In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing the Right OneOur TestWe Also ConsideredCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
The Bottom Line
Choosing the Right One
Our Test
We Also Considered
Common Questions
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Coffee. Java. Cup of Joe. When it comes to kick starting your day, few things beat that first sip of well-brewed coffee. No matter what you affectionately call it, it’s a morning essential for many.According to the Atlas of American Coffee, it’s the daily drink of choice for most Americans (even more so than water!). Fortunately, it comes witha handful of benefitsranging from improving your mood and energy to lowering your risk of heart and Alzheimer’s diseases.
To help you find the best drip coffee maker, we had our team of experts put 18 different models to the test. For this list, we focused on machines that were not programmable. We instead evaluated each based on factors such as how long a carafe of coffee would stay warm, how quickly it brewed and whether or not it produced good-tasting coffee. Read on to find out which drip coffee makers produced a cup of coffee worth getting out of bed for.
Best Overall:Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer at Amazon$339Jump to Review
Best Overall:Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer at Amazon$339
Best Overall:
Also Great:OXO Brew Coffee Maker at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Also Great:OXO Brew Coffee Maker at Amazon$200
Also Great:
Best Value:Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker at Amazon$45Jump to Review
Best Value:Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker at Amazon$45
Best Value:
Best for a Fast Brew:Bunn GRB Velocity Brew at Amazon$120Jump to Review
Best for a Fast Brew:Bunn GRB Velocity Brew at Amazon$120
Best for a Fast Brew:
Best Pour-Over:Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee Maker at Amazon$350Jump to Review
Best Pour-Over:Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee Maker at Amazon$350
Best Pour-Over:
Best Small:SALEKrups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker at Amazon$40$30Jump to Review
Best Small:SALEKrups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker at Amazon$40$30
Best Small:
SALE
Best OverallTechnivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee BrewerPHOTO: Amazon$339$305 at Amazon$340 at Target$339 at Nordstrom
Best OverallTechnivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer
Best Overall
Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer
PHOTO: Amazon
$339$305 at Amazon$340 at Target$339 at Nordstrom
What we like:A high-quality coffee maker that can keep a carafe hot for up to 100 minutes.
What to know:This model has no special features despite its top-tier pricing.
Made in the Netherlands since the late 1960s, the Technivorm Moccamaster is a sleek, modern machine available in two colors: polished silver and stone gray. Brewing begins as soon as the machine is turned on and brews into a double-wall, thermal-insulated carafe, which can hold up to 40 ounces of coffee. You have the option to brew either a whole or partial carafe, depending on personal preference or individual need.
Max Cup Capacity:10 cups|Dimensions:6.75"D x 11.5"W x 15.25"H |Type of Carafe:Thermal|Filter Type:Cone |Special Features:Manual drip-stop
EatingWell / Will Dickey
Also GreatOXO Brew Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$200 at AmazonView on Target$200 at Williams Sonoma
Also GreatOXO Brew Coffee Maker
Also Great
OXO Brew Coffee Maker
$200 at AmazonView on Target$200 at Williams Sonoma
What we like:A flexible coffee maker that can produce both single servings and full carafes.
What to know:The 8-cup capacity may be too small for some households.
This coffee maker can also brew directly into tall mugs since the brew basket is removable. The low-profile design also makes the OXO compatible with countertop use; it can slide beneath cabinets to save space. It also has a self-cleaning mode, which helps to ensure that coffee tastes its best, even after heavy use. Ten paper coffee filters and a coffee scoop are also included with the machine.
Max Cup Capacity:8 cups |Dimensions:10.5"D x 13.5"H x 7"W|Type of Carafe:Thermal |Filter Type:Cone |Special Features:Optional brew basket, removable well for tall mugs, auto-clean function
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker
$359 at Amazon$360 at Target$360 at Target
What we like:This machine produces high-quality coffee while giving you an array of stylish colors to choose from.What to know:If you’re a fan of presets and added features, this coffee maker’s minimalist design isn’t for you.
Like our best overall pick, this sleek machine can brew up to 10 cups of some of the best-tasting coffee you’ll find without resorting to a pour-over. It’s quick, too—you can get a half carafe in about four minutes, while a full carafe takes only six. This machine is engineered to deliver water at just the right temperature to your coffee grounds, and once it’s brewed, the hot plate will keep your coffee between 175°F to 185°F for up to 100 minutes.
