41% of all US coffee drinkers will use a drip coffee maker in 2020 [1]. No wonder, so many drip coffee makers exist on the market today. Finding the best one for you in 2021 may feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
Our list of ten of the best drip coffee makers, any of which are a great addition to your life, is broken down so you can match them up with what you need in a coffee maker.
There is a coffee maker for everyone, but to find it, you need to ask yourself a few questions first and narrow the hundreds down to a more manageable list.
Things To Consider When Buying A Drip Coffee Maker
Consider these seven questions, answer each of them and use those answers to pick the best drip coffee maker for you.
1.Do You Want The Best Quality Coffee? – SCA Certified
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is a global organization that seeks to find and exhibit the best technology for coffee and coffee preparation. They’ve determined the ideal temperature, ratio, brew time, and other factors that will affect coffee extraction and then assess brewers on the market to see if they can live up to those factors.
To guarantee a high standard of operation, the SCA requires SCA Certified Brewers to meet requirements based on proper water temperature, brewing time, and possess the ability to brew within the SCA Golden Cup recommendations. [2]
When a home coffee brewer earns SCA certification, it is displayed promptly on its packaging. The seal is recognition that the brewing factors have been met or exceeded, and according to SCA, it will brew the best tasting coffee.
2.How Many Cups Of Coffee Do You Drink? – Capacity
For some households, a cup or two of coffee in the morning is all that’s needed, and purchasing a drip coffee machine that can brew up to 14 cups at a time is simply unnecessary.
On the other hand, if you do a lot of entertaining and host dinner parties, anything less than a 14 cup brewer might be simply too little.
Or perhaps, you live in a house full of roommates where turning on a coffee brewer once when the first person wakes up in the morning would provide brewed coffee for the rest of the house (at least until people want second cups).
When you’re figuring out how many cups is necessary, consider two cups per person plus one or two extra or choose a small batch coffee maker that has a quick turnaround time.
3.Do You Have Space for it? – Size
An appliance left on the counter is more likely to be used daily.
If kitchen counter space is limited or you’re looking for a coffee machine for your office or dorm, check the brewer’s dimensions, especially height, if it will be going underneath cupboards.
Coffee makers come in several shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that will fit in the space you have for it. Look for details about the length of the cord too. A coffee maker doesn’t truly fit unless you can plug it in and use it.
4.What’s Your Budget? – Price
Drip coffee makers have always been known for being budget-friendly appliances. They’re usually the first coffee maker you bring into a new home or dorm room, and while very cheap coffee makers will do the job and make a decent cup, often higher quality does require a higher price tag.
On our list, we’ve looked at coffee makers from a variety of sources and chose a range from a very budget-friendly $20 to $400 for the premium, top-of-the-line models.
You can break down price ranges into three main tiers with a midpoint around $100-$200 for a drip machine that also has other functions aside from just being a high-quality automatic drip coffee maker.
5.How Quick Do You Drink The Coffee? – Carafe Matters
If you choose to buy a brewer that brews more than you can drink at once rather than in small batches, you’ll want to purchase one that has an appropriate carafe. Drip coffee makers often come with the option of either a glass carafe or a thermal carafe.
Glass Carafe – This is a suitable choice if you go through coffee quickly.
A hot plate underneath the carafe can keep coffee warm but also damage the coffee taste, and the glass won’t protect the coffee from the heat, but that won’t be a problem if you drink it while it’s freshly brewed. It isn’t a good way to keep coffee hot for a long time.
Thermal Carafe – This is a suitable solution for people who like to drink coffee slowly or who always need coffee next to them.
With a thermal carafe, you can brew a pot in the morning and drink it all day. A thermal carafe keeps hot coffee fresh throughout the day, from the first cup to the last.
Also Read: How Long Can Coffee Sit Out?
6.Do You Want Additional Features?
Machines in the budget-friendly end of the price range may make coffee, and that’s it. However, you have little to no control over the strength of the coffee and can’t place the brewing process on a timer.
