Best drip coffee makers 2024: Jump Menu
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: OXO Brew 8 Cup
3. Best capacity: Breville Precision Thermal Brewer
4. Best for espresso: De'Longhi All-in-One
5. Best luxury: Technivorm Moccamaster
6. Best smart: Café Specialty 10 Cup
7. Best for beginners: KitchenAid Artisan
8. Best value: Bodum Programmable
9. Best classic: Smeg Drip
10. Best grinder: Breville Grind Control
12. How we test
13. Meet the team
14. FAQs
Not every coffee drinker has patience to grind their own beans and froth their own milk before they enjoy a morning brew. If you're tight on time and money, you might prefer one of the best drip coffee makers to an expensive machine with all the bells and whistles.
There are customizable coffee makers that offer full temperature control, as well as simpler machines for less complicated brews. There are more premium products, which retail for a few hundred dollars, and more affordable options that sell for a fraction of the price. In fact, there are so many kinds of drip coffee makers that it can be difficult to know where to start.
That's where I come in. As a former barista, I've worked with some of the best coffee makers on the market. Now, as a jobbing journalist with a morning commute, I appreciate the convenience of a drip coffee maker. I've assembled eight of the best machines to suit every style of kitchen and size of budget.
The whole point of drip coffee makers is that they're easy and quick to use, but the best should still produce quality coffee. I ranked each machine on the basis of depth of flavor, consistency of temperature, ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. I also tried and tested any special features to give you the fullest possible picture of what it might be like to use this product.
The quick list
We'll into the specifics further down. For now, these are the best drip coffee makers at a glance.
The best drip coffee maker overall
This coffee maker can brew anything from a single shot to a whole carafe of coffee. It's easy to use and one of the most affordable models on the market.
Best drip coffee maker for capacity
Equipped with six brew modes and a 12-cup capacity, this machine means business. You can adjust brew temperature, bloom time, and flow rate to customize your cup of coffee.
Best drip coffee maker for espresso
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.
Best luxury drip coffee maker
This sleek machine comes in a wide variety of colors, from pastel pink to matte black, to complement any kitchen color palette.
Best smart drip coffee maker
This smart machine features Wi-Fi-enabled voice-to-brew technology, so that you can speak a perfect cup of coffee into existence.
Best for beginners
Big and beautiful, KitchenAid's drip coffee maker is one of the easiest we've ever tested. It brews a delicious cup of coffee, but measures this as 5 oz (rather than 6-8 oz).
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Best value drip coffee maker
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.
Best classic drip coffee maker
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.
Best drip coffee maker with a grinder
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker comes with an integrated grinder, so that you can use fresh beans in your filter coffee.
The best drip coffee makers we recommend in 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best drip coffee maker overall
Buy it if
✅ You want to make uncomplicated coffee: the OXO is easy to use and makes a great brew.
✅ You own a lot of stainless steel kitchen appliances: this metallic coffee maker should blend right in.
✅ You're on a budget: this is one of the more affordable coffee makers on the market.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want something quick and easy to clean: it's hard to reach down inside the non-removable water tank.
❌ You're shopping for a smart machine: there's no auto-start function or pre-set brewing modes.
❌ You want to brew a lot of coffee at once: this coffee maker has a limited 40-oz. capacity.
The bottom line
🔎 OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker includes everything you need in a coffee maker, from super-fine filters to capacious brew baskets, and gets rid of everything you don't.
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.
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.
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Delicious brews, every time | ★★★★★ |
| Range | Everything from a single shot to eight cups | ★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | Water tank is not removable | ★★ |
| Price | Reasonable RRP | ★★★★ |
The best drip coffee maker for capacity
Buy it if
✅ You're working with a smaller kitchen: this cute and compact machine should clear low cabinets.
✅ You like to customize your coffee: this machine comes with six pre-set brew modes, as well as two filter baskets.
✅ You want to make a lot of coffee: the Breville Precision Thermal Coffee Maker has a 12-cup capacity.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're not keen on cleaning: this machine needs quite a lot of descaling for safe and hygienic brewing.
❌ You like to shop sustainably: the coffee maker and each of its components are packaged in plastic.
❌ You're on a budget: the Breville Precision Thermal Coffee Maker is on the more expensive side.
The bottom line
🔎 Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker looks small from the outside, but it's capacious on the inside. You can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time and customize each to your taste preferences.
