The 2023 Model Year Drip Coffee Maker Is The Best!

CNN  — 

While there are many alternative ways to brew coffee these days (including pour-over and the hip dalgona whipped), many coffee purists still prefer the tried-and-true French press. Therefore, we spent several weeks putting the top-rated drip coffee makers through their paces, using a variety of criteria (described below), to determine which one was the best. Numerous bags of light roast, medium roast, and dark roast coffee beans were roasted, then ground, and brewed. Full carafes, half carafes, and individual cups were all produced. We tried it black, with almond milk, with sweetened condensed milk, with cold brew strength over ice, you name it.

After brewing a mountain of coffee, we narrowed it down to four top-tier drip coffee makers.

We brewed dozens of pots of coffee, from light to dark roast, with the BrewSense, and every time the gold tone filter, which is supposed to remove bitterness from coffee and cut down on single-use paper-filter waste, produced a pot of strong, delicious coffee with no sediment. The model we tested was white, which is a good choice for those who have a more contemporary kitchen, but it also comes in black, and it's small enough to fit under the cabinets in a tighter space than the other models we tried.

The BrewSense is easy to use because it looks like a classic automatic drip machine but is actually controlled by touch buttons. The glass carafe is sleek and easy to hold thanks to the hardware's combination of brushed metal and plastic.

The BrewSense is the best of the machines we tested because it gets the job done without a lot of extraneous features. It only takes 15 minutes from the time you remove the machine from its packaging and flush it with water to the time you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The peacefulness of the brewing process is especially welcome in the wee hours of the morning. Some buyers may prefer a more advanced model, but if you're just looking to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee every morning without breaking the bank, this is your best option.

The BrewSense has some flaws, such as the fact that it took more than 11 minutes to brew a full pot of 12 cups, making it slower than some of the other machines we tested. We also discovered a frustrating typo in the section of the manual that explained how to set the time (we know, we're sticklers, but we insisted on setting the time on every machine before using it). ); I tried holding the CLOCK button while pressing the SET button as instructed, but neither of those things happened. For setting the time, we simply held down the CLOCK button and guessed our way through the minutes and hours. Also, the instructions for setting up the automatic features could be clearer, but once we did, everything ran smoothly. But other than that, we didn't need the manual because this device is so straightforward.

Compared to some of our other machines, cleanup may occasionally be more of a hassle. For a perfect cup of coffee, hot water must rise through the filter basket and spread the grounds all the way to the top of the cone. However, on one occasion, a small amount of grounds rose above the cone and required a quick wipedown of the top of the brewing apparatus. Even so, for less than , there is nothing else on the market that can compare to the value of this machine.

One of three Cuisinart automatic drip machines we tested, the Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable, finished second to the Braun BrewSense by a small margin.

We gave all three of these Cuisinarts very high marks, but the Touchscreen was our favorite because of its innovative form and practical functionality. We found that all Cuisinart products were well designed, but this one stands out like opening a brand new Apple product thanks to its sleek, all-black exterior and innovative touchscreen control panel (and its hefty price tag of $235 at Macy's). three times as much as the Braun, which

And it's not just a pretty face; the coffee it brewed was robust and flavorful, with a filtered but undiluted flavor. Given its tech-focused foundation, it's also simple to program and employ. The touchscreen control panel has cute little icons representing one-touch commands to help you customize your brew: if you prefer your coffee on the bolder side, you can select the BOLD setting; if you only want half a pot brewed, you can use the HALF setting. Choose the 1–4 cup setting for a more leisurely brew with optimal extraction time; set the hot plate temperature to low, medium, or high; activate or deactivate the audible brew–cycle–completed tone.

One of the reasons it wasn't number one is because of how focused it is on technology. This was the only touchscreen model we tried, and while it was novel and refreshing, we worried that using it would be more of a chore than a pleasant addition to some people's morning coffee rituals. During the brewing process, the touchscreen turns off, which is aesthetically pleasing but also a little disconcerting because you feel like you're in the dark and have to figure out what's happening. A cup of coffee, please It took us a few pots of coffee to get used to the amount of pressure you need to apply to the touchscreen in order to access the settings and operate the buttons, but when we did, it was clear as day. In terms of utility, the machine lost some points because we could all think of at least one person who would be completely lost if left alone with it and a bag of coffee.

