The Top Drip Coffee Machine Gurus Are Doing 3 Things
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow hands-free brewing. However, they can be heavy and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are simple to use. Some come with extras that make a morning cup of coffee more flexible such as timers that are programmable 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 carafe of coffee in just a couple of presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures the correct amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before making the coffee - eliminating pods and plastic filters.
It also offers a range of settings that can be adapted to your preferred cup size or design, from 3oz espresso drinks, up to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It pours the coffee into a variety of vessel, from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups, or even tall travel mugs that do not normally fit under regular drip machines. It can even make tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with absurd technical jargons and this one comes with the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the beans you choose. But really, that's just marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, fast and doesn't cause a lot of mess when brewing. It is not able to brew either a short shot or a long shot espresso, and it does not include steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I recommend looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers available on the market. It produces consistently flavorful, hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently.
We also loved the ease at which we were able to modify the brewing experience. With a simple dial turn, you can choose the size of your cup (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-carafe) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you want a regular or French press setting. You can also make cold brew with the touch of a button, or choose from a variety of special options like Over Ice and Roasted.
drip machine coffee 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 could be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark while the brew is underway. It takes a little more thought and effort than some consumers would want as part of their morning routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use pre-packaged K cups that eliminate the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They can also be controlled in brewing time. They can also brew one cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.
However, the Keurigs we've tested create lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone that leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also create a bothersome, loud sputtering sound while brewing.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs we've tested perform well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a removable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes as well as three temperature settings and a user-friendly program. It also has an automatic milk frother that is dishwasher safe and 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 families who require a larger capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another good choice for anyone who is looking for a simple single-serve machine that is easy to use. It comes with a 78 ounce tank that can brew several cups before having to be refilled. And it can also make a cup with the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature in the form of a 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 determine when a brew has been ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced machine comes with everything you need to get started on your day. It has a big 14-cup reservoir as well as an easily-readable water level indicator window. It is easy to use thanks to the large buttons and clearly labeled labels. 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 handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings that include strong.
The reservoir also features charcoal filtering that can help soak up metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water. This could cause your coffee to taste flat or burnt. That means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of joe.
Another benefit is that the programming feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The pause button allows you to make a cup of coffee or two before the entire pot is brewing. This is a great feature in busy mornings when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek design, which looks more at ease on the kitchen counter compared to other drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It offers a premium experience with the same price, but a smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates an expert pour over, with precision metered water flow and a perfect temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the full brewing cycle in around five to six minutes. This is far shorter than most of the cheaper models we have tested. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming cycle, which allows the coffee grounds to settle prior to the shower head that delivers the remainder of the water for maximum extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique in order to keep the water at a perfect temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of only few brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct temperature of brewing throughout the entire brew cycle.
The Six is elegant, minimalist and sleek in its design. It comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate that helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a compact, sleek coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It brews a great tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen display has cute icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a pot, you can use the One to Four cups feature). The machine allows you to set the timer and toggle off or on the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
The built-in grinder and ability to control the grind size and strength of your coffee is a nice addition. It takes some time to get used to the machine, but once you do it is intuitive. It also has many of the features you'd expect to see on more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee at once. This can be a problem if you need to serve several people. It's a good option if you want drip coffeemaker that has a built-in grinder and the ability to make different drinks. It has a one 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 5-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The stylish glass carafe is placed on the top of a warmer that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up six minutes. It can be programmed to work with either a full or half-pot and is rated to brew coffee at recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stop," which is a small lever beneath the brew kettle that stops the flow of coffee when you take off the carafe while making.
Although this machine is more expensive than other models on the market it's worth the extra investment for those who want 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 faster than pour over brewing. Besides, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or other scientific equipment and adds a touch of class to your kitchen.