The Best Drip Coffee Makers Reviews and Customers Report

Looking for a coffee machine can seem like one of the most confusing decisions ever…

You’ll immediately be confronted with a huge array of choices but we’re here to simplify everything for you.

Firstly, we’ll narrow our focus today to laser in on drip coffee makers. These simple but satisfying machines can produce anything up to 14 cups of coffee and you’ll get a glass carafe and warming plate or a stainless steel thermal carafe to keep it warm for hours.

The functionality of these drip coffee makers varies but the core function is the same. You’ll use freshly ground coffee which is saturated by the water dripping through. This type of machine is capable of making a rich and balanced coffee with very little user input called for.

So, today we’ll be outlining 13 of the very best machines on the market. We’ve chosen drip coffee makers at a wide range of price-points so there’s something for everyone.

Before we get down to business, though, we’ll walk you through what to look out for on the buying trail. This should help you to firm up a shortlist you can then hone through reading our frank capsule reviews.

Buckle in and let’s explore the world of drip coffee makers…

What Should You Look for When You’re Hunting for a Drip Coffee Machine?

Buying a drip coffee machine isn’t quite as involved a decision as hunting for a semi-automatic espresso machine but there are nevertheless a few elements you should double down on.

Focusing on these areas will simplify your buying decision:

• Capacity: How Large is The Carafe?
• What Other Drinks Can You Make?
• Programmability
• Water Filters
• Water Temperature
• Hot Plate or Thermal Carafe?
• How About a Grinder?
• User-Friendliness
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Design

Capacity: How Large is The Carafe?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to carafe size. All that counts here is what makes the best fit for you and your family.

Think about your coffee drinking habits.

Are you the only one hunting for a cup of joe first thing or do you need to serve up the whole family?

Once you’ve poured some coffee, do you want some in reserve, warm and ready to drink?

Carafes range in size from 4-cup to 14-cup. A 10-cup or 12-cup model is the most common choice.

We would advise that you err on the side of caution. There’s little more frustrating than underestimating your needs and ending up with a machine that’s too small for the purpose. You’re not obligated to fill the whole carafe every time but you’ll have plenty in reserve if you need it.

What Other Drinks Can You Make?

It might be that you’re perfectly happy with a drip coffee maker that does nothing else. If so, that’s absolutely fine. Your prime focus can be on getting the best carafe-based system above all else.

Perhaps you like the idea of single-serve pod convenience. If so, many machines serve double duty so you’re in luck. We highlight a couple of combo machines below for anyone who can’t quite make their mind up.

Occasionally, you’ll chance upon a drip coffee maker that also lets you make tea.

All that counts here is analyzing your needs before committing to purchase so you and everyone in your family can get the drinks they want without needing to hustle down to Starbucks.

Programmability

You’ll find some drip coffee machines give you the freedom to program them to kick in at a designated time.

Rather than obsessing about this feature just because it exists, ask yourself honestly if you would really make use of it.

If you’re always rushing around in the morning pressed for time, this could be a genuine benefit to your morning routine. Equally, if you have a monstrously busy schedule, you might enjoy coming home to the smell of fresh coffee and a carafe ready to pour.

The next best thing to a programmable brewer is one that gets your coffee ready in minutes flat. As with every aspect of this buying decision, take your time and buy in line with your needs.

Next, it’s time to give some thought to the water. With 90% of the contents of your coffee being H2O, don’t overlook this aspect.

Water Filters

If you don’t have a water filter in your kitchen, chances are you’re not enjoying your coffee at its best.

One alternative to buying a standalone feature is to look out for coffee machines where they come baked in.

We wouldn’t suggest this is a deal-breaking element of your decision but it’s worth keeping an eye out for if you’re obsessed with getting the best coffee you possibly can.

Water Temperature

According to the SCA, water should be heated to between 198F and 205F for the perfect golden cup of coffee.

Sadly, many coffee makers fall far short of the mark here and leave you shortchanged from the onset.

We sidestepped these weak and limp offerings today to bring you nothing but the best drip coffee machines.

Hot Plate or Thermal Carafe?