Similar to other Cuisinart models we've tried, this one takes longer to brew. We timed it at 11 minutes for eight cups, which seems like an eternity if you're watching your coffee maker like a watched pot. We get that some people prefer a more leisurely brewing method (pour-over and Chemex enthusiasts, we hear you). If you're not making it by hand, the 12–14 minutes it takes to brew a full pot of coffee may seem like an eternity when you first wake up in the morning. One last thing: not everyone has $200 to drop on a coffee machine. While many may

Some buyers may be put off by the advanced features of this premium item, but others will gladly display it as the focal point of their cooking space. Stylish and practical, this space is sure to brighten your day.

Even before we received the Technivorm Moccaster for this story, we had heard that it was a machine that was loved for its innovative and old-school industrial design, and that it had been handmade and tested in the Netherlands since 1968. Upon learning that we were conducting a Moccamaster review, several friends reached out, all raving about the product; one even sent us a direct message on Instagram praising the Moccamaster as "superlative." Test over And the Moccamaster shows up with its own top-notch public relations team. Users are congratulated for purchasing "the world's finest coffee brewer" in the manual. (Maybe you feel justified in your fervor if you're dropping $300 or more on a coffee machine.) )

In the end, the effort to get the equipment set up (which, to be honest, takes some time and concentration) paid off with what was quite possibly the best cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee we've ever had made at home. It takes so little time that you can still be reading the morning paper when it's finished. In the first test, the Moccamaster produced 10 cups in under 6 minutes, and in the second test, it produced 6 cups in under 4 minutes. The brew function is so rapid it's shocking: the brewing process begins the second you turn on the machine. Then, like if a lava lamp produced fresh hot coffee after a few mesmerizing undulations, it was a pleasant throwback to middle school science experiments to watch the water heat in the tank and bubble up through the water transfer tube into the brewer.

The Moccamaster has many wonderful features, but it also has some drawbacks that we didn't particularly enjoy. Ironically, they focus on the design. Some people prefer a more interactive approach to making their coffee, but others may find that there are too many moving parts. In order to put the pieces together, we had to read the instructions very carefully. Managing the brewing process became intuitive after we put the machine together and understood what was going on.

Unfortunately, a new paper filter (yes, it needs a paper filter, in case you were wondering) and coffee grounds must be placed in the brew basket every time you use this machine. It's not a huge deal, but it can feel like every morning you have to start over putting your coffee maker back together after removing the basket. The outlet arm and lid of the basket heat up significantly as they carry the steaming water from the tube to the brew basket. The hot part of the brewer could cause serious injury if someone were to accidentally touch it without proper awareness and precaution.

And finally, the most egregious issue we have with this model is that the glass carafe scrapes the warmer when it is returned to the hotplate between uses.

We kept bringing this beautiful machine back to the kitchen counter because the brewing process and the coffee it produced were so much better than anything else we were using at the time. Like us, you probably won't be switching to another coffee maker for quite some time, so the initial investment in a Moccamaster will be spread out over many years.

We promise not to bore you with details about Mr. It only took nine minutes to brew a pot of coffee that tasted and felt just right for a 12-cup brewer. It took me five minutes and a pair of scissors to unbox the machine, but once I got past all the plastic and cardboard, putting it together was a breeze. You don't need to read the manual to use the hardware (or set it to brew at a specific time). It's one of the best small drip coffee makers we tried, and it's sturdy; the removable top half, brew basket, carafe, and lid are all dishwasher safe, which isn't the case with all of the machines we tried.

More than a month was spent on the rigorous testing of these coffee makers. We rated each device on the criteria that the user would care about the most, which included its usefulness, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. We brewed at least two pots from dark and light roasted, freshly ground beans in each machine, used the programmed/timed brew option when available, and tried out the other features of the more specialized machines (single-cup, cold brew, tea, milk frothing) to ensure that they were all working properly. We took notes on the unboxing process, read the manuals, played around with the hardware, timed the brews, took temperature readings, tasted the coffee, and solicited feedback from others. For the duration of that month, we drank far too much coffee in an effort to get to know each machine intimately.

