The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of hands-off brewing. However, they can also be large and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinet.
The best drip machines have a simple design and are easy to use. Some drip machines include extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning mode that can make your morning coffee more personalised.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee - it goes from whole beans to a full carafe with a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the right amount of grounds and then compacts them prior to brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a variety of options for the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, from big cups to tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit under regular drip machines. It even makes tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with bizarre technical terms and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to your selection. However, it's really nothing more than marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, fast and doesn't create lots of mess when making espresso. It's not able to make a quick shot or a long shot of espresso, and it does not include a steam wand. If you're seeking these features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the ease at which we were able to alter the brewing process. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings to a full carafe) and the strength you prefer with the simple turn of an dial, as well as choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can prepare cold brew at the push of a button or choose from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design doesn't resemble the other more sophisticated models we've tried. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing alternative to the traditional models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is underway. It requires a bit more thought and effort than some consumers would want as part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers make use of K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the necessity to measure and grind grounds and regulate brewing times. They can also brew a cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is significantly faster than a traditional drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested created much more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone that leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create a bothersome loud sputtering sound when brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes for K-cups and three temperature settings and a customizable menu. It also comes with a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth whole, skim, and nondairy milk. It's a great option for anyone who wants to make a new cup of coffee each day or for large families who need a bigger capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another good choice for anyone who wants a simple and easy-to-use single-serve device. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can brew several cups before needing to be refilled. It also allows brewing using your own coffee grounds which is rare in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however the machine communicates with tones and chirps rather than an LCD, making it difficult to know when a brew has been ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine comes with all the features that you need to start your day. It has a large 14-cup reservoir as well as an easily-readable indicator of the level of water. It is easy to use because of the large buttons that have clearly labeled labels. The grinder and filter that can be removed are both easily cleaned in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from hard-to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings including strong.
The reservoir also has charcoal filtering that can help absorb metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water, which could cause your coffee to taste dry or burned. That means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of joe.
Another benefit: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the whole pot is finished brewing, which can be beneficial for busy mornings when you need an extra dose of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design, which will look more at home on the counter of your kitchen compared to the majority of drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides an exceptional experience at a slightly lower price and a smaller footprint. The single-button controls mimic the pour-over process, and comes with a precise metered flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine utilizes powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the entire brewing process in about five to six minutes--which is much less than the majority of the lesser models we tested. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming cycle, which allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head delivering the rest of the water for optimal extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to safeguard the spray head during making and to keep the water at the optimal temperature. This is one of the few brewers who have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the correct temperature of brewing throughout the brewing process.
In terms of design in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimalist, with a stainless steel carafe that is placed on top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which helps keep brewed coffee warm, without the need of a heated plate. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi makes great tasting coffee and features a sleek, compact design that doesn't require much counter space. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands. For why not try this out can select Bold or, if you are only making a half pot of coffee, you can use the One to four cups feature. The machine 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 addition. It takes a little time to learn to use the machine, but once you do you'll be able to understand it. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to see on higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it can't brew a full carafe at once which could be a challenge if you're serving a lot of people. It's still a good option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the flexibility to make different types of drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a premium drip-coffee maker built to last. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The stylish 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 brew a whole or half pot, and it's certified to brew at the ideal times and temperatures recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stopper," which is a small lever below the brew pot that stops the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe when making coffee.
Although this machine is more expensive than other models on the market it's well worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models but still faster than pour over brewing. In addition, the Moccamaster's distinctive design, which is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific devices and adds an elegant touch to your kitchen.