A drip coffee maker is an electric device for preparing filtered coffee using the pour or percolation method. Drip-type coffee makers have been produced for a long time, but even today they feel confident among the advanced coffee machines of the new generation. What is the secret of their popularity, what are the pros and cons, and which models can be called the best in class?
Drip coffee maker - what is it?
The drip coffee maker has a solid history. For the first time, a device that prepared coffee by straining hot water through ground powder was brought to the attention of the public back in 1800. The inventor of the method is a church minister, Parisian Archbishop Jean-Baptiste de Bellois. The invention was modernized, redesigned, and patented many times in different countries. But the principle remained the same. With the evolution of electrical appliances, the drip coffee maker acquired its own heating source and acquired the appearance we are familiar with.
Today's drip machine is an electric device with a heater in which hot water passes through a filter containing ground coffee and enters a reservoir. The strength and aroma of the drink is achieved through the slow passage of water through the coffee, during which it is enriched with the taste and aroma of the ground beans.
Improving the taste of the drink
Choosing the right coffee
Grinding
A drip coffee maker requires coarse grinding. Not as coarse as for a French press or Chemex, but also coarser than for an espresso machine. On packs of already ground coffee it is usually marked with a teapot design.
Ground coffee Lebo “Prince”, for Turkish, 100 g 79 rub.
Ground coffee Lavazza “Crema e Gusto”, 250 g 258 rub.
Ground coffee Lavazza “Qualita Oro”, in a tin can, 250 g 400 rub.
Ground coffee Paulig “Mokka”, 250 g 157 rub.
Ground coffee Lebo “Extra”, for Turkish, 75 g 61 rub.
Ground coffee Coffesso “Classico Italiano”, 5 sachets -25%
110 rub. 146 rub.
Ground coffee Jardin “Espresso di Milano”, 250 g 221 rub.
Ground coffee Fresco Arabica Barista, for brewing in a cup, 100 g -50%
90 rub. 179 rub.
Choose ground coffee on TEA.ru
The finer the grind used, the more bitter the coffee will be. The reason is the rather long extraction time (5–7 minutes): water extracts the maximum from coarsely ground coffee, while finely ground coffee is overextracted during this time.
Roasting.
For a filter coffee maker, light or medium roast coffee is recommended. Dark roasting will add an unpleasant bitterness to the drink.
A little trick: Some experts recommend preheating the coffee pot with hot water. In a heated vessel, the flavor and aromatic qualities of coffee are better revealed.
We use good water
Not for coffee
Use tap water, distilled and boiled.
You can
- filtered (softening and mineralizing filters) and bottled.
Ideal water for any method of preparing coffee should be pH-neutral and have the following parameters: calcium content - 68 mg/l, total alkalinity - 40 mg/l, sodium amount - 10 mg/l, total mineralization (TDS) 150 mg/l . We wrote in more detail about the effect of water on the taste of coffee in this article.
Device
Drip coffee makers are produced by many manufacturers, but the key elements are the same for all devices. Let's look at the basic nodes.
- Cold water reservoir. It is often non-removable and is located at the back.
- A tank or boiler in which heating occurs.
- A heating element.
- Funnel and filter for ground coffee. The funnel in some machines is removable. The filter is self-contained and can be disposable or for regular use.
- Container for ready-made coffee. It can be made in the form of a flask, a coffee pot, and sometimes ordinary cups play this role.
Operating principle of a drip coffee maker
Its operating principle has changed little over the past two centuries, although the device has acquired a modern appearance and some additional functions.
- Water from the reservoir, which is usually located at the back, enters the boiler.
- In the tank, the water heats up and rises up the tube.
- Drop by drop it flows through the thickness of the coffee powder and falls into the lower compartment.
- When all the water is heated and drips through the filter, the coffee is ready.
The coffee grounds remain in the filter and do not stain the cups, and the platform on which the tank with the finished coffee is installed can have a heating function and maintain the temperature of the drink.
Despite the similarity, coffee makers from different manufacturers differ in design, volume, materials, and power. The most differences are observed in additional functions: the presence or absence of auto shut-off, delayed start timer, indication, mechanical or electronic control.
The best drip coffee maker for home
Philips HD7457/20 is designed for brewing ground coffee. The capacity of the water tank is 1.2 liters.
