The Most Popular Drip Coffee Machine Gurus Are Doing Three Things
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are robust machines capable of hands-off brewing. However, they can also be big and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or an area under cabinets.
The best drip machines feature a simple design and are simple to use. Some drip machines include extras like programmable clocks and self-cleaning modes to make your morning coffee more personalised.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in just one step - from whole beans to a cup of coffee in just two presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken from De'Longhi espresso machines) that calculates the correct amount of grounds and then compacts them before making coffee, eliminating plastic pods and filters.
It also offers a range of settings to fit the size of your cup or style, from 3oz espresso drinks to 16oz of iced coffee, and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can pour coffee into any container you choose, whether it's a large cup or a small espresso cup. It even makes tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to use. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to your preferences. That's it for marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't create many mess while making espresso. It does, however, not have the ability to make an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso, and it doesn't come with steam wands for milk. If you're looking for those features, I would suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers available on the market. It makes consistently delicious hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the simplicity of customizing the method of brewing. With just a dial turn you can select your cup size (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-sized carafe) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you prefer a regular or French press setting. You can even make cold brew with the press of the button, or select from a variety of special options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it doesn't match the more sophisticated models we tried. For instance the Smeg drip's rounded machine looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. But its slender water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is underway. It requires a bit more thought and effort than most customers would like to see as part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers make use of K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the need to measure and grind grounds, and also control the brewing time. These machines can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is significantly faster than a drip machine.
The Keurigs that we tested produced quite a mess than drip machines. The spout spewing the hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine, and counter. They also make a snarling loud sputtering sound when brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked very well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig, the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K cups sizes with three temperature settings, and a user-friendly program. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe milk frother that can froth skim, whole and non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make a different cup of coffee every morning or for families with large families who need more capacity.
The Keurig Instant Pod is another good choice for anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-use single-serve machine. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can brew several cups before needing to be filled. It also allows brewing using grounds from your own coffee which isn't often seen in the world of Keurig. The controls are straightforward and easy to use, but the machine communicates using tones and chirps, instead of a display which makes it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model comes with all the features you need to start your day. It has a large 14-cup reservoir, as well as an easy-to-read water level indicator window. It is simple to use due to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The grinder and filter that can be removed are both easily cleaned in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach places. It also has a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options including strong.
The reservoir also comes with a charcoal filter that helps absorb metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors from the tap water. This could cause your coffee to taste bland or burned. This means less work, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brew to a specific time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the full pot is making it, which can be beneficial for busy mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It's also a beautiful looking coffee maker, with a sleek design that looks more at home on a countertop than the bulky drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It provides the best experience, but at a slightly lower price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates the art of pour-over with precise metered flow of water and ideal coffee temperature. The machine requires 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing cycle within 5 to 6 minutes. This is a lot faster than the majority of the less expensive models we tried. This rapid brew time is partly due to the bloom cycle which allows grounds to settle prior to when the shower head is able to deliver the rest of the hot water needed for the best extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique to ensure that the water is at the right temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means that it will maintain the proper temperature of brewing throughout the entire cycle of brewing.
The Six is sleek, minimal and minimalist in its design. It has a stainless steel carafe, which sits on top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which helps keep brewed coffee warm, without the need of heating plates. This preserves the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a compact, sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen features 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 use the One to four cups feature. The machine lets you set the timer, as well as toggle off or on the audible tone that signals the end of the brew cycle.
It's great to have a built-in grinder that allows you to adjust the size and the intensity of your coffee. It takes a while to understand how the machine operates, but it's intuitive when you've done. It has many of the features that you would expect to find on more expensive models.
It's not able of brewing an entire carafe of coffee in one go. This could be a problem if you're serving several people. However, it's a great option if you're looking to buy drip coffee maker that has a built-in grinder and the ability to make a variety of types of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
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 warranty. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a perfect 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 stop," which is a small lever beneath the brew kettle which will stop the flow of coffee when you take off the carafe while making coffee.
While this machine is more expensive than most other machines on the market, it's worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently great coffee without spending too long in the kitchen. All components that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than some other models, it's still quicker than pour-over brewing. Additionally, Coffeee is reminiscent of workshop tools or other scientific equipment will add an elegant touch to your kitchen.