The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow for hands-free making. However, they can be large and bulky and take up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The best drip machines have a simple design and are simple to use. Some drip machines include extras like programmable clocks and self-cleaning modes to 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 complete carafe by pressing a few buttons. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) that measures out the correct amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful pods and filters made of plastic.
It also comes with a variety of options for the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of the traditional carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, ranging from large cups to tiny espresso cups, or even tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit in regular drip machines. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans based on your selection. That's all marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't cause many mess while brewing. However, it does not have the ability to make either a long or short shot of espresso and lacks steam wands for milk. If you're seeking these features, I recommend looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It consistently produces delicious and hot cups of joe that brew efficiently and cleanly using sleek, compact components that are easy to operate, all at an extremely affordable price.
We also appreciated the ease with which we were able to modify the brewing experience. With a simple dial turn, you can choose your cup size (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-sized carafe), your desired strength and whether you want either a French press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew using the touch of the button, or select from a variety of special options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design doesn't match some of the other more sophisticated models we tested. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design is, for instance, shaped like an Easter egg and is a welcome change from the boxy competitors. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is in. It takes some time and thought to get going in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the need to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. These machines also brew one cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is considerably faster than a standard drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested make quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash zone that leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying loud sputtering noise while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig, the most advanced model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes as well as three temperature settings and a user-friendly program. It also has a milk frother that can be used to froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to brew a different cup of coffee each day or for large families who need an extra capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. 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 this is a feature that isn't often seen in the world of Keurig. The controls are straightforward and simple, though the machine does communicate with tones and chirps rather than a screen, which makes it harder to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This durable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you need to get your day started. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and a clear window to indicate the water level. The large buttons clearly labeled 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 comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings that include strong.
The reservoir also has a charcoal filter that helps to remove metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water. This could cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. This means less work and a better tasting coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brew to a certain time. The button to pause lets you pour a cup or two before the whole pot is brewing. This is a great feature during busy mornings, or when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It's also a beautiful design coffee maker, with a sleek design that looks more at home on the kitchen counter than most boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a lower price and smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics the art of pour-over with precise metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine consumes 1400 watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing process within 5 to 6 minutes. This is significantly more efficient than the less expensive models we tried. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming process which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head, which then delivers the remainder of the water for maximum extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to protect the spray head while 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 that it maintains the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brew cycle.
In terms of design In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal and comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which helps keep the coffee hot without the need of heated plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact and sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup feature). The machine also allows you to set the timer and switch the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
The built-in grinder and the ability to dial in the size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It takes a while to understand how the machine works however, it's easy once you do. It comes with many of the features that 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 if you need to serve several people. It's still a good choice if you're looking for drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the ability to make a variety of kinds of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker that's built to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured 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 up six minutes. Coffeee UK can be programmed to brew a whole or half pot, and is certified to brew at the ideal times and temperatures recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stopper" which is a small lever beneath the brew kettle that stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe from the brewing.
This machine is more expensive than many other models on the market, but it's worth the cost for those who want to enjoy consistently excellent 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. The brew process is slower than other models but still quicker than pour over making. The Moccamaster's unique design of workshop tools and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.