Which drip coffee maker makes the hottest coffee?

The OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker makes the hottest coffee, which is just one of the reasons it is our top pick of the best drip coffee makers.

How do I choose the best drip coffee maker?

Choosing a coffee maker is not a one-size-fits-all experience. The coffee makers on our list all make great coffee, but the best coffee maker for you comes down to considering your priorities... and maybe you can find something that has everything you want. Capacity Most drip coffee makers will typically brew up to 10 or 12 cups. A coffee cup is considered four ounces, so these machines will typically have water tanks up to 60 oz. Single-Cup Brewing A major trend right now is the growing compatibility to brew a single-cup of coffee, without the need to brew a whole carafe. Many coffee makers have settings that will allow you to brew 1-4 cups and still maximize the experience, which is usually about enough coffee to fill a travel mug. Size If you're tight on space, you may want to consider a coffee maker that has a smaller footprint and geared toward smaller spaces. Additionally, consider where you will be storing the coffee maker and if any overhead cabinets will interfere with use. Strength & Temperature Settings Everyone takes their coffee so differently, it's convenient to be able to switch from mild to bolder settings, as well as the ability to change the temperature of your brew to your exact specifications. Programmability Some coffee machines will let you schedule your coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance. Another similar feature we've seen on machines is the ability to create a user profile that remembers your exact preparations, though this is usually found on more single-serve offerings. Filter Basket Type Coffee makers typically use paper filters that you'll need to remember to stock (and select the right size) or a permanent gold-tone filter. Paper filters usually brew smoother coffee, while sediment is more likely to flow through the permanent filters, which is a more European-style way of drinking coffee. Paper filters can be quickly disposed of, but permanent filters will need to be cleaned following each use. Special features A growing number of machines feature nice extras like built-in milk frothers or grinders. They're very convenient, but still not as good as the real thing. Be sure to pair your new drip coffee maker with the best coffee grinder for fresher than fresh coffee and the best milk frother to whip up delicious lattes and cappuccinos at home.

Should I use filtered water in by drip coffee maker?

Yes. This helps your drip coffee maker to stay as efficient as possible and will prevent your coffee from tasting strange. Some coffee makers have compatibility with various water filters so you can fill up straight from the tap as opposed to a purified water source. Most tanks are removable, which is useful for cleaning too.

Do I want a thermal or glass carafe on my drip coffee maker?

There are two types of people in this world, those who like thermal carafe designs, or those who'd rather use a glass carafe with a hot plate, and most coffee makers make each model with either option. Thermal carafe designs are usually more expensive, are durable if dropped, and will keep coffee hotter for longer. Glass carafes are more fragile, but less likely to interfere with the taste of your coffee, like stainless steel can, and will be accompanied by a hot plate. If your model has a hot plate, consider how long it keeps coffee warm and whether it shuts off automatically. Sometimes, hot plates can burn the coffee is left sitting too long.

How do I clean a drip coffee maker?

Cleaning a coffee machine that uses ground coffee is a messy, unavoidable chore. Paper filters are nice in that they can promptly be dropped into the compost -- as coffee grounds are extremely useful in the garden -- with a quick rinse to the filter basket, while gold-tone permanent filters do require a more rigorous cleaning. Removable parts, like the brew basket, can be washed with soapy water and it's fine to wipe down machines with a damp cloth. On some machines, there may even be dishwasher-safe parts. Typically, when it comes time to descale, your machine will let you know as well as detail their descaling process in the manual, which usually entails a descaling solution or vinegar mixed with water. Tip: Invest in a pretty coffee canister to sit beside your machine, on your countertop, to make filling your machine a breeze each morning.

Best drip coffee makers 2023: tested by our experts

One of the best drip coffee makers on the market, an orange Moxxamaster sits on a countertop with a fruit bowl beside it

(Image credit: Moccamaster)

By Laura Honey

last updated 12 July 2023

Contributions from

Jaclyn Turner

Waking up to a glorious and fragrant pot of coffee, brewed by one of the best drip coffee makers is an easy way to please all of the family. They're quiet, competent, and the 'watering-hole' for every kitchen.

I, along with a number of our qualified baristas and product testers, trialed a wide range of drip coffee makers to ensure that only the best ones made this list, and earned a spot on your kitchen counter. The parameters? Drip coffee makers should be easy to use, so we tested all the functions and settings over a few weeks, examined special features, plus checked how easy each appliance was to clean.

Of course, the most important part of our testing process included ensuring consistent, dependable flavor and temperature. After all, who doesn't love to want to wake up to a glorious and fragrant cup of coffee?

The best drip coffee makers of 2023, as tested by our team

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.

Best overall drip coffee maker

1. OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker

Best overall drip coffee maker

Specifications

Cups: 8

Dimensions: 13.5" x 10.5" x 7"

Warranty: 2 years

RRP: $199.95

Reasons to buy

Brew a single cup or a full carafe

BetterBrew precision brewing meets SCA Golden Cup Standard requirements

Space efficient

Reasons to avoid

The water tank isn't removable

Not programmable

Why you should buy it
For award-winning quality coffee

Why we love it
Amazing coffee doesn't have to be fussy, and sometimes, we think it's necessary to skip bells and whistles to get to the good stuff. OXO's 8-Cup Coffee Maker makes a great cup of coffee each time. It's even met the Speciality Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard for its quality. We love that it can brew everything from a single cup to eight, plus it's reliable and attractive too.

Good to know
The functions on this coffee maker are basic, there's no programmability or timers. We thought that we would miss this, but if you're keen to grind your own beans, you would want them as fresh as possible, making the programmes redundant anyway. Although we love its slim profile that can tuck into small spaces, the water tank is not removable and does not include a filter.

Our OXO 8-Cup Coffee Maker has more details.

Best drip coffee maker for coffee perfectionists