This machine was originally on our list as an honorary mention due to its price. It’s about $30 more expensive than the Moccamaster KBT, and the carafe is made of glass instead of insulated steel. However, after months of in-home testing, this has become an editor favorite. This slim machine doesn’t take up too much precious counter space, and the cone-shaped brew basket optimizes the steeping process, resulting in a fragrant, full-bodied cup of coffee. Plus, the KBGV comes in a plethora of cheery colors to add a pop of color to your kitchen. What’s not to love?Max Cup Capacity:10 cups |Dimensions:6.5"D x 12.75"W x 14"H |Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Cone|Special Features:Manual drip-stop
PHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie TuttlePHOTO: EatingWell/Katie Tuttle
Best ValueMr. Coffee 12-Cup Drip Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$45 at Amazon$28 at Target$62 at Walmart
Best ValueMr. Coffee 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
Best Value
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
$45 at Amazon$28 at Target$62 at Walmart
What we like:This machine has a generous capacity at a very reasonable price.
What to know:If you’re looking for a lot of features, this one-button machine isn’t for you.
During testing, we appreciated the simplicity of operation. There is an on/off button, that’s it. No programming, no beeps or brew settings. It produced a solid cup of coffee, and kept it at temperature for about 60 minutes. At a price that averages under $40, we think this is an excellent budget option and would make a great gift for someone who wants a dependable, easy way to get their morning brew.
Max Cup Capacity:12 cups |Dimensions:12.3"W x 11.76"D x 13.8"H |Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Basket |Special Features:Permanent filter, auto-pause
Best for a Fast BrewBunn GRB Velocity BrewPHOTO: Amazon$120 at Amazon$120 at Target$138 at WalmartWhat we like:An affordably priced drip machine that still produces delicious brews.What to know:This machine lacks most of the bells and whistles of higher-end models.We found much to rave about with Bunn’s affordable GRB Velocity Brew 10-cup model. A commercial-grade, stainless steel hot water tank ensures that its 70-ounce capacity is always hot, meaning that coffee is ready to brew within 4 minutes. The drip-free carafe has a specially designed lid and spout that redirects the stream of coffee back into the vessel, preventing spills. And the multi-stream spray head distributes hot water over coffee grounds evenly, producing a maximally flavored coffee despite the wallet-friendly price.You can switch out the glass carafe for a travel mug—the machine can accommodate up to a 20-ouncetravel mug, in fact—or even a full 50-ounce carafe for flexible brewing options. The machine comes with a switch-activated warmer plate, though users should know it does not have an automatic shutoff. The Bunn also lacks presets, and the glass carafe insulates hot coffee less efficiently than the double-walled models we tested. Still, this all-around good buy produces good-quality coffee—and enough of it for a larger household—for a good price. The three-year warranty sweetens the proverbial coffee pot.Max Cup Capacity:10 cups |Dimensions:7.1"W x 13.8"D x 14.3"H |Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Basket |Special Features:Drip-free carafe, warmerEatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Best for a Fast BrewBunn GRB Velocity BrewPHOTO: Amazon$120 at Amazon$120 at Target$138 at Walmart
Best for a Fast BrewBunn GRB Velocity Brew
Best for a Fast Brew
Bunn GRB Velocity Brew
$120 at Amazon$120 at Target$138 at Walmart
What we like:An affordably priced drip machine that still produces delicious brews.
What to know:This machine lacks most of the bells and whistles of higher-end models.
We found much to rave about with Bunn’s affordable GRB Velocity Brew 10-cup model. A commercial-grade, stainless steel hot water tank ensures that its 70-ounce capacity is always hot, meaning that coffee is ready to brew within 4 minutes. The drip-free carafe has a specially designed lid and spout that redirects the stream of coffee back into the vessel, preventing spills. And the multi-stream spray head distributes hot water over coffee grounds evenly, producing a maximally flavored coffee despite the wallet-friendly price.
You can switch out the glass carafe for a travel mug—the machine can accommodate up to a 20-ouncetravel mug, in fact—or even a full 50-ounce carafe for flexible brewing options. The machine comes with a switch-activated warmer plate, though users should know it does not have an automatic shutoff. The Bunn also lacks presets, and the glass carafe insulates hot coffee less efficiently than the double-walled models we tested. Still, this all-around good buy produces good-quality coffee—and enough of it for a larger household—for a good price. The three-year warranty sweetens the proverbial coffee pot.
