The main advantages of drip coffee makers are their low cost and ease of use. They make classic Americano. Espresso lovers should immediately switch to geyser coffee makers or capsule coffee machines. But if you like coffee that is not too strong and that there is more of it, then feel free to choose the drip type of coffee maker. And now we’ll tell you how to choose them, and which 8 drip coffee makers are worthy of the title of the best.
- How does a drip coffee maker work?
- How to choose a drip coffee maker?
- Top 8 drip coffee makers
- Answers to popular questions
How does a drip coffee maker work?
The mechanism is very simple. There is a reservoir with water, there is a container with coffee (aka a filter). The water is heated, rises through the tube into a container with coffee, passes through it and flows through a filter into a glass teapot (sometimes into a mug if the coffee maker is very small). After this, you can actually drink coffee.
It is also important to note that when the water rises to the filter with coffee, it is not 100% steam, it is a mixture of steam and water. Because the steam used to prepare this drink is too hot.
What types of drip coffee makers are there?
Drip coffee makers differ mainly in the volume of coffee prepared and the presence of some additional functions. For example, there are coffee makers with timers and delayed start, so that in the evening you can add coffee, pour water, and in the morning the device will start cooking on its own. There is a function for heating already prepared coffee. In the premium segment, there are coffee makers that can grind beans themselves and can be launched via an application on a mobile phone.
There is also power, which affects the speed of coffee preparation, but it usually correlates with volume. That is, the greater the maximum volume of coffee that the device can make at a time, the greater the power.
It cannot be said that all of the listed parameters make the coffee maker better or worse; everything depends more on the specific needs of the consumer.
How to choose a drip coffee maker?
Volume and power
Let's start with the most obvious - the capacity of the jug. It depends on how much coffee you can make at a time. Everything is obvious here, look at your appetites and the number of people for whom the coffee will be prepared.
Don't forget to look at the power, because if the jug is large (say 1.5 liters) and the power is less than one kilowatt, then the coffee will take a very long time to prepare.
Filter
There are two types of filters for such coffee makers: paper and nylon. Most often you can use both if you choose, but there are exceptions. And this is also worth paying attention to.
In terms of economy, nylon filters are better because they are reusable and usually come already included. But they are less hygienic. Old coffee from previous brews may remain on them, and hence bacteria, and sometimes even mold, if the filter is not washed and the coffee maker is not used too often. Hence the need arises to wash such filters thoroughly, and to do this quite carefully, because they also tear quite easily.
More expensive models often have expensive filters, which actually consist of the same nylon, only additionally coated with titanium nitride. Such filters will be more reliable and durable.
But it is best to use disposable paper filters. It's more hygienic, and there won't be any extra contaminants in your coffee, like soap or dish soap, that sometimes linger on nylon filters after you wash them. Their supply, of course, must be constantly replenished, which is inconvenient, but paper filters are inexpensive and will not put a dent in the family wallet.
Additional options
Additional amenities that you should pay attention to include heating and auto shut-off.
With automatic shut-off, there is no need to wait for the moment when the coffee is ready and the coffee maker stops heating the water tank. The device will simply turn itself off when the tank is empty. This saves energy and allows you not to worry about the coffee maker overheating and burning out.
The heating function is activated after the coffee has been prepared. A jug with a drink is warming up.
If we go into a slightly more premium segment, then some drip coffee makers have a decalcification function, that is, descaling. A special detergent is poured (or poured) into the device, the cleaning process starts, and after 25-30 minutes the coffee maker is ready for use.
In addition, such devices have a reminder function about the need for decalcification, which turns on regularly after a certain number of prepared servings of the drink.
What kind of coffee should I use?
There are models with built-in coffee grinders where you can simply add beans. Then look only at the roasting date; the fresher the coffee, the tastier it will be. Over time, the grains simply lose their aroma, and the drink loses all its charm. This is a universal rule for all methods of making coffee: even for a drip coffee maker, even for a geyser, even for a Turk or a coffee machine.
Another universal rule: the finer the grind, the stronger the coffee. Here it is impossible to say what is better and what is worse, choose according to your taste. But, most importantly, if the coffee maker has a built-in coffee grinder with grinding adjustment, then you can adjust the strength of the drink.
It is for drip coffee makers that stores sell special ground coffee, which is marked on the packaging: “for drip coffee machines” or “for filter coffee.” True, these notes on packages are not always translated into Russian, so be careful.
Which one to choose – drip or capsule?
