The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of brewing without hands. However, they can also be large and bulky and take up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
filtered coffee machine are simple and easy to use. Some have extra features that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible with timers that can be programmed and self-cleaning settings.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can go from whole beans to a complete carafe using just a few presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures the correct amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to making the coffee - eliminating plastic filters and pods.
It also comes with a variety of settings to fit the size of your cup or design, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can dispense coffee into any vessel you like, whether it's a large cup or a tiny espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to the beans you choose. But really, that's just marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't cause lots of mess when brewing. It does, however, not have the ability to make either a long or short shot of espresso and lacks steam wands for milk. If you're looking for those features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee machines on the market. It consistently produces delicious, hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently.
We also enjoyed the ease with that we could alter the brewing process. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of a dial, as well as choose between either a french press or 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 issue is that the design doesn't match some of the other more sophisticated models we tested. For example the Smeg drip's rounded machine looks like a gleaming Easter egg and is a welcome break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is in process. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to get started in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the need to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. These machines can also make a cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is a lot faster than a traditional drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested created a lot more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone, which leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also make an irritating, loud popping sound while making coffee.
The Keurigs that we tested worked well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K cups sizes with three temperature settings, and a customizable program. It also has a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can be used to froth skim, whole and nondairy milk. It's a great choice for anyone looking to make a different cup of coffee every morning or for large families who need an extra capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a good choice for anyone who wants a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can brew multiple cups before having refilling. It also has the ability to brew your own coffee grounds, a feature that is rare in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and simple, though the machine communicates with tones and chirps, instead of a display, which makes it harder to tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model has all the features you require to begin 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 intuitive to use. The filter that is removable and the grinder can be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to clean grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different options including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filtering that can help soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water. This can cause coffee to taste dry or burnt. This means less maintenance, and a more enjoyable cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot is finished making it, which can be helpful in busy mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design that will look more at home on the kitchen counter compared to other drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It offers a premium experience with an affordable price and a smaller footprint. The single-button system emulates a pour over, with a precise measured flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the full brewing process in about five to six minutes. This is significantly less than many of the less expensive models we've tested. This speedy brewing is in part due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head releases the rest of the hot water to ensure the best extraction.
The Six also uses a unique heat shield to safeguard the spray head while making and to ensure that the water is kept at the optimal temperature. It is among the few brewers that have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brewing process.
The Six is elegant, minimalist and sleek in design. It comes with an stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a Melitta flat bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot, without the need for heated plates. This helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen display has cute little 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 option). The machine lets you set the timer, as well as turn on or off the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that lets you alter the size of the grind and intensity of your coffee. It can take some time to get used to how the machine functions, but it's intuitive once you do. It has many of the features that you would expect to find in higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it's not able to brew a full carafe at once this could be a problem when you're serving a lot of people. However, it's a great choice if you're looking for a drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the flexibility to make different kinds of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is an excellent drip coffee maker that's built to last. It comes with a 5 year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. Its sleek glass cup sits on top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed for a full pot or a half pot, and is certified to brew coffee using the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stop," which is a tiny lever located below the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe while the brewing.
This machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth it for anyone looking to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending too much 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 making. The Moccamaster's unique design of workshop tools and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.