Are you looking for the best coffee maker to automate your morning brew? If you’re like me, who likes an intuitive way of making a coffee, then a drip coffee maker is a great purchase.
A typical drip coffee maker is indeed for those who want to make a simple yet strong and delicious coffee. Besides, it helps you brew a cup of joe in the morning without doing manual work. Brewing coffee this way is effortless as you only put the grinds in the machine, pour your water, and then push the button.
But even though it is at its most basic, a drip machine can still brew an excellent cup of coffee. The challenge, however, is that finding the right one can be tricky as not all drip coffee makers are created equally.
In this article, we’ll share and compare some of the best drip machines that most people use at home to brew their beloved coffee.
What to Look for in a Drip Coffee Maker?
Brew Size
Drip coffee makers are basically designed to brew solid and delicious coffee in significant quantities. And when choosing a coffee maker, I think it’s obvious to consider its range of brew sizes or its carafe capacity. From a single cup to a bigger-sized carafe, you’re going to want to make sure it can brew the right amount you need.
Convenience
The thing is, you’re here because you’re demanding it. If a particular coffee maker isn’t convenient enough to meet your needs, you will find another one to sustain what you want.
Although there are some less automated machines, almost all of them can proceed with little effort or difficulty. So, I think any drip machine can provide you a nearly hands-off coffee-making experience when it comes to convenience.
Temperature Stability
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a drip coffee maker is the ability to reach the right temperature. You want your coffee hot, but some supplementary drip coffee pots can’t get the ideal water temperature range for coffee brewing.
Also, consider if the water can stay that hot for a significant amount of time. Even the water is heated to the perfect brewing temperature, some of the drip coffee makers can’t keep or don’t have the feature to manage the coffee hot no matter the time of day.
I recommend you check first the machine if it is designed to provide an optimal holding temperature that matches the ideal water temperature range for brewing, which is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Coffee Association USA.
Sense of Control
On the contrary, with the automatic process, I think it’s still best to have a drip coffee maker that requires a little more attention. This is a good thing because you will still have control over your brew.
However, it’s hard to find a drip machine with customizable settings as most of them are pre-programmed to follow initial actions, which doesn’t allow you to really empower your brew. But after all, that’s the point of having an automatic coffee maker.
Durability
Sadly to say, drip machines aren’t designed for long-term use. But because you’re here looking for an easy and straightforward way of making coffee, a drip coffee maker is the closest option you have.
Don’t worry. Even though these machines are not the kind of tools you’ll likely use for more than ten years, you can still find quality equipment that you can keep longer. So, to avoid the early retirement of your drip coffee maker in the future, give the effort to at least find the best excellent machine that will last long without sacrificing the quality and performance.
SCAA Certification
Not all drip coffee makers are indeed created equal, and not all machines can deliver the end-result we want. When it comes to automatic coffee brewers, some do it better than others, while some can’t even work the way it is advertised.
Fortunately, the Specialty Coffee Association reviews and certifies coffee equipment that meets the requirements for various parameters related to brewing coffee. And since coffee experts and professional coffee tasters lead this program, those drip coffee makers who can pass all SCA tests and satisfy the consumer needs could be considered the best.
Best Drip Coffee Makers
1. Black+Decker DLX1050B
- Rating: VERY EXCELENT
- The Classical Drip Coffeemaker: By Black+decker
Amazon.com
The Black+Decker DLX1050B is, I believe, one of the most popular and easy-to-use drip coffee makers available on the market. And it is indeed used by many coffee lovers around the globe.
This drip machine has a great range of features that allow you to create a great cup of coffee with ease. But you also have the option to choose which functions you want to execute.
You can easily program it to automate your brew every 24-hour. It also has an auto-shutoff function where it temporarily stops the flow of coffee, allowing you to pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess. But on the other side, you don’t have to set the timer if you still prefer to brew your coffee a little bit manually.
What’s more, the unit has a removable filter basket and easy-clean control panel that makes it easy to clean after brewing.
The Black+Decker DLX1050B can reach the ideal water temperature range for coffee brewing, which is more important. Besides brewing a fresh pot of coffee, it can also keep the brew piping hot for more than an hour.