A glass carafe is the cheapest option but is obviously pretty fragile. Even borosilicate glass, slightly more rugged, won’t give you the durability of a stainless steel alternative.

The other snag with glass carafes is the way the hot plate will overheat the coffee leading to over-extraction of the oils within. The result is a slight bitterness. As a crowning insult, you’ll burn through more electricity, too. The warming plate needs to stay switched on.

Thermal carafes made from stainless steel are typically double-walled for impeccable insulation. Durability is uppermost although you will need to dig a little deeper for the privilege. With your coffee maintained between 195F and 205F, you’ll enjoy it at its finest for longer.

How About a Grinder?

If you already own a coffee grinder, you can skip this part.

If you don’t, we would take this opportunity to reiterate how important it is to grind your own beans directly before brewing. Coffee beans degrade quickly once ground so does yourself a favor and give pre-ground a swerve.

User-Friendliness

Beneath it all, you’ll want your coffee machine to be easy to use or it will simply end up gathering dust in the cupboard. If you’re not the biggest tech fan, it’s doubly important to get this right and shoot for something simple to operate.

The SCA’s benchmark for a decent drip coffee maker is one that will return results in 8 minutes or less.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Just like the ease of use, you should make sure you’re not looking at a coffee maker that’s a pain to clean up. Units like this tend to get very little use.

Make sure key components are removable so you won’t be contorted when you’re cleaning.

Avoid any models with a bad reputation for tedious upkeep.

That leaves you with just one final thing to consider before deciding on the best drip coffee maker for you…

Design

Looks, count. While design should clearly not be your leading motivation – there’s a reason we left it until last – if all other things are equal, opt for the machine you most like the look of.

OK…

With that detailed blueprint in place, you should be perfectly placed to know exactly what you want from a drip coffee maker.

We’ll break down the best drip machines in detail right now…

1. Ninja Auto-IQ Hot and Cold Brewed System

Ninja has a reputation for producing top-tier coffee machine keenly priced and the Auto-IQ wins out as our favorite overall drip coffee maker. This is a remarkably versatile system allowing you to make hot or cold drinks. With iced drinks, you’ll get a sweet and crisp taste with none of the dilutions that can spoil cold coffee.

Beyond hot and cold coffee, you’ll also be able to use loose or bagged tea so you’ve got ample options to create drinks for the whole family. The smart basket recognizes the basket you’re using then throws up options for tea or coffee accordingly.

Tweak brew styles as follows:

• Classic
• Over ice
• Rich
• Specialty
• Cold-brew

You’ll get equal flexibility when it comes to choosing your brew size. Switch up from a single cup to multiple cups, a half-carafe, or a whole carafe. With every aspect of this machine, you’re spoiled for choice.

The fold-away frother allows you to create longer, creamier drinks so you’re all covered for cappuccino, latte, and flat whites.

Whether you want a piping hot carafe to ease you through your morning or lip-smacking cold brew in as little as 10 minutes, the Auto-IQ is a superbly versatile tea and coffee maker from a brand you can trust. When considered across all categories, this is our standout winner. Try it and you won’t be disappointed.

Pros: Brew coffee and hot, hot or over ice. 6 brew sizes up to a full carafe. Intelligent operation. 5 brew styles for further versatility. Use all types of tea and coffee.

Cons: Filter can be temperamental. The initial chemical smell is unappealing.

Bottom Line: A flexible, all-round powerhouse, Ninja’s iconic Auto-iQ is our overall pick for best drip coffee maker. There’s very little this machine can’t do and it brews up tea, too.

2. Best Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe: Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker

This substantial 60oz drip coffee maker from Breville makes a commanding statement on the kitchen counter. An expanse of stainless steel offset with flashes of black, things get off to a strong start.

Is it a case of form over function, though? Absolutely not! Functionality matches up to appearance and you’ll get a powerful addition to your kitchen arsenal.

To make great coffee, you need the water at precisely the right temperature. The onboard PID controls dial that in with unerring accuracy so your drink is off to the best start.

You’ll get a pair of filter baskets:

• Flat bottom filter
• Cone filter

Brew however much coffee you want however you want to brew it. You’ll also be able to fine-tune variables like bloom time, flow rate, and brew temperature. Although this machine is a pleasure to use even for complete beginners, it also affords you plenty of scopes to personalize your drink.

