The 6 Best Drip Coffee Makers, According to Testing
We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing drip coffee makers and tasting coffee to choose our top picks.
Expert consulted: Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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Whether you're looking for a drip coffee maker with all the bells and whistles or a simple one that offers great value, it should produce tasty coffee from a machine that's easy to use. Many advanced coffee makers are designed to adhere to the Specialty Coffee Association of America's standard for a perfect cup of coffee, which involves brewing at set parameters such as a specific temperature range and coffee-to-water ratio. However, since taste preferences vary, many drip coffee makers allow for customization, including options for a bolder flavor or extra-hot brew.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've been testing drip coffee makers for decades, brewing over 1,000 cups of coffee to date. We assess these coffee makers for both performance and ease of use. In addition, our experts taste and score the coffee to ensure each cup is flavorful and well-balanced.
Breville Precision Brewer with Thermal Carafe
Pros
- Sleek design
- Multiple ways to make coffee
- Fast brew time
- Includes both cone and flat-bottom filter baskets
Cons
- Carafe requires hand washing
Max cup capacity: 12 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 6.7" x 12.7" x 15.7" | Customizable options: Brew strength, water temperature, water flow rate, bloom time, type of coffee (drip, iced and pour over with attachment)
The Breville Precision Brewer continues to be our best overall drip coffee maker and a favorite of the Lab. It has a sleek design, a thermal carafe that kept coffee warm for more than two hours in our test, a digital control panel and a coffee filter holder that fully detaches from the machine so you can wash all parts for the best-tasting coffee. One of our staff members has owned this for a couple of years and says it still works great and looks almost as good as new.
It's highly customizable with settings for "fast", "gold", "strong", "over ice" and "cold brew". It can even brew a single cup of pour over with the purchase of an attachment kit that's sold separately, which makes it a great drip coffee maker for one person. The bloom time (a.k.a. how long your coffee beans are soaked before brewing) and brew temperature can also be adjusted. Coffee lovers will appreciate that this coffee maker comes with both a cone-shaped basket and a flat basket that produce different-tasting coffee.
In our tests, coffee brewed quickly — it took under a minute per cup and eight and a half minutes to brew a full, 12-cup pot. Most other coffee makers took 10 to 12 minutes. The resulting coffee was hot and full bodied, and we loved that the control panel kept track of when the coffee finished brewing.
Take note: Our one drawback when it comes to the Breville Precision Brewer? We don't love washing the carafe by hand, but most thermal carafes aren't dishwasher safe.
Braun PureFlavor Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Great taste
- Brew-over-ice option
- Keeps coffee warm for two hours
Cons
- Almost 20 inches in height when fully open
Max cup capacity: 14 cups | Type of carafe: Glass | Dimensions: 8.7" x 9.3" x 14.8" | Customizable options: Brew strength, coffee type (drip and iced coffee)
A favorite in our Lab tests, this machine has exceptional ease of use features and made one of the best-tasting and most flavorful cups of coffee in our tests. And with a $60 price tag, it's an incredible deal. The control panel is sleek and responsive with settings for "fast", "regular", "bold" and "over ice". In our tests, it brewed hot coffee at the correct temperature for the best flavor and held it that way for our full two-hour testing period. It uniquely has three keep-warm settings: low, medium and high.
Take note: While this is overall a great coffee maker, the one downside is it’s nearly 20 inches tall when fully opened, so make sure there’s enough room under your cupboards if you’ll be putting it on the counter.
If you're looking for a Braun coffee maker that can also make single-serve sizes, consider the Braun Multiserve Coffee Maker that also excelled in our tests. One of our staff members loves this machine, especially the single-serve option that brews delicious coffee, a feature that other coffee makers can struggle with.
Pros
- Makes a very clean, tasty cup of coffee
- Modern stainless steel design
- Brews coffee quickly
Cons
- Expensive
Max cup capacity: 10 cups | Type of carafe: Glass | Dimensions: 12 3/4" x 6 3/4" x 14 3/4" | Customizable options: None
Aarke has been expanding their drink appliances line over the last few years from water filter pitchers to sparkling water makers, and recently introduced this coffee maker. True to the Aarke aesthetic, it has a stainless steel design with a glass carafe. This beautiful coffee maker caught the eye of many walking through our Lab, commenting on the stylish design.