I think this is also a good fit for those who want a space-saving compact coffee maker. It’s indeed perfect for apartments, RVs, or dorms as it only leaves a small footprint on the kitchen counter.
Review: While most people like this drip coffee maker because of its programable functions, the Black+Decker DLX1050B is mainly designed for two things; to brew coffee quickly and quietly and make an excellent cup of coffee at home without spending too much money on a coffee maker.
I use and recommend this coffee maker for those mentioned reasons.
However, while this drip machine is easy to operate and has many valuable features, it’s advisable to limit your use of it. I mean, I didn’t yet encounter some problems because I don’t use it daily, but there are many reviews where this equipment didn’t last for even an extended time. There is also a time when the brewing is very slow, and you need some unplugging and adjusting to get it back.
Well, I think considering the price and the used materials (which is primarily plastic, by the way), this is not the standard drip coffee maker for heavy and daily use.
2. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
- Rating: VERY EXCELENT
- The Coffee/Tea Drip Coffeemaker: By Ninja
Amazon.com
The Ninja Hot & Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a powerful drip machine that helps you brew hot and flavorful cups of coffee. Also, this fantastic product is very versatile at which allows you to make tea or over-ice beverages. In other words, it’s a coffee/tea brewer.
This revolutionary Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System have it all; A built-in frother, a removable brew basket for specific and single-serve brewing, and three strength settings.
The built-in frother transforms hot or cold milk into rich and silky-textured foam that pairs well with any coffee or tea beverages.
Besides keeping the flavors of ground coffee and bagged tea separated from each other, the removable brew baskets let you brew directly into your favorite mug or thermal carafe for single-serve brewing.
I think this drip coffee maker is also perfect for those who want to explore the coffee’s broad range of tastes. It has a convenient one-touch operation that allows you to select from three strength settings: regular/bold, mild/regular, and ice cold.
The brewer also comes equipped with an easy pour spout so that liquid doesn’t accidentally overflow onto the counter during pouring.
Review: The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is the ultimate coffee maker that provides you with everything you need to make delicious hot or iced coffee at home. Even at a higher price, this drip coffee maker is entirely worth it because it’s a solid build machine.
You can’t go wrong with this device as it is designed to ensure you get the quality and good coffee and tea experience.
However, since this drip machine has many options (hot coffee option, tea option, cold brew option, etc.), you need to pay attention to some of its instructions. So many features are confusing and overwhelming. For example, one side of Ninja Smart Scoop is used for coffee and the other for tea. Coffee measurements are on top, and tea measurements are on the bottom.
So, if you’re going to buy this coffee maker, you also have to learn how to operate and control it the right way.
3. Cuisinart DGB-800
- Rating: EXCELENT
- The All-In-One Solution Drip Coffeemaker: By Cuisinart
Amazon.com
The Cuisinart DGB-800 is a top-notch coffee maker with all the bells and whistles used by many consumers around the world. It also has incredible features that allow you to make delicious, freshly ground, freshly brewed coffee and an even more excellent coffee experience.
Many people love this equipment because it has an adjustable auto-off feature that helps prevent over brewing, having you covered for those mornings when you’re running late. As if that’s not enough to get the java in you excited, they’ve included a pause-n-serve function that allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the entire pot is finished brewing.
The quality of water is also crucial to the taste of your coffee. That’s why this Cuisinart coffeemaker even includes a charcoal water filter for improved flavor and odor control. And it brews directly into the glass carafe or thermal stainless steel travel mug for easy serving.
What’s more, the brushed metal housing adds style to this coffeemaker’s appearance, while its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens.
Review: The Cuisinart DGB-800 is a high-performance and cost-effective drip coffee maker solution for you. It has a full set of features you’ll need to have an efficient and great coffee experience.
This device is also designed for grinding and brewing. It has a built-in professional-style burr grinder that allows you to directly grind the right amount of beans needed, making it an all-in-one solution. If you don’t have a coffee grinder at home, this coffee maker is indeed for you.
However, while I recommend it for some great features, I don’t endorse it for this particular function. In my opinion, it’s still advisable to have a separate burr coffee grinder.