The productivity of the unit is 10 cups of drink per cycle. The drip coffee maker is equipped with an innovative liquid level indicator. Device power – 1000 W.
The Philips HD7457/20 case consists of plastic and metal parts. The design of the device includes non-slip feet and an operation indicator. The unit is supplied with a removable filter holder.
The machine for preparing coffee from ground beans has a “drop-stop” function, thanks to which you can stop the operation of the device at any time and pour a portion of the aromatic drink.
Caring for the Philips HD7457/20 will not require much effort; all components can be washed in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- ease of use;
- compact dimensions;
- low cost;
- elegant design;
- anti-drip system;
- automatic heating of the bottom of the container.
Minuses:
- no display;
- lack of a permanent filter;
- There is no auto shut off feature.
How to use a drip coffee maker
It’s not for nothing that a drip coffee maker is considered one of the simplest and most reliable coffee devices in the world. You can literally use it with your eyes closed.
- Connect to the network.
- Pour water into the tank to the desired level.
- Place coffee in the filter in the proportion specified in the instructions. Approximately a heaping teaspoon for every 100 ml of liquid.
- Close the filter. Place a container for the finished coffee.
- Press the power button.
- Wait for all the water to flow in the form of coffee into the tank.
- Turn it off.
- Pour coffee into cups.
Once the appliance has cooled down, the disposable filter with coffee grounds can be simply disposed of. Reusable - remove grounds, rinse and dry.
Peculiarities
What should people who are thinking about buying a drip coffee maker know?
The device will prepare you only one type of coffee - natural black filtered coffee. Some call this type “Americano” because this is what you will be offered in any coffee shop in the United States. The drip coffee maker cannot prepare espresso, cappuccino, or oriental coffee. The strength of the finished drink will most likely be average. Although you can increase the strength by taking finely ground coffee and a small portion of water.
Usually, for a drip coffee maker, medium and strong roasted beans are taken, medium grind.
This device is very popular in North America, but in Europe it is much less favored, giving preference to coffee machines and carob coffee makers that prepare a richer drink.
In terms of ease and reliability of use, this is the undisputed leader.
pros
- Simplicity and reliability of design.
- Trouble-free operation.
- Ease of Management.
- Reasonable price.
- Prevalence and accessibility.
- Coffee of stable quality.
Minuses
- One recipe.
- The delicate aroma and taste of elite coffee varieties is lost.
- Many similar models.
Reviews
Real owners are ready to share with our readers their impressions and experience in operating devices from different manufacturers.
Vitalina, 42 years old, owner of VITEK VT-1503
— I bought a coffee maker quite recently, to replace an old one. I was used to drips and wanted the same one. I chose this one because of its low price, familiar design, and heated platform. Quite happy with the purchase. It makes excellent coffee, doesn’t smell like plastic, and has been working for 2 years almost without a break. She got her money's worth a long time ago!
Anna, 36 years old, owner of PHILIPS Daily Collection
— Gave it to work colleagues for their last birthday. Convenient coffee pot with a good handle. Disposable filters, on the one hand, are convenient - you don’t need to get dirty, but on the other hand, there are additional costs, which is not very pleasant. There is a drawback - the prepared coffee splashes a lot. Maybe my marriage is like this? In general, I didn’t use it myself, I gave it to my husband at the office. It suits him.
Andrey, 28 years old, owner of MAXWELL MW-1650
— To be honest, I chose it because of the price. But I didn’t regret it. Brews coffee normally, convenient reusable filter, heats the flask so it doesn’t get cold. It works quickly, enough for 4 cups - very convenient for family use. My brother, however, doesn’t like that the coffee is not scalding, but just hot. But you can't please everyone!
Irina, 31 years old, owner of TEFAL CM
— A good model, holds more than a liter of coffee. I bought it precisely because of its spaciousness for a large family. Cooks quickly and doesn't spill anything. No permanent smells or tastes. The only negative that was noticed after six months of use is that it is inconvenient that there is no indicator. It is not clear whether it is on or off.