First, let’s clarify that a coffee maker and a coffee machine prepare coffee according to different principles. If the first one can brew a tasty drink from ground grains, but under the control of a person, then the second one will do everything herself: grind it, mix it and cook it.
However, there are also many differences in coffee makers. For example, a capsule brewer prepares aromatic coffee only from compressed coffee beans, while a drip brewer uses ground grains.
When a capsule is loaded into the machine, the output is an already filtered drink, which is why such equipment is called filtration equipment. It is equipped with a good mesh for straining, however, the most delicious drink is obtained when using disposable paper filters. But the cost of such coffee makers is high.
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Drip equipment is easier to operate due to the ease of cleaning the flask and filter. Accordingly, such coffee makers are in the inexpensive price segment, which makes them popular among buyers.
Differences in equipment of different “classes” may be in the quality of materials and in the additional set of functions. But all devices cope with the main task of making coffee without any complaints.
Top 8 drip coffee makers
Best Budget Drip Coffee Makers
Maxwell MW-1650 BK
A small, economical coffee maker with a flask heating function. One serving is enough for approximately 4-6 mugs. The issue price is around 1400 rubles.
Price: ₽ 1,390
Redmond RCM-M1507
Another budget, but at the same time reliable solution for about 1800 rubles. Compactness (4-6 mugs per serving) and cost-effectiveness are present. There are also two additional useful things - a measuring spoon and a set of paper filters included. And as we wrote, paper filters are better.
Price: ₽ 1,790
The best coffee makers for home
Moulinex Subito FG360830
A larger coffee maker, 1.25 liters or 7-10 mugs, the power is correspondingly also higher than that of budget models. So the speed of making coffee does not suffer. There is a function for heating the flask, so the coffee will be hot for a long time. Both paper and nylon filters are available. The cost is about 2700 rubles.
Price: ₽ 2,690
Kitfort KT-704-1
This model, compared to the previous one, costs a little more - about 2,700 rubles - and prepares a little more coffee - 1.5 liters or 12 mugs. At the same time, the power of the coffee maker is the same, so the drink will take a little longer to prepare. But there is a delayed start function, so that, for example, you can set the coffee maker in the evening so that it will prepare coffee for you automatically in the morning. You just need to add coffee, pour water and set a timer. There is also a heated flask and auto shut-off after 45 minutes.
Price: ₽ 2,690
The best drip coffee makers with display
Gemlux GL-CM-77
The volume of the flask of this coffee maker, which costs about 7,000 rubles, is 1.2 liters, but the power is 1050 W, so the drink will be prepared in it faster. But the speed of cooking is far from the main thing here. There is a built-in coffee grinder with adjustable grinding degree and amount of water used, which will allow you to regulate the strength and quantity of the drink. There is a readiness indicator light and a sound signal.
Price: RUB 7,360
KitchenAid 5KCM0802EER
A coffee maker for 21,500 rubles with a built-in coffee grinder and a function for adjusting the strength of the drink (the level and amount of water can be adjusted). It differs from the previous model with more power - 1200 W. With the same volume of water tank, this gives a faster coffee preparation speed. There is a delayed start, heating of the flask and a signal that the coffee is ready. And also an indicator indicating that a decalcification procedure needs to be performed.
Price: RUB 21,490
The best drip coffee makers with adjustable coffee strength
Princess 249402
The coffee maker is less powerful than previous models, only 1000 W, with the same flask sizes and a price of about 11,000 rubles. There is a readiness indicator, strength adjustment, coffee grinder and delayed start. In general, everything you need for a premium-level coffee maker, only the power is low. But such a disadvantage is compensated by its versatility.
Price: ₽ 10,490
Bosch ComfortLine TKA6A683
At a price of about 8,000 rubles, such a coffee maker can be called budget among premium ones. It may have a little less useful options than the previous ones, but it is more powerful. 1200 W of power with a maximum volume of prepared coffee of only 1 liter gives a high speed of preparing the drink. This coffee maker also has adjustable drink strength, heated flask and auto shut off. And do not forget about the important, and characteristic only of premium models, decalcification function, which allows the device to last longer.
