The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are robust machines capable of making coffee hands-free. However, they can be heavy and bulky taking up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
The best drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some drip machines come with additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning mode to make your morning coffee more personalized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can be made from whole beans to a complete carafe using just a few presses. It has a built in burr grinder (taken from espresso machines made by De'Longhi) that calculates the proper amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also comes with a variety of settings to suit the size and design, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into your choice of vessel, from big mugs to those tiny espresso cups, or even tall travel mugs that don't typically fit under drip machines. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to your preferences. That's all marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't cause lots of mess when brewing. It's not able make a quick shot or a lengthy shot of espresso and does not include steam wand. If you're looking for those features, I recommend looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee makers on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of joe that brew quickly and efficiently from sleek, compact equipment that is easy to operate--all for an incredibly reasonable price.
We also enjoyed the ease at the ability to modify the brewing experience. By turning a dial, you can choose your cup size (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew at the touch of an ice cube, or choose from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that it's not as sophisticated as the more sophisticated models that we tested. The Smeg drip maker that is rounded, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome change from the boxy competitors. But its slender water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is being made. It requires a bit more thought and effort than most consumers might want to make part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the need to measure and grind grounds, and also control the brewing time. These machines also brew a cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is considerably faster than a standard drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested made a lot more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews the hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area that leaves droplets all over the drip tray as well as the counter, machine and. They also make a snarling loud sputtering sound when brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K cups sizes, three temperature settings and a program that can be customized. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth whole, skim, and non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for those who want to make a different cup of coffee each morning or for those with large families that require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a good choice for anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can brew many 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 straightforward and easy to use, but the machine communicates with tones and chirps, rather than a screen which makes it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model has all the features you need to start your day. It comes with a large 14-cup reservoir as well as an easy-to-read indicator of the level of water. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it easy to use. The filter and grinder that are removable can both be cleaned in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different options, including bold.
The reservoir also features a charcoal filter that helps absorb metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water. This could cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. This means less maintenance and a more delicious cup of joe.
Another benefit: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. And the pause button allows you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the full pot is making it, which can be useful for busy mornings when you require a boost of caffeine. It's also a beautiful coffee maker with a sleek and attractive sleek design that is more at home on the counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It offers a premium experience with a slightly lower price and smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics an expert pour over, with precise metered flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. more information makes use of powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the brewing cycle in around five to six minutes, which is much less than the majority of the cheaper models we've tested. This speedy brewing 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 needed for optimal extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to keep water at the optimal temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of few brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature throughout the brew cycle.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that is placed on the top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of 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 take up a lot of counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute little icons that allow you to choose one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a cup, the One to Four cups feature). The machine also lets you set the timer and switch the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to alter the size of the grind and the strength of your coffee. It takes some time to get used to the machine however once you've mastered it, you'll be able to understand it. It comes with many of the features you would expect to find on more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee at once. This can be a problem when you're serving a lot of people. It's a good choice when you're looking for drip coffeemaker that has a built in grinder and the ability to make a variety 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 five-year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The stylish glass carafe is set on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a consistent temperature for up six minutes. It can be programmed to work with 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," a small lever located below the brew pot that stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe from the making coffee.
This machine is more expensive than other models on the market, but it's worth it for those who want to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending too much in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that are in contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's still quicker than pour-over brewing. Additionally, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or scientific devices will add a touch of class to your kitchen.