The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow for hands-free brewing. They can be large and bulky, occupying valuable counter space or cabinet space.
The best drip machines are streamlined and easy to use. Some are equipped with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more customizable, like programmable timers and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is an all-in-one shop for coffee - it goes from whole beans to a large carafe by pressing a few buttons. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken from De'Longhi espresso machines) that measures out the proper amount of grounds, and then compacts them before brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also has a variety of settings to suit the size of your cup or design, from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced coffee and 40oz for the standard carafe. It is able to pour coffee into any container you like, whether it's a large mug or a tiny espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with absurd technical jargons, and this one has the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to the choice you make. But really, that's just marketing. It's important to note that it's simple to use, pretty fast and doesn't make much of a mess while brewing. It does not have the ability to make either a long or short shot of espresso and doesn't have steam wands for milk. If you are seeking these features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee machines 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 for an incredibly reasonable price.
We also appreciated the ease of customizing the making process. With a simple dial turn, you can choose your cup size (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-carafe) and the strength you want and whether you prefer either a French press or a regular setting. You can also make cold brew at the touch of a button, or choose from a variety of special options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design doesn't match some of the more sophisticated models we've tested. For instance the Smeg drip's rounded machine looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the boxy models. Its narrow opening and slim tank can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is on. It requires a bit more thought and effort to get started in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers utilize pre-packaged K cups that eliminate the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also allow you to control the brewing time. They can also brew one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is significantly quicker than a standard drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested made quite a mess than drip machines. The spout which dispenses the hot coffee leaves a two-inch splash area, which spills out droplets all over the drip tray machine, counter and. They also create an irritating, loud popping sound while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked well despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes for K-cups and three temperature settings and a menu that can be customized. It also comes with a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth skim, whole and nondairy milk. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to brew a different cup of coffee every morning or for large families that require an extra capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another ideal choice for anyone who is looking for a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it has to be filled. It also has the ability to brew grounds from your own coffee this is a feature that isn't often seen in a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use however the machine communicates with tones and chirps, not a display, making it difficult to tell when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine has all the features you need to start your day. It comes with a large, 14-cup reservoir and an easily-readable indicator of the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. The grinder and filter that can be removed are both easily cleaned in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach areas. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different settings, including strong.
The reservoir also has charcoal filters that help to remove metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water, which can cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. This means less maintenance and a more delicious cup of joe.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brew to a particular time. The pause button allows you to pour a cup of coffee or two before the pot is done brewing. This is useful in busy mornings when you need an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a pretty attractive looking coffee maker, with an elegant design that appears more at home on a counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides a premium experience with the same price, but a smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics an expert pour over, with precise metered water flow and a perfect temperature for coffee. The machine consumes 1400 Watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing cycle within 5 to 6 minutes. This is a lot more efficient than the lower-end models we tested. Best filter coffee machine Coffeee UK is largely due to the blooming process that allows the coffee grounds to settle before the shower head delivering the remainder of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to protect the spray head while brewing and to keep the water at the optimum temperature. 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 elegant, minimalist and sleek in its design. It has an stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe keeps brewed coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates and helps keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact elegant coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute little icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a pot, you can use the One to Four cup feature). The machine lets you set the timer and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
The built-in grinder and ability to control the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It takes some time to learn how the machine functions however, it's easy once you do. It has plenty of the features that you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee in one go. This could be a problem when you're serving several people. But it's a solid option if you're looking to buy drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder as well as the flexibility to make different types of drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a top drip coffee maker built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. Its sleek glass cup sits on top of a warming device that keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with 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 has a "practically invisible drip stopper," which is a tiny lever beneath the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe while the brewing process.
Although this machine is more expensive than most other models on the market it's worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all components that come in contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than other models, it's faster than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.