The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow hands-free coffee making. But they can also be large and bulky taking up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some come with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more customized, like programmable timers and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step from whole beans to a carafe full of coffee in just two presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the correct amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful plastic filters and pods.
It also comes with a variety of settings to suit the size and design, from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced tea 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 do not normally fit under regular drip machines. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with absurd technical jargons, and this one has the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the choice you make. But really, that's just 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 when making coffee. It is not able to make a quick shot or a long shot of espresso, and it does not come with a steam wand. If you are seeking these features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee makers on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also appreciated the simplicity of customizing the method of brewing. You can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of a dial, as well as choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew with the touch of an ice cube, or choose from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that it doesn't match the more sophisticated models we tested. For example the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome contrast to the boxy models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is being made. It requires a bit more concentration and effort to get going in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and control brewing times. They can also brew a cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is a lot faster than a standard drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested made quite a mess than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that releases drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create a loud, irritating sound when you're brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, with a removable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups, three temperature settings, and a menu that can be customized. It also comes with an automatic milk frother that is dishwasher safe and can froth whole, skim, and nondairy milk. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to brew a different cup of coffee each morning or for families with large families that require more capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another excellent option for those seeking a single-serve machine that is user-friendly and simple. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it needs to be refilled. And it can also create a cup of coffee using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature in a Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward, but the machine communicates via tones and chirps rather than an LCD, making it difficult to tell the moment when a coffee is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine comes with everything you need to get started on your day. It comes with a large 14-cup reservoir as well as a clear indicator of the level of water. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed can be cleaned easily in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options that include bold.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter which helps to remove metals, unpleasant flavors and odors from tap water. This can cause your coffee to taste dull or burnt. This means less maintenance and a more delicious coffee.
A second benefit: the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brew to a specific time. The pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the entire pot has finished making it, which can be beneficial for busy mornings when you require energy. It also has a sleek and modern design and is more comfortable on the counter in comparison to the majority of drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a more affordable price and smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates a skilled pour over with precise metered water flow and ideal coffee temperature. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing cycle within 5 to 6 minutes. This is much more efficient than the less expensive models we test. The speedy brewing time is partly due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head is able to deliver the rest of the hot water needed for the best extraction.
The Six also features a distinctive heat shield to safeguard the spray head during making and to keep the water at the optimum temperature. This is one of only a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it will maintain the proper temperature of brewing throughout the entire cycle of brewing.
The Six is elegant, minimalist and sleek in its design. It comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe keeps brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate that helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee 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 display has cute little icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or if you're making only half a pot, the One to Four cup feature). The machine lets you set the timer, and toggle off or on the audible tone that signals the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to control the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. Coffeee takes a little time to get used to the machine but once you've done it, you'll be able to understand it. And it has a lot of the features that you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
The only downside is that it can't brew a full carafe at once this could be a problem if you're serving a lot of people. It's a good option 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 excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a top drip coffee maker built to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and is backed by a five-year warranty. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at a consistent temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to brew a full or half pot, and it's certified to brew at ideal temperatures and times recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically incognito drip stop," that's a small lever beneath the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee when you take the carafe off during brewing.
This machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth it for anyone looking to have consistently great coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that come into contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. While the brew process takes longer than other models, it's still faster than pour-over making. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific devices, adds the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.