Choose from the following 6 brewing modes:

• Fast
• Strong
• Gold
• Iced
• Cold-brew
• My brew

Across the board, the Breville Precision gives you the perfect marriage of push-button ease with total control and flexibility. You’ll struggle to find this combination on any other drip coffee maker.

If you prefer the machine to do all the work, just hit Gold Cup Standard and everything will be optimized in line with accepted best practice.

A thermal carafe to keep your drink hotter for longer rounds out a first-class package from Breville.

What are you waiting for, why not road test this fantastic machine today?

Pros: Jaw-dropping design. Pair of filter baskets thrown in. Highly accurate PID temperature control. Thermocoil heating system. Highly customizable brew settings. 6 preset brewing modes. Robust thermal carafe.

Cons: A few complaints about lifespan.

Bottom Line: For a great drip coffee maker with a thermal carafe to keep your brew hotter for longer, you can’t beat the Breville Precision.

3. Best Drip Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe: Technivorm Moccamaster

If you’ve got a fluid budget and you’re looking for one of the finest drip coffee makers from an industry legend, we present the iconic Technivorm Moccamaster. The lengthiest part of your buying decision will be settling on which of the vibrant colorways looks best in your kitchen.

The Moccamaster is capable of delivering 40oz of coffee in as little as 5 minutes so this unit is ideal if you’re always pressed for time in the morning but you don’t want to compromise the quality of the coffee in your cup.

Extraction is even and consistent with the grinds perfectly saturated as it shoots out through no less than 9 outlets.

Auto shut-off kicks in and the machine powers down after 100 minutes of inactivity. Kiss goodbye to wondering whether you turned your coffee maker or not.

Brewed coffee rests on a reliable hot plate so you’ll be able to drink several cups back to back without needing to re-brew or endure lukewarm coffee. Choose from 2 settings and keep your coffee warm at 175F or 185F according to taste.

Crowned by an exceptional 5-year warranty, you’re in safe hands with the Technivorm Moccamaster. If you can afford it, you won’t regret the investment.

The automatic nature of this drip coffee machine makes it an ideal purchase if you have a hectic lifestyle but appreciate coffee at its finest.

Pros: Huge array of colors to choose from. One-touch simplicity. Super-swift brew times in 5 minutes or less. Copper element. No pump is needed. Rock-solid 5-year warranty. Unbeatable brand heritage.

Cons: Ruthlessly expensive.

Bottom Line: If you have a fluid budget and you appreciate the finest drip coffee, the Technivorm Moccamaster is our overall pick for best drip coffee maker with a glass carafe.

4. Best coffee maker with timer: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker

The OXO Brew 9-cup coffee maker is a pocket-friendly way to bring gourmet coffee into your home. While many people naturally opt for single-serve espresso machines or latte machines for longer, creamier drinks, there’s little to rival fresh, drip coffee.

What makes this machine stand out in a crowded vertical? The timer is a nice touch and you’ll enjoy total precision without needing yet another piece of kit. Use this timer to ensure you wake up to freshly brewed coffee as soon as you enter the kitchen.

With Better Brew Precision, you’ll rest confident that all settings will be automatically optimized. Although this doesn’t give you quite the same leeway as you’ll get with some machines, it makes it a cinch to use. All you’ll need to do is the twist the single dial to call for however much coffee you want.

The machine is programmed to replicate the pour-over method so you’ll get all those benefits without the laborious procedure of making it.

The innovative design of the showerhead sends water at exactly the right temperature cascading over your ground for a wonderfully consistent and even extraction every single time.

A double-walled stainless carafe keeps your coffee warmer for longer.

If you’re hunting for one of the best drip coffee makers without spending a fortune, the OXO Brew is well worth popping on your shortlist.

Pros: Get the most even and consistent extraction thanks to showerhead design. Water heated to the optimum temperature for coffee. Easily navigable LED. Onboard timer so you can dial in the brew perfectly.

Cons: Hard to see coffee filter insert.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a design-driven and feature-rich drip coffee maker with a timer baked in, the OXO Brew is a home run.

