5 Drip Coffee Machine Lessons From The Pros
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are robust machines capable of hands-off brewing. But they can also be heavy and bulky and take up valuable counter space or a spot under the cabinets.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are easy to use. Some come with extras 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 carafe of coffee with just a couple of presses. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the correct amount of grounds and then compacts them prior to brewing - eliminating wasteful plastic pods and filters.
It also comes with a variety of settings to suit your preferred cup size or style, ranging from 3oz espresso drinks up to 16oz of iced tea and 40oz for the standard carafe. It can dispense coffee into any vessel you choose regardless of whether it's a big cup or a small espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Manufacturers are known to come up with absurd technical jargons and this one includes the Bean Extract Technology which "adapts and precisely grinds" the beans based on the choice you make. However, it's really just marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, fast and doesn't cause many mess while brewing. However, it does lack the ability to brew a short or long shot of espresso, and it doesn't come with steam wands for milk. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is among the top drip coffee makers on the market. It consistently produces delicious hot cups of coffee that brew quickly and efficiently from sleek, compact hardware that's turnkey to operate, all at an extremely affordable price.
We also enjoyed the ease with which we were able to alter the brewing process. With just a dial turn you can select your cup size (from a 5-ounce single-serving to a full-sized carafe) and the strength you want and whether you prefer French or regular press setting. You can even make cold brew with the press of an ice cube, or choose from a variety of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that the design doesn't resemble some of the more sophisticated models we've tried. The rounded Smeg drip maker is, for instance, shaped like an Easter egg and is a welcome contrast to the more boxy models. The narrow opening and slender tank can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is running. It requires a bit more thought and effort to get started 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 of measuring and grinding grounds and control brewing times. These machines can also brew coffee in under two minutes. This is a lot faster than a drip maker.
The Keurigs that we tested produced much more mess than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a two-inch splash zone that releases droplets on the drip tray, machine and counter. They also create an annoying, loud sputtering noise while making coffee.
The Keurigs that we tested performed very well, despite the mess. The K-Cafe Smart Keurig is the most sophisticated model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes, three temperature settings and a user-friendly program. It also has a milk frother that can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. This is a great choice for those who want to make different coffees every morning or for large families who require a larger capacity.
Keurig Instant pod is a ideal choice for those looking for a single-serve machine that is easy to use and simple. It comes with a 78-ounce tank that can brew several cups before needing refilling. It can also brew using grounds from your own coffee, a feature that is rare in Keurig. Keurig. The controls are easy and easy to use, but the machine communicates using tones and chirps rather than a screen which makes it difficult to determine when a brew is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This durable, mid-priced machine has all the features you require to get your day started. It has a large reservoir that holds 14 cups, and an easy-to-read window to show the level of water. It is simple to use due to the large buttons and clearly labeled labels. Additionally, the filter and grinder can both be cleaned in the sink, eliminating the need to clean the grounds from difficult-to-access places. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector, which lets you choose between three different settings, including bold.
The reservoir is equipped with a charcoal filter coffee machine how to use that helps remove metals as well as unpleasant flavors and odors from tap water. This could make your dripping coffee machine to taste flat or burned. This means less work, and a better tasting cup of coffee.
Another benefit is that the programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. The pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the whole pot is brewing, which can be beneficial for busy mornings when you need energy. It also has a sleek and modern design and will look more at home on the counter of your kitchen compared to the majority of drip coffee 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 brewing process mimics a skilled pour over with precise metered flow of water and ideal coffee temperature. The machine consumes 1400 Watts of power to warm the water and complete the brewing cycle within five to six minutes. This is much quicker than the lower-end models we test. The speedy brew is partly due to the blooming cycle, which allows grounds of coffee to settle before the shower head delivering the rest of the water for maximum extraction.
The Six features a shield of heat that is unique in order to keep water at the optimal temperature and to protect the spray head. This is one of the few brewers to be Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the correct temperature of brewing throughout the brew cycle.
The Six is elegant, minimalist and sleek in design. It comes with an stainless steel carafe that sits on top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the need for a heated plate, which helps to preserve flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Espresso Maker
The Gevi is a compact and sleek coffee maker that doesn't occupy much counter space. It produces a delicious tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen features cute icons that let you choose one-touch commands. For instance you can select Bold or if you're making half a pot of coffee, you can choose 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 brew cycle.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to dial in the size and strength of your coffee is a nice feature. It takes some time to learn to use the machine however once you've mastered it, it is intuitive. And it has a lot of the features that you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make a full carafe at once this could be a challenge if you need to serve multiple people. It's a good option for those who want an espresso maker with an integrated grinder, and the capability to make a variety of drinks. It also comes with a one-year warranty and excellent 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 comes with a five-year warranty. The sleek glass carafe is positioned on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a perfect temperature for up six minutes. It can be programmed for a full pot or a half pot, and is certified to brew coffee at the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also has a "practically invisible drip stop," which is a small filter coffee machine lever beneath the brew basket that stops the flow of coffee if you remove the carafe during the brewing process.
While this machine is more expensive than other models on the market it's worth the extra investment for those who want to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all components that come in contact with water and grounds are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models but still faster than pour-over making. The Moccamaster's unique, reminiscent design of tools for workshops and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.