The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of brewing without hands. But they can also be heavy and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines are simple in design and are simple to use. Some come with extras that make your morning cup of coffee more customizable 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 just one step - from whole beans to a carafe full of coffee in just a couple of presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken from De'Longhi espresso machines) that measures out the right amount of grounds. It then compacts them before brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a variety of settings to suit the size and style, from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of traditional carafe. It can dispense coffee into any container you like whether it's a large mug or a tiny espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers love to dream up ridiculous technical-sounding jargon and this one comes with the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the choice you make. However, www.coffeee.uk 's really just marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, fast and doesn't cause a lot of mess when making espresso. It does lack the ability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso and lacks a steam wand for milk. If you're seeking these features, I suggest checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers available on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of coffee that brew efficiently.
We also appreciated the ease with the ability to modify the brewing experience. With just a dial turn, you can choose your cup size (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you want either a French press or a regular setting. You can prepare cold brew at the push of a button, or choose from a wide range of special options, such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design isn't as elegant as some of the other more sophisticated models we've tried. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design is, for instance, shaped like an Easter egg and is a nice alternative to the traditional models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is being made. It requires a bit more time and thought than many customers would like to see as part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers utilize K cups that come pre-packaged that eliminate the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also allow you to control the brewing time. They can also brew coffee in under two minutes. This is much faster than a drip maker.
But the Keurigs we've tested create a lot of mess--much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also produce an annoying, loud sputtering sound while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes for K-cups and three temperature settings and a user-friendly menu. It also has a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth whole, skim and non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who wish to brew different coffee every morning or for large families that need a larger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a ideal choice for those looking for a single-serve machine that is easy to use and simple. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can make many cups before needing to be refilled. It can also brew using your own coffee grounds, a feature that is rare in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use however, the machine communicates using tones and chirps, not a display, which makes it difficult to tell the moment when a coffee is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine has all the features that you require to start your day. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows the water level. It is easy to use because of the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The grinder and filter that can be removed can both be cleaned in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult to reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings, including strong.
The reservoir also features charcoal filters that help absorb metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water, which could cause your coffee to taste dry or burned. This means less work and a more delicious cup of coffee.
A second benefit: the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee's brewing time to a specific time. The pause button allows you to pour a cup or two before the whole pot is done 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
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a more affordable price and smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics a skilled pour over with precision metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine utilizes powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the brewing process in about five to six minutes--which is far shorter than most of the less expensive models we've tested. This rapid brew time is partly due to the bloom process, which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head delivers the remainder of the hot water needed for optimal extraction.
The Six uses a heat shield that is unique in order to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and to protect the spray head. It 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 in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimalist and comes with a stainless steel carafe that sits on top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate, which helps to preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi makes great tasting coffee and features a sleek, relatively compact design that doesn't need any counter space. The touchscreen display has cute icons that allow you to choose one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a cup, the One to Four cups feature). The machine allows you to set the timer, and toggle off or on the audible tone that signals the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to adjust the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes some time to understand how the machine works however, it's easy once you do. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to see on higher-end models.
The only downside is that it can't brew a full carafe at once which could be a challenge if you need to serve multiple people. However, it's a great option if you're in the market for a drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the ability to make a variety of types of drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a premium drip-coffee maker built to last. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The elegant glass carafe can be positioned on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed for either a full or half pot and is certified to brew coffee using the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stop," which is a small lever beneath the brew kettle that stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe while brewing.
This machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth the cost for anyone who wants to have consistently great coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with water or ground are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models, but still faster than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.