The Reasons Drip Coffee Machine Isn't As Easy As You Imagine
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow hands-free coffee making. But they can also be large and bulky taking up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The top drip machines are simple and simple to use. Some are equipped with extras 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 is the perfect place to buy coffee - it goes from whole beans to a complete carafe using just a few presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to making coffee, eliminating the need for plastic filters and pods.
It also has a range of settings for your preferred cup size and style, from 3oz espresso-style drinks, to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It pours the coffee into your choice of vessel, ranging from large cups to tiny espresso cups or tall travel mugs that wouldn't typically fit under drip machines. It even makes tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans based on your selection. That's all marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, efficient and doesn't cause lots of mess when brewing. It's not able make a quick shot or a lengthy shot of espresso as well as it doesn't include steam wand. If you're looking to get those features, I would suggest checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It makes consistently delicious and hot cups of joe that brew efficiently and cleanly using sleek, compact hardware that's turnkey to operate--all for an incredibly affordable price.
We also enjoyed the flexibility of modifying the method of brewing. With a simple dial turn, you can choose the size of your cup (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you want French or regular press setting. You can make cold brew at the push of a button or choose from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it doesn't match the more sophisticated models that we have tested. For small filter coffee machine , the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome departure from boxy competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is in process. It requires a bit more concentration and effort to start the process in the morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and control brewing times. They can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is significantly quicker than a drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested create lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. And they produce an irritating, loud popping sound while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, and comes with an easily detachable reservoir, four sizes of K-cups and three temperature settings and a customizable menu. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth skim, whole and non-dairy milk. It's a great option for anyone who wants to make a different cup of coffee each morning or for families with large families who need more capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone seeking a single-serve machine that's easy to use and simple. It has a 78-ounce tank that can brew several cups before needing refilling. It can also brew using your own coffee grounds which is not often found in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, but the machine communicates with tones and chirps instead of a display, which makes it difficult to determine 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, 14-cup reservoir and an easily-readable water level indicator window. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it intuitive to use. Additionally, the filter and grinder can both be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to brush out grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector, which lets you choose between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also comes with charcoal filtering that can help soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water. This can cause coffee to taste flat or burned. That means less maintenance and a more delicious cup of coffee.
Another perk: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The pause button allows you to pour a cup or two before the whole pot has finished making. This is a great feature for busy mornings, when you require an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a beautiful looking coffee maker, with a sleek design that looks more at home on the countertop than the bulky drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
Like its predecessor, the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a lower price and smaller footprint. The single-button control simulates the concept of pour-over, with a precision measured flow of water and the perfect temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the entire brewing cycle in around five to six minutes, which is far shorter than most of the lesser models we've tested. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming process that allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head that delivers the remainder of the water for maximum extraction.
The Six also features a distinctive heat shield to safeguard the spray head while brewing and also to keep the water at an optimal temperature. This is one of a handful of brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature throughout the process of brewing.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that sits on the top of a holder for filters that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates and helps preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a compact elegant coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen has cute little icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or in the case of making just half a pot, the One to Four cups feature). The machine also allows you to set the timer and switch the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.
The built-in grinder and ability to control the size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It takes a little time to get used to the machine but once you've done it, the machine is easy to use. It includes many of the features that you would expect to see in more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of espresso at once. This can be a problem when you're serving a lot of people. It's still a good option if you're looking to buy drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder and the ability to make a variety of kinds of drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a top drip-coffee maker made to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. 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 to brew a full or half pot, and is certified to brew at optimal times and temperatures suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stopper" a small lever located beneath the brew kettle that will stop the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe when brewing.
The machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, however it's worth it for anyone looking to enjoy consistently great coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with ground or water are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models but still quicker than pour-over brewing. Additionally, the Moccamaster's unique design is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or scientific devices and adds the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.