The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of brewing without hands. However, they can also be heavy and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines are sleek and easy to use. Some have extra features that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can go from whole beans to a full carafe with a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from espresso machines made by De'Longhi) which measures the right amount of grounds and then compacts them before brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also comes with a variety of options for your preferred cup size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of traditional carafe. It can dispense coffee into any container you choose whether it's a large mug or a tiny espresso cup. It even makes tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with 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. That's all 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 a short or long shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with steam wands 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 top drip coffee makers available on the market. It consistently produces delicious, hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the ease at that we could customize the brewing experience. You can select your cup size (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and your desired strength by simply turning dials and also choose between a regular or french press setting. You can also make cold brew with the push of a button, or choose from a variety of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models we tried. The Smeg drip maker that is rounded is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing alternative to the traditional models. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is in. It requires a bit more time and thought to get going in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers make use of K cups that are pre-packaged, which eliminates the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also allow you to control the time of brewing. They can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is significantly quicker than a drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested have created quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout that pours out hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area, and spills out droplets all over the drip tray as well as the counter, machine and. And they produce an annoying, loud sound when you're making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, with a removable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups, three temperature settings, and a customizable menu. It also comes with an milk frother that can be used to froth skim, whole or non-dairy milk. This is an excellent option for those who wish to make different coffees each morning or for large families who require more capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve device that's easy to use and simple to use. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can brew many cups before needing to be filled. It can also make a cup with the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature for a Keurig. The controls are easy and easy to use, however the machine does communicate with tones and chirps instead of a screen, which makes it harder to tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This durable, mid-priced machine has all the features you require to start your day. It has a large reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows 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 eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector that lets you choose between three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filtering that can help soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water, which can cause your coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of joe.
Another benefit is that the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brewing to a certain time. And the pause button allows you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot is finished making coffee, which is beneficial for busy mornings when you require energy. It also has a sleek design that will look more at home on the counter of your kitchen compared to most boxy drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six offers a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price and a smaller footprint. The single-button control simulates the pour-over process, and comes with a precise metered 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 in between five and six minutes. This is a lot faster than the majority of the cheaper models that we test. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head, which then delivers the rest of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to safeguard the spray head during brewing and also 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 brewing process.
The Six is sleek, minimal and minimalist in its design. It features an stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe keeps 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 is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a cup, the One to Four cup option). The machine lets you set the timer, as well as toggle off or on the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that allows you to adjust the grind size and the intensity of your coffee. It can take some time to get used to how the machine functions however, it's easy once you do. It comes with many of the features that you would expect to find in higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make a full carafe at once this could be a problem if you need to serve multiple people. However, it's a great choice if you're looking for drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder as well as the ability to make various kinds of drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker made to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The stylish glass carafe is set on the top of a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up six minutes. It can be programmed to work with either a full or half pot and is certified to brew coffee using the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically invisible drip stopper," which is a small lever below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee if you take the carafe off during the brewing process.
While this machine is more expensive than most other machines on the market, it's well worth the cost for those who wish to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with water or ground are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's still faster than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique design of workshop tools and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.