The Lesser-Known Benefits Of Drip Coffee Machine
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that permit hands-free making. They can be large and bulky taking up valuable counter or cabinet space.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some drip machines include additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning mode that can make your morning coffee more personalised.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew is an all-in-one shop for coffee - it goes from whole beans to a complete carafe by pressing a few buttons. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) which measures out the proper amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before making coffee, eliminating the need for pods and filters made of plastic.
It also has a variety of settings that can be adapted to the size and style, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It pours the coffee into your choice of vessel, from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups, or even tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit under regular drip machines. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit your preferences. That's it for marketing. It's important to note that it's easy to use, is pretty fast and doesn't make much of a mess while brewing. However, it does not have the ability to make a short or long shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers available on the market. It produces consistently flavorful, hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently.
We also appreciated the ease with that we could customize the brewing experience. With just a dial turn you can select the size of your cup (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you'd like a regular or French press setting. You can also make cold brew with the push of an ice cube, or choose from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models that we have tested. For example, the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a welcome departure from boxy competitors. But its slender water tank and narrow opening could be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is being made. It takes a bit of thought and effort to get going in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that come pre-packaged which eliminate the need to measure or grind grounds. They can also be controlled in brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee within less than two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip maker.
But the Keurigs we've tested have created lots of mess, and are much more 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 make an annoying, loud popping sound while making coffee.
Despite the mess, the Keurigs that we've tested have performed well. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes, three temperature settings and a customizable program. It also has a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth whole, skim and non-dairy milk. This is a great option for those who want to make different coffees each morning, or for families who require more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another ideal choice for anyone who wants a simple and easy-to-use single-serve device. It has a 78-ounce tank that can brew multiple cups before needing refilling. And it can also brew a cup using the coffee you grind yourself, which is a unique feature of the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward, but the machine communicates with tones and chirps, not a display, making it difficult to tell when a cup is ready.
4. Coffeee , mid-priced model has all the features you need to get started on your day. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and an open window that clearly shows the level of water. The large, clearly labeled buttons make it intuitive to use. Additionally, the filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, eliminating the need to brush out grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector, which allows you to select between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir also comes with a charcoal filter that helps absorb metals and other unpleasant flavors and odors in the tap water, which can cause coffee to taste flat or burned. This means less maintenance and a better tasting coffee.
Another benefit is that the programmability feature allows you to set your coffee brew to a specific time. The button to pause allows you to make a cup of coffee or two before the entire pot is brewing. This is useful for busy mornings, when you need an extra boost of caffeine. It's also a very attractive design coffee maker, with sleek design that is more at home on a counter than the majority of boxy drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides an exceptional experience at a slightly lower price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics a skilled pour over with precision metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine makes use of a powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the entire brewing process in about five to six minutes, which is significantly less than many of the less expensive models we've tested. The speedy brewing time is largely 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 needed for optimal extraction.
The Six also uses a unique heat shield to protect the spray head while brewing and also to keep the water at the optimal temperature. It is among a handful of brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it keeps the correct brewing temperature throughout the entire process of brewing.
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 heating plates that helps preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. Its touchscreen panel features 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 cup feature). The machine lets you set the timer, as well as toggle off or on the audible tone that signals 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 can take some time to get used to how the machine works, but it's intuitive once you've mastered it. It has many of the features that you would expect to find in more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of espresso at once. This could be a problem when you're serving a lot of people. It's a great choice for those who want an espresso maker with an integrated grinder, and the capability to create different drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker built to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and is backed by a five-year warranty. The stylish glass carafe is placed on the top of a warmer that keeps the coffee at a consistent temperature for as long as six minutes. It can be programmed for a full pot or a half pot and is certified to brew coffee at recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also comes with a "practically invisible drip stopper" which is a tiny lever beneath the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe while the brewing process.
The machine is more expensive than others on the market but 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 brewing process is slower than other models, but still quicker than pour over brewing. In addition, the Moccamaster's distinctive design is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or scientific instruments, adds the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.