5. Budget Pick: Cuisinart DCC-3200 Programmable Coffee Maker

This 14-cup configuration of the classic Cuisinart drip coffee maker serves up more than enough caffeinated drinks for the whole family. What else has it got going on besides capacity, then?

If you’re looking for push-button ease and you don’t mind sacrificing a little control over the brewing process, the DCC-3200 is a wise bet. You’ll be able to program your machine through 24 hours meaning you’ll have fresh coffee in the morning and the same to greet you when you return from work.

As well as the classic stainless steel finish, you can also opt for a handful of more muted, pastel shades if you fancy something a little different on the kitchen counter.

Since you’ll benefit from a permanent gold-tone filter, you won’t have the hassle or the ongoing expense of buying replacements.

You’ll be able to rack up anywhere from 1 to 14 cups so you’ve got total flexibility and the ability to cater for even large families all baying for coffee in the mornings. The glass carafe will keep your coffee warm for several hours.

If you fancy total automation and the versatility to make a quick cuppa or a whole carafe, this is a cost-effective and user-friendly solution to getting coffee shop style drinks from the comfort of home.

Pros: Completely automated solution programmable through 24 hours. Self-cleaning taking the sting out of upkeep. Auto shut-off for your peace of mind. A permanent filter reduces ongoing running costs.

Cons: Cuisinart customer care has a poor reputation.

Bottom Line: Despite weak customer service, Cuisinart produces superb coffee machine and this programmable gem is one of the finest in their deep bench.

6. Best drip coffee maker and single serve: Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker

Keurig is famous the world over for its deep bench of single-serve coffee makers. Why, then, are we including a Keurig in our drip coffee maker reviews?

Well, with the K-Duo, you’ll get the best of both worlds. You’ll be able to brew up 6oz to 12oz cups of brewed coffee and you can make a whole 12-cup carafe if you’ve got thirsty mouths in the morning.

On the other side of the machine, you’ll be able to slip in any K-Cup pod to benefit from all the convenience a single-serve Keurig offers.

If you fancy a stronger brew, punch Bold and the K-Duo delivers.

How about if you’re rustling up a full carafe but you’re impatient for a cup? Hit Pause and grab yourself a tide-over cup then the machine will finish up after you’re done.

The significant downside of this machine is the fact it looks cheap and fragile. If you can get over these average looks, you’ll enjoy a powerful addition to your kitchen and an improvement in the quality of the coffee in your cup.

The dual-functionality of this model means you’re getting exceptional value for money even if the design could be given a facelift.

Pros: Use either ground coffee for the drip experience or K-Cups for single-serve convenience. Oversized water tank ideal for large families. Brew from 6oz to 12oz cups or a whole carafe.

Cons: Carafe sometimes sold separately so look for an iteration like this where it comes included. Looks cheap and plasticky.

Bottom Line: If you can’t decide between a single-serve machine and a drip coffee maker, you don’t need to compromise. The classic Keurig K-Duo gives you both in a single powerful unit.

7. Best Dual Coffee Makers: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Thermal Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a cheap drip coffee maker that also offers single-serve functionality, our pick for best dual coffee maker comes from Hamilton Beach with the mighty FlexBrew.On the left-hand side of the FlexBrew, you’ll get a 10-cup stainless steel carafe so you’ve got enough freshly brewed drip coffee for all the family. This allows you the freedom to use any of your favorite pre-ground coffee beans.

On the other side, you’ll be able to use any K-Cup pods. If you want coffee in a hurry at the push of a button with no messy clean-up, there’s simply no substitute for single-serve. If you opt for this method, you’ll have steaming coffee in your cup in less than 3 minutes.

Choose from bold or regular brews so you’ve got at least some input into the coffee in your cup. With an automated machine like this, you’ll sacrifice a little ability to tinker in return for a super-sized serving of convenience.

With the K-Cups, brew up to 10oz cups. Opt for freshly brewed drip coffee, and you’ll be able to make a whopping 14oz cup to get your day started the right way.

Many machines that attempt to do two jobs end up performing poorly in both areas. This is not the case with Hamilton Beach. You’ll get single-serve to rival anything you’d get from a Keurig or Nespresso machine with the inbuilt advantage of that drip coffee maker. Treat yourself to this powerful dual-coffee machine and you won’t be disappointed.

