best drip coffee maker coffeee.uk
Drip coffee makers are powerful machines that allow hands-free coffee making. They can be large and bulky, taking up valuable counter or cabinet space.
The top drip machines are streamlined and simple 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 is a one-stop shop for coffee. It can go from whole beans to a full carafe by pressing a few buttons. It has a built-in burr grinder (taken directly from the espresso machines of De'Longhi) that measures out the right amount of coffee grounds and compacts them before making the coffee - eliminating pods and filters made of plastic.
It also has a range of settings for your preferred cup size and style, from 3oz espresso-style drinks, to 16oz iced coffee or 40oz of a traditional carafe. It can pour coffee into any vessel you like, whether it's a large cup or a small espresso cup. It even creates tea!
Bean Extract Technology is a jargony term that manufacturers love to employ. It "adapts and grinds" beans to suit your preferences. It's actually nothing more than marketing. It's essential that it's easy to use, fast and doesn't cause lots of mess when making coffee. However, it does not have the ability to make an espresso shot that is either long or short of espresso, and it doesn't come with steam wands for milk. If you're looking for those features, I recommend looking into the Moccamaster KBGV Select instead.
2. Cuisinart MultiServe
This is one of the top drip coffee makers available on the market. It consistently produces delicious, hot cups of coffee that efficiently brew.
We also appreciated the flexibility of modifying the method of brewing. You can select your cup size (from 5-ounce single serving to a full carafe) and your desired strength with the simple turn of dials as well as select between either a french press or regular setting. You can make cold brew at the press of a button or select from a range of specialty options such as Over Ice and Roasted.
The only issue is that it doesn't match the more sophisticated models that we tested. For instance the rounded Smeg drip machine resembles a sparkling Easter egg and is a welcome break from the traditional boxy designs of competitors. However, its slim water tank and narrow opening can be difficult to navigate, particularly in the dark while the brew is underway. It takes a little more thought and effort than most customers would like to see as part of their daily routine.
3. Keurig K-Cup brewer
Keurig single-serve coffee makers use K-cups prepackaged and ready to use, eliminating the necessity to measure and grind grounds and control brewing times. These machines can also brew coffee in less than two minutes. This is much faster than a drip machine.
But the Keurigs we've tested create a lot of mess--much more than drip machines. The spout that spews hot coffee creates a 2-inch splash zone that releases drops of water on the drip tray, machine and counter. And they produce an annoying, loud sound when you're making coffee.
The Keurigs that we tested worked well, despite the mess. The Smart Keurig K-Cafe, the most advanced model, comes with a detachable water reservoir, four K-cup sizes with three temperature settings, and a customizable program. It also has a safe dishwasher-safe milk frother which can froth whole, skim and nondairy milk. This is an excellent option for those who want to make different coffees every morning, or for families who require the capacity of a larger.
The Keurig Instant Pod is also a ideal choice for anyone who wants a simple and easy-to-use single-serve device. It has an impressive 78-ounce water tank that can make several cups before it has to be refilled. It also has the ability to brew your own coffee grounds which isn't often seen in a Keurig. The controls are simple and straightforward however, the machine communicates via tones and chirps, not an LCD, making it difficult to know when a cup is ready.
4. Cuisinart Drip Machine
This durable, mid-priced machine has all the features you require to get your day started. It comes with a large reservoir of 14 cups and an open window that clearly shows the level of water. It is easy to use because of the large buttons that have clearly labeled labels. The filter and grinder that are removable can be cleaned easily in the sink. This means that you don't have to scrub out the grounds from difficult-to reach places. It also comes with a handy brew-strength selector, which lets you choose between three different settings including bold.
The reservoir comes with a charcoal-filter that removes metals as well as unpleasant flavors and odors from the tap water. This could make your coffee to taste dull or burnt. This means less maintenance and a better tasting coffee.
Another benefit: The programability feature makes it simple to set your coffee to brew at an exact time. Also, the pause button lets you to pour a cup or two of coffee before the whole pot is brewing, which can be helpful in hectic mornings when you need a boost of caffeine. It also has a sleek and modern design and looks more at ease on the counter in comparison to other drip coffee machines.
5. Ratio Six
The Ratio Eight is the older brother of the Six. It provides a premium experience with an affordable price and a smaller footprint. Its single-button operation mimics a skilled pour over with precise metered flow of water and ideal coffee temperature. The machine utilizes 1400 watts of power to heat water and complete the process in five to six minutes--which is significantly less than many of the cheaper models we have tested. The speedy brewing time is partly due to the bloom cycle, which allows coffee grounds to settle before the shower head releases the remainder of the hot water needed for the best extraction.
The Six also has a unique heat shield to protect the spray head during brewing and also to keep the water at an optimal temperature. It is among a handful of brewers to have been Golden Cup certified by Specialty Coffee Association. This means it maintains the right brewing temperature throughout the entire brew cycle.
The Six is minimalist, sleek and minimal in design. It has a stainless steel carafe, which sits on the top of a Melitta flat-bottom filter holder. The carafe is insulated, which keeps the brewed coffee warm without the necessity of heating plates and helps keep the flavor intact.
6. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Gevi brews great-tasting coffee and features a sleek, relatively compact design that doesn't take up much counter space. Its touchscreen panel features cute icons that let you select one-touch commands (such as Bold or, when you're making just half a cup, the One to Four cup feature). The machine allows you to set the timer and switch off or on the audible tone that signals the end of the brew cycle.
The built-in grinder as well as the ability to adjust the size and strength of your coffee is a nice touch. It takes a little time to learn to use the machine however once you've mastered it, the machine is easy to use. It has plenty of features you'd expect to find on higher-end models.
It can't brew an entire carafe of espresso at once. This can be a problem if you're serving several people. However, it's a great option if you're in the market for drip coffee maker with an integrated grinder and the flexibility to make different kinds of drinks. It also has a one-year warranty and a great customer service.
7. Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV is a premium drip coffee maker designed to last. It's made by Technivorm in the Netherlands and comes with a five-year guarantee. The sleek glass carafe is set on top of a warming device that keeps the coffee at an ideal temperature for up to six minutes. It can be programmed for either a full or half pot and is certified to brew coffee at the recommended temperatures and times by the Specialty Coffee Association. It also features a "practically hidden drip stopper" that's a small lever below the brew basket that stop the flow of coffee if you take the carafe off during the brewing.
This machine is more expensive than many others on the market but it's worth it for anyone looking to have consistently great coffee without spending a lot in the kitchen. It's easy to clean and all components that come in contact with the ground and water 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 workshop tools and scientific devices adds class to your kitchen.