5 Best Coffee Makers of 2020 (Automatic Drip)
The only thing worse than starting your day without a warm cup of coffee? Starting it with a bitter mouthful of burnt-tasting java.
Some coffee makers seem to be a safe ticket to over-extraction land, but some others are guaranteed to provide you with a barista-worthy black coffee. So how do you avoid buying the first type?
Don’t worry: to make things easier for you (and as a cheeky excuse to drink lots of coffee), we’ve tested many different brands and models to narrow your choice down to the 12 very best drip coffee makers on the market in 2020.
Technivorm 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
Technivorm Moccamaster (10-Cup Drip Machine With Thermal Carafe)
Handmade in the Netherlands, this company's iconic coffee makers are the teacher’s pets of the Specialty Coffee Association!
This model, in particular, will provide you with the best coffee you’ve ever tasted thanks to its precise copper boiling element, while its high-quality stainless steel carafe will keep it piping hot without compromising the flavor.
Thermal carafes, on the other hand, keep it piping hot for longer thanks to their stainless steel walls, without compromising its flavor. They’re also much more durable! The only instance in which we’d recommend a glass carafe is if you usually pour your freshly-brewed coffee immediately, want to save some money, and value elegance and design above everything else.
If you only brew large pots for your entire household, then most coffee makers will do, but if you also want to be able to brew half a carafe, a travel cup or a single-cup of coffee, then don’t forget to look for this specific feature, or else you’ll end up wasting lots of precious java.
PRO TIP: If you’re a fan of strong espresso shots, frothy drinks and smaller servings, you might want to check out the best espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers, too.
PROS
CONS
The reason behind the coffee industry’s hype for these coffee makers goes beyond their iconic, immediately-recognizable design: they really do make some damn fine coffee and are incredibly precise.
This is due to their signature copper boiling element in the easy-to-reach water reservoir: it ensures that the hot water temperature stays between 196 and 205ยบ F, which is the recommended range for a perfect extraction. (1) While it’s very quick, it optimizes its brewing time in order to allow for a proper bloom within the 4-6 minutes that it takes to fill up the 40 oz thermal carafe. Thanks to the manual-adjust brew basket, you can let your coffee steep for longer or remove the carafe whilst it’s still brewing to enjoy your first cup of coffee.
Handmade in the Netherlands and declared the best automatic drip coffee maker by America’s Test Kitchen (2), this bad boy comes with a handy 5-year warranty.
Bottom Line
The Technivorm Moccamaster is more than just a coffee maker: it’s a bold statement. A statement that makes the best drip coffee that you can dream of, of course.
PROS
CONS
This sturdy but sleek OXO model also meets the rigid standards of the Specialty Coffee Association. Not only does it maintain the correct temperature: thanks to the rainmaker showerhead and the microprocessor-controlled brewing cycles, it mimics manual pour over methods to ensure a uniform extraction and full flavors.
If you don’t want to prepare a whole pot of coffee, you can simply select the number of cups thanks to the user-friendly LED interface and single dial, which also allows you to wake up to the smell of coffee (#MorningGoals) by programming it up to 24h in advance. Does it take you a while to function, in the morning? Not a problem: the double-walled stainless steel carafe will keep your perfectly-brewed coffee nice and hot for hours, and this dripper even comes with a freshness counter.
Bottom Line
Since it can wake up before you do and it’s so user-friendly, you and this Oxo brewer are guaranteed to get along.
PROS
CONS
Another SCA-certified coffee maker, this Bonavita model is guaranteed to meet the strict Golden Cup standards for a perfect brew. Thanks to the optional pre-infusion mode, its enhanced showerhead and the flat-bottomed basket, it was designed to achieve the very best extraction in a uniform, manual-style way.
While it’s also available with a glass carafe, we recommend the double-walled stainless steel option, which will keep your coffee at the correct temperature for longer.
With its auto-off feature and the one-touch brew operation, the Bonavita will be easy to operate even for the least tech-savvy coffee lovers.
Bottom Line
The Bonavita is a straightforward machine without bells and whistles that does exactly what it was built for: brew a perfect pot of coffee with the touch of a button! Simple as that.
4. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker - Best Budget Pick
A lot of cheap drippers can be dodgy, but you can still enjoy a nice cup of black coffee on a budget… if you know where to look! Are you looking at the Mr. Coffee? Then you’re safe.
PROS
CONS
Given its low price tag, we were surprised to discover so many practical features: from the strength selection to the 24h programmable options to the 2-hour shut off feature, this small brewer offers perks that not even some more expensive models can boast. It even includes the handy grab-a-cup auto pause option, that stops the cycle to allow you a cup of coffee before the whole jug is brewed! Nice one, Mr. Coffee.
Bottom Line
If you don’t want your new dripper to be an investment but you are not planning on giving up on programmable and customizable features (why should you?), look no further.
