes, three temperature settings, and a menu that can be customized. It also has a milk frother which can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who wish to make different coffees each morning or for families with large numbers who require the capacity of a larger.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a ideal choice for anyone who wants a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can make many cups before needing to be filled. It also allows brewing using grounds from your own coffee this is a feature that isn't often seen in 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 tell when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine has all the features you need to get started on your day. It has a large, 14-cup reservoir and a clear water level indicator window. It is easy to use thanks to the large buttons that have clearly labeled labels. The removable filter and grinder can be cleaned easily in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach places. It also includes a handy brew-strength selector, which allows you to select between three different settings 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 make your coffee taste flat or burned. This means less work, and a more enjoyable cup of coffee.
Another benefit: the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brewing to a certain time. The Pause button allows you to make a cup of coffee or two before the pot has finished brewing. This is useful during busy mornings, or when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It's also a beautiful design coffee maker, with an elegant design that appears 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 provides a premium experience with an affordable price and 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 uses a powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the brewing cycle in around five to six minutes--which is much less than the majority of the lesser models we've tested. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming process that allows the coffee grounds to settle before the shower head that delivers the remainder of the water for optimal extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and protect the spray head. This is one of only few brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature of brewing throughout the entire brew cycle.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that sits on the top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps brewed coffee warm, without the need for heated plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact elegant coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen features cute icons that let you select one-touch commands. For instance, you can choose Bold or, if you are only making half a pot of coffee, you can select the One to four cups feature. The machine lets you set the timer, as well as toggle off or on the audible tone that signals the end of the brew cycle.
The built-in grinder and the ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It takes some time to learn how the machine operates however, it's easy once you've mastered it. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
It can't brew an entire carafe of espresso at once. This could be a problem if you need to serve several people. It's still a good option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder as well as the ability to make a variety of kinds of drinks. It also comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a premium drip-coffee maker made to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. The elegant glass carafe can be set on the top of a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to make a full or half pot, and it's certified to brew at the ideal temperatures and times recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically hidden drip stopper," which is a tiny lever beneath the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe while the brewing process.
Although this machine is more expensive than most other models on the market it's well worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too long in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models, but still quicker than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique design of tools for workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.