If you want your coffee as low-tech as possible while still using a drip coffee maker or are buying it for someone that needs it that way, this is the way to do it. One button to press, and then coffee starts; it’s simple.
Other coffee makers have control panels and digital screens with functions such as auto shut off, programmable timers, the ability to delay-brew, strength settings, built-in recipes, the ability to froth milk, and more. Some smart coffee makers let you connect to WIFI so you can control it via cellphone applications.
7.Do You Have A Coffee Grinder?
What do you usually use for your coffee beans? Do you use pre-ground coffee or freshly ground beans?
Freshly ground coffee beans always make the best coffee, and if you don’t already have a grinder, you may want to purchase a coffee maker that includes a built-in one. It won’t take up additional counter space with a built-in grinder, but you can benefit from grinding beans just before brewing.
If a built-in grinder is right for you, look for a grinder that is easy to access and easy to clean between brewings or between the addition of more beans.
The capacity of the grinder should also match up with the ability of the brewer, so enough coffee is ground for each carafe’s worth of coffee.
Top 10 Best Drip Coffee Makers
A good automatic coffee maker that can make fast and reliable coffee can be a big-time and money saver for coffee lovers. This list has drip coffee makers with a few offering additional benefits like milk frothers and built-in bean grinders.
On this list, we only pick the drip coffee makers. Espresso machines, Nespresso, single-serve coffee makers are not included.
1. Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer – Most Durable
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
To earn the most durable award, the brewer has to not only last a long time but offer consumers a warranty program and certifications to demonstrate its ability to brew the best cup of coffee.
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBT has the certifications to back up its craftsmanship. The brewer is European Coffee Brewing Centre (ECBC) & SCA Approved to meet and exceed Gold Cup standards. The ECBC is an independent entity that rigorously tests brewers in Europe, like the SCA, to see if they meet or exceed the measures necessary to be on the market.
Brewing takes approximately 6 minutes and comes with a manually adjustable filter to customize how long the coffee blooms and how quickly water moves through the filter. The individual pieces are stainless steel or BPA-free plastics that can be removed and cleaned individually for longer life.
Technical features include a hot plate that automatically turns off after 100 minutes, an auto-off feature once the coffee finishes brewing, and a carafe with a stop-drip shape.
Besides the KBT model, Technivorm Moccamaster also offers a wide range of models. We compared each model in this Technivorm Moccamaster review, so you won’t be confused when choosing the right one for you.
Pros
- SCA-certified coffee brewer
- The copper boiling element ensures water reaches the optimal temperature
- Auto-off when the water reservoir is empty
- Uses solid and durable materials
- Thermal carafe with travel lid included
- Built to last quality with a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive coffee maker
- Doesn’t offer additional features
2. Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer Coffee Maker – Most Customizable
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Breville is a well-known and respected name in kitchen appliances. This lightweight coffee maker is their premium entry into the coffee market with a highly customizable brewer for coffee lovers.
This brewer offers the most customizable brewing settings available on the market today.
Each of the six brew modes contains a preset combination of water temperature, bloom time, and water flow rate, which influences the overall brew time.
The Breville Precision Brewer doesn’t just brew regular drip coffee. It also has modes for Iced and Cold brew coffee. The steep and release technology guarantees great tasting coffee no matter you are brewing for very small batches and single-cup to 60oz full pot.
Two of the most exciting brew modes are the Gold mode and the My Brew mode for hot coffee.
The Gold brew mode takes the SCA-certification characteristics needed to make a gold standard cup of coffee to set your brewer, while the fast mode reduces the bloom and brewing time.
The My Brew mode allows you to set the perfect brew characteristics, which is great for experienced coffee lovers with a preference that might not fall into a preset category. The customizable settings also allow you to use the included cone and brew basket to mimic pour-over brewing.