PROS
CONS
This Cuisinart model allows you to go from bean to cup within minutes. The sealed lid on the half-pound hopper is another guarantee to the freshness of your brew, and the burrs will provide a much more uniform result than blade grinders.
This little dripper comes with lots of customizable options: want a regular, bold or even an extra-bold brew, just like the best French press coffee? Less than 12 cups? A start in 24h? You’re in charge!
Whether you opt for its glass or thermal carafe, we’re sure you’ll appreciate its comfort-grip handle. As well as its gold-tone permanent coffee filter, we love the fact that it includes a charcoal water filter in its reservoir, perfect for removing impurities and ensuring an even cleaner extraction.
Bottom Line
Considering that it combines a burr grinder and a dripper, the Cuisinart DGB-800 is a fantastic option to enjoy freshly-ground coffee on a budget!
Some coffee makers seem to be a safe ticket to over-extraction land, but some others are guaranteed to provide you with a barista-worthy black coffee. So how do you avoid buying the first type?
Don’t worry: to make things easier for you (and as a cheeky excuse to drink lots of coffee), we’ve tested many different brands and models to narrow your choice down to the 12 very best drip coffee makers on the market in 2020.
Technivorm 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer, 40 oz, Polished Silver
Technivorm Moccamaster (10-Cup Drip Machine With Thermal Carafe)
Handmade in the Netherlands, this company's iconic coffee makers are the teacher’s pets of the Specialty Coffee Association!
This model, in particular, will provide you with the best coffee you’ve ever tasted thanks to its precise copper boiling element, while its high-quality stainless steel carafe will keep it piping hot without compromising the flavor.
Five Things to Consider Before Choosing a Coffee Maker
Whether they add sugar, milk or enjoy it black, all true coffee lovers take their joe in the same way: seriously. If you’re like us, we recommend taking the time to consider a few things before buying your next home coffee maker, so that there won’t be any unwelcome surprises and you’ll be sure to meet all of your coffee needs.1. SCA-certification
If you’re after the best of the best, just look for the SCA-certification. Not many drip machines meet the strict requirements set by the coffee science experts and professional tasters of the Specialty Coffee Association (4), so this prestigious award is a warranty in itself!2. Carafe: glass or thermal?
This seemingly aesthetic-based choice can actually influence the final flavor of your coffee. Because glass carafes rely on a hot plate to keep it warm, your java is essentially being stewed and can end up developing a burnt taste due to over-extraction. (5)Thermal carafes, on the other hand, keep it piping hot for longer thanks to their stainless steel walls, without compromising its flavor. They’re also much more durable! The only instance in which we’d recommend a glass carafe is if you usually pour your freshly-brewed coffee immediately, want to save some money, and value elegance and design above everything else.
3. Serving size
Not only is it important to check the size of the carafe: think of how much coffee you usually enjoy.If you only brew large pots for your entire household, then most coffee makers will do, but if you also want to be able to brew half a carafe, a travel cup or a single-cup of coffee, then don’t forget to look for this specific feature, or else you’ll end up wasting lots of precious java.
4. Extra features
Do you literally just want to press a button and hear the coffee gush into a carafe? Then no point spending more money for a coffee maker that’s packed full of features! Do you enjoy waking up to a brewed pot? Want to be able to tweak the hot water temperature? Select a pre-infusion mode? In that case, compare the extra features of different coffee makers before rushing into buying the first one you like the look of.5. Unit size
This might be the last of your concerns at the moment… until you buy the coolest automatic dripper only to realize that it doesn’t fit underneath the cupboards above your countertop. Ouch. If your kitchen is on the small side, check the size and, most importantly, the height of each product. To help everyone find their perfect coffee maker, we’ve included smaller compact models, too.Best Drip Coffee Makers 2020 - Top 12 Reviews
From pre-infusion modes to built-in grinders, each of our picks has a unique feature or design element. Let’s start with an overview of all 12 drip brewers!PRO TIP: If you’re a fan of strong espresso shots, frothy drinks and smaller servings, you might want to check out the best espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers, too.
1. Technivorm Moccamaster 10-Cup Drip Machine With Thermal Carafe - Best of the Best
At the time of writing this article, only 28 drippers can flaunt the prestigious SCA certification. The fact that 12 of these are Technivorm Moccamaster models is a warranty in itself!PROS
- SCA-certified
- Quiet, fast and precise
- Handmade in the Netherlands
CONS
- Not programmable
- A bit of an investment
The reason behind the coffee industry’s hype for these coffee makers goes beyond their iconic, immediately-recognizable design: they really do make some damn fine coffee and are incredibly precise.
This is due to their signature copper boiling element in the easy-to-reach water reservoir: it ensures that the hot water temperature stays between 196 and 205ยบ F, which is the recommended range for a perfect extraction. (1) While it’s very quick, it optimizes its brewing time in order to allow for a proper bloom within the 4-6 minutes that it takes to fill up the 40 oz thermal carafe. Thanks to the manual-adjust brew basket, you can let your coffee steep for longer or remove the carafe whilst it’s still brewing to enjoy your first cup of coffee.