Price: RUB 7,990
Comparison table of the best drip coffee makers
Name | Main characteristics | Price |
Maxwell MW-1650 BK | A small, economical coffee maker with a flask heating function. | ₽ 1 390 |
Redmond RCM-M1507 | Compact (4-6 mugs per serving), economical, there are two additional useful things - a measuring spoon and a set of paper filters included. | ₽ 1 790 |
Moulinex Subito FG360830 | For 1.25 liters or 7-10 mugs, there is a flask heating function, so the coffee will be hot for a long time. | ₽ 2 690 |
Kitfort KT-704-1 | There is a delayed start function, heating of the flask and automatic shutdown after 45 minutes. | ₽ 2 690 |
Gemlux GL-CM-77 | The volume of the flask is 1.2 liters, the power is 1050 W, there is a built-in coffee grinder with adjustment of the degree of grinding and the amount of water used. | ₽ 7 360 |
KitchenAid 5KCM0802EER | There is a built-in coffee grinder, a function for adjusting the strength of the drink (the amount and volume of water can be adjusted), power - 1200 W. | ₽ 21 490 |
Princess 249402 | Power is 1000 W, there is a readiness indication, strength adjustment, coffee grinder and delayed start. | ₽ 10 490 |
Bosch ComfortLine TKA6A683 | The power is 1200 W, there is adjustment of the drink strength, heating of the flask and automatic shutdown. | ₽ 7 990 |
Drip coffee makers from 2500 to 6500 rubles.
Devices in the price segment from the middle to the “premium” class have a wide range of functions, as well as the best build materials.
Morphy Richards
Average cost 6490 rub.
Drip coffee maker, made of stainless steel. Large capacity tank (1.25 l). The manufacturer guarantees high-quality assembly and reliability of the design.
The designers of the British brand took care of the attractiveness of the case, as well as the quality of the finished drink, which, after preparation, reveals the multifaceted aroma of coffee beans.
Morphy Richards
Advantages
- High quality case.
- Cleaning function.
- Delayed start.
- Convenient spout for ready-made coffee.
- Big bowl.
- High power.
- Attractive design.
Flaws
- The power cord is short.
- Service maintenance is difficult due to a shortage of spare parts.
REDMOND RCM-1510
The average cost is 3220 rubles.
The compact REDMOND coffee maker has a lot of useful functions, such as delayed start and auto-heating. The volume of the flask is enough for the whole family, and the quality of the coffee will pleasantly surprise you. This model is equipped with a reusable nylon filter and a large bowl made of resistant thermal glass. The controls are easy and intuitive.
REDMOND RCM-1510
Advantages
- Anti-drip system.
- Automatic heating
- Programmable display board with indication.
- Auto power off.
- Removable filter.
- Easy to wash.
Flaws
- The heating function cannot be turned off using the button.
Bosch ComfortLine TKA 6A041
The average cost is 4420 rubles.
The main development of the manufacturer in the Bosch coffee maker is the Aroma+button function, thanks to which you can prepare a particularly rich and aromatic drink. The reservoir has a capacity of 1.25 liters, however, the filters are disposable.
Additional features include automatic shutdown. In addition, the brand’s marketers have developed several color solutions for the case (gray, black, red).
Bosch ComfortLine TKA 6A041
Advantages
- Bright design.
- Ergonomics.
- Anti-drip system.
- Automatic heating
- Selecting the coffee intensity level.
- Additional cord compartment.
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Disadvantages
- Large dimensions.
- There is no reusable filter, which can be purchased separately.
Bosch TKA 3A031/3A034
Average cost 2290 rub.
The Bosch coffee maker is a budget-friendly choice for a drip device. The advantage of this technology is the presence of additional functions, for example, auto shut-off, anti-drip system. The bright design of the case attracts the attention of buyers: red, white, black plastic. A 1.5 liter bowl will brew coffee for a large company of 15 people.
Bosch TKA 3A031/3A034
Advantages
- Ergonomics.
- Attractive appearance.
- Power 1100 W.
- Auto power off.
- Automatic heating
- Easy controls.
- Build quality.
Flaws
- Filters must be purchased separately.
- When first started, there may be a plastic smell.
Philips HD7457 Daily Collection
Average cost 3150 rub.
This model differs from previous ones in its aluminum body with plastic inserts and modern design. The water tank is made of tempered glass. The device is equipped with stable legs to prevent vibrations during operation and slipping. The display has a light indication that allows you to make coffee even in the dark.
Philips HD7457 Daily Collection
Advantages
- Convenient control panel.
- Power 1000 W.
- Anti-drip system.
- Bowl volume 1.2 l.
- Automatic heating
- Removable filter.
Flaws
- There is no auto shutdown.
- There is no delayed start.
- Filters are disposable.
Despite the limitation in the range of functions, buyers did not express any critical comments about this model.