Not only is this machine gorgeous, but it makes an excellent cup of coffee. Our coffee experts immediately noticed the flavorful and clean taste of the coffee with no oily residue or grit. In our tests it brewed at the proper temperature and quickly made 10 cups of coffee in under seven minutes.
The filter basket has a handle and pulls straight out of the machine to easily fill or dump out coffee from a paper filter. While the water tank is not removable, it has a large opening to easily pour in water without spilling. It has one push button to start the machine and a hot plate that keeps the coffee warm in 40 minute increments.
Take note: This coffee maker doesn’t have many extra features, like the ability to program it.
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
Pros
- Adjusts settings based on light, medium or dark roast
- Unique features such as adjusting bloom and water pour while brewing
- Option for full pot or single-serve
Cons
- Expensive
- Thermal carafe doesn't keep coffee as hot
Max cup capacity: 10 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 8 15/16'' x 8 15/16'' x 12" | Customizable options: Type of roast, brew temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, bloom cycle, water pulse, full pot or single-serve
The Fellow Aiden Precision coffee maker offers thoughtfully designed features coffee enthusiasts will love, like automatically adjusting brew settings for light, medium or dark roasts. Similar to other high-end models, it allows adjustments to water temperature and coffee-to-water ratio. But here's where the Aiden really stands out: Unique features include a built-in bloom cycle with adjustable water volume, temperature and duration, plus customizable water addition frequency, intervals and temperature. It also offers the flexibility to easily switch between single-serve and full-pot brewing.
If fiddling with the features isn't for you, the built-in brewing guidance simplifies the entire process, which our experts found easy to use. We found it brewed quickly in our tests, with a full pot ready in about seven and a half minutes, and our experts found it makes an outstanding, strong cup.
One downside is the thermal carafe didn't keep coffee very hot throughout our two hour test, though it was still warm, so it's best to drink it sooner if you prefer piping hot coffee. A staff member used this machine to serve coffee at a gathering and said the coffee tasted great, with a guest finishing the pot after breakfast and enjoying the second cup as much as the first; the temperature didn't seem to be an issue for them.
Take note: There is a learning curve to using all the adjustments on the machine.
Wolf Gourmet Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Brews very hot coffee
- Has built-in scale to measure coffee
- Choose from different knob colors
- LCD panel tells how long it’s been since coffee was brewed
Cons
- Expensive
Max cup capacity: 10 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 10.5" x 11.5" x 14.5" | Customizable options: Brew strength
This high-end drip coffee maker from Wolf is worth it: We awarded it a Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Award for its performance and unique features. In our tests, it earned high marks for its brewing time, temperature and taste. We particularly appreciate this coffee maker's thermal carafe that has a wide opening and makes it easier to clean than other thermal carafes. It also kept coffee warm for our full, two-hour testing period.
Other high-end features include a slide-out brew basket, which makes adding coffee grinds or removing them easy. It also has a removable water tank so you can fill it at the sink.
Perfectionists will love the Accu-Brew mode that allows you to select your desired coffee strength and number of cups and then uses its built-in scale to recommend the perfect amount of grounds for that setting. It's a favorite of our Kitchen Appliances Lab Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer. She says, "I’ve used it for many rounds of coffee testing, and it consistently provides excellent results. I especially love the built-in scale that weighs the coffee grounds."
The control panel is digital and highly responsive, and the red signature oversized knobs are a joy to use. Like our best overall drip coffee maker, this model also keeps track of when the coffee was brewed.
Take note: It'll cost you a pretty penny.
Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker
Pros
- One of the top-tested built-in grinder drip coffee makers
- Produces a smooth and not bitter cup of coffee
- Grinder has six settings to customize grind size
Cons
- Expensive
Max cup capacity: 12 cups | Type of carafe: Thermal | Dimensions: 8.5" x 12.5" x 16.3" | Customizable options: Brew strength, grind size
Breville consistently tests well in our coffee and espresso maker tests; the Grind Control was a top performer this time, too. The built-in grinder aced our tests, and it was one of the only coffee makers with a built-in grinder that produced fine, medium and coarse grinds that were consistent with what you would get from a top-performing standalone coffee grinder. We also found it produced one of the tastiest cups of coffee that was smooth and not bitter.
