We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Kitchen Products The 6 Best Drip Coffee Makers of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE With prices starting at $38 By Olivia Avitt Olivia Avitt Olivia is a writer and content creator that has written about a wide range of subjects, including health, beauty, relationships, culture, and music. When she's not working, you can find her perusing coffee shops, reading, or catching up on reality TV. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 11, 2024 01:53PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Will Dickey What’s a well-rounded start to the day without a good cup of coffee? Drip coffee makers are a great option for people who want a more hands-off system or prefer making large batches they can sip on throughout the day. If you’re in the market for a new coffee maker but aren’t sure where to begin, the PEOPLE Tested team put 17 different drip coffee makers to the test, each with varying settings and capabilities, so you can find the best one for your needs. Our top picks come from Oxo, Krups, and more, with prices starting at just $38. Our Top Picks Best Overall: OXO Brew Coffee Maker at Amazon $194 Jump to Review Best Budget: Krups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best at Amazon: Bunn GRB Velocity Brew at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Capacity: Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker at Amazon $359 Jump to Review Best Thermal: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer at Amazon $331 Jump to Review Best Investment: Balmuda The Brew Coffee Maker at Amazon $699 Jump to Review Best Overall OXO Brew Coffee Maker PHOTO: Amazon $194 at Amazon $200 at Oxo $200 at Williams-Sonoma Star Qualities Double-walled stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot Lightweight and easy to move Includes single-serve feature Red Flags Minimal programmable features This coffee maker won our vote for best overall because of how lightweight and high-quality it is. The double-walled stainless steel carafe and thick, rigid lid cap work together for excellent heat retention, so your coffee stays fresh after it’s done brewing. While its sleek appearance would make an excellent addition to your countertop, it’s lightweight enough that it wouldn’t be too much trouble to store it in a cabinet when it's not being used. Aside from all of this, our favorite feature is the single-brew setting. Having the option of making just one cup or a whole pot for a crowd limits waste and maximizes efficiency. One drawback of this coffee maker is that it doesn’t have a pause-brew feature. Although this isn’t a dealbreaker, it also doesn’t have many programmable features, which could be a problem for people who have more particular needs. While this is a great upgrade for anyone who wants a clean and simple coffee maker, someone who is more well-versed in coffee may find the lack of settings underwhelming. Capacity: 5 cups | Single-Serve Capacity: Yes | Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches | Features: Cleaning mode, single-serve capacity, thermal carafe, removable well cover for tall mugs PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey Best Budget Krups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker PHOTO: Amazon $40 $37 at Amazon $40 at Walmart $37 at Wayfair Star Qualities Easy to see water mark lines Simple and straightforward to use Small footprint Red Flags Doesn’t produce a robust flavor This coffee maker by Krups is simple, straightforward, and perfect for anyone on a budget. Since it doesn’t take up much more space than a box of cereal, it could fit nicely on a countertop or be stored in a cabinet in your kitchen. It also has minimal buttons and controls — there’s not much to figure out besides the on and off buttons. The water lines are on the water reservoir inside the coffee maker itself, so you don’t have to worry about learning a complicated system. With all this being said, you get what you pay for. Since this coffee maker is budget-priced, don’t expect anything revolutionary. The flavor profile of the coffee we tested with this one was lackluster at best; if you are an avid coffee drinker and like a high-quality taste, you might be disappointed. But if you want an inexpensive drip coffee maker that gets the job done, this is a solid pick. How It's Held Up Six months after testing, we’re still enjoying using this coffee maker a few times a week. It brews consistently good coffee quickly (in about five minutes) and is easy to clean. If we could change one thing, it would be the pot size, which is a bit small for households that like several refills. Capacity: 5 cups | Single-Serve Capacity: Yes | Dimensions: 5.71 x 8.07 x 10.08 inches | Features: Pause and brew system, keep warm function, reusable coffee filter, no-drip carafe PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey Best at Amazon Bunn GRB Velocity Brew PHOTO: Amazon $120 at Amazon $120 at Target $142 at Walmart Star Qualities Features to minimize steam blowback, leakage, and splashing Quick brew time Setup is straightforward Red Flags Overflow issues, especially when brewed at capacity This drip coffee maker has some nice features that seem subtle but make a big difference, like the reverse channel in the carafe that prevents leakage, splashing, and steam blowback when pouring a cup. It’s also fairly compact and has minimal components, so it’s easy to store on a countertop and straightforward to use. Another thing we liked was the quick brew time — it moved faster than most other coffee makers we tested. However, there were a few issues with this one, the biggest being overflow. In our initial tests, the brew basket overflowed to the point that grounds and hot water spilled over the sides. We