The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of making coffee hands-free. They can be large and bulky, occupying valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The top drip machines are simple and easy to use. Some have extra features that make your morning cup of coffee more customized, like programmable timers and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is the perfect place to buy coffee. It can be made from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the correct amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating the need for pods and plastic filters.
It also offers a range of settings to fit the size and style, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee and 40oz for the standard carafe. It pours the coffee in your choice of vessel, from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups, or even tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit under regular drip machines. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to your selection. However, it's really simply marketing. It's important to note that it's a breeze to use, is pretty quick and doesn't create a lot of a mess while brewing. It's not able to make a short shot or a lengthy shot of espresso, and it does not come with steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee machines available on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the ease with which we were able to alter the brewing process. You can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and your desired strength by simply turning an dial, as well as choose between a regular or french press setting. You can also make cold brew with the touch of an ice cube, or choose from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we have tested. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the more boxy models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is underway. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to get going in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that come pre-packaged, which eliminates the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They also allow you to control the brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee in under two minutes. This is a lot quicker than a drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested make 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 produce an annoying loud sputtering noise while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes, three temperature settings and a customizable program. coffee drip maker has a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can be used to froth skim, whole and non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who wish to brew different coffee every morning or for families with large numbers that require the capacity of a larger.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a simple, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be filled. Additionally, it can brew a cup using your own ground coffee--a rare feature for the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however, the machine communicates using tones and chirps instead of a display, which makes it difficult to tell when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine has all the features you need to start your day. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and an easy-to-read window to show the water level. It is simple to use due to the large buttons and clearly labeled labels. And the removable filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to clean grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector that allows you to select between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also has charcoal filters that help soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water, which can cause coffee to taste bland or burned. This means less work and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the ability to program allows you to set your coffee's brewing time to a certain time. The Pause button allows you to pour a cup of coffee or two before the whole pot is done making. This is a great feature during busy mornings, or when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which is more comfortable on the counter in comparison to most boxy drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a lower price and a smaller footprint. The single-button control simulates the pour-over process, and comes with a precision metered flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing process in between five and six minutes. This is much quicker than the cheaper models that we tested. The speedy brewing time is in part 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 utilizes a heat shield that is unique to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of 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 In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist, with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a filter holder that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. 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 makes great tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, compact design that doesn't need much counter space. The touchscreen features cute icons that allow you to select single-touch commands. For instance, you can choose Bold or If you're only making a half pot of coffee, you can choose the One to four cups feature. The machine allows you to set the timer, and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
The built-in grinder and ability to dial in the size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It can take some time to understand how the machine works however, it's easy once you do. It also has many of the features that you'd expect to see on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it can't brew a full carafe at once which could be a challenge if you need to serve 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 comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a top drip coffee maker that's built to last. It comes with a 5 year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at an optimal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to brew a full or half pot, and is certified to brew at the ideal temperatures and times recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stop," a small lever located below the brew pot that stops the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe when making coffee.
While this machine is more expensive than most other machines on the market, it's well worth the investment for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all parts that come into contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's still quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's distinctive, reminiscent design of workshop tools and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.