Jaclyn Turner
Not every coffee drinker has the time – or the patience – to grind beans and froth milk before facing the day. If you're like me and prefer a pot of coffee without the need for a manual or a barista masterclass, a drip coffee maker is one of the smartest choices out there.
If you've already done some research into the best drip coffee makers, you'll know that they come in all shapes and sizes. There are simple press-and-go machines as well as more elaborate models that look more like laboratory equipment than coffee makers – and we've seen them all.
We’ve tested dozens of drip coffee brands, from Moccamaster to Smeg, to find the models that really deliver. The nine picks below have all been through our hands and earned the approval of our most particular testers (yes, even the coffee snobs).
It’s no shock that the OXO Brew 8-cup still leads the pack. It makes fantastic coffee and doesn’t cost a fortune. But it’s not alone – there are great options with built-in grinders, big capacities, or beautiful designs. Whatever your routine, there’s a drip machine here that’ll fit right in.
The quick list
We’ll get into the full details below, but if you’re just here for the highlights, these are the best drip coffee makers worth your counter space right now.
A perfect blend of expert-approved coffee, sleek design, and affordability. The OXO is easy to use and one of the best value models on the market.
It’s hard to find a 12-cup drip coffee maker that doesn’t take over your entire counter – but the sleek Zwilling pulls it off effortlessly. It brews a full pot without hogging space, and its clean, modern design looks smart.
This sleek, silent machine is made with polished stainless steel and glass. Ideal for serving quality drip coffee for the whole family or guests.
Big and beautiful, KitchenAid's drip coffee maker is one of the easiest we've ever tested. It's incredible value for the flavors and capacity of this beautiful brewer.
Whether you want to brew a quick cup of filter coffee or make your own espresso, you can do it all with this combination coffee maker. It even comes with an integrated milk frother.
This cult-favorite machine comes in a wide variety of colors, from pastel pink to matte black, to complement any kitchen color palette.
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This classic coffee maker comes with all kinds of modern conveniences, from a digital LED display to an auto-start function, so that you can brew while still in bed.
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker comes with an integrated grinder, so that you can use fresh beans in your filter coffee.
This affordable coffee maker retails for a fraction of the price of the more premium models on this list. It's not the most specialized machine, but it's easy to use and brews good coffee.
The best drip coffee makers, tried and tested
The best drip coffee maker overall
Why we like it: This little machine makes gold-standard coffee. We were impressed on test by the depth of flavor and smooth consistency of each cup. You don't have to take our word for it: the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee maker is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for its smooth-sipping brews.
Less than fourteen inches tall, this coffee maker is compact enough to clear low cabinets and fit into narrow nooks. It might look small from the outside, but it's big on the inside, with the capacity to brew everything from a single shot of coffee to eight steaming mugs.
Who would it suit? Simplicity seekers. In comparison to some of the other coffee makers on this list, the OXO Brew isn't a smart machine. You can't activate the machine through an app, or by the power of your voice, and you can't schedule your morning brew before you go to bed. However, this drip coffee maker does incorporate BetterBrew precision technology, so that you can control your machine's water temperature and brew cycles.
What we didn't like: The OXO Brew is easy to use, but it's much more difficult to clean. The water tank is not removable, so you'll have to reach right down inside the pitcher to give it a good scrub. Since you can't pop out the water tank and fill it up from the faucet, you'll have to collect water in a cup or a kettle and pour it in manually. This sort of inefficient design might not be a dealbreaker, but it does get pretty irritating.
You can find more detail in our OXO 8-Cup Coffee Maker review.
The best large capacity / most compact drip coffee maker
Why we like it: We found it tricky to find a 12-cup drip coffee maker that doesn’t take over your entire counter – but the Zwilling Enfinigy pulls it off effortlessly. With a compact footprint and sleek, modern design, it fits neatly into small kitchens while still delivering a large carafe of coffee.
In terms of taste, our team was impressed. We felt that the corrosion-resistant stainless steel boiler and wide shower head ensure even saturation for better extraction, and the built-in blooming function helps bring out fresher, more nuanced flavors in your coffee. If you’re not familiar with blooming, don’t worry. It’s a brief pre-infusion step that releases carbon dioxide from the grounds, unlocking more depth in every cup.
Who would it suit? For those who want a full pot of quality coffee from a machine that doesn’t hog space or clash with your kitchen, the Zwilling Enfinigy hits a sweet spot.