Pros: Dual-purpose machine so brew drip coffee or use K-Cups. 10-cup stainless steel carafe. Independent water tanks for each brewing system. Swift brewing time in 3 minutes flat.

Cons: A few users have complained of leaking.

Bottom Line: For anyone who doesn’t want to compromise between drip coffee and pod-based convenience, get the best of both worlds with the FlexBrew at a price you’ll love.

8. Technivorm 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer

As we edge past the midpoint of our drip coffee maker reviews, another entry from the stellar Technivorm. Again, the 79112 KBT is not cheap but you’ll get a great deal of value in return for digging a little deeper.

You’ll get the water up to temperature in a hurry thanks to the solid copper boiling element. Temperature is regulated from 196F to 205F, the perfect band for that golden cup of coffee.

You can make manual tweaks to the brew basket so you’ll feel nicely involved with the brewing method. This machine is better suited to those with at least a little experience making coffee. Either that or you’ll need to be prepared to undergo a little learning to get the most from the KBT.

The housing is predominantly made from rugged metal. All plastic in place comes free of BPA, BPS, and phthalates.

The brewing basket is conical and allows for a 6-minute steep following an even extraction. The resulting coffee tastes exceptional. We would advise that if you’re going to the trouble and expense of using a machine like the KBT, you should grind your own beans directly before brewing.

As with all Technivorm kit, you’ll be covered by a 5-year guarantee allowing you to buy in complete confidence.

Pros: Manual adjustment allows you to fine-tune things perfectly. Robust copper heating element. Conical brew basket for a thorough and even extraction. Impeccable brand heritage. Class-leading 5-year warranty.

Cons: Certainly not cheap.

Bottom Line: Technivorm is a legend in the coffee vertical and the 79112 KBT is a rock-solid drip brewer that’s built to stay the distance.

9. Zojirushi 10-Cup Coffee Maker

Zojirushi is a brand perhaps best known for its enormous line of rice cookers. This agile 10-cup coffee maker brings all that engineering expertise to bear and gives you a solid alternative to the usual suspects.

The stainless carafe will keep 10 cups of coffee warm for hours on end. If you work from home and drink a lot of coffee throughout the morning, this is a wonderful time-saver that also reduces wastage.

Are you partial to iced coffee in the summer? This machine will intelligently manipulate the coffee to water ratio. This ensures you won’t get the watered-down excuse for iced coffee that gives the drink a bad name.

A drip-prevention mechanism kicks in when you remove the carafe. Kiss goodbye to owning a drip coffee machine that leaves your kitchen counter saturated with spillage.

The filter is washable and reusable. This helps reduce your eco-footprint and also saves you from the ongoing expense of disposable paper replacements.

Cleaning is kept to a minimum and the basket slides out to make your life even easier.

While you won’t get much by the way of frills, this no-nonsense machine is keenly-priced and built to last so merits a place on any shortlist.

Pros: 10-cup carafe to keep your coffee warmer for longer. Enjoy iced coffee with no dilution. The user-friendly interface is a snap to navigate. Nifty drip prevention in place so you won’t end up with coffee cascading over your counter.

Cons: A few reported issues with the volatile cleaning cycle.

Bottom Line: This compact and slimline drip coffee brewer eats up little counter real estate while delivering powerful brewing double-quick.

10. Bonavita 8-Cup Coffee Maker

The Bonavita is a smaller-capacity machine ideal for medium-sized families and kitchens where space is at a premium. While you won’t be able to rack up quite such large carafes as with some of the competition, you’ll get a compact unit that will slot in even if kitchen counter real estate is at a premium.

Choose from a stainless steel or glass carafe depending on which meshes best with your lifestyle. Whichever model you choose, all plastic is free of contaminants and pathogens so you can brew with a clean conscience.

With the flat-bottom filter and the oversized showerhead, all your coffee grounds will be optimally saturated for a crisp and consistent extraction every time.

The only reported niggle with this machine is a reported propensity for the heating element to create problems. Keep your eye out for this.