Rating of the TOP 15 best drip coffee makers of 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 5 best drip coffee makers in price/quality ratio for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Philips HD7767 Grind & Brew | Find out the price |
| 2 | Kitfort KT-719 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Bosch ComfortLine TKA 6A041 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Oursson CM0400G | Find out the price |
| 5 | Kitfort KT-732 | Find out the price |
| TOP 5 best drip coffee makers with coffee grinder | ||
| 1 | Kitfort KT-720 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Philips HD7769 Grind & Brew | Find out the price |
| 3 | Kitfort KT-705 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Caso Coffee Compact Electronic | Find out the price |
| 5 | REDMOND SkyCoffee M1505S | Find out the price |
| TOP 5 best inexpensive drip coffee makers | ||
| 1 | Galaxy GL0701 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Maxwell MW-1650 | Find out the price |
| 3 | ARESA AR-1609 | Find out the price |
| 4 | ARESA AR-1603 (CM-114B) | Find out the price |
| 5 | MARTA MT-2115 | Find out the price |
Filters for drip coffee makers
An important point when choosing coffee makers is the type of filter. There are two options.
- Reusable.
- Disposable.
Reusable
Comes included. It is a removable funnel-strainer, usually made of plastic and nylon. A more expensive and “sophisticated option” is a filter with a metallized coating, which is applied to the same nylon.
The advantage of such a filter is that there are no additional costs.
The downside is that you need to clean the filter after each use.
Disposable
Such a filter has a significant advantage - you don’t need to bother with waste coffee grounds. After the drink is prepared, the filter element along with all its contents can simply be thrown away.
The biggest disadvantage of such filters is that they become a constant cost item. Even if when purchasing a coffee maker a certain supply is attached to it, sooner or later they will run out.
Disposable filters vary in size. Cellulose is usually used to make them.
- Unprocessed. Brown in color, no bleaching compounds are used in its production. Considered the most environmentally friendly option.
- Bleached. White bleached cellulose filters. Previously, chemical compounds were used in production, now they are bleached with oxygen.
Sometimes you come across filters made from bamboo fibers, but in essence they are the same cellulose, only they are more expensive.
The average cost is 2-3 rubles, depending on its type, size and quantity in the pack.
Dimensions
Filter sizes are designated by numbers from 1 to 10, where 1 is the smallest.
The numbers indicate the number of cups. If you don’t know exactly which one you need, then feel free to take 2 or 4. They fit most coffee makers up to 1 liter. If the edges protrude slightly, they can be folded or trimmed.
For coffee makers with a volume of 1 to 1.5 liters, sizes 4, 6 or 8 are suitable.
The exact size is indicated in the instructions, and sometimes on the packaging box of the device.
Disposable filters can be used in any drip coffee maker. Conversely, if you are tired of spending money on paper filters, you can buy a reusable funnel-sized one.
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
Manufacturers
A drip coffee maker is a fairly simple device in design, which is in constant demand. Most manufacturers of small household appliances include them in their product range. Therefore, the number of models and brands under which they are produced amounts to dozens.
There aren't that many differences between the cars. The main ones.
- Tank volume.
- Filter type.
- Additional functions, for example, auto power off, indication, timer, synchronization with mobile devices.
Uniformity does not at all guarantee that a coffee maker for 1100 and 3000 rubles will work the same. Cheap ones may suffer from build quality or materials. No one can guarantee that the water tank of the “NoName” machine will not fall off after three days, the heater will not burn out, or that your coffee will not have the characteristic aroma of cheap plastic.
Therefore, most users prefer to opt for well-known brands that provide a guarantee for their products and have a network of service centers.
The company is popular
- Philips;
- Tefal;
- DeLonghi;
- Bosch.
Cheaper ones are in demand
- Vitek;
- Polaris;
- Maxwell;
- Redmond;
- Scarlett.
Top 7 best drip coffee makers
We have compiled our own TOP models. You can read more about it in the article “Rating of the best drip coffee makers.” We remind all supporters of the absolute - the rating is subjective, based on our own observations, customer surveys and study of open sources, so we do not claim to be the ultimate truth.
So, we present our TOP.
- Morphy Richards Evoke Bronze for 6490 rub. English brand, excellent build quality and materials. It has a turn-on timer, a heating function, technology for uniform watering of brewed coffee, and a permanent filter. A distinctive feature is a stylish design, interesting non-standard colors. Thanks to the built-in watering can, the coffee is very aromatic. Saturation is adjustable.