Most drip coffee makers are basic by design, but the Breville Precision Brewer has many of the bells and whistles of the best coffee makers. For one thing, it's fully programmable: you can save your favorite settings for temperature, bloom speed, and flow rate to make your ideal cup of coffee, every time.
When you select the auto-start function, you can schedule your coffee to start brewing while you're still in bed. That way, you can grab your cup of joe and go. Thanks to the thermal carafe, your coffee shouldn't get cold, even if you spend a few more precious minutes in bed.
The Breville Precision Brewer has a 12-cup capacity, which is larger than many other drip coffee makers on the market. Small from the outside but big on the inside, you could slot this machine into a narrow nook and easily make enough coffee to feed the whole family.
This coffee maker is intuitive to use and easy to clean. Most of the components are removable and safe to wash in warm, soapy water. As for the showerhead, all it should need is a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
While the Breville Precision Brewer is one of the more expensive drip coffee makers, you really do get what you pay for: a smart heating system, customizable features, and stainless steel finishes to complement any kitchen color palette.
You can find more detail in our Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Consistently delicious | ★★★★★ |
| Range | 6 brew settings and a 12-cup capacity | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | Components are easily removable | ★★★★ |
| Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
The best drip coffee maker for espresso
Buy it if
✅ You like to switch up your morning routine: this multifunctional machine can make drip coffee and espresso shots.
✅ You want to make frothy coffees: this machine features an integrated milk frother.
✅ You're a little clumsy in the kitchen: this coffee maker comes with a spill-proof carafe.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You only want to make espressos: you might be better off with one of the best espresso machines.
❌ You want to make more complicated coffee: this machine offers only a limited range of brews.
❌ You like to grind your own beans: this machine does not come with an integrated coffee grinder.
The bottom line
🔎 With the De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine, you can switch up your morning routine with ease. You can down a shot of espresso before making a pot of coffee to last all day.
This multifunctional machine can produce a shot of espresso and a whole pot of coffee at the same time. A combination coffee maker would make a great asset to a busy household of coffee drinkers, all of whom want something slightly different from their morning brew.
Unusually for a drip coffee maker, the De'Longhi All-in-One features an integrated milk frothing steam wand, so that you can enjoy café-quality coffee from the comfort of your own kitchen. As for the other side of the machine, this coffee maker features a 15-bar pump to brew authentic espressos at their ideal temperature.
With the De'Longhi All-in-One, you can brew up to 10 cups of filter coffee at the same time, as well as single and double espressos, and even use ESE pods for quick convenience.
As drip coffee makers go, this one is a little high-maintenance. De'Longhi recommends cleaning the milk frother after each use, and rinsing your filters weekly under running water. This process can be a little time-consuming, but it's worth it to brew delicious coffee in the most hygienic manner.
You can find more detail in our De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich and flavorful filter coffee | ★★★★ |
| Range | Makes filter coffee as well as espressos | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | A little high-maintenance | ★★★ |
| Price | Proportional to range | ★★★★ |
The best luxury drip coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You like to take control in the kitchen: the minute you remove the carafe, your machine will stop brewing.
✅ You're catering for a household of coffee drinkers: this machine can brew up to 10 cups at once.
✅ You have a colorful kitchen: this coffee maker comes in a range of shades to complement any color palette.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You hate washing up: you'll need to wash each component of the coffee maker by hand.
❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive drip coffee makers on the market.
❌ You're new to brewing: the assembly and installation process can be a little complicated.
The bottom line
🔎 Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select oozes retro charm and incudes all the modern conveniences that make up the best drip coffee maker.
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.
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.
This 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.
The Technivorm Moccamaster incorporates a copper heating element that brews your coffee at its optimum temperature, between 196 and 206°F. There's a separate hot plate that keeps your coffee warm at drinking temperature between 175 and 185°F) for 100 minutes before shutting off. That should give you enough time to make a pot, run a few errands, and come back to drink a cup, but it couldn't keep your coffee warm all day.
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | As rich and flavorful as pour-over coffee | ★★★★★ |
| Range | Brew single shots or whole pots | ★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | A little high-maintenace | ★★★ |
| Price | Reasonable RRP | ★★★★ |
The best smart drip coffee maker
Buy it if:
✅ You're fussy about filtered water: this machine comes with a charcoal filter unit to remove impurities.