It’s true that once the bean is ground, its flavor degrades quickly. That’s why Cuisinart grinds your beans just before brewing. But the reason I want to point out is that using two heavy functions in one unit also degrades the efficiency and productivity of the device.
4. Braun KF7070 BrewSense
- Rating: VERY EXCELENT
- The Smart Drip Coffeemaker: By Braun
Amazon.com
BrewSense drip coffee maker is a great Technology from Braun, one of the world’s leading coffee makers. It is a smart brewing system that takes out all the guesswork.
The Braun KF7070 BrewSense Drip Glass Coffeemaker is a simple brewing system that gives you the freedom to brew coffee at your convenience. And speaking of convenience, the cleaning cycle is automatic, including rinsing, which can take up to 45 minutes to complete.
It has a large capacity water tank that provides enough water for multiple cups of coffee without refilling every time, saving you time in the morning. The water level indicator also shows you when it’s time to fill, while the thermal carafe keeps your coffee hot for hours after brewing.
Besides having a large water container capacity, it also has a 1-4 cup setting if you do not need to brew an entire pot. You can still enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with just one or two cups worth of water used, which is also great if you’re just alone.
I think it is the perfect drip coffeemaker for those who want to brew a cup of coffee at just the right temperature and brewing time. This machine allows you to set it up before bed and wake up to freshly brewed coffee.
It uses an innovative thermal sensor and a precise microprocessor to precisely monitor the temperature and brew time of your coffee to deliver the perfect cup every time. Simultaneously, Braun’s PureFlavor technology ensures that your brewed coffee has extracted the best flavor and aroma.
Review: The Braun KF7070 BrewSense drip glass coffeemaker is an easy-to-use coffee brewing solution. It has many programable features that let you create a great-tasting cup of coffee with ease. The pricing seems very affordable for any coffee lovers who want an excellent coffee but don’t want to pay other drip machines’ expensive pricing.
Although you only need to set it up and wait for it to brew your coffee, you still need to figure out how to program the unit, activate the functions you want to use, and so on. It will take you a bit to adjust and get the settings correctly.
But in the end, it is still in my recommendation because of its helpful features, which I believe can help you brew the coffee with the right consistency.
5. Breville Precision Brewer
- Rating: VERY EXCELENT
- The Multi-Function Drip Coffeemaker: By Breville
Amazon.com
The Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker is an advanced drip coffeemaker that lets you make coffee of the highest quality. It uses pre-programmed settings and a wide range of features to brew the perfect cup of coffee.
It comes with great features that allow you to select a particular brew mode or customize the parameters affecting your brew. By selecting a strength preference from mild to strong or adding more or less water for optimum flavor, you can create a balanced coffee exactly how you like it, no matter what style of coffee you enjoy.
You can also use the pause-and-serve function if you’re interrupted during brewing so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting it until it’s ready. What’s more, this device brews up not only coffee but tea as well. It comes with two filter baskets that allow you to brew your favorite ground coffee or loose-leaf tea.
This drip machine also has a gold cup standard mode that helps deliver consistent flavor from every brew. This function automatically adjusts the water temperature and brew time to meet the SCA’s brewing standards.
To summarize its description, this drip coffee machine is stacked with many features which you can use to adjust the essential variables affecting the coffee flavor. I think this is also a perfect machine for those who love to explore and have control over their brewing process.
Review: The Precision Brewer is mainly designed for three things; to offer multiple functions which you can use to improve your coffee, to make your coffee customizable, and to provide precise control over your brew (i.e., temperature, brewing time, strength, size, etc.).
However, with so many modes, settings, and functionality, I find it overwhelming. You will need to study its manual instruction before you are able to navigate it easily. It would not be an excellent fit for all coffee drinkers as some would instead choose a device designed to make the brewing process much simpler and more convenient.
But after all, I still recommend it. I consider this drip machine as one of the most innovative devices out there today. Besides having a sleek design and intuitive interface, being easy to use, clean, and maintain, the Precision Brewer is ideal for home and office use.
6. Bonavita Connoisseur
- Rating: EXCELENT
- The One-Touch Drip Coffeemaker: By Bonavita
Amazon.com
The Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup Carafe Coffee Brewer is an easy-to-use coffee maker that delivers delicious, fresh coffee at home with the press of a button. With this programmable coffeemaker, you can wake up to a freshly brewed coffee and enjoy it whenever you want.