The hopper holds a half-pound of beans so you don't need to refill it every time you make coffee. The grinder has six settings so you can change the grind size to your liking to get your tastiest cup of coffee. Our pros loved the easy-to-read digital display which shows the number of cups to be brewed and the strength setting. Unlike other coffee makers where you need to lean over to see the water level, this machine has the water level digitally displayed on the front of the coffee maker.
All of these features make it super easy to brew a consistent pot of coffee every time. It also takes the guesswork out for beginners or people who struggle to make good coffee on their own.
Take note: Make sure to clean the hopper, grinding burrs and coffee chute often; they can clog easily (Breville recommends every two to three weeks.) Also consider staying away from oily beans as they may cause the machine to clog.
Other drip coffee makers we tested and liked (but may not be for everyone)
•Moccamaster Coffee Maker: We've tested several Moccamaster models over the years, including their much-loved classic model and a newer version that has a thermal carafe with glass lining. They're great for someone who likes a basic machine that makes tasty coffee. However, it lacks the customizable settings of other drip coffee makers in this price range, and many removable parts are plastic, making the higher price hard to justify.
•Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker: This coffee machine can make different types of coffee drinks including a single serving of drip coffee, a travel size, a half carafe or a full carafe. Plus, it can brew over ice as well as make concentrated coffee so you can make espresso-style drinks like cappuccinos and lattes with the help of its built-in frother. It's a great option for people looking for variety, but the more advanced coffee consumer might want something that can make true espresso. The frother also doesn't heat the milk so it requires an extra step for hot milk foam.
• Capresso 5-Cup Mini Coffee Maker: Those who don't have much counter space may appreciate this compact coffee maker. Testers said it produced good coffee with a smooth finish. It's a great value, priced at $40, and is the perfect size for small spaces or households, but it can be limiting when it comes to entertaining large groups.
• De'Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker: If you like drip coffee but still want to be able to make espresso, this machine is for you. It's a favorite in our Lab that tested well and is still used daily by one of our analysts. It makes full-bodied coffee as well as good espresso with a perfectly thin layer of crema.
• De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker: We were very impressed with this drip coffee maker. It has a built-in hopper and grinder and can brew five different-sized cups of single-serve coffee with the touch of a few buttons. One version even comes with a thermal carafe so it can brew a full pot. It even can brew a 3-ounce shot of coffee that resembles espresso under a higher pressure level than the single-serve coffee options. The coffee brews quickly and easily and tastes as flavorful as drip coffee, and the "espresso" tastes stronger and even has a little bit of crema. The downside? It's bigger and bulkier than traditional drip coffee makers and it has a steeper price tag.
•Black & Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker: Testers praised this coffee for its taste and smooth finish. Previously, this coffee maker was our best value pick at under $40, making it one of the most affordable options. Although our current best value pick costs more, it offers additional features and is still affordable. However, this Black & Decker coffee maker is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple coffee maker under $50. Plus, it requires minimal counter space.
• Cuisinart PerfecTemp Coffee Maker: In our testing, we found this made hotter coffee compared to other coffee makers, so if you like your morning brew steaming, this is the pick for you. It scored well in our tests and tasters rated it highly, but it measures about 22 inches tall with the lid flipped up so it may not fit on the counter under a cabinet.
• Café Specialty Drip Coffee Machine: Our pros appreciate its top performance, excellent full-bodied coffee and modern design with choices for stainless steel, matte black and matte white finishes. It has smart features that connect to the Smart HQ app and is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. It's worth the splurge if you love the design, but other similar coffee makers edged it out in our tests.
• OXO Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker With Podless Single-Serve Function: We like the versatility in brewing a full pot or a single cup in a compact design. This coffee maker produces delicious coffee and includes an attachment for a single serving. However, it has a few drawbacks: The single-serve function isn't as tasty as brewing a full pot, and the coffee maker uses all the water in the tank, so you need to pour the exact amount you need each time. We also have our eye on the OXO Brew 9-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker and look forward to testing it in the future.