✅ You like to take control in the kitchen: you can adjust the temperature and brew strength of each cup.
✅ You consider style as well as substance: this coffee maker is sleek and chic.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You just want a cup of coffee: you might not need all the added extras that Café Specialty has to offer.
❌ You hate washing up: you'll need to wash each component of this coffee maker by hand.
❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive drip coffee makers on the market.
The bottom line
🔎 Coffee makers aren't the prettiest appliances, but the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker is sleek and chic enough to fit any kitchen aesthetic.
Made from stainless steel and finished with a rose gold trim, this drip coffee maker would make a serious statement in a modern kitchen. The Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker comes in a range of metallic shades to complement any color palette.
This machine doesn't just look good: it works well, too, with core coffee settings to help you customize your cup. There's Precision Brew, which warms your coffee to its optimum temperature, as well as Gold Brew, which makes coffee in accordance with the SCA's Golden Cup Standard.
When you download the SmartHQ app, you gain remote access to your Café Specialty Coffee Maker. That means you can brew coffee and adjust your machine's settings at any time, from anywhere in the house. If you connect your coffee maker to your Alexa or Google Home Assistant, you can control your machine by the sound of your voice.
To clean the components your coffee maker, all you need is a bowl of warm water, a squeeze of soap, and a softly bristled brush. Just give the body of the machine a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove smudges and stains.
The only thing I don't like about the Café Specialty Coffee Maker is the price. This is one of the most expensive models on the market. If all you want is a decent cup of coffee, you might be better off shopping elsewhere.
You can find more detail in our Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | SCA Gold Cup-certified | ★★★★★ |
| Range | Customizable | ★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | Hand-washing required | ★★★ |
| Price | One of the most expensive on the market | ★★★ |
The best drip coffee maker for beginners
Buy it if
✅ You're new to drip coffee: the controls are incredibly straightforward
✅ You live in a large household: this can cater for up to ten people
✅ You want complex flavors: this delivers delicate coffee notes consistently
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need speed: this is about three minutes slower than most
❌ You want single-servings: this is better suited to batch brewing
❌ You like big cups of coffee: this measures one cup as 5oz, which is on the small side
The bottom line
🔎 KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker: this would be at the top of our buying guide if it was a little smaller, a few minutes quicker when batch brewing, and if it considered a cup to be 8 oz and not 5.
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.
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 flavors it delivers are with the wait. One of our experts 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.
The carafe is nice to pour from and KitchenAid have thought about ergonomics and practicalities. The reservoir has a useful handle and the mesh filter is dishwasher safe. Overall, there’s a lot to love.
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 al you need to make a good cup of filter coffee.
There's more detail in our full KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | This is the fullest flavored drip coffee we've tasted | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Reasonably priced, especially for the quality | ★★★★★ |
| Range | Only variety is amount of coffee, not coffee type | ★★ |
| Cleaning | Very low maintenance | ★★★★ |
The best value drip coffee maker
Buy it if
✅ You're on a budget: this is one of the more affordable coffee makers on the market.
✅ You struggle with mobility issues: this coffee maker is ergonomically designed for easy pouring and holding.
✅ You like your coffee rich and flavorful: the Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker made some of the best filter coffee I've ever tasted.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You have low cabinets: you might struggle to pour water into the non-removable water reservoir.
❌ You want to make frothy coffee: there's no integrated milk frother.
❌ You want to brew now to drink later: the hot plate can only keep coffee warm for up to three hours.
The bottom line
🔎 Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker makes delicious filter coffee for a fraction of the price of the other drip models on this list.
The best thing about this machine is in the name. You can program your Bodum Coffee Maker to brew a cup of joe at a set time of day, whether that's first thing in the morning or last thing at night. You can reset the timer after each session to account for changes in your daily routine. The taste is bold and flavorful, some of the richest filter coffee I've ever tasted.
For an affordable machine, the Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker looks sleek and smart, featuring stainless steel finishes and durable borosilicate glass. It's designed with an ergonomic handle for easy holding and pouring. That's great if you struggle with Parkinson's, arthritis, or other mobility issues, or if you simply don't wake up until you've had your morning coffee.
The Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker comes with a warming heat plate, but it can only keep your cup warm for three hours. That's not long for a drip coffee maker, but it does mean that your coffee shouldn't end up tasting bitter, burned, or stale.