Pros
- SCA-certified coffee brewer
- Six brewing modes: Fast, gold, strong, iced, cold brew, my brew
- Drip adaptor for pour-over coffee
- Dual filter baskets included
- Perfect for brewing specialty coffee
Cons
- The water tank is not removable
- Not a compact coffee maker, make sure you have enough countertop space for it
3. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System – Most Versatile
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
At a premium price point similar to the Breville Precision Brewer, this Ninja Hot and Cold Brewing system offers multiple varieties of beverages, so there’s something for everyone.
This SCA-certified versatile coffee maker is exciting if you’re a coffee-lover, but you also like tea or live with someone who does. It can brew a wide selection of hot and cold coffee and tea, including a specialty brew style that creates coffee concentrate to be used with the milk frother for specialty espresso drinks.
Separate baskets are used for coffee and tea, keeping the flavors distinct and utilizing different temperatures to extract the most out of each, whether you’re using loose tea or bagged.
It is a great appliance to have when you’re entertaining or hosting a dinner party. You’re able to give your guests coffee or tea, hot or iced, at the press of a button, without having to boil water separately or pre-make cold brew or iced tea.
With various brew modes and the ability to select the type of tea you’re using, it will be made properly and brewed to its best regardless of what your guests order.
It’s more time-efficient, too. Cold-brew and iced tea in the Ninja take 10-15 minutes to brew over ice, much quicker than the 12 hours often recommended for large batches of cold brew. The models of Ninja coffee makers can be confusing, we compared the Ninja Coffee Makers in detail, check out the review for more information.
Pros
- SCA-certified coffee brewer
- Travel carafe and fold away frother included
- Makes coffee concentrate to substitute for espresso in specialty drinks
- Separate coffee and tea baskets to keep flavors separate
- Six brew sizes
Cons
- There are lots of options on the control panel. You’ll need to spend some time reading the manual before using it
- It is not as compact as other coffee makers on the list
4. BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup – Fastest Coffee Maker
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sometimes you need a coffee maker that brews plentiful coffee fast.
The fastest automatic drip coffee machine on our list; it only takes 3 minutes to make 10 cups of coffee with this BUNN Velocity brewer. BUNN has streamlined the coffee making progress down to the essential elements and offers it at a low midpoint price range.
One of the significant differences for this brewer is how it brews coffee and what it does between brewings.
The 70 oz commercial stainless water reservoir keeps the water hot even while idling so the next person can brew the next pot of coffee quickly. It is an excellent option for the office or in busy homes where multiple pots of coffee are drunk each morning.
The lack of extra features makes operation easy for everyone. Turning the brewer on and starting a new pot is as simple as just one button to flip after pouring the water in to start.
The design of the no-drip carafe keeps coffee from dripping down the side rather than in the cup. Although this seems like an insignificant feature, it can help control mess, and if you’re brewing multiple pots from this machine because of how fast it is, those drips can add up. This GRB is the basic model in BUNN’s coffee maker lineup. We compared and reviewed the best Bunn Coffee Makers so you can pick the right model for your need easier.
Pros
- Half the time of other coffee brewers
- Showerhead spray evenly wets the grounds
- 10-cup capacity
- One button operation
Cons
- No additional features or timers
5. Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker – Best Coffee Maker With Grinder
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Grinding coffee beans no more than an hour before brewing is the best way to capture all the essential freshness and oils the bean has to offer.
The Breville Grind Control coffee maker is a premium appliance with a higher price point thanks to the brushed stainless steel body and matching carafe. Although, if you don’t already own a grinder or a burr grinder of this quality, the price point includes that, so it drops the price down to a mid-range level.
The brewer reflects its premium price tag, and the integrated grinder is of premium quality as well. Conical burr grinders give a smooth and even grind, which you can set using the LCD display.
While the grinder section can hold half a pound of lbs, the attached hopper can hold up to 2 lbs of beans for easy access when you need them next.
