7 Effective Tips To Make The Best Use Of Your Drip Coffee Machine
The Best Drip Coffee Machines
Drip coffee makers are reliable machines capable of brewing without hands. But they can also be heavy and bulky taking up valuable counter space or an area under the cabinet.
The top drip machines feature a simple design and are simple to use. Some drip machines have additional features like programmable clocks or self-cleaning mode to make your morning coffee more personalized.
1. De'Longhi TrueBrew
The De'Longhi TrueBrew can be used to make coffee in just one step from whole beans to a carafe full of coffee in only a few presses. It comes with a built-in grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) which measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before making the coffee - eliminating plastic filters and pods.
It also offers a variety of settings for your preferred cup size and design, ranging from 3oz espresso-style beverages to 16oz iced coffee, or 40oz of the traditional carafe. It is able to pour coffee into any container you choose whether it's a large cup or a small espresso cup. It can even make tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a word that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans according to your selection. However, it's really just marketing. It's crucial that it's simple to use, efficient and doesn't cause a lot of mess when making espresso. It's not able make a quick shot or a lengthy shot of espresso and does not include steam wand. If you're looking for these features, I would suggest taking a look at the Moccamaster KBG Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the best drip coffee machines available on the market. It makes consistently delicious, hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also appreciated the ease at which we were able to customize the brewing experience. With just a dial turn, you can choose the size of your cup (from 5-ounce single-servings to a full-sized carafe) as well as the strength you prefer and whether you'd like either a French press or a regular setting. You can even make cold brew using the touch of the button, or select from a range of specialty options like Over Ice and Roasted.
The only downside is that it doesn't match the more sophisticated models that we have tested. For example the rounded Smeg drip machine looks like a gleaming Easter egg and is a refreshing departure from boxy competitors. Its narrow opening and slim tank can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark when the brew is running. It takes a little more thought and effort than most consumers might want to make part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups that are prepackaged, eliminating the necessity of measuring and grinding grounds, and also control the brewing time. They can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is significantly faster than a drip maker.
But the Keurigs we've tested have created lots of mess, and are much more than drip machines. The spout, which spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that leaves drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. And they produce an annoying, loud sputtering noise while brewing.
The Keurigs that we tested worked very well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe is the most sophisticated model, and comes with an easily detachable reservoir, four K-cup sizes with three temperature settings and a user-friendly menu. It also comes with an milk frother that can froth whole, skim or non-dairy milk. It's a great option for anyone looking to make a different cup of coffee each day or for families 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 comes with a 78 ounce tank that can make multiple cups before needing to be filled. And it can also make a cup with your own ground coffee--a rare feature in the form of a Keurig. The controls are simple and easy to use however, the machine communicates via tones and chirps instead of an LCD, making it difficult to know the moment when a coffee is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This reliable, mid-priced model has all the features you require to begin your day. It has a huge reservoir that holds 14 cups, and an easy-to-read window to show the level of water. The large buttons clearly labeled make it easy to use. And the removable filter and grinder can be cleaned in the sink, removing the need to scrub out grounds from hard-to-reach places. It also comes with a handy brew strength selector that lets you pick from three different options that include strong.
The reservoir also features a charcoal filter that helps soak up metals and other unpleasant odors and flavors in the tap water, which can cause your coffee to taste bland or burnt. 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 brewing to a particular time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour one or two cups of coffee before the full pot has finished making coffee, which is useful for hectic mornings when you need an extra dose of caffeine. It's also a beautiful design coffee maker, with sleek design that is more at home on the countertop than the bulky drip machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older sister of the Six. filter coffee machines offers a premium experience with a slightly lower price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button process emulates an expert pour over, with precise metered water flow and the ideal temperature for coffee. The machine uses powerful 1400 watts to heat water and complete the full process in five to six minutes. This is far shorter than most of the cheaper models we've tested. This rapid brew is partially due to the blooming process, which allows grounds of coffee to settle prior to the shower head that delivers the remainder of the water for maximum extraction.
The Six utilizes a heat shield that is unique to keep the water at a perfect temperature and protect the spray head. It is among the few brewers that have been Golden Cup certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means that it maintains the correct brewing temperature consistently throughout the brew cycle.
In terms of design In terms of design, the Six is sleek and minimal It comes with a stainless-steel carafe that is placed on top of a filter holder that can accept Melitta flat bottom filters. The insulated carafe helps keep the coffee hot without the need for heated plates. This preserves the flavor.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi is a small and sleek coffee maker that doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It produces a delicious tasting cup of coffee. The touchscreen features cute icons that allow you to select single-touch commands. For instance, you can choose Bold or, if you are only making a half pot of coffee, you can use the One to Four Cups feature. The machine allows you to set the timer, as well as turn on or off the audible tone that signals the end of the brew cycle.
It's nice to have a built-in grinder that allows you to alter the size of the grind and the intensity of your coffee. It takes a while to learn how the machine works however, it's easy once you've mastered it. It also has many of the features you'd expect to find on more expensive models.
The only drawback is that it's unable to make a full carafe at once which could be a problem when you're serving multiple people. It's a good choice when you're looking for a drip coffeemaker with a built in grinder and the ability to make different drinks. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster is a high-end drip-coffee maker built to last. It comes with a five-year warranty and is manufactured in the Netherlands by Technivorm. The stylish glass carafe is placed on the top of a warmer, which keeps the coffee at a consistent temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed to work with a full pot or a half pot, and is certified to brew coffee at recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically invisible drip stopper," an incredibly small lever that is located beneath the brew kettle that stops the flow of coffee when you remove the carafe while brewing.
While this machine is more expensive than other machines on the market, it's well worth the cost for those who wish to enjoy consistently delicious coffee without having to spend too long in the kitchen. All parts that come into contact with water or ground are easily accessible. The brew process is slower than other models, but still faster than pour-over making. Additionally, the Moccamaster's unique design that is reminiscent of tools used in workshops or scientific instruments will add the perfect touch of elegance to your kitchen.