The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that permit hands-free making. But they can also be heavy and heavy taking up valuable counter space or an area under cabinets.
The best drip machines are simple and easy to use. Some come with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more customizable with timers that can be programmed 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 in only two presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before making the coffee - eliminating pods and filters made of plastic.
It also has a variety of settings that can be adapted to the size of your cup or design, from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can dispense coffee into any container you like, whether it's a large mug or a tiny espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Manufacturers love to dream up bizarre technical terms and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to your selection. This is all marketing. It's important to note that it's easy to use, pretty quick and doesn't create a lot of a mess when making coffee. It does, however, lack the ability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso and lacks steam wands for milk. If you are looking for these features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of joe that brew efficiently and cleanly from sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a affordable price.
We also appreciated the flexibility of modifying the method of brewing. With just a dial turn you can select your cup size (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you prefer either a French press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew with the touch of the button, or select from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design doesn't resemble some of the other more sophisticated models we've tried. For example the Smeg drip's rounded machine looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome contrast to the boxy models. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is underway. 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 use K cups that come pre-packaged which eliminate the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also let you control the time of brewing. These machines can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip maker.
The Keurigs that we tested created quite a mess than drip machines. The spout spewing the hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone, which leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. And they produce an irritating, loud popping sound while making coffee.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes as well as three temperature settings and a program that can be customized. It also comes with a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth whole, skim, and nondairy milk. It's a great option for anyone who wants to make a different cup of coffee each morning or for large families who need a bigger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another ideal choice for those looking for a single-serve machine that is easy to use and simple to use. It boasts a massive 78-ounce water tank that can brew many cups before needing to be refilled. best filter coffee machine uk Coffeee allows brewing using grounds from your own coffee this is a feature that isn't often seen in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, however the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than a screen, which makes it harder to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine has all the features that you require to get your day started. It has a large 14-cup reservoir, as well as an easily-readable indicator of the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. Additionally, the filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to scrub out grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options, including strong.
The reservoir has a charcoal-filter that helps remove metals, unpleasant flavors and odors from tap water. This can make your coffee taste flat or burned. This means less work and a better-tasting coffee.
A second benefit: the ability to program allows 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 brewing. This can be helpful for busy mornings, when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design that is more comfortable on the counter of your kitchen compared to most boxy drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six offers a premium experience with a lower price point and smaller footprint. The single-button control simulates a pour over, with a precise measured flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the entire process in five to six minutes--which is much less than the majority of the less expensive models we tested. The speedy brewing time is partly due to the bloom cycle which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head is able to deliver the remainder of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six also uses a unique heat shield to safeguard the spray head while making and to keep the water at an optimal temperature. This is one of a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct brewing temperature throughout the entire brew cycle.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal and comes with a stainless steel carafe that sits on top of a filter holder that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot without the need for heated plates. This helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact and sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a cup, the One to Four cup option). The machine lets you set the timer and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that lets you alter the size of the grind and the intensity of your coffee. It takes some time to get used to how the machine works, but it's intuitive once you do. It comes with many of the features you would expect to find in more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee at once. This can be a problem when you're serving a lot of people. But it's a solid option if you're looking to buy a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the ability to make various types of drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year warranty. Its sleek glass carafe sits on top of a warming device that keeps the coffee at an optimal 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 has a "practically invisible drip stopper," which is a small lever below the brew basket that stop the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe during the brewing.
The machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth the cost for anyone looking to have consistently great coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. All parts that come into contact with ground or water are easily accessible. The brewing process is slower than other models but still quicker than pour over brewing. The Moccamaster's distinctive, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.