The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow hands-free brewing. They can be big and bulky, occupying valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some drip machines include additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning mode to make your morning coffee more personalized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step - from whole beans to a cup of coffee with just a couple of presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) that measures 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 variety of settings for your preferred cup size and style, from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It dispenses the coffee into your choice of vessel, from big mugs to the tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that do not normally fit in regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with absurd technical jargons and this one comes with the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the beans you choose. This is all marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, fast and doesn't create many mess while making coffee. However, it does 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 would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers available on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also loved the ease with that we could modify the brewing experience. By turning a dial, 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 a regular or French press setting. You can even make cold brew using the push of a button, 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 tried. For example the Smeg drip's rounded machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the boxy models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is being made. It takes a little more time and thought than many consumers might want to make part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers utilize K cups that come pre-packaged that eliminate the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also let you control the time of brewing. These machines can also brew coffee in under two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip maker.
But the Keurigs we've tested have created lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone, which leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create an annoying, loud sputtering noise while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups, three temperature settings, and a menu that can be customized. It also comes with an milk frother that can be used to froth skim, whole or non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to brew a different cup of coffee each day or for large families that require a bigger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a excellent option for those seeking a single-serve machine that's easy to use and simple to use. It comes with a 78 ounce tank that can brew several cups before having to be filled. And it can also make a cup with the coffee you grind yourself, which is a unique feature of a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, however the machine does communicate with tones and chirps instead of a display which makes it difficult to tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine has all the features you need to start your day. It has a big 14-cup reservoir, as well as an easily-readable indicator of the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it easy to use. The removable filter and grinder can both be cleaned in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach places. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector that lets you select from three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also features a charcoal filter that helps soak up metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water. best drip coffee machine can cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. That means less maintenance and a better tasting coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot has finished making it, which can be useful for busy mornings when you require an extra dose of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design that looks more at ease on the counter in comparison to the majority of drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
Similar to its older sibling, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality at a slightly more affordable price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics an expert pour over, with precision metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine uses 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the full brewing process in about five to six minutes--which is much less than the majority of the cheaper models we have tested. The speedy brewing time is largely due to the bloom cycle, which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head releases the rest of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to protect the spray head during brewing and also to keep the water at the optimal temperature. It is among the few brewers that have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the correct temperature of brewing throughout the brewing process.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in design. It comes with a stainless steel carafe on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which helps keep brewed coffee warm, without the need for heated plates. This preserves the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, compact design that doesn't require lots of counter space. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, in the case of making just half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup option). The machine also lets you set the timer and switch the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes a while to get used to how the machine functions, but it's intuitive once you've mastered it. It has plenty of features you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it's not able to brew the entire carafe in one go which could be a challenge if you're serving multiple people. It's still a good option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder and the ability to make various kinds of drinks. It comes with 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 made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The elegant glass carafe can be positioned on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a consistent temperature for as long as six minutes. It can be programmed for either a full or half pot, and is certified to brew coffee using the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically invisible drip stopper," an incredibly small lever that is located below the brew pot that stops the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe when making.
While this machine is more expensive than other models on the market it's worth the investment for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. In addition, the Moccamaster's distinctive design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or other scientific equipment, adds an elegant touch to your kitchen.