The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow hands-free brewing. But they can also be large and heavy taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinet.
The best drip machines are streamlined and easy to use. Some have extra features that make a morning cup of coffee more customized such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning settings.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is the perfect place to buy coffee - it goes from whole beans to a large carafe with a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures the correct amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also has a variety of settings to suit your preferred cup size or style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, from big mugs to the tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit under regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans based on the beans you choose. It's actually nothing more than marketing. It's important to note that it's simple to use, fairly quick and doesn't cause a lot of a mess while brewing. It is not able to make a quick shot or a lengthy shot of espresso and does not include a steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
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 appreciated the simplicity of customizing the method of brewing. You can select the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and the strength you prefer by simply turning dials as well as select between either a french press or regular setting. You can make cold brew with the touch of a button or choose from a variety of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design doesn't match some of the other more sophisticated models we've tried. For instance the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is underway. It takes a little more time and thought than many consumers would want as part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that are pre-packaged, which eliminates the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also allow you to control the time of brewing. These machines also brew one cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is significantly faster than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested have created a lot of mess--much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone, which leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also make an irritating, loud sputtering noise while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes as well as three temperature settings and a customizable program. It also has an automatic milk frother that is dishwasher safe and 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 that need a larger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a excellent option for those looking for a single-serve device that is easy to use and simple to use. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can brew many cups before needing to be filled. It can also make a cup with your own ground coffee, a rare feature for a Keurig. The controls are straightforward and simple, though the machine communicates with tones and chirps, instead of a display which makes it difficult to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with all the features you require to begin your day. It has a large 14-cup reservoir, as well as a clear water level indicator window. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed can be cleaned easily in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from hard-to reach areas. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter which helps to remove metals, unpleasant flavors and smells from the tap water. This can cause the coffee to taste dull or burnt. This means less maintenance and a better-tasting cup of coffee.
A second benefit: the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brew to a particular time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the full pot is making it, which can be useful for busy mornings when you need an extra dose of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which is more comfortable on the counter in comparison to the majority of drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It provides an exceptional experience at a slightly lower price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates an expert pour over, with precise metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing process within five to six minutes. This is significantly faster than the majority of the less expensive models we tried. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming cycle that allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head, which then delivers the rest of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of only a handful of brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature of brewing throughout the entire cycle of brewing.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist It comes with a stainless-steel carafe, which sits on top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe helps keep brewed coffee warm, without the use of heating plates. This helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact and sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen panel has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands. For instance you can select Bold or, if you are only making a half pot of coffee, you can choose the One to four cups feature. The machine allows you to set the timer, and turn on or off the audible tone that signals the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder and ability to dial in the size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It takes some time to become familiar with the machine however once you've mastered it, it is intuitive. It includes many of the features you would expect to find in more expensive models.
The only downside is that it's not able to brew an entire carafe at one time, which can be a challenge if you need to serve multiple people. But it's a solid option if you're looking to buy a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the ability to make a variety of kinds of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It's manufactured by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. Its sleek glass carafe sits atop a warmer that keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. find out here can be programmed for a full pot or a half-pot and is rated to brew coffee at the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically invisible drip stop," which is a small lever below the brew pot that will stop the flow of coffee when you take off the carafe while making coffee.
While 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 great coffee without spending too long in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that are in contact with water and grounds are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models but still quicker than pour over making. Additionally, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or scientific instruments, adds the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.