The Best Drip Coffee Makers
Nothing hits better than that freshly brewed cup of coffee before leaving for work. And in order to get there, you just need to have one of the best drip coffee makers you can get your hands on. It won’t be easy though.
We’ve gone over quite a few articles and done all the research you would’ve needed to do yourself. Let’s see how you can know if a drip coffee maker is actually good and what affects each cup’s taste.
Best with Thermal Carafe
Capacity | 9 Cups |
Wattage | 1400W |
Brewing Temperature | 197.6°F-204.8°F |
Material | Stainless Steel |
- you want a programmable coffee maker.
- you need precise temperature control.
- you prefer evenly extracted coffee.
- you like a hot cup all morning.
- you appreciate easy-to-use features.
- you seek a coffee maker certified by SCA.
- you prefer a simpler coffee maker.
- you need a higher voltage option.
- you don’t need programmable features.
The OXO Brew stainless steel coffee maker is a top choice among the best drip coffee makers. Its BetterBrew Precision Brewing technology ensures water temperature is optimized for rich and flavorful coffee.
Whether you brew two cups or a full pot, this machine guarantees an excellent coffee experience every time.
As one of the best coffee makers, it is fully programmable, making it convenient for users who enjoy having coffee ready at a specific time.
The single dial allows you to choose the number of cups, program the time, and set an automatic wake-up timer. These features make it one of the best drip coffee makers for those who value convenience and efficiency.
Temperature-controlled brewing is a standout feature, maintaining water temperature between 197.6–204.8°F. This range is ideal for drip coffee, ensuring every cup is brewed to perfection.
Additionally, the Rainmaker shower head evenly disperses water over the coffee grounds, which enhances flavor extraction, making every sip enjoyable.
Another innovative feature is the internal mixing tube, ensuring that the last sip of coffee is as delicious as the first. The pause and pour feature allows you to grab a quick cup before the brewing cycle is complete, perfect for those on the go.
Certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, this coffee maker meets the gold standard for home brewing. Its combination of precision, programmability, and ease of use makes it a standout in the category of best drip coffee makers.
OXO also makes some of the best single-serve coffee makers, which you can check out in another article of ours.
OXO Brew Stainless Steel Coffee Maker Reviews
- Temperature retention: The thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without needing a hot plate, which many find impressive.
- Consistent brewing: Customers highlight the consistent and reliable brewing performance, ensuring great coffee every time.
- SCA-certified: The machine’s certification by the Specialty Coffee Association reassures users of its quality.
- Quality build: High-quality, durable materials are frequently mentioned, with users impressed by the build.
- Minimalist footprint: The compact, minimalist design fits well in any kitchen, appreciated by many reviewers.
Best Automatic
Capacity | 12 Cups |
Wattage | 975W |
Brewing Temperature | N/A |
Material | Glass, Plastic |
- you need quick brewing.
- you want programmable features.
- you like easy controls.
- you prefer an easy-view window.
- you need a washable brew basket.
- you need a smaller coffee maker.
- you prefer a thermal carafe.
- you dislike rubberized buttons.
The BLACK+DECKER 12-cup digital coffee maker is designed to make your mornings easier with its QuickTouch Programming buttons. These allow you to set the 24-hour auto brew feature, ensuring fresh coffee is ready whenever you need it.
This coffeemaker is perfect for those who want to shave time off their morning routine.
One of the standout features is the Sneak-a-Cup technology, which temporarily halts the flow of coffee. This means you can pour your first cup before the brewing cycle is complete, without any mess. This feature is especially useful for busy mornings when you can’t wait for the full pot to brew.
The BLACK+DECKER coffee maker also includes a 12-cup Duralife glass carafe, known for its durability and large capacity. The easy-view water window on the front allows you to see exactly how much water is in the reservoir, ensuring accurate measurements and reducing guesswork.
Digital controls with a rubberized feel make this coffee maker user-friendly. The large buttons give you full control, and the easy-read screen displays the clock, brew time, and programming options. This ensures you can easily set and adjust the settings to suit your needs.
For added safety and convenience, the coffee maker features a 2-hour auto shutoff. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that the machine will turn off automatically if left unattended.
Additionally, the programmable clock includes a 24-hour timer, so you can schedule your coffee to be ready when you wake up.