figured out that it was because we needed to use a Bunn-branded filter. After replacing it with the proper filter and trying again, it didn’t overflow out of the coffee maker itself, but the grounds did spill out of the filter and onto the side of the basket. Aside from that, there isn’t a pause feature. The manual says that it will automatically stop brewing when the lid is open, but when testing, we found that it continued to brew anyway. With all this in mind, we were fairly surprised to find that the flavor quality of the coffee was decent when brewed with coarsely ground beans — it had a heavy extraction and rich body, and that flavor stayed pretty consistent even after brewing and being left on the warm setting. The straightforward design, quick brew time, and thoughtful design features make this a solid choice. How It's Held Up After six months of regular weekend use, the Bunn GRB provides the same reliable cup of coffee as it did on day one. However, we noted one feature that needs improvement: the warming plate is not securely attached, which causes the pot to slide around. Capacity: 10 cups | Single-Serve Capacity: Yes | Dimensions: 7.1 x 13.8 x 14.3 inches | Features: Drip-free carafe, switch-activated warmer plate, 4-minute brew time PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey The 8 Best Keurig Coffee Makers of 2024, Tested by Real People Best Capacity Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Coffee Maker PHOTO: Amazon $359 at Amazon $359 at Nordstrom $360 at Williams-Sonoma Star Qualities Well-insulated carafe Flavor profile remains consistent for extended periods All parts are easy to clean Red Flags Saturation is a little uneven Do you find yourself brewing large batches of coffee only to find that it tastes bitter and burnt before you can even finish the pot? If so, you’ll love the Technivorm Moccamaster. The well-insulated carafe manages to keep coffee warm without diminishing its flavor profile. For each coffee maker we tested, we sampled its brew 30 minutes after being on the “Hold” setting and again 60 minutes after. While most took on a bitter, burnt flavor, this one’s brew stayed close to fresh. One thing to note is that it’s a bit cumbersome in size, in large part due to its depth. If you’re pressed for space in your kitchen, this could be a tight fit on a countertop or cabinet. We also noticed during testing that the showerhead didn’t cover enough of the basket, so the saturation of the grounds was a little uneven. However, if your priority isn’t perfection and you just want a high-quality and easy-to-use coffee maker that won’t burn when held in a warming pattern, you can’t go wrong here. How It's Held Up Three months later, we still look forward to making coffee with the Technivorm every morning. We love how fast it works, the accuracy of the scoop to prepare a well-balanced pot, and the smooth taste of the coffee. We also love how this machine looks on our counter and enjoy watching the brewing process. Capacity: 10 cups | Single-Serve Capacity: No | Dimensions: 6.5 x 12.75 x 14 inches | Features: Automatic drip-stop, automatic shut-off, brew capacity selector, 23 color options PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey Best Thermal Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer PHOTO: Amazon $331 at Amazon $339 at Wayfair $340 at Williams-Sonoma Star Qualities Great option for large batches Removable reservoir lid, showerhead, and brew basket No grounds went through basket when brewing Red Flags Rigid brew basket was hard to clean From the minute we opened this drip coffee maker, we knew that coffee aficionados would appreciate its advanced settings and quality. During testing, we made brews at minimum, middle, and maximum capacities — even at maximum capacity, there wasn’t any overflowing, which makes this ideal for brewing large batches of coffee. It’s also easy to use, largely because the reservoir lid and showerhead are fully removable, so filling it up with water and coffee grounds is a breeze. While brewing during our various tests, no grounds made it through the basket, so you don’t have to worry about getting bites of coffee grounds in your morning cup. Although we were impressed by how well each batch turned out, we must note that when using pre-batched, finely ground coffee, it didn’t taste as balanced. It is stated in the manual that coarse grounds do better, so if you usually purchase fine or pre-ground coffee, this coffee maker may not be worth the investment. Aside from that, the brew basket has deep ridges that make it hard to clean, and the stainless steel carafe has to be washed by hand, so it’s a bit high maintenance. However, if you like higher-quality coffee and want something you can use to make large batches, this is a great option. How It's Held Up We’ve been extremely happy with this coffee maker. It’s easy to use, brews quickly, and the thermal stainless steel carafe keeps coffee warm without compromising the taste. Our only qualm with this coffee maker is the plastic parts, which seem a bit flimsy. Capacity: 10 cups | Single-Serve Capacity: No | Dimensions: 6.75 x 11.5 x 15.25 inches | Features: One-button operation, manual adjust brew basket, thermal carafe, manual drip-stop PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey Best Investment Balmuda The Brew Coffee Maker PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $699 at Amazon $699 at Nordstrom $700 at Williams-Sonoma Star Qualities Small-batch size ideal for single cups Sleek, simplistic design Open basket to watch coffee bloom and brew Red Flags Large pour spout allows heat to escape If you don’t want to use the pour-over method but like the process of watching your coffee brew in real time, you’ll love this drip coffee maker from Balmuda. The open view of the