The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that permit hands-free making. However, they can be big and bulky taking up valuable counter space or a spot under cabinets.
The best drip machines are sleek and easy 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 can be used to make coffee in just one step from whole beans to a carafe of coffee in only two presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the right amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful plastic filters and pods.
It also offers a range 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 cups to tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't typically fit under drip machines. It even creates tea!
Manufacturers love to dream up bizarre technical terms and this one comes with the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the beans you choose. It's actually simply marketing. What matters is that it's easy to use, is pretty quick and doesn't create a lot of a mess when making coffee. It does, however, not have the ability to make a short or long shot of espresso and lacks a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the ease at the ability to customize the brewing experience. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of dials, as well as choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can make cold brew at the touch of a button, or choose from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it's not as sophisticated as the more sophisticated models we have tested. The rounded Smeg drip maker is, for instance, shaped like an Easter egg and is a welcome alternative to the traditional models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is underway. It takes some concentration and effort to get started in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the necessity to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. They can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip maker.
But the Keurigs we've tested have created quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also create an annoying, loud sputtering noise while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed very well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups and three temperature settings and a customizable menu. It also comes with an milk frother that can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who want to make different coffees every morning or for large families who require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is a ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it needs to be refilled. It can also brew using grounds from your own coffee which is rare in a Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however the machine communicates via tones and chirps instead of a display, which makes it difficult to know the moment when a coffee is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine has all the features you require to begin your day. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows the level of water. It is simple to use thanks to the large buttons that have clearly labeled labels. The filter and grinder that are removable are both easily cleaned in the sink. This removes the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult to reach places. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options that include strong.
The reservoir has a charcoal-filter that removes metals and unpleasant flavors as well as odors from the tap water. This can cause the coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less work, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature allows you to set your coffee brew to a certain time. The Pause button allows you to make a cup of coffee or two before the pot has finished making coffee. This is a great feature in busy mornings when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which will look more at home on the kitchen counter compared to most boxy drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a more affordable price point and smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics an expert pour over, with precision metered water flow and ideal coffee temperature. The machine makes use of 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the brewing process in about five to six minutes. This is far shorter than most of the lesser models we've tested. The rapid brew is largely due to the blooming cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head, which then delivers the rest of the water for optimal extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique in order to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and protect the spray head. This is one of only a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means it maintains the right temperature of brewing throughout the entire process of brewing.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in its design. It comes with an stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate and helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi makes great tasting coffee and has a sleek, relatively compact design that doesn't take up any counter space. The touchscreen has cute icons that let you select one-touch commands. For example you can select Bold or, if you are only making a half-pot of coffee, you can select the One to four cups feature. The machine lets you set the timer and switch the brew cycle-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.
It's great to have a built-in grinder that allows you to adjust the grind size and the strength of your coffee. It takes a while to get used to how the machine functions but it's easy once you've mastered it. It also has many of the features you'd expect to see on higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make the entire carafe in one go this could be a challenge if you need to serve multiple people. It's still a good option if you're looking to buy drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder as well as the ability to make a variety of types of drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a premium drip-coffee maker built to last. Coffeee UK comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. Its sleek glass cup sits on top of a warming device that keeps the coffee at an optimal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with either a full or half pot and is certified to brew coffee at recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically incognito drip stopper," which is a small lever below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee when you take the carafe off during brewing.
This machine is more expensive than many other machines on the market, however it's worth the cost for anyone who wants to have consistently great coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models, but still quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.