The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of hands-off brewing. However, they can also be heavy and bulky, taking up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines have a simple design and are easy to use. Some drip machines come with additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning modes to make your morning cup of coffee more customized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in just one step from whole beans to a carafe full of coffee in only a few presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the right amount of grounds and then compacts them before brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a range of settings that can be adapted to the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced coffee and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee in your choice of vessel, from big mugs to the tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit in regular drip machines. It even makes tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to the beans you choose. It's actually nothing more than marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't create lots of mess when making espresso. Highly recommended Web-site does, however, lack the ability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso and doesn't have a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for those features, I would suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee machines on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently and cleanly from sleek, relatively compact hardware that's turnkey to use, and all for a affordable price.
We also enjoyed the ease with that we could alter the brewing process. You can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of a dial and also choose between either a french press or regular setting. You can also make cold brew at the press of an ice cube, or choose from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that the design doesn't resemble some of the more sophisticated models we tested. The rounded Smeg drip maker, for example, looks like an Easter egg and is a nice contrast to the more boxy models. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is running. It requires a bit more thought and effort than most consumers would want as part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers make use of prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the need to measure and grind grounds and regulate brewing times. These machines can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is much faster than a drip maker.
The Keurigs that we tested made much 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 a snarling, loud sputtering sound while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe, the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes with three temperature settings, and a program that can be customized. It also comes with a milk frother which can be used to froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who want to brew different coffee every morning, or for families who require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another ideal choice for anyone who wants a straightforward, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it needs to be filled. And it can also brew a cup using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature in the form of a Keurig. The controls are simple and simple, though the machine does communicate with tones and chirps, instead of a screen which makes it 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 get your day started. It has a large, 14-cup reservoir and an easy-to-read indicator of the level of water. It is simple to use thanks to the large buttons that have 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 convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options, including strong.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter that removes metals as well as unpleasant flavors and odors from tap water. This can cause your coffee taste flat or burned. This means less work, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit: the programmability feature allows you to set your coffee's brewing time to a certain time. The Pause button allows you to pour a cup or two before the entire pot has finished brewing. This can be helpful during busy mornings, or when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design that is more comfortable on the counter in comparison to the majority of drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It offers a premium experience with the same price, but smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics a skilled pour over with precise metered flow of water and a perfect temperature for coffee. The machine uses powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the brewing process in about five to six minutes. This is much less than the majority of the cheaper models we've tested. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming process, which allows the coffee grounds to settle before the shower head that delivers the remainder of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique to keep water at the optimal temperature and to protect the spray head. 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.
In terms of design In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist, with a stainless steel carafe that is placed on top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe keeps brewed coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate, which helps to preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and features an elegant, compact design that doesn't need any counter space. The touchscreen has cute 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 allows you to set the timer and switch the brew-cycle tone tones that sound audible or off.
The built-in grinder and the ability to adjust the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It can take some time to get used to how the machine works, but it's intuitive once you do. And it has a lot of features you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee at once. This can be a problem when you're serving several people. It's a great choice when you're looking for an espresso maker with a built in grinder and the ability to create different drinks. It has a one year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a premium drip-coffee maker built to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. The stylish glass carafe is placed on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for as long as six minutes. It can be programmed to brew a whole or half pot, and is certified to brew at optimal times and temperatures suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stop," which is a tiny lever below the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe while the brewing process.
The machine is more expensive than others on the market but it's worth it for those who want to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all parts that are in contact with water or grounds are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's still quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's distinctive, reminiscent design of workshop tools and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.