The 7 Best Drip Coffee Makers, According to Testing
We've tested hundreds of drip coffee makers to determine the best of the best.
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The best drip coffee makers to buy are the ones that are straightforward to use and deliver big on taste and consistency — they're hard to beat for a cup of American coffee.
Today, most drip coffee makers are designed with the Specialty Coffee Association of America's standards in mind, brewing at a specific temperature and for a specific amount of time so you can enjoy what the SCA calls a "golden cup." Many are also customizable so you can make your coffee the way you like it: classic or bold, average temperature or extra hot.
Our top picks:
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In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing drip coffee makers and all other types of coffee makers for decades, including single-serve coffee makers, French press coffee makers and cold brew coffee makers, to name a few. We also host our Good Housekeeping Coffee Awards where brands can submit their latest and greatest for testing each year. When we test coffee makers we assess them for performance and ease of use. We also conduct a taste test to ensure the coffee makers can make good, full-bodied coffee. Here's our list of the best drip coffee makers you can buy based off of all of our testing and first-hand experience.
Read on to learn more about how we tested, what to look for when shopping for a drip coffee maker and the best coffee for drip coffee makers.
Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Sleek design
- Multiple ways to make coffee
- Fast brew time
- Includes both cone and flat-bottom filter baskets
Cons
- Carafe requires hand washing
The Breville Precision Brewer continues to be our best overall drip coffee maker. 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.
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 (aka 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 two different shaped baskets, a cone-shaped basket and a flat-basket, that you can use based on your preference — they produce different tasting coffee!
In our tests, coffee brewed quickly — it took under a minute per cup and 8 1/2 minutes to brew a full, 12-cup pot. Most other coffee makers took 10 to 12 minutes. It 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 with Thermal Carafe? We don't love washing the carafe by hand, but most thermal carafes aren't dishwasher-safe.
| 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) |
Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Pros
- Highly competitive price point
- Scored high for performance and ease of use
- Fast brew time
Cons
- No bells and whistles
Compared to buying from a coffee shop, this budget drip coffee maker pays for itself in just a few brews. It scored high marks in our drip coffee maker test for both performance and ease of use. Our pros were impressed that it brewed a nice hot pot of coffee and kept it warm for two hours. It also brewed quickly, taking about a minute per cup. Taste testers gave the coffee high scores for taste and a smooth finish.
Take note: It doesn't have all the bells and whistles as some other machines, but it's easy to use with a one-touch start, and it's programmable. The buttons are soft, flat and responsive; they're not flush, however, which makes the control panel a little harder to clean than those that are completely smooth. The measurement markings on both the carafe and water reservoir are easy to read, and the carafe is comfortable to hold. It's also a relatively small drip coffee maker for people looking to save on counter space or if someone is looking for a drip coffee maker for one person.
| Max cup capacity | 12 cups |
|---|---|
| Type of carafe | Glass |
| Dimensions | 8.25" x 11" x 12.25" |
| Customizable options | None |
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
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. 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 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.
| 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) |
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
This high-end drip coffee maker from Wolf is worth it. We awarded it a Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Award for its high performance and unique features. In our tests, it earned high marks for its brewing time and 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 easier than any other coffee machine we tested. It also has a removable water tank so you can fill it at the sink — why don't all coffee makers have this feature?!
Perfectionists will love the Accubrew 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. The control panel is digital and highly responsive, and the red signature oversized knobs are a joy to use — they can even be swapped out for different colors. This coffee maker keeps track of when the coffee was brewed like our best overall drip coffee maker.
Take note: It'll cost you a pretty penny.
| Max cup capacity | 10 cups |
|---|---|
| Type of carafe | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 10.5" x 11.5" x 14.5" |
| Customizable options | Brew strength |
Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Sleek looking
- App connectivity allows for easy programming
- Many features can be customized, including brew strength and temperature
Cons
- Thermal carafe has a narrow opening which makes it a little hard to clean (a glass carafe option is available)
Thanks to its modern design, this stunning coffee maker will stand out on any countertop. In our tests, it brewed quickly, making a full pot in just 6 1/2 min, toggling between 200ºF and 202ºF, which is in line with the Specialty Coffee Association's temperature recommendation for a "golden cup."
It was among the highest-scoring coffee makers in our taste test, producing a cup that testers thought was full-bodied with a pleasant aroma and lack of bitterness. The thermal carafe kept coffee warm for the majority of the two-hour test period. A glass carafe option is available as well.