Max Cup Capacity:10 cups |Dimensions:7.1"W x 13.8"D x 14.3"H |Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Basket |Special Features:Drip-free carafe, warmer
Best Pour-OverChemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$350 at AmazonView on Chemexcoffeemaker.com$350 at Crate & BarrelWhat we like:A design-forward pour-over machine that produces hot and cold coffee.What to know:The smaller glass carafe isn’t as good at retaining heat.The elegant Chemex, offering full-flavored coffee that benefits from a showerhead system and fully saturated coffee grounds, was a favorite with our testers. Although the reservoir can hold up to 40 ounces, the carafe itself—made from glass—holds only 6 cups of coffee. The hot plate can keep coffee warm for 90 minutes before an automatic shutoff turns the machine off. We also liked that carafes from other Chemex models (as small as 3-cup and as large as 8-cup) are compatible with this machine.Unlike some of the other models we tested, the Chemex also offers hot and iced functions. Although the glass carafe retains heat for less time than some double-walled options, the sleek and sophisticated design is worth the trade-off—particularly for those who prefer to serve their coffee when it’s at its freshest.Max Cup Capacity:6 cups |Dimensions:12.5"D x 7.5"W x 13"H|Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Cone |Special Features:Iced and hot brewing modes, hot plate with auto-shutoffEatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Pour-OverChemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$350 at AmazonView on Chemexcoffeemaker.com$350 at Crate & Barrel
Best Pour-OverChemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee Maker
Best Pour-Over
Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee Maker
$350 at AmazonView on Chemexcoffeemaker.com$350 at Crate & Barrel
What we like:A design-forward pour-over machine that produces hot and cold coffee.
What to know:The smaller glass carafe isn’t as good at retaining heat.
The elegant Chemex, offering full-flavored coffee that benefits from a showerhead system and fully saturated coffee grounds, was a favorite with our testers. Although the reservoir can hold up to 40 ounces, the carafe itself—made from glass—holds only 6 cups of coffee. The hot plate can keep coffee warm for 90 minutes before an automatic shutoff turns the machine off. We also liked that carafes from other Chemex models (as small as 3-cup and as large as 8-cup) are compatible with this machine.
Unlike some of the other models we tested, the Chemex also offers hot and iced functions. Although the glass carafe retains heat for less time than some double-walled options, the sleek and sophisticated design is worth the trade-off—particularly for those who prefer to serve their coffee when it’s at its freshest.
Max Cup Capacity:6 cups |Dimensions:12.5"D x 7.5"W x 13"H|Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Cone |Special Features:Iced and hot brewing modes, hot plate with auto-shutoff
Best SmallKrups Simply Brew Drip Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$40$30 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$35 at Wayfair
Best SmallKrups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker
Best Small
Krups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker
$40$30 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$35 at Wayfair
What we like:A petite machine that serves the needs of smaller households.
What to know:There are minimal extra features included with this machine.
For those with more minimalistic coffee needs, we liked the Krups Simply Brew Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker, a 5-cup machine that can accommodate a family of two. The pause and brew system stops the machine from brewing without spillage should you place a cup underneath before the system completes an entire brewing cycle. Once your coffee has been brewed, the machine automatically enters its keep warm function; it can keep the glass carafe at temperature for up to 60 minutes.
Max Cup Capacity:5 cups|Dimensions:5.71"D x 8.07"W x 10.08"H|Type of Carafe:Glass |Filter Type:Cone |Special Features:Keep-warm function, pause & brew
The Bottom Line: The Best Drip Coffee Maker
Our overall pick, theTechnivorm Moccamaster KBT 40-Ounce Coffee Brewer(view at Amazon), is a sleek, high-performing drip coffee maker that brews excellent coffee within minutes. We also loved theOXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker(view at Amazon), a slightly more affordable machine that is an excellent choice for those searching for a coffee maker that still delivers excellent coffee but at a more approachable price.
Choosing a Drip Coffee Maker
Choose a Capacity That Fits Your Household
The capacity of a coffee machine is typically listed in its description and is usually described in cups. In the case of drip coffee, bigger is not always better. Nearly empty machines work less effectively than machines close to capacity with both grounds and water. As a result, it’s best to consider models that are an appropriate size for your household’s needs. A 5- to 6-cup machine may be adequate for single- or two-person households. Larger families and office spaces, on the other hand, may want to consider 8-cup, 10-cup or even 14-cup models.
