The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow for hands-free brewing. They can be big and bulky, occupying valuable counter or cabinet space.
The best drip machines have a simple design and are simple to use. Some come with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more flexible such as timers that are programmable and self-cleaning modes.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step - from whole beans to a carafe of coffee in only two presses. It has a built in burr grinder (taken from De'Longhi espresso machines) that measures out the right amount of grounds, and then compacts them before brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also has a range of settings for your preferred cup size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of standard carafe. It pours the coffee into a variety of vessel, ranging from large mugs to those tiny espresso cups or 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 according to your selection. This is all marketing. The most important thing is that it's easy to use, fairly fast and doesn't make much of a mess when brewing. It does not have the ability to make a short or long shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with steam wands for milk. If you're looking for these features, I recommend taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee machines on the market. It makes consistently delicious, hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently.
We also appreciated the ease with that we could customize the brewing experience. You can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and the strength you want with the simple turn of an dial and also choose between the french press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew at the press of an ice cube, or choose from a variety 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. The Smeg drip maker that is rounded, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the more boxy models. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be tricky to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is in. It takes some time and thought to start the process in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and regulate brewing times. They can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced much more mess than drip machines. The spout which dispenses the hot coffee leaves a 2-inch splash area, and spills out droplets all over the drip tray as well as the counter, machine and. They also create a bothersome, loud sputtering sound while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes as well as three temperature settings and a program that can be customized. It also comes with an automatic milk frother that is dishwasher safe and can froth skim, whole, and non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for those who want to make a different cup of coffee each day or for large families who need an extra capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve device that is easy to use and easy to use. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be filled. It also allows brewing using grounds from your own coffee which is rare in the world of Keurig. The controls are easy and simple, though the machine communicates with tones and chirps instead of a screen which makes it more difficult to tell when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you need to start your day. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and a clear window to indicate the level of water. It is simple to use because of the large buttons and clearly labeled labels. The filter that is removable and the grinder can both be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to-access places. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options, including strong.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter which helps to remove metals as well as unpleasant flavors and smells from the tap water. This can cause the coffee to taste dull or burnt. drip brew means less maintenance and a better-tasting cup of joe.
A second benefit: the programmability feature allows you to set your coffee brew to a particular time. The pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot has finished making it, which can be beneficial for busy mornings when you require energy. It also has a sleek and modern design, which will look more at home on the counter in comparison to the majority of drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides a premium experience with a slightly lower price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics the art of pour-over with precision metered water flow and ideal coffee temperature. The machine makes use of a powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the process in five to six minutes--which is significantly less than many of the cheaper models we tested. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming process that allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head that delivers the rest of the water for optimal extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to protect the spray head during brewing and to ensure that the water is kept at the optimal temperature. This is among the few brewers to be Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the right temperature for brewing throughout the brewing process.
The Six is elegant, minimalist and sleek in its design. It has a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a Melitta flat bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which helps keep the coffee hot, without the need for heating plates. This helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It produces a delicious tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, in the case of making just half a cup, 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.
The built-in grinder and the ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes a little time to become familiar with the machine however once you've mastered it, it is intuitive. It has many of the features that you would expect to find on more expensive models.
It can't brew an entire carafe of espresso at once. This could be a problem when you need to serve several people. It's a good option for those who want drip coffeemaker that has a built-in grinder, and the capability to make different 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 comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. Its sleek glass cup sits atop a warmer that keeps the coffee at an optimal 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 at the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically hidden drip stopper," which is a tiny lever located below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee if you take the carafe off during the brewing.
The machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, however it's worth the cost for anyone looking to enjoy consistently great coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with ground or water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's faster than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique design of workshop tools and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.