What we didn't like: I'm a big fan of this coffee maker, but I spotted a few design flaws. For one thing, the so-called 'hot plate' only stays warm for 30 minutes after brewing. If you like to sip the same cup all day long, this might not be the machine for you. In the absence of an integrated milk frother, latte lovers would be better off shopping elsewhere.
You can find more detail in our Zwilling Enfinigy Drip Coffee Maker review.
3. Premium pick
Why we like it: The Aarke Coffee Maker offers a serene, almost meditative brewing experience. It's quiet, incredible quality (think: stainless steel and glass), and the coffee is spot-on. There's a professional-grade boiler with a water sensor to adjust the brewing temperature based on the number of cups being made – ranging from two to ten – so you'll receive optimal flavor extraction no matter how much you're brewing.
Aarke promises a full carafe in under six minutes and there's a hot plate to keep your coffee warm so you can drink multiple cups throughout the day. These factors combined mean that this model achieves the SCA's Golden Cup standard.
Who would it suit? Anybody who loves a sense of ritual when brewing coffee will fall in love with this premium machine. When I used it I felt as though I was at a luxury hotel spa. The large capacity and cup consistency makes it a fantastic addition to any keen host or family kitchen.
What we didn't like: One potential drawback is the sheer size of this machine – it’s a statement piece that will need to remain on the countertop year-round. You should also consider the high price tag. It's certainly beautiful, premium, and designed for longevity, but if you're looking for delicious drip coffee on a budget, you should look to the OXO model in this guide.
You can read more details in our Aarke Drip Coffee Maker review
The best drip coffee maker with a grinder
Why we like it: We loved taking full control over our coffee with the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. Featuring eight strength settings and adjustable grind sizes, we could customize our brews to fit our exact specifications. It offers a lot of control and precision compared to other machines on the market.
Who would it suit? Flavor enthusiasts will appreciate the Breville Grind Control. It made rich, flavorful, smooth-sipping shots every time – and this machine features an integrated grinder, so that you can make your own fresh coffee, which is far superior to the store-bought stuff.
What we didn't like: As drip coffee makers go, this one is a little high-maintenance. Breville recommends cleaning your filter after every brew and rinsing out your carafe after each use, though that proved pretty difficult, thanks to its wide rim and small opening. Since none of the components are dishwasher-safe, you'll have to wash each piece of this machine by hand.
Plus, at just over 16 inches tall and 12 inches deep, this coffee maker is tall and broad. It should just about clear your cabinets, but you might struggle to store it in smaller spaces.
You can find more detail in our Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker review.
Best design drip coffee maker
Why we like it: The Technivorm Moccamaster is a real kitchen workhorse. This coffee maker works quickly and quietly to brew a whole 10-cup carafe in as little as six minutes. Our coffee expert was impressed on test, as were the Specialty Coffee Association and the European Coffee Brewing Center: this machine is certified gold by both organizations. We found that the Technivorm Moccamaster combines the quick convenience of drip coffee with the even extraction and smooth texture you get from the best pour-over coffee makers.
Who would it suit? Anybody who values great design, as well as delicious coffee. This retro machine comes in a wide range of shades to complement any kitchen color palette. There are bold primary hues to pop against white walls, as well as chromatic neutrals that should blend into the background.
What we didn't like: A word to the wise: this coffee maker is a little high-maintenance. Moccamaster recommends descaling your machine after every 100 cycles, and washing each component by hand.
Our Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker review has more details.
The best value drip coffee maker
Why we like it: Big, bold, and beautiful, KitchenAid’s drip coffee maker has close to universal appeal. The simple controls are easy for any beginner to navigate, and it makes technically perfect filter coffee. If it was twice the price, we would still think that it's worth every dollar. However, in reality, it's incredible value.
In our tests, I didn’t even need the manual to work my way around the machine. Brewing a full carafe took eight minutes, which is on the slightly longer side (the average is about five minutes), but the result was worth the wait. One of our expert appliance testers, who doesn’t even like coffee, ended up finishing a full cup. If that’s not an advert for this coffee maker, I don’t know what is.
Who would it suit? Anyone on a budget who doesn't want to sacrifice on ease, quality and style. The coffee is great, the carafe is nice to pour from, and the mesh filter is dishwasher safe. Overall, there’s a lot to love.