When it comes to coffee makers, you tend to get what you pay for. The Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker is missing some of the functionality of more premium models, from temperature control to stronger brews. But if you're tight on time and money, you won't find a better drip coffee maker at this price.
You can find more detail in our Bodum Programmable Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Some of the best filter coffee I've tasted | ★★★★★ |
| Range | Limited in comparison with more premium machines | ★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | Components are safe to wash in warm soapy water | ★★★★★ |
| Price | Most affordable on the market | ★★★★★ |
The best classic drip coffee maker
Buy it if
✅ You like a product to feel expensive: the glass carafe feels much more premium than a plastic number.
✅ You have a colorful kitchen: the Smeg Drip Coffee Maker comes in nine shades to complement any kitchen.
✅ You're sensitive to noise: this coffee maker works quickly and quietly.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're a clean freak: we found that the carafe drips a little, which could cause spills and stains.
❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive drip coffee makers.
❌ You're working with a smaller kitchen: this coffee maker is quite broad and could crowd your counters.
The bottom line
🔎 Smeg Drip Coffee Maker is Golden Cup Standard-certified by the SCA, which means that the water, coffee ratio, and grind distribution are all top-quality.
From its bright colors to its soft curves, this drip coffee maker oozes retro style. Although it looks bold, 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.
This coffee maker feels premium, with a weighty glass carafe and a wide shower head to increase aeration for smoother brews. It comes with a reusable filter to cut down on waste, though it's possible to insert your own paper filters, too.
The permanent filter makes this machine super easy to clean. All you need to do is scoop out your coffee grounds and throw them into the food waste or put them to use as garden compost. Give the filter a good scrub in some warm and soapy water and it should look as good as new.
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.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Clean and soft, not acidic | ★★★★ |
| Range | Four-cup setting | ★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | Permanent filter makes it easy | ★★★★★ |
| Price | On the more expensive side | ★★★ |
The best drip coffee maker with a grinder
Buy it if
✅ You live alone: this coffee maker features a single-serving option, so that you can make just the one cup.
✅ You like to take control in the kitchen: you can adjust the brew strength to suit you.
✅ You like to grind your own beans: this coffee maker comes with an integrated grinder.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive drip coffee makers on the market.
❌ You like frothy coffee: this machine is missing an integrated milk frother.
❌ You're a little clumsy in the kitchen: it's hard to pour from this carafe, which could lead to spills and stains.
The bottom line
🔎 Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker can brew 12 cups of coffee to fill a whole carafe, or dispense a single serving straight into your mug. As drip coffee makers go, this one is versatile and reliable.
You can take control in the kitchen with the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. Featuring eight strength settings and adjustable grind sizes, you can customize your cup of joe to fit your exact specifications.
Just because drip coffee makers are known for their quick convenience doesn't mean they can't brew great coffee. The Breville Grind Control made rich, flavorful, smooth-sipping shots every time. This machine features an integrated grinder, so that you can make your own fresh coffee, which is far superior to the store-bought stuff.
Measuring 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.
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.
You can find more detail in our Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich and smooth | ★★★★ |
| Range | Adjustable settings | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of cleaning | Carafe proved tricky to clean | ★★★ |
| Price | One of the most expensive on the market | ★★ |
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.
As H&G's resident coffee correspondent, I lead a team of expert testers and product reviewers. Together, we've tested some of the best coffee makers on the market. We try out each coffee maker in our dedicated test kitchen, then take them home to continue testing for several weeks, if not months.
We assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.
Meet the team
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. That's just one of the reasons why it's our top pick for the best drip coffee makers.
How do I choose the best drip coffee maker?
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.
Should I use filtered water in by drip coffee maker?
Yes. 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.
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Best moka pots 2024: barista-approved Italian coffeeThese are the best moka pots on the market, covering everything from basic to automatic coffee. We've got some super stylish options too.
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Best coffee makers with grinders 2024 – for effortless, fresh coffeeThe best coffee makers with grinders span from simple filter carafes to professional espresso makers. Our team have tested the best
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Best Nespresso machines 2024 – barista-tested single-serve coffee makersI've tested a range of machines to find the best Nespresso machines on the market. After testing gallons of coffee, these are the very best
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Best chest freezers 2024 – recommended by appliance expertsI've researched the best chest freezers on the market. From garage-friendly with plenty of capacity to compact and portable, these are my top picks.
