The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of brewing without hands. They can be huge and bulky, taking up valuable counter or cabinet space.
The best drip machines feature a simple design and are simple to use. Some drip machines have additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning modes to make your morning cup of coffee more customized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is an all-in-one shop for coffee. It can go from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. 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 coffee, eliminating the need for pods and filters made of plastic.
It also offers a range of settings that can be adapted to the size of your cup or design, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into your choice of vessel, from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that don't normally fit in regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans based on your preferences. It's actually simply marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't create a lot of mess when brewing. It does, however, not have the capability to brew either a long or short shot of espresso and lacks steam wands for milk. If you are looking for these features, I recommend looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers on the market. It produces consistently flavorful, hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also appreciated the flexibility of modifying the brewing process. With just a dial turn, you can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-carafe) and the strength you want and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can also make cold brew at the touch of an ice cube, or choose from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we tested. The rounded Smeg drip maker is, for instance, shaped like an Easter egg and is a nice alternative to the traditional models. Its narrow opening and slim tank can be tricky to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is on. It requires a bit more thought and effort than some 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 also control the brewing time. These machines also brew one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested make a lot of mess--much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying loud sputtering noise while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe, the most advanced model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes, three temperature settings and a customizable program. It also has a milk frother which can be used to froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's a great option for anyone looking to brew a different cup of coffee every morning or for families with large families who need an extra capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another ideal choice for those looking for a single-serve device that's easy to use and simple. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can make many cups before needing to be refilled. It can also brew using grounds from your own coffee this is a feature that is not often found in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward, but the machine communicates using tones and chirps instead of a display, which makes it difficult to determine when a brew has been ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with everything you require to begin your day. It has a huge reservoir of 14 cups and a clear window to indicate the water level. It is simple to use due to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The removable filter and grinder are both easily cleaned in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach places. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter which helps to remove metals, unpleasant flavors and odors from the tap water. This can make the coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less work and a more delicious coffee.
Another benefit: 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 entire pot is brewing. This is a great feature in busy mornings when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It's also a pretty attractive looking coffee maker, with sleek design that is more at home on the countertop than the bulky drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It offers a premium experience with an affordable price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics an expert pour over, with precise metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. Coffeee utilizes powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the full brewing cycle in around five to six minutes. This is significantly less than many of the cheaper models we tested. This speedy brewing is in part due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds to settle prior to when the shower head is able to deliver the rest of the hot water needed for optimal extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique in order to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of only a handful of brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature throughout the process of brewing.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in its design. It comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a Melitta flat bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates that helps keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi brews great-tasting coffee and has a sleek, compact design that doesn't need much counter space. The touchscreen has cute little icons that allow you to choose one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup feature). The machine also allows you to set the timer, and turn the brew cycle-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that allows you to alter the size of the grind and intensity of your coffee. It takes some time to get used to the machine but once you've done it, the machine is easy to use. It includes many of the features you would expect to find on more expensive models.
The only downside is that it can't brew the entire carafe in one go, which can be a challenge if you're serving a lot of people. It's a great choice if you want an espresso maker with an integrated grinder, and the capability 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 designed to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The elegant glass carafe can be placed on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to brew a whole or half pot, and it's certified to brew at optimal times and temperatures suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stopper," which is a tiny lever below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe while brewing.
The machine is more expensive than many other machines on the market, however it's worth it for those who want to have consistently great coffee without spending too much in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all parts that come into contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models, but still faster than pour over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of workshop tools and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.