Keep reading to learn more about the various types and how they're broken down

Breathing process

• Experts recommend that coffee be brewed at between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, and served immediately; however, we did not take the actual temperature of the coffee from each machine because we do not believe that this is how the average coffee drinker evaluates home brewing. at 180 to 185 degrees, but we ranked the temperature of each drink relative to the others based on how we perceived it. We recorded the results of blind tastings of each cup both without and with cold milk added immediately after brewing.
• Coffee's flavor is a matter of personal preference. Coffee lovers can spend a lifetime trying different blends, but they still might not find one they both like. We put each machine through its paces by making both a dark and a light roast using the same quantity of grounds as specified in the manual. Therefore, we retested the machines that called for less grounds after finding that the ones that called for more grounds produced stronger brews.
• We used an iPhone timer to track how long it took to brew a full and half carafe. We also measured how long it took for individual cups to be made by machines.
• We took note of whether the machine brewed directly into a glass or a thermal carafe, as well as how hot the coffee remained thirty minutes to an hour after brewing.
• We did a quick check of each machine to see if a first-time user could brew coffee without consulting the manual. We also considered how simple it was to fill the carafe, how clearly the water tank was labeled, and how quickly the machine dispensed its contents after doing so. including the shape of the brewing basket.
• Amount produced was recorded for each machine in ounces.
• We noted whether or not the machine could be programmed to brew at a specified time.

Durability

• Everyday durability was determined by observing the machine as it was used in a variety of situations, including filling the water reservoir, adding the grounds, taking out the carafe to serve, putting it back in, cleaning it, and so on.
• We took careful notes on the machine's build quality, noting details like the types of metals and plastics used in its construction. g the tactile qualities of each device, such as its plastic, metal, brushed metal, glass, and the like
• In the event that any of the machines required maintenance, we took careful notes on how simple it was to gain access to the serviceable components.

Putting together and taking apart

• To gauge the ease of assembly, we timed how long it took to remove the machine from the packaging, assemble the parts, and run the initial water flush.
• We compared the amount of desk space each machine required and how convenient it would be to relocate or stow away.
• When evaluating coffee makers, we paid special attention to how simple it was to clean the brew basket, the carafe, and the rest of the equipment after each use.

Aesthetic

• The first thing we noticed about each machine was our initial reaction to it, including thoughts about its aesthetic value (how it looked and felt on the counter, for example).
• We looked into whether or not the machine was available in any colors besides black for the display.

Warranty

• We looked at the length of time each machine was guaranteed for.

($179) A Hot and Cold Brewing System by Ninja down from $199 ($0.99 on Amazon)

Both of the Ninja machines we tried were excellent in their own ways. Quickly brewing a full pot of hot coffee in under five minutes, as well as a single cup (in a variety of sizes) that is both flavorful and easy to drink, are both feats that are difficult to achieve without the hot and cold brew system. It also makes iced coffee, which is a popular option among customers. The glass carafe is sleek and simple, but the lid has a large opening that can cause spillage when pouring.

The plastic water tank with pronounced ridges on this machine feels cheap and degrades the user experience, despite the machine's impressive functionality (the tank is, thankfully, located in the machine's rear, out of sight). but it does require manual intervention each time water is added. Another issue is that there are no markings on the water tank, only full and half carafe options and two sizes of individual cups. How much water to use in relation to coffee grounds is not clear without ounce or cup markings. Although the Ninja machines come with a coffee scoop with different measurements on either end, it was annoying that these variables couldn't be standardized without resorting to the included attachments. (have a detachable frothing wand, so they're adorable) Due to its many performance enhancements, this machine's control panel is both feature-rich and somewhat complex, making it feel like a high-maintenance purchase.