What we didn't like: Whilst this calls itself a twelve-cup machine, one cup in KitchenAid terms is about 5 oz. I don’t know about you, but in my house, that’s about 3 oz short, so when this is called a twelve-cup machine, I would say it’s closer to ten. That's about the only critique I can offer the KitchenAid. Sure, it doesn’t have app connectivity and WiFi controls either, but I don’t think that’s crucial to making a good cup of filter coffee. When it comes down to it, this is all you need to make a good cup of filter coffee.
There's more detail in our full KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker review.
The best retro drip coffee maker
Why we like it: From its bright colors to its soft curves, this drip coffee maker oozes retro style. It works quickly and quietly to brew a whole pot of coffee in a matter of minutes.
Measuring less than fourteen inches tall, this coffee maker is on the shorter side, so it should slot neatly beneath low cabinets. What it lacks in height, the Smeg Drip Coffee Maker more than makes up for in width. This machine is almost as broad as it is tall, so you might need to clear some counter space if you want to display it.
Who would it suit? Anybody who loves retro style and simplicity. This coffee maker feels premium, with a weighty glass carafe and a wide shower head to increase aeration for smoother brews. It even comes with a reusable filter to cut down on waste, though it's possible to insert your own paper filters, too.
What we didn't like: Just bear in mind that, while this machine might look big, it's limited in brew capacity. Most coffee maker manufacturers measure one cup as 275ml of coffee, but Smeg counts 150ml as a single serving. That's how they can claim a 10-cup capacity without offering as much space as some of the eight-cup models on the market.
You can find more detail in our Smeg Drip Coffee Maker review.
The most versatile drip coffee maker
Why we like it: Big news. This multifunctional machine can produce a shot of espresso and a whole pot of coffee at the same time. The De'Longhi All-in-One is built for flexibility, offering up to 10 cups of drip coffee alongside single or double espressos, with the added convenience of ESE pod compatibility for when you’re in a rush.
What really sets it apart is the integrated steam wand (an uncommon feature for even the best drip coffee makers), which lets you whip up frothy lattes and cappuccinos without needing a separate device. Our lead tester, Terry, described the filter coffee as 'light and delicate' and was impressed by the rich crema on the espresso, though she did note that shot sizes could be inconsistent.
Who would it suit? This machine is ideal for busy households or families of coffee lovers with individual tastes. Whether you’re switching between a carafe and a cappuccino, the All-in-One keeps everyone happy.
What we didn’t like: While it’s a strong all-rounder, it’s not a specialist in anything. With more features comes more upkeep. Terry found it a bit annoying to preheat the coffee unit by placing a cup under the filter each time. De'Longhi also recommends cleaning the milk frother after every use and rinsing filters weekly, which adds a bit of extra work. Still, for a machine that can handle four drinks in one, many would say it’s worth the effort.
You can find more detail in our De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker review.
The best budget drip coffee maker
Why we like it: The best thing about this machine is right there in the name – it’s programmable. The Bodum Coffee Maker lets you schedule your brew for any time of day, whether you want your coffee waiting when you wake up or ready after a late-night study session. You can easily reset the timer to fit your routine, and the results are surprisingly impressive: bold, full-bodied flavor that holds its own against more expensive models.
Who would it suit? Despite its budget-friendly price, the Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker looks anything but cheap. With sleek stainless steel accents, durable borosilicate glass, and an ergonomic handle for smooth pouring, it brings both form and function to the table. It’s a great pick for anyone who wants a dependable daily brew without overcomplicating things.
What we didn’t like: The warming plate keeps your coffee hot for up to three hours – not the longest runtime, but it does prevent that scorched, bitter taste you sometimes get from machines that overheat your brew. Of course, at this price point, you won’t get all the bells and whistles. There’s no temperature control or brew strength settings, and it’s not built for heavy customization. But for the money, this machine punches well above its weight.
You can find more detail in our Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker review.
How we test
We put a lot of thought into how we test drip coffee makers. The process involves a lot more than sipping a cup of joe.
Our team of coffee enthusiasts is always looking for the latest releases on the drip coffee maker market. As soon as we see one that we think you'll like, we call it into our test kitchen, so that we can put it through a series of tests, designed to emulate everyday use.
Once we have a coffee maker in our hands, we start making notes. This begins with unboxing, which might sound small, but it's an important tell of a brand's attention to detail. We'll let you know whether you can recycle the packaging, whether we get any extra accessories, and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.
Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. Then, we'll time how long the coffee maker takes to brew different quantities of coffee. We'll start at one cup (if the machine can do that) and work up to its maximum capacity. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.
Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.
How to choose
There's no such thing as the best drip coffee maker – just the drip coffee maker that best suits your needs. With that said, there are a few key points to consider.