- Redmond SkyCoffee RCM-1508S for 2400 rub. Electronic control, startup from a smartphone, strong and aromatic coffee, reusable filter, good quality - ensured its leadership.
- Maxwell MW-1650 for 1000 rub. Convenient, simple, reliable, and besides, for a minimal price you get minimal but sufficient functionality.
- Bosch TKA 3A031 for 2500 rub. The model is offered in different colors, has traditionally high reliability and a low price for the brand.
- Redmond RCM-1510 for 3500 rub. Durable and high-quality model with a reusable metallized filter, functional electronic control, and the possibility of delayed start. It would be in the top three if it weren’t for the cost!
- Philips Daily Mini for 2300 rub. Reliable, durable, stylish, but this is not enough to become number one!
- Philips HD7459 for 4800 rub. The model has everything in order in terms of functionality - it has a timer for delayed start, high build quality and it makes good coffee, but the high price has moved this coffee maker to the end of our list.
Review of the best drip coffee makers
The rating contains the best drip coffee makers from different manufacturers in different price ranges.
With built-in coffee grinder
Rating of TOP 4 models with a built-in coffee grinder based on customer reviews.
The built-in coffee grinder is a useful feature that allows you to make coffee from real coffee beans.
Philips HD7767 Grind & Brew
Premium coffee maker with a display, many additional functions and the ability to use both disposable and reusable filters.
A stylish appliance for a kitchen of any size with a 1.2-liter jug volume allows you to prepare Americano from ground or bean coffee.
There are additional functions to further automate the process. The coffee maker has a stylish body in a choice of black or gray.
Specifications:
- power: 1000 W;
- jug volume: 1.2 l;
- type of coffee: ground, grain;
- additional functions: built-in coffee grinder, auto shut-off, coffee strength control, anti-drip system.
Advantages
- spectacular appearance;
- easy to set up and manage;
- quick coffee preparation;
- high taste qualities of the drink;
- easy to care for.
Flaws
- high consumption of raw materials in the coffee grinder;
- high noise level;
- relatively high price;
- The anti-drip system does not fully protect against drops.
Kitfort KT-720
Fully automatic coffee maker with built-in coffee grinder, delayed start and automatic shut-off function.
The model is compatible with ground and bean coffee, and has a spacious jug for the finished drink.
You can program the start for the morning in the evening to save even more time before work. In addition, the device has small dimensions and weight.
Specifications:
- power: 1050 W;
- jug volume: 1.5 l;
- type of coffee: ground, grain;
- additional functions: built-in coffee grinder, timer, grinding degree adjustment, coffee strength control, anti-drip system, auto-heating plate.
Advantages
- quickly prepares delicious coffee;
- there is a delayed start;
- simple and convenient control;
- there is a heating function;
- Compatible with reusable and disposable filters.
Flaws
- noisy work;
- The water tank is inconvenient to clean;
- no water dosage.
Caso Coffee Compact Electronic
The coffee maker allows you to brew coffee from ground raw materials and grains.
There are useful functions of auto shut-off and delayed start, an anti-drip system, a built-in coffee grinder, an auto-heating stove, and a backlit display.
Specifications:
- power: 600 W;
- jug volume: 4 small cups;
- type of coffee: ground, grain;
- additional functions: built-in coffee grinder, timer, auto shut-off, grinding degree adjustment, anti-drip system, auto-heating plate.
Advantages
- very light and compact;
- easy to use;
- inexpensive;
- there is a heating function;
- convenient jug with markings.
Flaws
- works only with a permanent filter;
- coffee grinder is weak;
- inconvenient to wash.
Philips HD7769 Grind & Brew
Drip coffee maker with all the necessary functions, a large jug for the finished drink and a built-in coffee grinder with 9 grinding modes.
An excellent inexpensive device for a large family: a stylish model that will not take up much space in the kitchen and will fit into any home design.
All settings and required indicators are displayed on the backlit display. Includes 2 containers for grains of 125 g each.
Specifications:
- power: 1000 W;
- jug volume: 1.2 l;
- type of coffee: ground, grain;
- additional functions: built-in coffee grinder, timer, auto shut-off, grinding degree adjustment, anti-drip system, waste container, backlit display.