Brewing coffee with this drip coffee maker gives you a few options, that’s whether you’re using the included gold-tone filter or using a paper filter. All temperatures and flow rates have been SCA-certified, and your delicious coffee can be done in the included thermal stainless steel carafe or with the steep and release technology directly into a tall glass or into a single mug.
Included with the purchase is a one-year limited purchase warranty which includes the grinder.
Pros
- An integrated conical burr grinder
- Grinder fits ½ lb of beans at a time
- Able to also use pre-ground coffee
- Programmable auto-start
Cons
- Carafe drips, and it can be difficult to pour the last cup
6. Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker – Best K-Cup Compatible
Last update on 2023-09-26 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
As coffee pods and single-serve coffee machines become more popular, it can seem like drip coffee machines don’t offer enough or pointless to try out the single-serve version if you already have a drip brewer.
It may seem like it’s one or the other, not both.
However, if your kitchen only has enough room for one or the other, and that’s the reason you’ll put off buying a single-serve coffee maker, this Hamilton Beach 2-way coffee brewer brings both together, and you no longer have to choose.
With the ability to brew a 12 cup pot on the carafe side using coffee grounds and a single serving on the other side with a coffee pod, you don’t have to compromise.
The drip side of the coffee brewer is fully programmable, so coffee starts when you wake up, then it automatically shuts off after 2 hours, so you don’t have to worry about leaving the hot plate on.
The single-serve side is manual but, thankfully, is much quicker with a small amount of coffee to pour.
If you’re in a hurry, the automatic pause and pour feature means you can take coffee out of the carafe before it’s done brewing without any mess. You can enjoy a cup of coffee simultaneously as the single-serve is brewed rather than waiting for 11 additional cups to be dispensed. Hamilton Beach is on our best dual coffee makers list.
Pros
- Use a pod or ground coffee for brewing
- Auto shut-off after 2 hours
- Programmable start times so coffee starts brewing on wake-up
- Easy clean-up
Cons
- Only the carafe side can be programmed
- Not as durable as other more expensive coffee makers
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
A good SCA-certified automatic pour-over coffee maker doesn’t have to be challenging to use, and it doesn’t have to have a lot of buttons and displays. After all, french press and pour-over, two very common methods of making coffee, don’t require any technology other than a kettle.
With the push of one button, this machine makes great coffee thanks to presets you don’t have to fiddle around with but are confirmed with the SCA to make the best brew.
A 1500-watt heater keeps water at the correct temperature before releasing it onto the coffee grounds in a showerhead pattern. Proper saturation of the grounds is essential to good coffee, making sure all the grounds are wet enough and given time to bloom.
The stainless steel thermal carafe holds 8 cups, and after the coffee is gone, all the removable parts of the machine are dishwasher safe.
This would be a great gift for someone who finds coffee makers too complicated or who has had to finally retire their beloved one-touch coffee maker with an affordable price for a long-lasting machine. It would also make a great addition to a dorm, office, or busy kitchen. Check out our detailed Bonavita Connoisseur Review if you want to know more about it.
Pros
- SCA-certified coffee brewer
- Easy to use with zero learning required
- Audible chime when brewing finishes
- 8 cup carafe brews up in 6 minutes
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe
Cons
- No timers or programmable functions
8. Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB Coffee Maker – Best Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Being able to enjoy coffee hours after brewing requires a durable and well-insulated carafe. Zojirushi is one of the best manufacturers and best sellers of thermal mugs on the market.
Standing higher than it is wide or deep, the Zojirushi focal point is the insulated thermal carafe that can keep hot coffee hot for up to 24 hours after brewing. The design helps to prevent spills, and the handle has a thumb-operated pouring feature for serving.
The carafe’s heat longevity makes it an ideal solution for people who prefer to drink coffee slowly all day rather than quickly drink a cup or two in the morning.
No more reheating (and forgetting about) your coffee in the microwave!
The coffee quality is worth the money too. It makes a good quality brew even without additional customization settings or buttons. The design features minor thoughtful additions that add up to better useability if space is an issue where you’ll be placing it.
