The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of brewing without hands. They can be big and bulky taking up valuable counter or cabinet space.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some come with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more customizable with timers that can be programmed and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is the perfect place to buy 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 the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures the proper amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating plastic pods and filters.
It also comes with a variety of settings to suit the size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks, to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It pours the coffee into your choice of vessel, ranging from large cups to tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that do not normally fit under regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit the beans you choose. This is all marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't cause lots of mess when making espresso. However, it does lack the ability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso, and it doesn't come with a steam wand for milk. If drip pot coffee maker are looking for these features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently and cleanly using sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a reasonable cost.
We also loved the ease at that we could alter the brewing process. With a simple dial turn, you can choose your cup size (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you want French or regular press setting. You can 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 the design doesn't match some of the other more sophisticated models we tested. For instance the Smeg drip's rounded machine looks like a gleaming Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the boxy models. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be tricky to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is in. It requires a bit more time and thought to start the process in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers utilize K cups that come pre-packaged that eliminate the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They can also be controlled in the time of brewing. They can also brew the cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is significantly faster than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested create quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash zone, which leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create an annoying, loud sputtering noise while making coffee.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, and comes with a removable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups, three temperature settings, and a customizable menu. It also has a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth skim, whole and nondairy milk. It's a great option for anyone who wants to make a different cup of coffee each morning or for families with large families who need more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is a good choice for anyone who is looking for a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a 78 ounce tank that can make multiple cups before having to be refilled. Additionally, it can create a cup of coffee using your own ground coffee--a rare feature for the form of a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, but the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than a screen, which makes it harder to tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine has all the features that you require to get your day started. It comes with a large 14-cup reservoir, as well as an easy-to-read water level indicator window. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it intuitive to use. The filter and grinder that are removable are both easily cleaned in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult to reach areas. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you select from three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filtering that can help soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water. This can cause coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less maintenance, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. The pause button lets you make a cup of coffee or two before the whole pot is making coffee. This can be helpful in busy mornings when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design, which looks more at ease on the counter in comparison to the majority of drip coffee makers.
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 system emulates a pour over, with a precision measured flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine uses powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the brewing process in about five to six minutes--which is significantly less than many of the lesser models we have tested. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming process, which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head that delivers the rest of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to protect the spray head while brewing and to keep the water at the optimal temperature. This is among the few brewers to be Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the right temperature for brewing throughout the brewing process.
In terms of design in terms of style, 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 insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot, without the need of heating plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and features an elegant, compact design that doesn't require any counter space. The touchscreen features cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands. For instance you can select Bold or if you're making a half-pot of coffee, you can use the One to Four Cups feature. The machine lets you set the timer, and toggle off or on the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder and the ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It takes a little time to become familiar with the machine, but once you do it is intuitive. It has many of the features you would expect to find on more expensive models.
It's not able to brew a whole carafe of coffee in one go. This can be a problem if you need to serve several people. It's a good choice if you want an espresso maker with a built-in grinder and the ability to make a variety of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is an excellent drip coffee maker that's built to last. It's manufactured by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. The stylish glass carafe is positioned on top of a warmer which 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 at 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 that stops the flow of coffee when you take the carafe off during the brewing.
The machine is more expensive than others on the market but it's worth the cost for those who want to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending too much in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all parts that come in contact with water and grounds 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 for workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.