8 Tips For Boosting Your Drip Coffee Machine Game
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers can be powerful machines that permit hands-free brewing. However, they can be big and bulky and take up valuable counter space or even a spot under the cabinets.
The best drip machines are simple in design and are easy to use. Some have extra features that make your morning cup of coffee more flexible with timers that can be programmed and self-cleaning modes.
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 only two presses. It has 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 making the coffee - eliminating pods and plastic filters.
It also comes with a variety of options for the size and style, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of standard carafe. It dispenses the coffee in your choice of vessel, from large mugs to those tiny espresso cups or even tall travel mugs that wouldn't normally fit in regular drip machines. It can even make 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 according to your selection. This is all marketing. It's important that it's easy to use, fast and doesn't cause many mess while making coffee. It's not able make a quick shot or a long shot espresso, and it does not include steam wand. If you're looking for those features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one the best drip coffee makers on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also enjoyed the ease at which we were able to customize the brewing experience. You can choose your cup size (from 5-ounce single servings up to a full carafe) and the strength you want by turning a dial and also choose between either a french press or regular setting. You can prepare cold brew at the push of a button, or choose from a variety of specialty options, such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design doesn't match some of the more sophisticated models we've tried. For instance the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a welcome break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. The narrow opening and slender tank can be tricky to navigate, especially in the dark when the brew is on. It takes a bit of concentration and effort to get going in the early morning.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers utilize K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the necessity to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. These machines also brew one cup of coffee in under two minutes, which is considerably quicker than a standard drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested make lots of mess, and are 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 make a snarling loud sputtering sound when brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested performed well, despite the mess. try here -Cafe is the most advanced model, has a detachable water reservoir, four K cups sizes with three temperature settings, and a customizable program. It also comes with an automatic milk frother that is dishwasher safe and can be used to froth skim, whole, and nondairy milk. This is a great choice for those who want to brew different coffee every morning or for large families that need a larger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a great choice for anyone looking for a single-serve device that is easy to use and easy to use. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can make many cups before needing to be filled. It can also make a cup with your own ground coffee, a rare feature in the world of Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use however, the machine communicates with tones and chirps rather than a display, which makes it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This sturdy, affordable machine comes with all the features that you need to start your day. It has a large reservoir of 14 cups and an easy-to-read window to show the water level. It is easy to use thanks to the large buttons with clearly labeled labels. The removable filter and grinder are both easily cleaned in the sink. This eliminates the need to brush out the grounds from difficult to reach places. It also has a convenient brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different settings that include bold.
The reservoir has a charcoal-filter that removes metals as well as unpleasant flavors and odors from tap water. This can cause your coffee to taste bland or burnt. This means less work, and a more enjoyable cup of 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 to pour one or two cups of coffee before the whole pot is finished making coffee, which is beneficial for busy mornings when you require a boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design, which is more comfortable on the kitchen counter compared to most boxy drip coffee makers.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. It offers a premium experience with the same price, but smaller footprint. The single-button system emulates a pour over, with a precise metered flow of water, and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine consumes 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing cycle in between five and six minutes. This is significantly quicker than the cheaper models that we tested. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming cycle that allows the coffee grounds to settle before the shower head delivering the remainder of the water for optimal extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to keep the water at a perfect temperature and protect the spray head. This is one of a few brewers that has been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means it maintains the right temperature throughout the process of brewing.
In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimalist and comes with a stainless steel carafe, which sits on top of a filter holder that accepts Melitta flat bottom filters. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates, which helps to preserve the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi produces great tasting coffee and comes with a sleek, relatively compact design that doesn't take up any counter space. The touchscreen has cute icons that allow you to select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, if you're making only half a pot, you can use the One to Four cups feature). The machine lets you set the timer and toggle off or on the audible tone that signifies the end of the brewing cycle.
It's nice to have a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to adjust the size and the intensity of your coffee. It takes a while to get used to how the machine functions, but it's intuitive once you've mastered it. It has plenty of the features that you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
The only downside is that it's not able to brew a full carafe at once which could be a problem if you're serving a lot of people. It's a great choice if you want an espresso maker with a built-in grinder and the ability to make a variety of drinks. It comes with a one-year warranty and excellent customer support.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker that is built to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The sleek glass carafe is positioned on top of a warmer which keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to make a full or half pot, and it's certified to brew at the optimal times and temperatures suggested by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically incognito drip stopper," that's a small lever located below the brew basket, which stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe during the brewing process.
Although this machine is more expensive than most other machines on the market, it's well worth the investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. All components that come in contact with ground or water are easily accessible. Although the brewing process takes longer than other models, it's still quicker than pour-over brewing. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools used in workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.