In all respects that count, the Bonavita is a solid contender for the best drip coffee maker on a budget.

Pros: Elegant, understated design. Choose from glass or stainless steel carafe. Pre-infusion mode saturates grinds wonderfully. All plastic comes BPA-free. A potent heater gets your water to just the temperature you need for great coffee.

Cons: Heating element can play up.

Bottom Line: If you want no-nonsense brewed coffee at its finest, the Bonavita is large enough for a medium-sized family while priced keenly. What’s not to love?

11. BUNN NHS 10-Cup Coffee Maker

Coming in at a little more, the BUNN NHS is a highly capable 10-cup drip coffee machine that will repay the considerable investment tenfold if you’re a committed coffee fiend. The utilitarian design would look ideal in a modernist kitchen and makes a real conversation piece.

You won’t have long to wait for it to do its magic either. The spray head has a wide pattern so you’ll get all your coffee grinds soaked for the finest extraction in just 3 minutes. The large and flat bottom of the filter along with the funnel promotes sleek interaction between the hot water and your fresh coffee ground resulting in a first-class coffee.

Dial-in from 20oz to 50oz of coffee at the push of a button depending on how much you need.

With the always-on stainless water tank, you’ll have water retained at 200F so it’s ready to deliver top-tier coffee without standing on ceremony.

As a crowning bonus, you’ll get a decent 3-year warranty. Although the BUNN isn’t cheap, you’ll get powerful performance along with an enviable lifespan. So, if you’ve got a flexible budget and you don’t mind shelling out for great coffee at home, think how much you’ll save by not hitting Starbucks quite so often!

Pros: Get 10 cups of coffee in 3 minutes flat. Wide spray head pattern for outstanding saturation. Brew as few as 4 cups if you don’t want an entire carafe. Reasonable 3-year warranty for peace of mind at the point of purchase.

Cons: Costly. Relatively bulky.

Bottom Line: For an imposing and flexible drip coffee maker that can help you get your coffee quicker in the mornings, invest in the BUNN NHS and you won’t be disappointed.

What Grind Size Should You Use For a Drip Coffee Maker?

As we’ve referenced repeatedly today, getting the finest cup of coffee starts off with freshly ground beans blitzed as soon as possible before brewing.

Regardless of the brewing method you use, grinding before brewing is sound practice. When you’re using an auto-drip machine, you’re already handicapping yourself slightly. These machines might be highly convenient but plenty of other brewing methods will yield you superior coffee.

Offset some of that disadvantage by shopping for your favorite beans and then grinding them before you brew up.

It’s down to you whether you opt for a machine with an integrated grinder or you buy a third-party coffee grinder. If you buy your own, look for a conical burr grinder. Cheaper blade grinders are wildly ineffective by comparison.

You’ll now need to think about grind size. If you have even a passing interest in coffee, you’ll be aware that different brewing methods call for the coffee ground to varying consistencies. Why is this?

Well, coffee gets its trademark flavor and taste through a process called extraction. If hot water passes through the ground beans too quickly, the coffee will be listless and insipid, totally lacking in body and taste. If extraction is too slow, you’ll end up with an offensively bitter coffee. The speed of this is largely dictated by how finely or otherwise the coffee is ground.

For most drip coffee makers, use a fine or medium grind.

The type of filter you’re using will influence this:

• Flat-bottom filter: Medium (like sand)
• Conical filter: Medium-fine (like granulated sugar)
• Gold filter: Medium

1. How To Clean a Drip Coffee Maker

We’ll assume you’ve taken our handy hints onboard and found yourself the best drip coffee maker. If so, congratulations and we hope you get many years of happy service from it.

In order to maximize the lifespan of your machine, you should keep on top of cleaning and maintenance. If you neglect it, you’re likely to find it gets clogged and scaled before letting you down prematurely.

Take some simple cleaning and maintenance precautions, though, and you should be using your machine for years on end.

Fortunately, cleaning a drip coffee maker couldn’t be much easier.

