The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow for hands-free brewing. But they can also be large and bulky and take up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The top drip machines are sleek and easy to use. Some are equipped with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more customizable such as timers that are programmable 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 using just a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the right amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating plastic pods and filters.
It also comes with a variety of options for the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It pours the coffee into a variety of vessel, ranging from large mugs to those tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't typically fit under drip machines. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit your preferences. However, it's really simply marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't cause lots of mess when making coffee. It's not able make a quick shot or a long shot of espresso as well as it doesn't have steam wand. If you are seeking these features, I suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the best drip coffee machines on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently.
We also loved the ease at which we were able to customize the brewing experience. With just a dial turn, you can choose your cup size (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you'd like French or regular press setting. You can make cold brew at the touch of a button or select from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we tested. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing change from the boxy competitors. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is in process. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to get started in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds, and also control the brewing time. They can also brew the cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is a lot faster than a standard drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested have created a lot of mess--much more than drip machines. The spout that spews the hot coffee leaves a two-inch splash area that leaves droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also make a snarling loud sputtering noise while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked very well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K cups sizes with 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 choice for those who want to make different coffees each morning or for families with large numbers that require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a good choice for anyone who wants a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it has to be refilled. It can also make a cup with your own ground coffee--a unique feature of a Keurig. The controls are easy and easy to use, but the machine does communicate with tones and chirps instead of a display which makes it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine has all the features you need to start your day. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and an open window that clearly shows the water level. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed can both be cleaned in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different options including strong.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter that helps remove metals, unpleasant flavors and smells from the tap water. This can cause the coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less work and a better-tasting cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a specific time. The Pause button allows you to pour a cup of coffee or two before the pot is done making. This is useful during busy mornings, or when you need an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a pretty attractive design coffee maker, with an elegant design that appears more at home on a counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Similar to its older sibling, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price point and smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates a skilled pour over with precision metered water flow and ideal coffee temperature. The machine uses powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the full brewing process in about five to six minutes, which is significantly less than many of the lesser models we tested. dripping coffee machine brewing time is partly due to the bloom process, which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head releases the rest of the hot water to ensure the best extraction.
The Six also features a distinctive heat shield to protect the spray head during making and to keep the water at the optimal temperature. It is among the few brewers who have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brewing process.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist and comes with a stainless steel carafe that is placed on the top of a holder for filters that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps brewed coffee warm, without the need of heated plates. This preserves the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a compact elegant coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute little icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, in the case of making just half a pot, the One to Four cup option). The machine allows you to set the timer, as well as turn on or off the audible tone that signals the end of the brew cycle.
The built-in grinder and ability to control the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It can take some time to get used to how the machine functions but it's easy once you've mastered it. It also has many of the features you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make the entire carafe in one go which could be a problem when you're serving multiple people. However, it's a great option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker that has an integrated grinder and the flexibility to make different kinds of drinks. It has a one year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker designed to last. It comes with a 5 year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The sleek glass carafe is placed on top of a warmer which 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 has a "practically invisible drip stopper" which is a tiny lever located below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe while brewing.
The machine is more expensive than others on the market but it's worth the cost for anyone looking to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that are in contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models, but still much faster than pour-over making. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific devices and adds an elegant touch to your kitchen.