10 Drip Coffee Machine Tricks Experts Recommend

The Best Drip Coffee Machines

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

The best drip machines are simple and simple to use. Some drip machines come with extra features such as programmable clocks and self-cleaning mode to make your morning coffee more personalised.

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 with just two presses. It comes with a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from De'Longhi's espresso machines) which measures out the proper amount of coffee grounds, then compacts them prior to brewing – eliminating wasteful pods and filters made of plastic.

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

Manufacturers love to invent absurd technical jargons, and this one has the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans according to your selection. However, it's really simply marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, quick and doesn't cause a lot of mess when brewing. However, it does not have the capability to brew a short or long shot of espresso and doesn't have a steam wand for milk. If you're looking for those features, I recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.

2. Cuisinart MultiServe

This is among the top drip coffee machines available on the market. It makes consistently delicious and hot cups of joe that brew quickly and efficiently using sleek, compact equipment that is easy to use, and all for a reasonable cost.

We also loved the ease at that we could alter the brewing process. With a simple dial turn you can select the size of your cup (from 5 ounces single-serving up to a full-carafe), your desired strength and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew at 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's not quite as sleek as the more sophisticated models we tested. The Smeg drip maker with a rounded design is for instance, and looks like an Easter egg and is a refreshing change from the boxy competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is being made. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to start the process in the early morning.

3. Keurig K-Cup brewer

Keurig single serve coffee makers use K cups that come pre-packaged which eliminate the necessity of measuring or grinding grounds. They also allow you to control brewing time. These machines also brew the cup of coffee in less than two minutes, which is a lot faster than a traditional drip machine.

The Keurigs that we tested created a lot more mess than drip machines. The spout which dispenses hot coffee leaves a two-inch splash area, and leaves droplets all over the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create a bothersome, loud sputtering sound while brewing.

The Keurigs that we tested performed very well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most advanced model, featuring a detachable reservoir, four K-cup sizes and three temperature settings and a menu that can be customized. It also has a milk frother that can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk.  Coffeee 's a great choice for those who want to brew a different cup of coffee every morning or for those with large families that require a bigger capacity.

Keurig Instant pod is another great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve machine that is user-friendly and simple to use. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can brew several cups before it needs to be filled. It also has the ability to brew your own coffee grounds which isn't often seen in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use, however the machine communicates using tones and chirps instead of a display, which makes it harder to determine when a brew is ready.

4. Cuisinart Drip Machine

This dependable, mid-priced machine comes with everything you need to get started on your day. It has a large reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows the level of water. 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 areas. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options, including strong.

The reservoir also has a charcoal filter that helps absorb metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water, which can cause your coffee to taste dry or burnt. This means less maintenance and a more enjoyable cup of coffee.

Another benefit is that the ability to program allows you to set your coffee brewing to a particular time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the full pot has finished making coffee, which is beneficial for busy mornings when you require energy. It also has a sleek and modern design, which will look more at home on the kitchen counter compared to most boxy drip coffee makers.

5. Ratio Six

Like its older sibling the Ratio Eight, the Six offers premium quality with a lower price and smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics the art of pour-over with precise metered flow of water and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine uses 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the entire brewing cycle in around five to six minutes, which is much less than the majority of the lesser models we tested. The rapid brew is largely due to the blooming cycle that allows the coffee grounds to settle prior to the shower head delivering the rest of the water to ensure optimal extraction.

The Six features a shield of heat that is unique to keep water at the optimal temperature and to protect the spray head. This is among the few brewers that have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the right temperature for brewing throughout the brew cycle.

The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in design. It features a stainless steel carafe on the top of a Melitta flat bottom filter holder. The carafe that is insulated keeps brewed coffee warm, without the need for heated plates. This preserves the flavor.

6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker

The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and has an elegant, compact design that doesn't take up much counter space. The touchscreen has cute little icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold, or if you're making only half a pot, the One to Four cup option). The machine lets you set the timer, and turn the audible brew-cycle-finished tone on or off.

It's nice to have a built-in grinder that allows you to alter the size of the grind and the strength of your coffee. It takes a bit of time to become familiar with the machine, but once you do it is intuitive. It has plenty of features you'd expect to find on more expensive models.

The only downside is that it can't brew the entire carafe in one go this could be a problem if you're serving multiple people. But it's a solid option if you're looking to buy a drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the flexibility to make different types of drinks. It comes with a 1-year warranty and great customer service.

7. Moccamaster KBGV

The Moccamaster KBGV is a top drip coffee maker designed to last. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is made in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The sleek glass carafe is placed on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at a consistent 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 comes with a "practically incognito drip stop," that's a small lever beneath the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe while the brewing.

This machine is more expensive than others on the market but it's worth it for anyone looking to enjoy consistently excellent coffee without having to spend a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean, and all components that are in contact with water and grounds are easily accessible. Although the brewing process is longer than some other models, it's quicker than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique design of tools used in workshops and scientific instruments adds sophistication to your kitchen.