Consider Your Coffee Maker’s Features
Drip coffee machines vary widely regarding what kinds of extra features they offer. Some provide automatic shut-offs for their warmers or preset timers that allow you to turn the machine on before you wake up in the morning. Others come with built-in grinders so you can streamline the process of grinding and brewing your coffee. Many also have settings that allow fine-tuned adjustments regarding the strength of the coffee. Be aware that the more features a machine offers, the more expensive it will likely be. Personal preference will dictate how important these features are to you and your household.
Glass vs. Thermal Coffee Carafes
Drip coffee machines include a brewing carafe, which can be made from either glass or double-walled stainless steel (otherwise known as a thermal carafe). Less expensive models typically have a glass carafe, which is often dishwasher-safe. These carafes sometimes come with drip-free tops but can quickly lose heat. Thermal carafes, on the other hand, while usually attached to more expensive models (and not always dishwasher-compatible), can keep coffee hotter for substantially longer than their glass counterparts.
Our Drip Coffee Maker Tests
We based these rankings on a thorough analysis and test of 18 drip coffee makers. We enlisted a team of testers—coffee experts, food writers, and seasoned product reviewers—to see how each coffee maker stacked up compared to the rest. We conducted several rounds of testing in our lab, in which testers were asked to assess the design, ease of use, performance and ease of cleaning of each machine. Testers analyzed the individual features of each machine, as well as whether or not there was sediment in the cup after brewing, whether the basket overflowed and how the coffee tasted when brewed. After reviewing the results of our testing, we chose the top-performing coffee makers across multiple categories to complete our list of recommendations.
In addition to the drip coffee makers included in this roundup, we tested some others that didn’t quite make the cut. Here are some that we considered:
Cuisinart 5-Cup Coffee Maker($50 at Amazon):This coffee maker boasts a simple, streamlined design and an insulated carafe that holds heat well. However, the quality of the resulting brew was bitter and unpalatable. For the price, the Mr. Coffee produced a much better cup of coffee.
Balmuda The Brew($700 at Williams Sonoma):Despite a wealth of extra features, like auto-shut-off, auto-clean and both iced and hot settings, we felt this machine was aggressively priced, especially considering the small capacity.
Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup One-Touch Drip Coffee Brewer($190 at Amazon):We felt this machine did not perform as well across all categories as the OXO, which competes at the same price point and capacity as this one.
What’s the best way to clean a drip coffee maker?
Is coffee good for you?
Research indicates thatmoderate coffee intake—approximately 2 to 5 cups a day—can help reduce the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and certain kinds of cancer. Experts think the benefit of coffee is, in part, thanks to its caffeine content, as well as the good-for-you polyphenol compounds in coffee.
There are some potential drawbacks to drinking too much coffee or consuming high levels of caffeine—such as an increased risk of anxiety and bone fractures—so be mindful of just how much you consume. Generally speaking, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that drinking up to400 milligrams of caffeine each day is safe for mosthealthy individuals, which translates to about 4 to 5 standard-sized cups of coffee.
How much coffee should you use per cup?
The standard ratio for brewing coffee is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. However, personal preference also plays a role here; some might prefer a stronger brew, while others might opt for a milder taste. Remember, the quality and type of coffee beans or grounds you use can have a big impact on the final flavor of your morning cup, so feel free to adjust as needed. Remember, only you can ultimately decide what constitutes an ideal cup of coffee.
How do you store coffee beans?
Coffee beans can stay fresh for up to two weeks, although exposure to oxygen, sunlight, moisture, and high heat can compromise the quality and flavor of the beans. For optimal results, coffee beans should be removed from their bag, stored in a clean and airtight container and kept in a cool and dark spot in the kitchen. It’s best to keep beans out of the freezer, where they can be exposed to temperature and moisture fluctuations, which aid in the degradation of coffee.
Our writer,Hannah Selinger, is a James Beard Award-nominated writer who has written about food and drinks for both local and national publications since 2015. She analyzed the test results from 18 different coffee makers using her extensive experience as a former sommelier and a graduate of the French Culinary Institute.
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