The machine is available in three unique colors: matte black, matte white and brushed stainless steel. In addition to being stylish, it also has smart features that connect to the Smart HQ app. Through the app, you can adjust the brew strength and temperature (in 1-degree increments from 185ºF to 205ºF for a cup of coffee that's as hot as you'd like) and brew size from 1 to 10 cups. It's also compatible with Alexa and Google Home and can be programmed in advance. We also found the control panel easy to use with sleek, minimal buttons and a clock that's easy to read but not overbearing.
Take note: The carafe can be hard to clean.
| Max cup capacity | 10 cups |
|---|---|
| Type of carafe | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 12 1/2" x 7 1/4" x 14" |
| Customizable options | Brew strength, water temperature |
Cuisinart Perfectemp Drip Coffee Maker
Pros
- Initial temp of coffee is hotter than most others we tested
- Can be programmed to auto shut-off from 0-4 hours
- Has the option to brew 1-4 cups
- Brews tasty coffee
Cons
- Almost 22 inches in height, so it's not great for low cabinets
- Snap-on carafe lid may fall off if not properly secured
In our testing, we found that the Cuisinart Perfectemp made hotter coffee compared to other coffee makers we tested, so if you like your morning brew steaming, this is the pick for you. It also performed well, was easy to use and had one of the highest scores in our taste test. It has a feature that allows you to pause it mid-brew — so there's no waiting to pour that first cup — as well as options to brew “bold” coffee or less than a full pot.
The carafe is easy to wash with a wide opening and a removable lid; it's also dishwasher-safe.
Take note: The lid flips up to access the basket and water and in total measures about 22 inches tall, so if you plan to store it under a cabinet, be sure it fits underneath while fully open.
| Max cup capacity | 14 cups |
|---|---|
| Type of carafe | Glass |
| Dimensions | 7.75" x 9" x 14" |
| Customizable options | Brew strength |
Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker
Pros
- One of the top-tested built-in grinders
- Produces a smooth and not bitter cup of coffee
- Grinder has six settings to customize grind size
Cons
- Expensive
Breville consistently tests well in our coffee and espresso maker tests; this Grind Control was a top performer in our tests 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 make 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 basket holder often; it can clog easily.
| Max cup capacity | 12 cups |
|---|---|
| Type of carafe | Thermal |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 12.5" x 16.3" |
| Customizable options | Brew strength, grind size |
Other drip coffee makers we tested and liked (but that may not be for everyone)
•Moccamaster makes great drip coffee makers. We've tested several models over the years, including their much-loved classic model and a newer model that has a thermal carafe with glass lining. They're great for someone who likes a good, basic machine that makes great coffee. They're pricey, however, and don't come with all of the customizable settings other drip coffee makers in that price range normally come with.
•Ninja makes alluring coffee machines that can make different types of coffee drinks all in one machine. The Specialty Coffee Maker can make 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 options and 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 to use.
•If you're looking for the best drip coffee maker for one person, the Capresso 5-Cup Mini Coffee Maker is our top choice. Testers said it produced good coffee with a smooth finish. It's a great value, priced at $40, but it can only make up to 5 cups of coffee at a time, while most can make 10 to 14 cups. It's the perfect size for small spaces or small households, but it can be limiting when it comes to entertaining.
•If you like drip coffee but still want to be able to make espresso, the De'Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker 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.
•We were very impressed with the De'Longhi TrueBrew 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.
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 stylists, and many coffee buffs, is quite passionate about the category. We even launched our Coffee Awards program 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 testing the brew cycle temperature using equipment that measures the water temperature throughout the entire 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.
Along with performance, we also assess the 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 taste 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 common, lightweight and easy to clean thanks to wide openings. They're often 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 for optimal flavor, 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 have built-in grinders that allow you to store the beans right in the coffee maker. 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 in our years of testing fall in the $300 range, but we also tested many great coffee makers from brands like Braun and Cuisinart that cost around $100. Our best value pick from Black and Decker makes a perfectly good cup if you're on a budget and brands like Mr. Coffee also stand out in that category.
What is the best coffee for a drip machine?
The best coffee you can use for a drip machine depends on your roast preference. Coffee comes in light, medium and dark roasts, as well as several roasts in between. Coffee beans are typically roasted in line with the type of coffee bean and where they were grown to accentuate their unique flavor profile.
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 one of our top-tested coffee grinders or even a coffee maker with a grinder. Start with a medium grind; you can make adjustments from there. 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.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliances 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 (Kim) 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.