The washable brew basket is another convenient feature, making it easy to clean and maintain. Speaking of being easy to clean, you should check out our article about pod coffee makers to understand what it means to be easy to clean.
With all these features combined, the BLACK+DECKER 12-cup digital coffee maker stands out as one of the best drip coffee makers available, offering a blend of functionality, ease of use, and convenience.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker Reviews
- User-friendly: Many reviewers highlight the ease of use, especially the programmable features and simple controls.
- Quick brewing: Users appreciate how fast this coffee maker brews, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Stylish design: The sleek, compact design is frequently mentioned as a positive, fitting well in any kitchen.
- Sneak-A-Cup feature: This feature is a favorite, allowing users to pour a cup mid-brew without mess.
- Program settings: Several users find the programming instructions hard to understand and the display too small to read easily.
Best Trusted Brand
Capacity | 14 Cups |
Wattage | 1100W |
Brewing Temperature | N/A |
Material | Stainless Steel, Glass |
- you need brew strength control.
- you prefer a fully automatic brewer.
- you need a large 14-cup carafe.
- you appreciate easy water filling.
- you like stylish kitchen appliances.
- you need a smaller coffee maker.
- you prefer a thermal carafe.
- you dislike digital controls.
The Cuisinart coffee maker is designed to deliver a delightful coffee experience with its expert coffee-making technology.
It ensures your coffee is always at the perfect temperature without compromising flavor or quality. This feature makes it one of the best drip coffee makers for those who prioritize temperature in their coffee.
With brew strength control, you can customize your coffee flavor by choosing between regular or bold settings. This flexibility caters to your unique taste preferences, making it easy to enjoy your coffee just the way you like it.
The 14-cup glass carafe is another highlight, offering generous servings with a sleek design that complements your kitchen appliances.
This coffee maker is fully automatic, featuring 24-hour programmability. You can set it to brew coffee at your desired time, and the 1-4 cup settings add versatility.
The auto-off functionality, which can be set from 0 to 4 hours, provides added convenience, along with an optional ready alert tone. These features enhance its reputation as one of the best drip coffee makers.
Filling the coffee maker is a breeze with the easy-to-view water window. This ensures accurate water filling, reducing guesswork and making the process straightforward.
The Brew Pause feature allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle completes, so you can enjoy your coffee without waiting.
In short, the Cuisinart coffee maker combines functionality, convenience, and style. Its expert technology, brew strength control, and fully automatic features make it stand out among the best drip coffee makers.
Whether you need a quick cup or a full pot, this coffee maker delivers a consistent and satisfying coffee experience. You can also find out more about dual coffee makers, some of which are from Cuisinart, in our article about dual coffee makers.
Cuisinart Coffee Maker Reviews
- Hot coffee: Many users appreciate how hot the coffee remains, even hours after brewing, making it ideal for those who enjoy sipping throughout the morning.
- User-friendly: Reviewers frequently highlight the easy setup and intuitive controls, which make operating the machine straightforward and hassle-free.
- Programmable: The programmable feature is a standout, with numerous customers finding it extremely convenient to set their coffee to brew automatically at their desired time.
- Brew strength control: Users enjoy the flexibility of choosing between regular and bold settings, allowing them to customize their coffee to their exact preference.
Best Expert-Recommended
Capacity | 10 Cups |
Wattage | 1400W |
Brewing Temperature | 196°F-205°F |
Material | Stainless Steel |
- you want expert-recommended coffee.
- you prefer easy, one-button operation.
- you need a quick brew time.
- you like customizing your brew.
- you want a durable coffee maker.
- you appreciate a five-year warranty.
- you need a smaller coffee maker.
- you prefer a glass carafe.
- you dislike manual adjustments.
The Technivorm Moccamaster coffee brewer is a top choice among coffee brewing experts. Its easy one-button operation and quick 4-6 minute brew time for 40 ounces of coffee make it incredibly user-friendly.
The stainless steel thermal carafe keeps your coffee hot longer, ensuring that each cup maintains its optimal temperature and flavor.
One of the standout features of the Moccamaster is its manual adjust brew basket. This allows you to customize your coffee to your exact preference, giving you control over the brew process.
The durable metal housing and copper boiling element ensure consistent water temperature, which is crucial for achieving the perfect coffee flavor.
