I, along with a number of our 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 coffee makers of all types need to be well-priced, too, and this also affects each drip coffee maker’s rating. Keep reading to see our best buys.
The best drip coffee makers of 2023, as tested by our team
The OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker is one of a handful of home drip coffee makers that meet the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standard – though we should note several of these brewers have made our list or were considered. This certification means that the brewer reached the association’s standards for water quality, coffee-to-water ratio, grind/particle size distribution with a temperature between 195 and 205 degrees, and a brewing time of fewer than eight minutes for the best cup. The OXO brews a whole pot in less than six. 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 reliable and attractive. Plus, the fact that it has the ability to brew a single cup is very nice. Key features OXO forgoes complicated settings, and instead focuses solely on the drip coffee. Brewing is a breeze with just two buttons: a switch to toggle between the full-carafe or 1-4 cups and power. OXO’s BetterBrew precision brewing system controls water temperature, volume, and brewing time, all of which contributed to its Golden Cup Standard rating. to get the right cup every time, I’ll use the included measuring scoop for the perfect cup every time. OXO recommends using 2 Tbsp per 1- cup, but we found that 3:4 ratio of coffee to cups was just as rich, and slowed down how much coffee we were going through. A rainmaker showerhead evenly distributes water over the grounds. The OXO uses a leak-proof double-wall, vacuum-insulated thermal carafe that keeps your coffee’s temperature without the need for a hot plate, which could burn the coffee. Also, should you want just to brew a single cup of drip coffee (i.e., the 1-4 cup option) sans coffee pods, the OXO brew includes an optional single-serve accessory to enhance the flavor for one-mug brewing. Good to know Now, what the coffee maker does not have: is programmability or timers to fuss with. We thought we’d miss being able to program, but if you’re really keen on having the best coffee, you’re more likely to ground fresh beans every morning than let grounds sit overnight. We also love its slim profile that can tuck into small spaces. The water tank, however, is not removable and does not include a filter. Now, if you’re the type who loves to experiment with their drip coffee specifications and tailor-make their coffee down to bloom time, well, the Breville Precision Thermal Brewer will have your coffee routine transformed. Why we love it Not many coffee makers offer the level of customization that Breville’s various presets and customization features give, and it brews consistently delicious coffee every time. Our tester Terri says ‘The coffee maker’s small footprint makes it ideal for those without a lot of space, and the beautiful design appeals to people who believe aesthetics is as important as performance.’ Key features The coffee maker has six pre-set brewing modes, including Strong, Gold (meets SCA requirements for a Golden Cup Standard), Fast, Over Ice, and Cold Brew, but the real magic is you can even customize (and save) settings for temperature, bloom speed, and flow rate. Everything is precisely down to your desired specifications, and it’s easy to operate with the LCD screen and control dial. It’s programmable too, so you can set it to start brewing before you wake up, but if you do sleep through the smell of fresh coffee, the thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot for a longer time without the risk of burning the coffee as a hot plate can. Depending on the amount of coffee you choose to brew (up to 12 cups), there are also two filter baskets: a cone-shape and a flat-bottom filter, which is recommended to use when brewing more than 8 cups. Good to know The coffee maker itself is not cheap, but the price reflects the materials (stainless steel parts), advanced technology (Thermo Coil Heating System), and customization features. We never felt limited by our options. Our Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker review has more details. There’s no shortage of coffee combinations that you can make with the Ninja DualBrew Pro: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty (sort of like a super-concentrated espresso), various cup sizes ranging, a built-in milk frother, and even a hot water dispenser. But the real selling point is the opportunity to alternate between a k-cup compatible machine to a 12-cup coffee maker. Why we love it There are really many reasons to love the Ninja DualBrew Pro, and it’s the machine my family uses daily for its caffeine needs with the ability to choose to use K-cups or coffee grounds or have a quick hot water source. The fold-away milk frother means lattes have never been easier, and the built-in coffee scoop takes out any measuring guesswork. Key features The Ninja DualBrew Pro is one of the most feature-laden coffee makers we’ve seen in some time with numerous brewing options and cup customizations. The removable Ninja Adapter Pod works with K-cups and is removed to make single-cups up to carafe sizes. It arrives inserted into the filter basket, and though it took some time for me to figure out, once you know how to use the DualBrew Pro and its many features, switching between grounds, k-cups or the hot water dispenser becomes muscle memory. Good to know The latest update feels high-tech with a digital touch screen that automatically knows which setting to use, and we’re very into the boxy retro design. It doesn’t take up much space on your countertop either, which is nice, though you’ll want to find a space to store the K-cup adapter when brewing with grounds… but it’s a small price to pay for not needing two coffee units out. The DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee Maker is like having your own coffeehouse on your kitchen counter. The DeLonghi All in One Combination Coffee Maker is your perfect machine if you like to switch up your coffee routine by the day, or even the time of day, for when you crave either a classic cup of coffee or espresso for a caffeine boost. Why we love it Two machines in the footprint of one, of course. Our tester Terri says, “Most of