The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of making coffee hands-free. However, they can also be big and bulky taking up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The best drip machines are simple and simple to use. Some drip machines come with additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning modes to make your morning coffee more personalized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can go from whole beans to a large 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 proper amount of grounds, and then compacts them before brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also has a variety of settings to fit your preferred cup size or style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks, up to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can dispense coffee into any vessel you prefer whether it's a large cup or a small espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers love to invent ridiculous technical-sounding jargon and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the beans you choose. It's actually just marketing. The most important thing is that it's a breeze to use, fairly quick and doesn't create a lot of a mess while brewing. It's not able to brew either a short shot or a long shot espresso, and it does not include a steam wand. If you're looking for those features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently.
We also loved the ease at that we could alter the brewing process. You can select your cup size (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and the strength you prefer by turning dials and also choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can also make cold brew using the push of the button, or select from a variety of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design doesn't resemble the other more sophisticated models we've tried. For example, the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the boxy models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is underway. It takes a little more thought and effort than most consumers might want to make part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the need to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. They can also brew a cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is a lot quicker than a standard drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested have created quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also create a loud, irritating popping sound while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes with three temperature settings, and a program that can be customized. It also has a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can be used to froth skim, whole and nondairy milk. It's an excellent choice for those who want to make a different cup of coffee each morning or for families with large families who need a bigger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve device that is easy to use and simple to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it has to be refilled. It can also brew using your own coffee grounds, a feature that is not often found in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however, the machine communicates via tones and chirps, not a display, making it difficult to know when a brew has been ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you need to start your day. It has a large 14-cup reservoir as well as an easy-to-read water level indicator window. It is simple to use thanks 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 includes a handy brew-strength selector that lets you choose between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter which helps to remove metals as well as unpleasant flavors and smells from the tap water. This could make your coffee taste bland or burnt. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit: The programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The Pause button allows you to pour a cup of coffee or two before the pot is done making coffee. This is useful during busy mornings, or when you need an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design that will look more at home on the counter of your kitchen compared to the majority of drip coffee makers .
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers a premium experience with a lower price point and smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics an expert pour over, with precise metered flow of water and ideal coffee temperature. The machine utilizes a powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the brewing cycle in around five to six minutes. This is far shorter than most of the less expensive models we tested. This speedy brewing is largely due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head delivers the rest of the hot water to ensure the best extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to keep water at the optimal temperature and protect the spray head. It is among the few brewers to be 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 minimal, with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which helps keep the coffee hot, without the need for a heated plate. This preserves the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi brews great-tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, relatively compact design that doesn't take up lots of counter space. The touchscreen display has cute little icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or if you're making only half a pot, the One to Four cup option). The machine also allows you to set the timer and turn the brew-cycle tone tones that sound audible or off.
The built-in grinder and the ability to dial in the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It can take some time to get used to how the machine works but it's easy when you've done. It has many of the features you would expect to find in higher-end models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of espresso at once. This can be a problem if you need to serve several people. However, it's a great option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder as well as the ability to make various kinds of drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with 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 features a "practically incognito drip stopper" which is a small lever located below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe during the brewing process.
While this machine is more expensive than most other machines on the market, it's worth the extra investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that come into contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of workshop tools or other scientific equipment, adds an elegant touch to your kitchen.