Handmade in the Netherlands and declared the best automatic drip coffee maker by America’s Test Kitchen (2), this bad boy comes with a handy 5-year warranty.
Bottom Line
The Technivorm Moccamaster is more than just a coffee maker: it’s a bold statement. A statement that makes the best drip coffee that you can dream of, of course.
2. OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker - Also Great
Are you after a simple and intuitive dripper that is programmable and will guarantee a top-notch cup of coffee? Say no more.PROS
- Programmable
- SCA-certified
- Intuitive interface
CONS
- Slightly smaller carafe than most drippers
This sturdy but sleek OXO model also meets the rigid standards of the Specialty Coffee Association. Not only does it maintain the correct temperature: thanks to the rainmaker showerhead and the microprocessor-controlled brewing cycles, it mimics manual pour over methods to ensure a uniform extraction and full flavors.
If you don’t want to prepare a whole pot of coffee, you can simply select the number of cups thanks to the user-friendly LED interface and single dial, which also allows you to wake up to the smell of coffee (#MorningGoals) by programming it up to 24h in advance. Does it take you a while to function, in the morning? Not a problem: the double-walled stainless steel carafe will keep your perfectly-brewed coffee nice and hot for hours, and this dripper even comes with a freshness counter.
Bottom Line
Since it can wake up before you do and it’s so user-friendly, you and this Oxo brewer are guaranteed to get along.
3. Bonavita BV1900TS - The most straightforward
The fact that you’re not after many extra features doesn’t mean that you should compromise on the quality of your coffee! The Bonavita BV1900TS is a simple dripper that achieves outstanding results.PROS
- SCA-certified
- Pour over-style brew
- Dishwasher-safe parts
CONS
- Smaller carafe
- Not customizable or programmable
Another SCA-certified coffee maker, this Bonavita model is guaranteed to meet the strict Golden Cup standards for a perfect brew. Thanks to the optional pre-infusion mode, its enhanced showerhead and the flat-bottomed basket, it was designed to achieve the very best extraction in a uniform, manual-style way.
While it’s also available with a glass carafe, we recommend the double-walled stainless steel option, which will keep your coffee at the correct temperature for longer.
With its auto-off feature and the one-touch brew operation, the Bonavita will be easy to operate even for the least tech-savvy coffee lovers.
Bottom Line
The Bonavita is a straightforward machine without bells and whistles that does exactly what it was built for: brew a perfect pot of coffee with the touch of a button! Simple as that.
4. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker - Best Budget Pick
A lot of cheap drippers can be dodgy, but you can still enjoy a nice cup of black coffee on a budget… if you know where to look! Are you looking at the Mr. Coffee? Then you’re safe.
- Budget-friendly but excellent value for money
- Programmable and customizable
- Small on the countertop
CONS
- The glass carafe might compromise the flavor, if left for too long
- This Mr. Coffee model will take up minimal space on your countertop, but it will still stand out thanks to its curious design that combines the classic vintage look of diner-style drippers and modern elements such as its brushed chrome accents.
Given its low price tag, we were surprised to discover so many practical features: from the strength selection to the 24h programmable options to the 2-hour shut off feature, this small brewer offers perks that not even some more expensive models can boast. It even includes the handy grab-a-cup auto pause option, that stops the cycle to allow you a cup of coffee before the whole jug is brewed! Nice one, Mr. Coffee.
Bottom Line
If you don’t want your new dripper to be an investment but you are not planning on giving up on programmable and customizable features (why should you?), look no further.
5. Cuisinart DGB-800 - Best 12 cup dripper with grinder
Nothing can replace the taste and aroma of freshly-ground coffee! If you don’t own a grinder and are not planning on investing in one, we have a solution for you: how about a coffee maker with a built-in grinder?PROS
- Built-in grinder, but can also brew pre-ground beans
- Programmable and customizable
- Includes a permanent filter
CONS
- Not as precise as more professional grinders
This Cuisinart model allows you to go from bean to cup within minutes. The sealed lid on the half-pound hopper is another guarantee to the freshness of your brew, and the burrs will provide a much more uniform result than blade grinders.
This little dripper comes with lots of customizable options: want a regular, bold or even an extra-bold brew, just like the best French press coffee? Less than 12 cups? A start in 24h? You’re in charge!
Whether you opt for its glass or thermal carafe, we’re sure you’ll appreciate its comfort-grip handle. As well as its gold-tone permanent coffee filter, we love the fact that it includes a charcoal water filter in its reservoir, perfect for removing impurities and ensuring an even cleaner extraction.
Bottom Line
Considering that it combines a burr grinder and a dripper, the Cuisinart DGB-800 is a fantastic option to enjoy freshly-ground coffee on a budget!
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