Advantages
- airtight and convenient containers for grains;
- Ease of use;
- attractive design;
- easy to clean;
- There is a turn-on timer.
Flaws
- coarse grinding in any mode;
- The timer needs to be set every day;
- no water dosage.
The best models for ground coffee
Rating of the TOP 5 best models for ground coffee in terms of price-quality ratio.
For those who do not feel much difference between high-quality ground and bean coffee, models that are compatible only with ground coffee are suitable. They are easy to set up and maintain, are usually cheaper than universal coffee makers and quickly prepare a delicious drink from ready-made raw materials.
Kitfort KT-719
A budget coffee maker for the office and home with a metal body and the ability to simultaneously serve 2 cups of coffee.
The model is equipped with a timer and auto-shut-off function, an anti-drip system and simultaneous dispensing for 2 cups.
There is a backlit display and an auto-heating plate, which makes the process even simpler and more automated.
Specifications:
- power: 900 W;
- jug volume: 1.4 l;
- additional functions: timer, auto shut-off, anti-drip system, auto-heating plate, backlit display.
Advantages
- stylish and reliable metal case;
- affordable price;
- small dimensions and lightness;
- spacious jug, suitable for a large family;
- There is a timer and automatic heating.
Flaws
- imperfect anti-drip system;
- no beep;
- inconvenient location of the water tank.
Kitfort KT-732
Convenient and inexpensive model in a stylish case with delayed start, auto-start and display.
The small body contains all the necessary buttons, labeled in Russian, making operation of the device understandable even for older people.
There is the possibility of dispensing a drink into 2 cups, an anti-drip system and an automatic heating plate.
Specifications:
- power: 900 W;
- jug volume: 1.5 l;
- additional functions: timer, auto shut-off, anti-drip system, auto-heating plate, backlit display.
Advantages
- takes up little space;
- quick preparation and heating of the drink;
- spacious 1.5-liter jug;
- rich taste of coffee;
- convenient control.
Flaws
- short cord;
- fingerprints remain on the body;
- high noise level.
Gorenje ATCM730T
A compact, stable model with an unusual design, illumination of the work area and the ability to simultaneously prepare two cups.
A good device for a family of 2 people or for those who live alone.
A coffee maker is considered an alternative to the Turkish coffee maker, but when preparing coffee in this device, you do not need to be careful that it does not escape.
Specifications:
- power: 730 W;
- jug volume: 0.27 l;
- additional functions: auto power off, backlight, cord storage compartment.
Advantages
- light and compact;
- 2 design options - black and brown;
- rich taste and aroma of real coffee;
- convenient cord storage compartment;
- beep when ready.
Flaws
- with a minimum of functions, the price is quite high;
- coffee residue gets into the mug;
- The plastic case is easy to scratch.
Braun KF 3100
A plastic device with an original design, simple controls and an automatic heating plate.
The coffee maker will fit perfectly both into a small kitchen due to its compactness, and into a large room due to the large volume of the jug and high power.
For the same reasons, it is suitable for both a single person and a large family. There is an auto shut-off function, an anti-drip system and an auto-heating plate.
Specifications:
- power: 1000 W;
- jug volume: 1.3 l;
- additional functions: auto shut-off, anti-drip system, auto-heating plate, water level indicator.
Advantages
- light and compact;
- quickly copes with the task;
- the jug can be washed in the dishwasher;
- large volume of capacity;
- silent operation.
Flaws
- the anti-drip system sometimes fails;
- no filter included;
- inconvenient to fill with water.
Bosch ComfortLine TKA 6A041
A very high-quality product with a self-cleaning system for descaling, a shutdown function when not in use, and convenient electronic control.
The device is equipped with automatic decalcification, a function for adjusting water hardness, automatically turns off when not needed and has a rotating filter holder.
The permanent filter can be replaced with disposable ones.
Specifications:
- power: 1200 W;
- jug volume: 1.25 l;
- additional functions: auto shut-off, automatic decalcification, rotating filter holder, water hardness adjustment, anti-drip system, auto-heating plate.
Advantages
- affordable price with many functions;
- low noise level;
- rich taste and aroma of the drink;
- It does not require special care;
- high build quality.
Flaws
- short cord;
- there are no rubberized legs, it can slide and “jump” on the table;
- Large dimensions, not suitable for small kitchens.