It is extremely easy to use and allows you to schedule automatic brewing according to your daily routine.
It has simple controls designed for ease of use, and it features a programmable timer so that you can set it to brew before you wake up or when you get home from work.
It is also equipped with a stainless-steel thermal carafe which keeps the coffee hot for hours without scorching it. What’s more, it features a shower head design for even water distribution, a cone-shaped filter basket, and an adjustable auto-shutoff feature that turns off the machine after brewing.
If you want to brew coffee a little bit similar to pour over, this coffee maker can accurately do the job. It comes with an optional pre-infusion mode which mimics the blooming cycle of a pour-over brewing method.
I think this drip machine is also an ideal choice for both home and office use. This coffee maker brews up to eight cups of coffee in under six minutes, which is great to share with family, co-workers, and friends who love to drink coffee.
Review: I recommend the Bonavita BV1800TH because it can perform the essential factors in brewing delicious coffee. It can reach and maintain an optimal brewing temperature, provide a suitable duration of saturation, allow the proper water flow, and ensure uniform flavor extraction.
I really love this brewing equipment. Some people complain about its design, but if you prefer simplicity, you’re good with it. Besides, Bonavita aims to build tools that will help you brew great coffee at home and make you use it daily.
I think this drip machine is a little bit similar to the Breville Precision Brewer. But unlike the latter, you don’t need to study the manuals. This drip coffee maker is simple and easy to operate. And although it’s easy to use with its one-touch brewing function, I’m still impressed that this Bonavita BV1800TH can perform consistently and accurately.
7. Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT
- Rating: VERY EXCELENT
- The Experts’ Choice Drip Coffeemaker: By Technivorm
Amazon.com
The Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer is a coffee maker that ensures the freshest and most flavorful cup of coffee. Experts and professionals recommend this exceptional drip coffee maker because of its excellent design, quality, and performance.
It features a unique brewing process that uses boiling water to extract the maximum flavor from your favorite beans. The brewer’s advanced thermal-block heating system maintains an ideal brewing temperature within one degree, ensuring maximum flavor extraction as well as optimal taste in every sip.
What’s more, with this drip machine, you can make up to 10 cups at once, so it’s great for entertaining guests.
For those who are looking for the best quality brews with an unparalleled taste, this is the drip machine for you.
Review: The Moccamaster KBT is indeed a beautiful coffee brewer. It is a high-quality drip coffee maker that will ensure you get the perfect cup of coffee every time. This device mainly focuses on three things; to allow normal water flow over coffee grounds, allow longer saturation time, and keep your coffee hot for hours.
However, I find it too expensive despite offering simpler (or even fewer) features than other drip coffee makers.
But since it is a homemade drip machine, I think they’re really on edge always to produce long-lasting, reliable, energy-efficient, and recyclable products.
Final Thoughts
Remember that each drip coffee maker in this list has its pros and cons. Of course, they may not be the perfect pick as there are so many choices out there, but all of them can brew the coffee that will satisfy your cravings.
I personally use the BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B for three main reasons. It is straightforward to use, it is cheap, and it offers a delicious cup of coffee. But now that I’m more skeptical about the equipment I’m using, it’s time to consider upgrading to a more versatile and quality drip machine like the Bonavita Connoisseur.
However, In the end, we have different perspectives when it comes to equipment. Not all coffee makers are the same in terms of design, functionality, etc. But each has its own purpose. Also, having great and nice functions and features doesn’t mean it is the right equipment for you.
Ask yourself, do you need those fancy designs, multiple buttons, and features to improve your coffee experience? Or you just need a simple and cheap drip coffee maker that does the job decently?
Whichever drip coffee maker you end up choosing, please make an effort to read and learn its instruction manual before using it on a heavy and daily basis. By doing that, you are contributing to its longevity and efficiency.
That’s it! I hope that this list helped you pick the best drip coffee maker to automate your morning brew.
Like this Article? You Might Want to Read: Best Coffee Grinders for Home Baristas: A Detailed Guide