What Drip Coffee Machine Is Your Next Big Obsession

The Best Drip Coffee Machines

Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that allow hands-free making. However, they can also be big and heavy, taking up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinet.

The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some have extra features that make your 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 full of coffee in just a couple of presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the correct amount of coffee grounds and compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful pods and filters made of plastic.

It also comes with a variety of settings to fit your preferred cup size or style, from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee in your choice of vessel, from large mugs to the tiny espresso cups, or even tall travel mugs that don't normally fit under regular drip machines. It can even make tea!

Bean Extract Technology is a technical term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to the beans you choose. However, it's really simply marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, efficient and doesn't cause lots of mess when making espresso. It does, however, not have the capability to brew either a long or short shot of espresso and doesn't have steam wands for milk. If you're looking to get those features, I suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.

2. Cuisinart MultiServe

This is among the best drip coffee machines on the market. It produces consistently flavorful hot cups of coffee that are brewed efficiently.

We also appreciated the ease of customizing the method of brewing. You can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single servings to a full carafe) and the strength you want by turning dials and also choose between a regular or french press setting. You can even make cold brew with the push of the button, or select from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.

The only issue is that the design doesn't resemble the other more sophisticated models we've tested. For instance, the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like an Easter egg and is a welcome 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 while the brew is in process. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to get started in the early morning.

3. Keurig K-Cup brewer

Keurig single-serve coffee makers make use of prepackaged K-cups, which eliminate the necessity to measure and grind grounds and regulate brewing times. These machines can also make a cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is a lot quicker than a standard drip machine.

But the Keurigs we've tested create quite a mess, much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone, which leaves droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create an irritating, loud sound when you're brewing.

The Keurigs that we tested worked very well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K-cups sizes with three temperature settings, and a program that can be customized.  Coffeee UK  has a milk frother which can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to brew a different cup of coffee each day or for large families who need more capacity.

Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve machine that is easy to use and simple to use. It comes with a huge 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it needs to be refilled. Additionally, it can brew a cup using your own ground coffee, a unique feature of the form of a Keurig. The controls are easy and easy to use, but the machine communicates with tones and chirps instead of a screen, which makes it harder to know when a cup is ready.

4. Cuisinart Drip Machine

This reliable, mid-priced machine has all the features you require to get your day started. It has a huge reservoir that holds 14 cups, and an easy-to-read window to show the water level. The large buttons clearly labeled make it intuitive to use. Additionally, the filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to-access places. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector that lets you choose between three different settings including bold.

The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter that removes metals and unpleasant flavors as well as odors from the tap water. This could make your coffee taste flat or burned. This means less maintenance and a better tasting cup of joe.

A second benefit: the programmability feature lets you to set your coffee brewing to a particular time. And the pause button allows you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the whole pot is finished making it, which can be useful for busy mornings when you require a boost of caffeine. It's also a pretty attractive looking coffee maker, with a sleek design that looks more at home on the kitchen counter than most boxy drip machines.

5. Ratio Six

The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It provides an exceptional experience at an affordable price and a smaller footprint. The single-button controls mimic the pour-over process, and comes with a precision metered flow of water and the perfect temperature for coffee. The machine consumes 1400 Watts of power to heat the water and complete the brewing cycle within five to six minutes. This is much more efficient than the less expensive models we test. The rapid brew is largely due to the blooming cycle that allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head that delivers the rest of the water for maximum extraction.

The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to keep the water at a perfect temperature and to protect the spray head. It 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 brew cycle.

The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in design. It features an stainless steel carafe that sits on the top of a Melitta flat bottom filter holder. The carafe that is insulated keeps the coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates and helps preserve the flavor.

6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker

The Gevi is a small, sleek coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It makes a fantastic tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen display has cute icons that allow you to choose one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a cup, the One to Four cup feature). The machine also allows you to set the timer and turn the brew cycle-finished tone that sounds audible on or off.

It's nice to have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to adjust the size and intensity of your coffee. It takes a little time to learn to use the machine, but once you do it is intuitive. It comes with many of the features you would expect to find on more expensive models.

The only drawback is that it's unable to make an entire carafe at one time, which can be a challenge if you need to serve multiple people. But it's a solid choice if you're looking for drip coffee maker with a built-in grinder and the flexibility to make different types of drinks. It has a one year warranty and excellent customer support.

7. Moccamaster KBGV

The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker built to last. It's manufactured by Technivorm in the Netherlands and is backed by a five-year warranty. 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 make a full or half pot, and is certified to brew at optimal times and temperatures suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically hidden drip stopper," which is a small lever located below the brew basket that stop the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe while brewing.

Although this machine is more expensive than other models on the market it's well worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all parts that come in contact with the ground and water are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models, but still quicker than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's distinctive, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific equipment adds style to your kitchen.