The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of brewing without hands. But they can also be large and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines have a simple design and are simple to use. Some drip machines include extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning mode that can make your morning cup of coffee more customized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step - from whole beans to a carafe of coffee with just two presses. It has a built in burr grinder (taken from espresso machines made by De'Longhi) that measures out the correct amount of grounds and then compacts them before brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a variety of settings for your preferred cup size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of the standard carafe. It pours the coffee in your choice of vessel, ranging from large mugs to those tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit in regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit your preferences. This is all 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. However, it does lack the ability to brew either a long or short shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of joe that are brewed efficiently and quickly from sleek, compact components that are easy to operate, all at an extremely affordable cost.
We also liked the flexibility of modifying the method of brewing. With a simple dial turn you can select your cup size (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-sized carafe) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you prefer either a French press or a regular setting. You can also make cold brew at the touch of a button, or choose from a variety of special options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design isn't as elegant as some of the more sophisticated models we've tried. For instance the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a refreshing break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be tricky to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is on. It requires a bit more time and thought than many consumers might want to make part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers make use of pre-packaged K cups that eliminate the requirement to measure or grind grounds. They also let you control the brewing time. They can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is significantly quicker than a drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced quite a mess than drip machines. The spout spewing the hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone, which leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create a bothersome loud sputtering sound when making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes, three temperature settings and a program that can be customized. It also has a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can be used to froth skim, whole and non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who want to make different coffees every morning, or for families who require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is a excellent option for those who wants a straightforward single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a 78 ounce tank that can brew multiple cups before having to be filled. Additionally, it can create a cup of coffee using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature for a Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however, the machine communicates with tones and chirps rather than a display, which makes it difficult to determine when a cup is ready.
4. drip brewer Coffeee UK , mid-priced machine comes with everything you need to start your day. It has a big 14-cup reservoir, as well as a clear water level indicator window. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The filter that is removable and the grinder can both be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to clean ground from difficult-to-access areas. It also includes a handy brew-strength selector, which allows you to select between three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir also has charcoal filtering that can help to remove metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water, which could cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit: the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brewing to a certain time. And the pause button allows you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the full pot is brewing, which can be helpful in busy mornings when you need energy. It's also a pretty attractive coffee maker with a sleek and attractive sleek design that is more at home on a counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a more affordable price and a smaller footprint. The single-button system emulates the pour-over process, and comes with a precise measured flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of 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 lesser models we tested. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming process, which allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head delivering the remainder of the water for maximum extraction.
The Six also features a distinctive heat shield to safeguard the spray head during brewing and also to keep the water at an optimal temperature. It is among a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature throughout the cycle of brewing.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal and comes with a stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a holder for filters that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe keeps brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate, which helps to preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute little icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or when you're making just half a pot, the One to Four cups feature). The machine allows you to set the timer and turn on or off the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder and the ability to control the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes a bit of time to learn to use the machine, but once you do you'll be able to understand it. And it has a lot of features you'd expect to see on higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make a full carafe at once which could be a problem when you need to serve multiple people. It's a good choice when you're looking for drip coffeemaker that has an integrated grinder and the ability to create different drinks. It has a one year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a premium drip-coffee maker built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and is backed by a five-year warranty. Its sleek glass cup sits 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 the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically hidden drip stopper" which is a tiny lever located below the brew basket that stop the flow of coffee when you take the carafe off during the brewing.
Although 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 spending too long in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all components that come in contact with water and grounds are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models but still much faster than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools for workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.