Capacity: A drip coffee maker will typically brew between 10 and 12 cups. One coffee cup is roughly equivalent to four ounces, so the average drip coffee maker has a capacity of around 40 to 50 ounces.
Size: If you're working with a smaller kitchen, you should consider a more compact coffee maker that can clear low cabinets and fit into narrow nooks.
Customizability: Whether you're catering for a whole household of coffee drinkers, or you'd like to switch up your morning brew, it's useful to be able to switch between mild and bolder settings, and calibrate the temperature of your coffee to your exact specifications.
Programmability: Some of the best drip coffee makers incorporate smart technology, so that you can schedule your cup of joe to brew while you're still in bed. They should come with a hot plate, too, to keep your coffee warm until you're ready to grab and go.
Filter basket type: Most coffee makers use disposable paper filters or a permanent gold-tone filter. Paper filters usually brew smoother coffee, while sediment is more likely to flow through the permanent filters. That's not necessarily a bad thing: in fact, it's how a lot of Europeans like to drink their coffee. Paper filters are less sustainable. Permanent filters can be reused, but they'll need to be cleaned after each use.
Single-cup brewing: If you live alone, or you're the only coffee drinker in your household, you might not want to brew a whole carafe every morning. If that sounds like you, you should seek out a single-cup function to reduce waste. When you use a single-cup system, you can usually make between one and four cups, which is about enough to fill a travel mug.
Special features: A growing number of machines feature added extras, such as built-in milk frothers or grinders. They're very convenient, but still not as good as the real thing. You could pair your new drip coffee maker with the best coffee grinder for a fresh taste, as well as the best milk frother to whip up delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home.
Meet the team
Lydia is a trained cook, who loves coffee. She has attended masterclasses at Illy's University of Coffee, shadowed professional baristas, attended coffee masterclasses, and toured roasteries to master the art of coffee. Her drink of choice is a frothy, Italian cappuccino (alongside a croissant, of course). She also leads testing on non-toxic kitchenware for Homes & Gardens, writing guides to the best non-toxic coffee makers, too.
Laura has tested over 60 coffee makers for Homes & Gardens. As a fully qualified barista, she's our expert in all things coffee – and she's even delved into matcha, too. She has also interviewed Q-Graders and world-leading experts in the coffee industry, so has an intimate knowledge of the industry.
Jaclyn uses no fewer than four coffee makers to get her caffeine fix from the comfort of her own kitchen. She's particularly fond of machines that feature integrated milk frothers for creamy, easy lattes.
Terri has tested dozens of coffee makers in the course of her career and can always find time to test more. She drinks a cup of joe with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Terri's product reviews have been featured on sites as diverse as The San Francisco Chronicle and Apartment Therapy.
Best drip coffee makers FAQs
Which drip coffee maker makes the hottest coffee?
We found that the OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker made the hottest coffee on test. It was consistently around 197-199°F . That's just one of the reasons why it's our top pick for the best drip coffee makers.
Should I use filtered water in by drip coffee maker?
Yes, you should use filtered water in a drip coffee maker. In fact, our editors are so passionate about this, we've written a whole article explaining why it's important to use filtered water in your coffee. However, if you want the headlines, using filtered water should help your drip coffee maker to work efficiently and stop your coffee tasting strange. A few of the best coffee makers feature integrated water filters, so that you can fill up straight from the faucet.
Do I want a thermal or glass carafe on my drip coffee maker?
It's partly a question of personal preference but more of a matter of taste. Thermal carafes keep coffee hotter for longer, but they can interfere with the taste of your coffee, while glass carafes are more fragile, but easier on the eye, and less likely to corrupt the taste of your cup of joe. You won't know until you try, so it might be a good idea to sample coffee from a friend's carafe, or go to a specialist store and conduct a taste test before you buy.
How do I clean a drip coffee maker?
It's worth learning how to clean a drip coffee maker to get the most out of your machine. Your cleaning routine will vary depending on whether you use paper filters or permanent ones. You can throw paper filters straight in the compost to use old coffee grounds in the garden, while you'll need to wash permanent filters by hand.
You can clean removable parts, such as the brew baskets, in warm, soapy water. As for the body of the machine, you can give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
Final thoughts
Although drip coffee makers are designed for caffeine fiends who are tight on time and low on cash, some of the more premium machines can cost several hundred dollars. If you're working within a strict budget, you should consider only the best inexpensive coffee makers to make quality coffee for less.