Ninja Glass Carafe Specialty Coffee Maker ($159) $2.99 (on Amazon)

One key difference between the Ninja Specialty and the hot and cold brews is the location of the water tank in relation to the brew basket. This one, like the others, can make a delicious cup of hot, fresh coffee, and it has some neat extra features, such as the ability to brew in a variety of cup sizes, as well as half and full carafes, and even over ice. The water tank is more prominently displayed in this design, which detracts from its appeal in comparison to the hot and cold variant; in addition, the tank itself has a cheap, flimsy feel, which is difficult to overlook in terms of user experience. But if you're a fan of Ninja products (they make blenders and other things), you'll get your money's worth here.

The 14-cup, programmable Cuisinart PerfecTemp Coffeemaker costs . ($19.95 (down from $185.00) on Amazon.com)

Our most basic Cuisinart brewer brewed a nearly perfect cup at the ideal temperature (even after adding significant cold milk, we still had a steaming hot cup) thanks to a temperature-controllable carafe. The brewing time of 14 minutes for eight cups is nearly twice as long as some of the other brewers we tested, which is a drawback despite the machine's solid construction and thoughtful design.

For $200, you can get the Cuisinart Coffee Center with a 10-cup thermal coffee maker and a single-serve brewer. for $19.98 (down from $229; amazon.com)

The third and final Cuisinart we've tested brews only 10 cups at a time into a thermal carafe, but it also has a convenient single-serve brew, complete with a pod-brewing attachment and a small filter for using either pre-packaged coffee or fresh grounds. The mini filter is a pain to maintain due to its diminutive size. This coffee maker, like its Cuisinart relatives up top, brews delicious java, but the added bulk of a single-cup brewer is a drawback. The design has one glaring flaw, however: the on/off switch is awkwardly located on the side of the machine.

An economical brewing system, the Breville BDC450 Precision Brewer costs only $299. $4.95 (amazon.com)

We were overjoyed when we discovered so many options for brewing with this high-tech machine: regular brew, rapid, gold (what the heck is that? I wondered) ), iced coffee (using an accessory that's sold separately), and a brew strength that can be adjusted to suit your tastes. The variety of options is fascinating, if also bewildering. Do all home coffee drinkers know the texture of their tap water, on a hard to soft scale, which is presented to the user? Is the typical coffee drinker familiar with Gold Cup accreditation? Details like these seem out of place on an automatic drip machine.

Generally speaking, the Breville made a good pot of coffee in a short amount of time, but we didn't find it to be hot enough. The whole set-up is aesthetically pleasing, with polished metal and a lightweight, dashing carafe that wouldn't look out of place on a Sunday brunch table. We dug deeper, though, and realized that this machine was just... too much. Our cabinets can't hold all of this hardware. We had to educate ourselves on coffee lore just to figure out how to program the machine for our tastes; there were too many options. Many people would love this machine for its perfect combination of features and sophistication, and they would have a blast discovering all it can do for their coffee routines.

Price: $19 for the Black Decker CM1160B 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. Price: $0.99 (Target.com)

The Black & Decker 12-cup automatic drip machine was the least expensive model we tested and a good option. In just eight minutes, it produced eight delicious cups, making for a satisfying experience all around. Hardware-wise, it was not quite as sturdy as its main competitor, the Mr. Coffee, but for the price of two lattes and an extra shot, you can get one that is programmable and ridiculously simple to use.

For $145, you can get a Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker. $2.99 (on Amazon)

There are those who prefer the Bonavita Connoisseur, but we experienced many problems with it. The coffee it produces is of high quality, and the machine has a charmingly retro aesthetic, but the experience of using it leaves much to be desired. It's easy to see that something is wrong with the design. Even after three or four tries, we found it counterintuitive to have to remove the lid of the carafe before brewing, so the coffee brews directly into an open carafe. A side effect of the brewing process is that the brewer heats up considerably. Finally, after brewing, we tried to return the carafe to its storage spot under the brewer, but we screwed the lid back on and ended up spilling our coffee all over the counter. perhaps not enough caffeine just yet, but the carafe won't fit under the brewer with the lid on; the top of the machine has popped off. The storage of the machine is compromised as a result, as the carafe lid and brew basket cannot be stored together.

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