The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are robust machines capable of hands-off brewing. They can be huge and bulky, occupying valuable counter or cabinet space.
The top drip machines are sleek and easy to use. Some have extra features that make a morning cup of coffee more customized, like programmable timers and self-cleaning settings.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in one step from whole beans to a cup of coffee with just two presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating the need for pods and plastic filters.
It also has a variety of settings to fit the size and style, from 3oz espresso drinks 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 cup or a small espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans based on the beans you choose. It's actually just marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, fast and doesn't create many mess while brewing. It does, however, 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 looking for these features, I would suggest checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee makers available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of joe that brew efficiently and cleanly from sleek, compact hardware that's turnkey to operate--all for an incredibly reasonable cost.
We also appreciated the simplicity of customizing the brewing process. With a simple dial turn you can select the size of your cup (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-sized carafe), your desired strength and whether you want a regular or French press setting. You can also make cold brew with the press of the button, or select from a variety of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that it's not as sophisticated as the more sophisticated models we tried. For instance the Smeg drip's rounded machine looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is in process. It requires a bit more thought and effort than most consumers would want as part of their morning routine.
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 regulate brewing times. They can also brew the cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested make quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout spewing the hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone, which leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. And they produce a loud, irritating sputtering noise while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, and comes with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes for K-cups and three temperature settings and a user-friendly menu. It also comes with a milk frother that can be used to froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who want to make different coffees each morning or for families with large numbers that require a larger capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is a good choice for anyone who wants a straightforward single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be refilled. It also allows brewing using grounds from your own coffee which is rare in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however the machine communicates via tones and chirps rather than a display, which makes it difficult to tell when a brew has been ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you require to get your day started. It has a large 14-cup reservoir as well as a clear water level indicator window. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it intuitive to use. The filter that is removable and the grinder can both be cleaned in the sink, eliminating the need to scrub out ground from difficult-to-access areas. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings, including strong.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter that removes metals and unpleasant flavors as well as odors from tap water. This could make your coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less work and a better tasting cup of joe.
Another benefit is that the programming feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a specific time. And the pause button allows you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the full pot is finished making it, which can be beneficial for hectic mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which looks more at ease 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 lower price and a smaller footprint. The single-button control simulates a pour over, with a precise metered flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine consumes 1400 watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing process within five to six minutes. This is significantly more efficient than the lower-end models we tried. drip brew Coffeee UK is largely due to the blooming process, which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head that delivers the rest of the water to ensure optimal 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 optimum temperature. This is one of a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it will maintain the proper temperature of brewing throughout the entire brew cycle.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in its design. It has a stainless steel carafe on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate that helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a small elegant coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute little icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a cup, the One to Four cups feature). The machine lets you set the timer, and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
The built-in grinder and the ability to dial in the size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes a bit of time to learn to use the machine but once you've done it, you'll be able to understand it. It comes with many of the features that you would expect to find on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it can't brew a full carafe at once this could be a problem when you're serving multiple people. It's a good choice if you want a drip coffeemaker with an integrated grinder and the ability to make a variety of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker built to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. The stylish glass carafe is set on the top of a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to make a full or half pot, and it's certified to brew at the ideal times and temperatures recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stopper," an incredibly small lever that is located beneath the brew kettle that will stop the flow of coffee when you take off the carafe when brewing.
The machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth it for anyone looking to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that come into contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's distinctive, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.