5 Drip Coffee Machine Lessons From Professionals

The Best Drip Coffee Machines

Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that permit hands-free brewing. They can be huge and bulky taking up valuable counter or cabinet space.

The best drip machines are sleek and simple to use. Some drip machines include extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning mode that can make your morning cup of coffee more customized.

1. De'Longhi TrueBrew

The De'Longhi TrueBrew is a one-stop shop for coffee - it goes from whole beans to a large carafe with a few presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) that measures out the proper amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to making the coffee - eliminating plastic filters and pods.

It also comes with a variety of options for the size and style, from 3oz espresso-style drinks, to 16oz iced brewed coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It pours the coffee into your choice of vessel, ranging from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that don't typically fit under drip machines. It even creates tea!

Manufacturers are known to come up with ridiculous technical-sounding jargon and this one comes with the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on your selection. However, it's really just marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't cause lots of mess when brewing. It does, however, not have the capability to brew an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso, and it doesn't come with a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select.

2. Cuisinart MultiServe

This is one the best drip coffee makers on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of joe that brew quickly and efficiently using sleek, compact hardware that's turnkey to use, and all for a affordable cost.

We also appreciated the ease at that we could modify the brewing experience. 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'd like French or regular press setting. You can make cold brew with the push of a button or choose from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.

The only downside is that the design doesn't match the other more sophisticated models we've tested. The Smeg drip maker that is rounded is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing change from the boxy competitors. Its narrow opening and slender tank can be tricky to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is running. It takes some thought and effort to start the process in the morning.

3. Keurig K-Cup brewer

Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds and regulate brewing times. These machines can also make a cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.

The Keurigs that we tested created a lot more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also create a bothersome, loud sputtering sound while making coffee.

The Keurigs that we tested worked very well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe, the most advanced model, comes with 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 non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to brew a different cup of coffee each morning or for families with large families who need more capacity.

The Keurig Instant Pod is a ideal choice for anyone who wants a straightforward, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can brew many cups before needing to be refilled. Additionally, it can brew a cup using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a rare feature in a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, but the machine communicates using tones and chirps instead of a display, making it difficult to determine the moment when a coffee is ready.

4. Cuisinart Drip Machine

This durable, mid-priced machine comes with all the features you need to start your day. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and a clear window to indicate the water level. It is easy to use thanks to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The filter and grinder that are removable can both be cleaned in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult-to reach areas. It also includes a handy brew-strength selector that lets you choose between three different settings, including bold.

The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter that helps remove metals as well as unpleasant flavors and smells from the tap water. This can make the coffee to taste flat or burned. That means less maintenance and a better tasting coffee.

Another benefit is that the programmability feature makes it easy to set your coffee to brew at a certain time. The Pause button lets you pour a cup or two before the entire pot is making coffee. This can be helpful during busy mornings, or when you require an additional boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design and is more comfortable on the counter of your kitchen compared to the majority of drip coffee machines.

5. Ratio Six

The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It provides an exceptional experience at a slightly lower price and smaller footprint. Its single-button brewing process mimics the art of pour-over with precision metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing process within five to six minutes. This is a lot faster than the majority of the less expensive models we test. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming process that allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head, which then delivers the remainder of the water to ensure optimal extraction.

The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique in order to keep water at the optimal temperature and to protect the spray head. 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 brewing process.

In terms of design in terms of style, the Six is sleek and minimal It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that sits on the top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of a heated plate, which helps to keep the flavor intact.

6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker

The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and features a sleek, compact design that doesn't take up much counter space. The touchscreen panel has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands. For instance you can select Bold or if you're making a half-pot of coffee, you can choose the One to four cups feature. The machine allows you to set the timer, and turn on or off the audible tone that signals the end of the brew cycle.

The built-in grinder and ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes some time to get used to how the machine operates but it's easy once you do. It has plenty of the features you'd expect to find on higher-end models.

It can't brew an entire carafe of espresso at once. This could be a problem when you're serving a lot of people.  drip filter coffee machine 's a good choice for those who want drip coffeemaker that has an integrated grinder, and the capability to make different drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and great customer service.

7. Moccamaster KBGV

The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. The sleek glass carafe is placed 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 make a full or half pot, and it's certified to brew at ideal temperatures and times recommended 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 when you take the carafe off during the brewing process.

The machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, however it's worth it for those who want to have consistently great coffee without spending too much in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with ground or water are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models, but still much faster than pour over making. The Moccamaster's unique design of tools for workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.