Why Drip Coffee Machine Will Be Your Next Big Obsession
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are workhorses capable of hands-off brewing. But they can also be big and bulky taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinet.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some drip machines have extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning modes to make your morning cup of coffee more customized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can be made from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) which measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful pods and plastic filters.
It also has a variety of settings to fit your preferred cup size or style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee into a variety of vessel, ranging from large mugs to those tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that do not normally fit in regular drip machines. It can even make tea!
listen to this podcast is a word that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans based on your selection. That's it for marketing. What matters is that it's a breeze to use, fairly fast and doesn't make much of a mess while brewing. It's not able to make a short shot or a long shot of espresso and does not have steam wand. If you're seeking these features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee makers on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently and quickly from sleek, relatively compact equipment that is easy to operate, all at an extremely affordable cost.
We also loved the ease with which we were able to alter the brewing process. With a simple dial turn you can select your cup size (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-sized carafe) and the strength you want and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can also make cold brew using the touch of the button, or select from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only drawback is that the design doesn't match the other more sophisticated models we've tried. For instance the Smeg drip's rounded machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a welcome contrast to the boxy models. Its narrow opening and slim tank can be tricky to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is in. It takes a little more thought and effort than some consumers might want to make part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers make use of pre-packaged K cups, which eliminates the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They can also be controlled in the brewing time. These machines can also make the cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is a lot quicker than a standard drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced quite a mess than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also make an irritating, loud sound when you're making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested are very efficient. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup 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 be used to froth skim, whole and non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who wish to brew different coffee every morning, or for families who require a larger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a excellent option for those seeking a single-serve machine that is user-friendly and simple. It has a 78-ounce tank that can brew several cups before needing to be filled. It also has the ability to brew grounds from your own coffee this is a feature that is not often found in a Keurig. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, however the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than a screen which makes it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This dependable, mid-priced machine comes with everything you need to start your day. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and a clear window to indicate the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. The filter and grinder that are removable can both be cleaned in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach areas. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options including strong.
The reservoir also features a charcoal filter that helps to remove metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water, which could cause your coffee to taste bland or burnt. That means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programming feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. The pause button lets you pour a cup of coffee or two before the pot has finished making coffee. This can be helpful in busy mornings when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It's also a beautiful coffee maker with a sleek and attractive a sleek design that looks more at home on a countertop than the bulky drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six offers a premium experience at a slightly more affordable price and a 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 uses 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the entire brewing process in about five to six minutes. This is much less than the majority of the less expensive models we've tested. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming cycle which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head delivering the remainder of the water to ensure optimal extraction.
The Six uses a heat shield that is unique to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and protect the spray head. It is among the few brewers that have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the correct temperature of brewing throughout the brew cycle.
In terms of design in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimalist It comes with a stainless-steel carafe, which sits on the top of a filter holder that can accommodate Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate that helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi makes great tasting coffee and features a sleek, compact design that doesn't need much counter space. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to choose one-touch commands. For instance, you can choose Bold or If you're only making a half-pot of coffee, you can use the One to four cups feature. The machine also lets you set the timer and turn the brew-cycle tone tones that sound audible or off.
The built-in grinder and the ability to control the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It can take some time to learn how the machine works, but it's intuitive when you've done. It comes with many of the features you would expect to see in more expensive models.
The only downside is that it's not able to brew an entire carafe at one time which could be a challenge if you're serving multiple people. But it's a solid option if you're in the market for a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the flexibility to make different types of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and excellent customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker designed to last. It is made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. The elegant glass carafe can be positioned on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for as long as six minutes. It can be programmed to work with 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" an incredibly small lever that is located beneath the brew pot that will stop the flow of coffee if you take away the carafe from the making coffee.
Although this machine is more expensive than most other models on the market it's worth the extra investment for anyone who wants to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. All parts that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models but still quicker than pour over making. The Moccamaster's unique design of tools used in workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.