How we test the drip coffee makers
We've been testing drip coffee makers for decades in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances Lab, and our team, which consists of a mechanical engineer, food editors and analysts, and many coffee buffs, is quite passionate about the category. We even launched our Coffee Awards so we could have another reason to test the latest and greatest coffee makers and innovations.
When we test all types of coffee makers, we assess them for performance, ease of use and taste.
One of the first performance tests we conduct includes assessing the brew cycle temperature using equipment to measure the water temperature throughout the cycle.
We then measure the temperature of freshly brewed coffee and record the temperature multiple times over a two-hour period to see if the warming function actually keeps the coffee warm.
We also time how long it takes to brew a full pot of coffee in each machine.
Along with performance, we also assess each machine's ease of use, which includes evaluating how easy it is to read and use the controls. We look at the clarity and thoroughness of the instruction manual and other factors like access to the water tank and brew baskets, if markings on the tank and carafe are readable, if it has a keep warm option and any automatic shut-off capabilities. We also assess the ease of cleaning the carafe. Finally, we have a group of testers try a fresh cup of coffee and score it on taste.
What to look for when buying a drip coffee maker
✔️ Cup capacity: Most drip coffee makers can brew about 10 to 14 cups of coffee, with 12 cups being the most common. Smaller, typically less expensive options are available for single-coffee-drinker homes or small spaces.
✔️ Carafe type: The two main types of carafes are glass and thermal. Glass carafes are lightweight and easy to clean since they're usually dishwasher safe. Thermal carafes are a little bulkier, not usually dishwasher-safe and typically more expensive, but they can keep coffee hot for hours without using a warming plate. Thermal carafes also have a smaller capacity than their glass counterparts because of their insulated walls.
✔️ Customizable brew options: Many higher-end drip coffee makers allow you to adjust the strength of your coffee, and a few allow you to adjust the brewing temperature. Our top drip coffee maker even allows you to control the bloom time of your grounds for optimal extraction. If you like your coffee a particular way or want to change the settings when you change coffee beans, invest in a coffee maker with these features.
✔️ Built-in grinders: Grinding your coffee just before brewing allows for the freshest taste. Some coffee makers with built-in coffee grinders are appealing for their convenience, grinding whole coffee beans and brewing with just a push of a button or two. They take up less space than a separate grinder but can make the coffee maker a little bulkier (usually on the top). Coffee makers with built-in grinders also tend to be more expensive than coffee makers without grinders.
Do more expensive drip coffee makers make better coffee?
Many of the top-performing drip coffee makers fall in the $300 range. Less expensive coffee makers can be hit or miss when it comes to brewing great coffee. However, after testing many budget-friendly options, we've found some that deliver excellent results, like our best value pick from Braun, which is under $100.
What is the best coffee for a drip machine?
The best coffee you can use for a drip machine depends on your taste preference. Coffee comes in light, medium and dark roasts with a wide range of flavor nuances — such as chocolate, berry and nutty — depending on the region where the beans were grown and how it was processed.
The most important thing to consider when picking out coffee for a drip coffee machine is to ensure it's fresh. You'll likely be able to find a "best by" date on all coffee packages, but a better date to look for is when it was roasted. The sooner you enjoy coffee after it is roasted, the fresher it will taste.
Many people like to grind their coffee beans right before brewing for the freshest flavor. If you choose to do so, consider our pick from Breville or another coffee maker with a grinder that suits your needs. Buying a separate coffee grinder is also a good option. The coarser the coffee grind, the lighter it will taste; the finer the coffee grind, the stronger it will taste. Just be careful to not make it too fine because it can easily taste muddy or clog built-in grinders.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab where she oversees all testing relating to cooking and drinking equipment, including drip coffee makers. Over the years she's tested numerous coffee makers and continues to road test different coffee makers daily.
Jamie Ueda's first job at the Good Housekeeping Institute was testing a variety of consumer products, and one of her first tests was drip coffee makers. Since then she has tested and written about many kitchen-related and cooking tools, especially drip coffee and espresso makers as well as coffee accessories. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous coffee courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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