Each brewer is handmade in the Netherlands and individually tested before leaving the factory, guaranteeing quality and reliability.
This focus on the four T’s makes the Moccamaster one of the best drip coffee makers available.
Additionally, the Moccamaster is designed with user safety and health in mind. All plastics used are BPA, BPS, BPF, and phthalate-free, making it a safe choice for daily use.
The brewer’s sturdy construction and five-year warranty provide peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected.
In summary, although Technivorm is known for its espresso machines, the Moccamaster coffee brewer offers a combination of expert-approved brewing quality, user-friendly features, and durable construction, making it a standout option among the best drip coffee makers on the market.
Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Brewer Reviews
- Consistent temperature: Reviewers highlight the brewer’s ability to maintain a consistent water temperature, ensuring optimal coffee extraction.
- Customizable brewing: The manual adjust brew basket is loved for allowing users to customize their coffee to their liking.
- Reliable performance: The five-year warranty provides peace of mind and is highly valued by users.
- Learning curve: Some reviews mention a learning curve with the manual adjust brew basket and customization options.
Drip coffee, brew coffee, and pour-over coffee are all popular methods of making coffee, but their health benefits can vary.
According to an article on Harvard Health Publishing filtering coffee, such as with drip or pour-over methods, is particularly beneficial.
Drinking filtered coffee is associated with numerous health benefits, including less weight gain, lower average daily blood pressure, and a reduced risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The study, which followed over 500,000 healthy coffee drinkers aged 20 to 79 for about 20 years, found that people younger than 60 who drank one to four cups of filtered coffee daily had lower rates of artery disease and death.
This benefit persisted in people aged 60 or older but was diminished in those who drank five or more cups per day. The study suggests that filtered coffee, such as that made with some of the best drip coffee makers, might be healthier.
All of this means that using a coffee filter, as in drip and pour-over methods, might be the best choice for maximizing the health benefits of coffee. Brew methods that do not filter, such as French press or Turkish coffee, should be reserved for occasional use.
Limiting coffee intake to less than five cups per day can further enhance its health benefits. Overall, filtered coffee, especially from some of the best drip coffee makers, appears to offer more health advantages compared to unfiltered methods.
When using a drip coffee machine, the general guideline is to use one to two tablespoons of ground coffee (the machines for which we’ve covered in another article) per six ounces of water. This translates to about one standard coffee scoop per cup for a balanced brew.
For a 12-cup drip coffee maker, this means using approximately 12 scoops of coffee, though you can adjust based on your taste preferences.
For those using some of the best drip coffee makers, such as those with programmable features or brew strength control, it’s important to follow these guidelines while considering the machine’s specific instructions.
The quality of the coffee and the grind size also affect the strength of the brew. If you prefer a stronger cup, you might use slightly more coffee or opt for a finer grind. Conversely, if you like a milder coffee, you might use a bit less or a coarser grind.
Remember, using high-quality coffee beans and freshly grinding them before brewing can significantly enhance the flavor, especially when using the best drip coffee makers. Always ensure your machine is clean, as residue from previous brews can affect the taste.
Whether or not to add sugar to your drip coffee is a matter of personal preference. Many people enjoy the natural flavors of coffee without any added sweetness, while others prefer to enhance their coffee with sugar or other sweeteners.
If you’re using one of the best drip coffee makers, these machines are designed to brew coffee that highlights the rich and complex flavors of the beans.
High-quality coffee makers can bring out subtle notes and aromas, making it enjoyable to drink black. However, if you find the coffee too bitter or strong, adding a small amount of sugar can help balance the flavor.
Some coffee enthusiasts argue that adding sugar masks the natural taste and complexity of the coffee, which can be particularly noticeable when using the best drip coffee makers.
These machines are designed to extract the best flavors from your coffee grounds, so tasting it without sugar can help you appreciate the nuances of different coffee beans.
On the other hand, if you enjoy your coffee sweetened, there is no reason not to add sugar. Coffee is a highly personal experience, and the most important thing is that you enjoy your cup.
You can start with a small amount of sugar and adjust to your taste. Some people also explore natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup as alternatives to regular sugar.
Ultimately, whether you add sugar or not depends on your taste preferences. The best drip coffee makers can provide an excellent base for you to enjoy your coffee however you like it, with or without sugar.