What To Do: Drip Coffee Maker

1. Empty out your coffee pot making sure to discard any leftover coffee
2. Empty the filter so there are no grounds left behind
3. Add some vinegar and water. Fill up the pot with 3 cups of white vinegar to 6 cups of cold water
4. Switch your coffee maker on so it starts brewing
5. When the brewing cycle has run its course, switch the machine off and let the solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes
6. Brew water only then leave for 15 minutes
7. Repeat for a second cycle
8. FAQ
9. What’s the difference between drip filter coffee and French press?

The French press is a full immersion method. After 5 minutes of immersion, you plunge down on the filter and separate the grounds from the liquid. Much of the solids seep through into the cup. Filter coffee coming from a drip machine will have a cleaner taste with less of this sediment making its way into your cup.

What’s the manual pour-over method?

You get started by blooming your grounds. This involves pouring just a little water over them rather than soaking them completely. You can then pour your water delicately in stages at a highly precise temperature. This gives you infinitely more control than you’ll find if you use an automated drip machine.

What’s the point of a thermal carafe?

Put simply, you’ll keep your coffee hotter for longer without using up as much electricity. Some drip coffee makers feature glass carafes. Leftover coffee is warmed on a hot plate. This continues to heat the coffee resulting in an impaired finished product.

Thermal carafes, on the other hand, are normally made from stainless steel and come with double-walled insulation. You’ll enjoy leftover coffee kept heated for hours while using no almost no electricity. The stainless carafe is also obviously much more rugged and robust than a glass alternative.

What does extraction actually mean?

This process is the rate at which the oils are extracted from the beans.

Surely there’s no need to bother cleaning these machines?

On the contrary, you should clean your machine on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly and to prolong its lifespan. Use filtered water to minimize the amount of sediment that will scale up your machine. Use a solution of water and vinegar as outlined above to clean the machine every month or more.

What if I can’t decide between a drip coffee maker and a single-serve machine?

You don’t need to! Several of the combo units we look at today let you make drip coffee with pre-ground coffee on one side while using pods for single-serve on the other side.

How much coffee do you need when you’re using a drip machine?

As a general guideline, shoot for 7g to 8g of ground coffee for every 3oz of water. This should be fine-tuned according to your machine and palate but it’s a workable guideline to experiment from.

Why is my machine appearing to leak from the bottom?

This is not uncommon and there are a few things you can check to remedy this. Make sure the brew basket is fully closed at all times. Check the water tank is tightly in place.

Never overfill this reservoir as that will lead to more chance of water leaking out. If none of these issues is fixing the leak, you might need to contact the manufacturer. Always look for a lengthy guarantee when you’re hunting for a drip coffee maker.

What can I do to remove the unsightly stains on my thermal carafe?

Fill up the carafe with boiling water then add a dishwasher tablet. Allow this to sit overnight and clean thoroughly with water the following day. Goodbye coffee stains!

How often do I need to clean my drip coffee machine?

Since everyone uses their machine at a different rate, it’s more accurate to think of how many times you can use your machine before it needs cleaning.

The answer is 50 or so. For the average user, this translates to once every few weeks. Follow the simple steps we outline above using a solution of water and vinegar and you’ll keep your coffee maker running at the full clip and you’ll enjoy superior coffee in your morning cuppa.

Is it necessary to use a scale when I’m measuring coffee?

While not strictly necessary, you’ll have far more consistent results than trying to gauge by eye or by volume. All coffee beans are different densities meaning if you try to estimate by volume, you could be wildly off. Invest in a digital scale and you’ll notice an improvement inconsistency.

What grind size do I need for my drip coffee maker?

If you’re using a flat-bottom filter, use a medium grind. You need medium-fine if you’re using a cone-shaped filter while a medium grind works well with a gold filter.

Conclusion

Well, if you’ve managed to stick with us this far, you should now consider yourself an expert on drip coffee makers.

You’re certainly equipped with all the information you need to make your buying decision quicker and easier.

You can also see the other options at your disposal. You might have decided that the Chemex pour-over system makes more sense for you. Perhaps you can’t give up the idea of that single-serve convenience. If so, you’ve got a couple of pod-based options above that also allow you to make drip coffee when you feel like it.

Throw in a model that also lets you make tea and several machines capable of yielding delectable iced coffee and you’re truly spoiled for choice.