The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow hands-free making. However, they can also be heavy and heavy taking up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinets.
The best drip machines are sleek and easy to use. Some have extra features that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible 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 one step from whole beans to a cup of coffee in only two presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken from espresso machines made by De'Longhi) that calculates the correct amount of grounds, and then compacts them prior to brewing, removing plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a variety of options for the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style drinks to 16oz iced brewed coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It can dispense coffee into any container you choose regardless of whether it's a big mug or a tiny espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with bizarre technical terms, and this one has the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the choice you make. That's it for marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't create many mess while making espresso. It is not able to make a short shot or a lengthy shot of espresso as well as it doesn't come with steam wand. If you're seeking these features, I recommend 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 joe that brew quickly and efficiently from sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a reasonable cost.
We also liked the flexibility of modifying 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) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you'd like French or regular press setting. You can also make cold brew using the touch of the button, or select from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we tested. For example the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a refreshing contrast to the boxy models. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is in process. It takes a bit of time and thought to start the process in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that come pre-packaged that eliminate the need to measure or grind grounds. They also let you control brewing time. These machines can also make one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is a lot quicker than a standard drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced much more mess than drip machines. The spout which dispenses the hot coffee creates a 2 inch splash area that creates droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also make an irritating, loud sound when you're brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe with Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, featuring a removable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups and three temperature settings and a user-friendly menu. It also comes with a milk frother which can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who want to make different coffees each morning or for families with large numbers that require the capacity of a larger.
Keurig Instant pod is a excellent option for those seeking a single-serve machine that is user-friendly and simple. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs 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 simple, though the machine does communicate with tones and chirps instead of a screen, which makes it harder to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with everything you require to begin your day. It has a big 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. The grinder and filter that can be removed can be cleaned easily in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult-to reach areas. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you choose from three different settings including bold.
The reservoir has a charcoal-filter that removes metals and unpleasant flavors as well as odors from the tap water. This could make the coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot is finished brewing, which can be useful for busy mornings when you require a boost of caffeine. It's also a pretty attractive design coffee maker, with a sleek design that looks more at home on the counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Similar to its older sibling, the Ratio Eight, the Six provides a premium experience with a lower price point and smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates the art of pour-over with precise metered water flow and ideal coffee temperature. The machine uses 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the entire brewing process in about five to six minutes--which is much less than the majority of the cheaper models we tested. The speedy brewing time is partly due to the bloom process, which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head is able to deliver the remainder of the hot water for the best extraction.
The Six also features a distinctive heat shield to safeguard the spray head while making and to keep the water at an optimal temperature. This is among the few brewers who have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brew cycle.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in its design. It features a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a Melitta flat bottom filter holder. The insulated carafe keeps brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate and helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, compact design that doesn't require lots of counter space. The touchscreen features cute icons that allow you to select single-touch commands. For example, you can choose Bold or if you're 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-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that lets you alter the size of the grind and intensity of your coffee. It takes some time to learn to use the machine but once you've done it, it is intuitive. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
The only drawback is that it's not able to brew the entire carafe in one go which could be a problem if you need to serve multiple people. However, it's a great option if you're looking to buy a drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the flexibility to make different kinds of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. 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 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 features a "practically hidden drip stopper" which is a small lever beneath the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee if you take the carafe off during brewing.
Although this machine is more expensive than most others on the market, it's worth the cost for those who wish to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with ground or water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than other models, it's still quicker than pour-over making. small filter coffee machine , reminiscent design of tools for workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.