This 10-cup coffee maker brewer uses a stainless steel mesh filter placed into a sewing basket that makes it easier to access the coffee grounds, especially if you’re putting the machine under a cupboard. The water reservoir is removable as well, with lines marked on the outside to show cup levels so you can add what you need.
We also reviewed and picked the best Zojirushi Coffee Makers.
Pros
- Makes 10-cups of regular coffee and 4-cups worth of iced coffee concentrate
- Programmable start timer
- Brews coffee at the optimal temperature
- Removable water reservoir
Cons
- No ability to set strength or customize
- It’s not fast, and takes about 15 minutes to brew a full pot of coffee. Not suitable for those who need a quick coffee.
9.Smeg Retro Style Coffee Maker Machine – Best Design, most stylish
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sometimes you just want a stylish and different coffee maker; to be the talk of dinner. The Smeg Retro coffee brewer will do just that.
SMEG drip coffee maker is available in four colors (cream, metallic, red, and green) and takes 1950s style and wraps it around a reasonably dependable coffee maker.
The all-metal painted design with a completely see-through glass carafe plus hints of metal here and there gives a look the company is known for in their home appliances ranges. With other Smeg appliances, this coffee maker will look right at home or as the only one; it will look remarkable on any countertop.
The sleek design is married with a digital display that doesn’t seem out of place amongst the 1950s retro gram design. The display includes the option of a 12 or 24-hour clock, whichever might be your preference, auto-start mode, the ability to adjust for aroma and water hardness, as well as a feature for only brewing 4-cups instead of the total six.
If other appliances on this list seemed a little too plain for you, or you’re willing to pay a bit more for Smeg’s style, then this might be the coffee maker for you. Yes, there are better drip coffee makers out there, but Smeg has an instantly recognizable look. Check out our detailed SMEG coffee maker review here.
Pros
- 1950’s Retro Style Design
- All metal with painted base and lid
- Anti-slip feet
- Alarm alerts when brewing finishes
Cons
- Only brews 4-6 cups
- Not an SCA-certified coffee maker
10.Black+Decker CM1160B-1 CM1160B 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – Most Budget Friendly
Last update on 2023-09-27 / As an Amazon Associate, if you buy via the links, Brewcoffeehome earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
This brewer is the coffee maker for you if you’re on a tight budget but still want a drip machine that can brew amazing coffee, with a few handy features and easy clean-up.
The removable, reusable filter basket is easy to take out and put back in, and clean-up is as simple as dumping the grounds in the garbage and rinsing the filter under the tap.
The Black+Decker coffee maker makes a great first coffee maker and a fun addition to a dorm room, cottage, or RV where having a coffee machine will help you save money from buying coffee from coffee shops all the time.
The programmable features include a timer that you can set so you wake up to fresh coffee, an easy-to-read clock display, and big rubberized feeling buttons that are easy to use even with problems like arthritis.
For all the positives, this is a coffee maker made almost entirely out of plastic and may not last as long as other half-metal machines.
However, it’s usually the first budget coffee maker that people remember the longest, and that helps to start developing a love for coffee. If that’s the case with this brewer, it’s a great first machine.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Large, easy to read buttons and display
- It makes up to 12-cups at a time
- 2-hour auto-shutoff
Cons
- Not as durable, made out of almost all plastic
The Verdict
All ten coffee makers in this list would be great additions to many households with different needs.
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is a particular favorite as it can brew so many different beverages, including cold brew and hot tea, but as the list has such variety, maybe your choice would be completely different because of where you would be using it or what you want to brew.
Which one would you choose?
References:
[1] Method of preparation among past-day coffee drinkers in the United States in 2020 – https://www.statista.com/statistics/320339/method-of-preparation-among-past-day-drinkers/
[2]SCA Certified Home Brewers – https://sca.coffee/certified-home-brewer