the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker’s features can be summed up in its title. A machine that does everything – and does it well – can’t be overstated.” While the Ninja DualBrew Pro is great for the coffee lover going between single or multiple servings, the Delonghi All-in-One is built for those who want coffee and espresso at home. Key features The De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker conveniently replaces the need for you to invest in both an espresso maker with an advanced milk frothing steam wand and a drip coffee machine. It has a digital touchscreen control, a Bold brew setting, an updated front-loading water tank, and a spillproof glass carafe. It comes with attachments that allow you to brew up to 10 cups of filter coffee, as well as a portafilter for single and double shots of espresso, and can work both sides of the machine at the same time. And it functions with ESE pods. Good to know The espresso side has a 15-bar pressure pump for authentic espressos brewed at the optimal pressure and a steam wand to prepare your favorite lattes. Depending on how familiar you are with the espresso brewing process, it may require a learning curve, but it’s so worth it! Our De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker review has more details. When we see someone with a Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select in their kitchen, we know they’re someone who is very serious about their coffee. So, if you’re looking to invest in your coffee machine, or perhaps you’re swayed by the striking, boxy design… either way, you’re in for a caffeine-fueled treat. Why we love it Moccamaster coffee makers are simply built differently. We’re enamored with its extremely quiet operation and can speedily brew a whole 10-cup pot in as little as six minutes. Together, the Moccamaster meets the qualifications set by the Specialty Coffee Association and the European Coffee Brewing Center as the perfect cup of coffee, and it makes a pretty tasty brew. Plus, the fact that they’re available in a ton of colors from chromatic neutrals to even neons and bold primary hues is a reason for anyone looking for a machine that goes against the norm. Moccamaster also offers a lengthy five-year warranty, and should any part start to deteriorate, the machines are made modularly to make it easy and sustainable to replace parts without having to replace the entire machine. Key Features The Moccamaster is another machine that meets the rigorous qualifications set by the Specialty Coffee Association and the European Coffee Brewing Center for making the perfect cup of coffee. It most closely resembles the experience you get from the best pour-over coffee makers, with its exclusive 9-hole drip arm that ensures even extraction and a smooth flavorful cup of coffee. The KBGV Select offers the additional functionality to choose between brewing a half or full carafe to optimize brewing. Good to know The Moccamaster is entirely handcrafted in the Netherlands, including the unique copper heating element that maintains that your coffee always heats between 196 and 206 degrees Fahrenheit, while the separate hot plate will maintain the glass carafe at temperatures between 175 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit for 100 minutes before shutting off. Our Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker review has more details. The sleek-looking Brew Sense Drip Coffee Maker will look great on your countertop, makes a great cup of coffee, and can consistently be found for under $100. Why we love it It makes great-tasting coffee, for one, and has a design that makes it look a lot more expensive than it is. If you’re after a basic coffee machine that has everything you need, and nothing you don’t, the Braun Brew Sense is a great option. It ticks the boxes for those looking for programmability, water filters, a permanent gold-filter option, and a hot plate that shuts off automatically… and sometimes that’s all you really need. Key Features You’ll find a lot of flexibility with the Braun BrewSense, with the ability to brew as little as 11 oz. or a full 12-cup carafe. Braun uses pure flavor technology to ensure your coffee is made at the right temperature and brewing time to extract the best coffee flavor and aroma. Good to know The machine includes standard features like a brew-pause functionality, a charcoal filter, and a cleaning feature that can be customized to different water hardness levels. It does not however offer any ability to adjust machine temperature or brew strength. You have the option to use its included gold-tone filter, or your paper filters. It’s true that the best-tasting coffee comes from freshly ground beans, and the Cuisinart Grind & Brew perfectly grinds the beans for you and then delivers piping hot coffee straight into your carafe. Why we love it Grinding is an essential part of getting delicious coffee, but it sure is nice when a coffee maker can do it for you, and take out a step, and perhaps another small appliance in your kitchen. Coffee will never have tasted fresher. Key Features The hopper can hold up to 1/2 lb. of whole beans and has a completely sealed design to keep your beans from connecting with air. When brewing, you’ll select a strength option, and the number of cups, and the machine automatically doses the correct amount of beans to use with a stainless steel burr grinder. Once brewing is complete, the hot plate stays on for four hours. If you can find the Thermal version in stock, the thermal carafe fits up to 10 glasses, compared to the glass version’s 12, and promises to keep coffee hot for hours, but does not offer up a specific length of time. It’s also fully programmable and comes with a charcoal water filter. You can also turn off the grinding feature if you want to use pre-ground coffee. Nespresso remains one of the most popular pod coffee brands, and Nespresso’s Vertuo Next brews up both delicious coffee and espresso at the touch of a button. Why we love it Who wouldn’t love delicious coffee just popping in a pod? With 16 standard coffee blends and dozens of specialty recipes, we’ve yet to grow bored with the numerous flavors available to try. And when paired with the Nespresso Aeroccinno, we have lattes at home within minutes. Our reviewer Louise says, ‘The fast heat-up, single-use-button and automatic brewing adaption, means there’s little to no effort needed to get a great cup of coffee. No panicked rush figuring out which temperature you’d like or accidentally pushing the wrong symbol when you’re in a rush for work. Rather, all you need to do is grab a mug, choose your pod and you’re good to go. Oh, and make sure the water tank isnt empty.’ So easy. Key Features At 5.5 inches, the Nespresso Vertuo Next can easily fit into tight spaces… it’s also made of a 54 percent recycled plastic body that doesn’t skimp on color options. The 37oz. water tank capacity is enough to get you through a few espressos before having to refill. The Vertuo system is not quite a drip brewing method. Rather, the machine uses a Centrifusion brewing system to extract its flavor, which results in a beautiful crema layer. Vertuo also uses technology to deliver the optimal cup, taking into account cup size, pressure, brewing time, and temperature by scanning a barcode on each capsule. Good to know Unlike other Nespresso models, the Next can also brew an 18oz. carafe for when one cup isn’t enough, as well as the standard 5oz., 8oz., and 14oz. options and single and double espresso shots. Our full Nespresso Vertuo Next review has more details. With a name like Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker, you would think this smart design would be complicated to use. Well, as feature-laden as this wifi-equipped and SCA-ranked drip coffee maker is, we’ve found it incredibly easy to use. Why we love it Beyond looking absolutely stunning on your counter — it comes in a choice of three colors, finished with a rose gold trim — Cafe has delivered us a hardworking coffee machine. If the idea of controlling your coffee maker from bed or tinkering with settings down to the single digits appeal to you, well, this is drip coffee maker gets you one step closer to automating your kitchen into a smart kitchen. Our tester Terri says, ‘It’s aesthetically appealing (to the nth degree), while also functional, providing precise temperatures and a variety of brew strengths.’ Key Features Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the ability to control the Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker via Wifi. It works in conjunction with the SmartHQ app, Alexa, and Google Home, meaning you can brew and adjust settings with either your phone or voice. But what’s most important: the quality of the brew. The Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker has four core coffee settings: auto brew, precision brew to get coffee to a specific temperature, Gold Brew, which brews according to the SCA’s Golden Cub Standard, and custom brew that lets you control your coffee’s strength. It can brew up to 10 cups at a time, and is available as a glass or a thermal carafe, according to your preferences. Our full Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker review has more details. We hold to the belief that your kitchen appliances need to contribute to the design of your kitchen as much as it functions for you. Zwilling’s first drip coffee maker is sure to be a standout, with its stunning ridged design on the water tank. Why we love it This drip coffee maker does exactly what is intended: makes smooth drip coffee. It’s also easy to clean and maintain. And looks pretty attractive on your counter. Key Features Beyond good looks, Zwillings Enfinigy Drip Coffee Maker can make up to 12 cups of coffee, offers a unique Blooming function for increased flavor and aroma, and can be programmed. What sets it apart from others is its unique ridged water tank and a streamlined backlit display with a single knob that gives it an elevated look. Our discerning reviewer thought the plasticky part of the water tank did deter from what she was expecting but that’s also a common feature of most of the machines on the market. Internally, the coffee maker has a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel boiler, plus the wide stainless steel shower head allows for even coffee moistening during blooming. Good to know An interesting design choice, the hot plate only stays on for 30 minutes following brewing, so if you want to let your coffee sit for long periods of time, this may not be the machine for you. Our full Zwilling Enfinigy Drip Coffee Maker review has more details.
How we review the best drip coffee makers
The Homes & Gardens’ review process is editorially independent, and all of our reviews are based on real-life experiences of using them at home. Our coffee experts test out all the functions and settings over a period of time and examine special features and design, ease of use (including brewing and cleaning), and value for the money. Alongside our hands-on testing, we also research online user reviews and ask experts to see what wins them a spot in our guide. The products are given to us free of charge. Often times we are able to keep the coffee makers, which gives us the opportunity to return to our reviews for updating, so you can keep up-to-date with how it’s fared over a period of time. If we have reviewed a coffee maker in our guide, it will have a rating out of five stars and we will clearly state this in the summary of each product, as well as mention if it has an accompanying full product review. Some of the drip coffee makers in our guide have been fully reviewed on other Future Homes websites, and we’ve carried their ratings over, where necessary. For more insight into our hands-on review process, refer to our Homes & Gardens review guidelines. Our testing team includes:
Which drip coffee maker makes the hottest coffee?
The OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker (opens in new tab) makes the hottest coffee, which is just one of the reasons it is our top pick of the best drip coffee makers.
How to choose the best drip coffee maker for you
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 Not all of us have space for hulking, industrial-sized coffee makers, and that’s ok! 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. Thermal vs Glass Glass Carafe 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. 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. Water filter 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. Removable water tank It’s usually considered a nice feature to have to make it easier to fill the machine, but definitely not necessary. 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.
How to 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.
