The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow hands-free coffee making. However, they can also be heavy and heavy taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinets.
The best drip machines are sleek and easy to use. Some drip machines have additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning modes to make your morning coffee more personalized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is the perfect place to buy coffee - it goes from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) that measures the proper amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before brewing – eliminating wasteful plastic filters and pods.
It also has a range of settings to suit your preferred cup size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced brewed coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It is able to pour coffee into any vessel you choose, whether it's a large cup or a small espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to your preferences. This is all marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't cause lots of mess when making espresso. It's not able make a short shot or a lengthy shot of espresso and does not come with steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers on the market. It produces consistently flavorful and hot cups of joe that brew efficiently and cleanly using sleek, compact components that are easy to operate--all for an incredibly affordable price.
We also liked the ease of customizing the method of brewing. By turning a dial you can select the size of your cup (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe) and the strength you want and whether you prefer a regular or French press setting. You can make cold brew with the touch of a button, or choose from a wide range of special options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that it doesn't match the more sophisticated models we tried. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design is, for instance, shaped like an Easter egg and is a refreshing alternative to the traditional models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark while the brew is in process. It requires a bit more thought and effort than some customers would like to see as part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the necessity to measure and grind grounds and regulate brewing times. These machines also brew one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is considerably faster than a traditional drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced quite a mess than drip machines. The spout that pours out hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area that creates droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also produce an annoying, loud sputtering sound while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes, three temperature settings and a program that can be customized. It also has an automatic milk frother that is dishwasher safe and can froth whole, skim, and non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who wish to make different coffees each morning or for large families that require the capacity of a larger.
Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve machine that is user-friendly and simple to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be filled. It can also brew using your own coffee grounds which is not often found in a Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however, the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than 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 require to begin your day. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and a clear window to indicate the level of water. It is easy to use due to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. Additionally, the filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, eliminating the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to-access places. It also includes a handy brew-strength selector, which lets you select from three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter that helps remove metals, unpleasant flavors and odors from the tap water. This could make your coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less work and a more delicious cup of coffee.
Another benefit: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a specific time. The button to pause allows you to make a cup of coffee or two before the whole pot has finished making coffee. This is useful for busy mornings, when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a very attractive design coffee maker, with an elegant design that appears more at home on the countertop than the bulky drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides an exceptional experience at the same price, but smaller footprint. Coffeee UK -button controls mimic the concept of pour-over, with a precision measured flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine consumes 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 cheaper models that we test. The speedy brewing time is in part due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head releases the remainder of the hot water to ensure the best extraction.
The Six also uses a unique heat shield to protect the spray head while brewing and to keep the water at an optimum temperature. This is among the few brewers to be Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means it keeps the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brewing process.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist and comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on top of a filter holder that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates and helps keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a small and sleek coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen panel has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands. For example, you can choose Bold or, if you are only making half a pot of coffee, you can select the One to four cups feature. The machine allows you to set the timer and switch the brew cycle-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to adjust the grind size and the strength of your coffee. It can take some time to learn how the machine operates but it's easy when you've done. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to see on more expensive models.
It can't brew an entire carafe of espresso at once. This could be a problem if you need to serve several people. It's a good choice if you want drip coffeemaker that has a built in grinder, and the capability to create different drinks. It has a one year warranty and great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker made to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at an optimal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to make a full or half pot, and is certified to brew at ideal temperatures and times recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stopper," a small lever located beneath the brew pot which will stop the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe from the making.
While this machine is more expensive than other models on the market it's well worth the investment for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too long in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all components that come into contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's still quicker than pour-over brewing. In addition, the Moccamaster's distinctive design is reminiscent of workshop tools or scientific devices and adds the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.