basket means you can watch the grounds bloom, so you get the experience of the pour-over method without the extra work. It makes a maximum of three cups, which isn’t ideal for bigger households, but it’s perfect for a single person who likes the taste of freshly brewed coffee and doesn’t want to make a whole pot. With all that being said, we can’t deny that this is an incredibly expensive coffee maker. Some smaller flaws stand out, like the large pour spout that allows heat to escape from the carafe quickly. And then there are the bigger issues, like the fact that it only brews three cups at a time. That alone made us balk at the price a little bit. We will say that this does make a great cup of coffee; the flavors are well balanced, and it maintains its richness even when left on the warm setting. How It's Held Up After three months of using it multiple times a day, we’re still happy with everything about this coffee maker. As former espresso-only drinkers, the Balmuda has impressed us with the ridiculously good coffee it produces every time. It replicates pour-over coffee without the hassle and has a ton of cool features. If the price weren’t so steep, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to a friend. Capacity: 3 cups | Single-Serve Capacity: Yes | Dimensions: 5.5 x 11.75 x 15 inches | Features: Clear brewing method, single-serve capacity, open drip design, three brewing modes, self-clean mode, detachable water tank PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey PHOTO: People / Will Dickey Others We Tried Ratio Six Coffee Maker: There were quite a few things we liked about this coffee maker. It feels hefty and high quality; the tight lid on the carafe keeps heat trapped inside; and it doesn’t make an obnoxious amount of noise while brewing. However, there are a few things that caused us to ultimately decide it wasn’t worth the $339 price. For one thing, there’s no way to pause the brew to pour yourself a cup if you just can’t wait until the pot is finished. Also, after it’s finished brewing, the flavor doesn’t keep inside the carafe and becomes aggressively bitter quickly. Because it doesn’t have many customizable features and the flavor doesn’t have much integrity, it just doesn’t align with the high price and didn’t earn a spot on our list of favorites. What to Know About Drip Coffee Makers Ease of Cleaning The best way to prolong the life of your regular, automatic coffee machine, or single-serve coffee maker is to take care of it between uses, and that includes cleaning it after each use. We’re all in a hurry in the mornings, so picking a coffee maker that doesn’t require too much upkeep is key. If you want something easy to clean, pay attention to how many parts and compartments it has. For example, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT has ridges in its brew basket that are harder to get into, so it’ll inevitably take more time to clean. Design Just like an espresso machine or a coffee machine with a built-in grinder, a drip coffee maker is a larger appliance that is certainly a focal point in your kitchen. If it’s going to be stored on your counter, you want it to fit in with the look and feel of your home, and if you’re working with limited space, you want it to take up minimal space (or be easily stored in a cabinet). Pay attention to the dimensions, specifically the depth, height, and material it’s made of, to make sure it fits in your space. Ease of Use Having a coffee maker that’s easy to maneuver is key. When you’re shopping, look at the product page and see what settings it has, and look at reviews to see what others say about how comprehensive the manual is and if any weird quirks come with the machine. The Oxo Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker keeps things simple with a clean control panel and minimal features, which isn’t ideal for more advanced coffee drinkers but perfect for someone who wants to keep it simple. Behind the Scenes Our team of editors, including food editors and a professional chef, selected 17 best-selling coffee makers for testing. They spent more than 80 hours trying out each coffee maker with a procedure designed to mimic real-life use as closely as possible. Preparation: Our testers first reviewed the manufacturer’s instructions for each coffee maker they tested. They followed up by cleaning the coffee maker (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) by running a brew cycle with tap water only.Brew Test: After preparing ground coffee for each machine, our testers ran each coffee maker through a cycle at maximum capacity and minimum capacity. In each instance, they timed the brew cycle and tested the temperature of the coffee at three intervals (immediately after brewing, after 30 minutes, and after 60 minutes). They also tested any special features, like the pause brew cycle, if available.Flavor Profile: The testers sampled each cup of coffee for flavor profile (as soon as brewing was completed and after 30 and 60-minute intervals). They also tested each coffee maker’s performance with a variety of grind settings.Ratings: After testing was completed, they evaluated each coffee maker for ease of use, design, performance, ease of cleaning, and durability. The highest-ranked coffee makers are the ones we featured in this article. Frequently Asked Questions What are the disadvantages of automatic coffee machines? While automatic coffee machines are a great option for getting a pot of coffee going quickly and without too much effort, they aren’t the best choice if you’re interested in the science of a perfectly balanced cup. The biggest issue with automatic coffee makers is the lack of control. It’s almost a given that they won’t evenly saturate the grounds with water, which leads to a less balanced, more diluted flavor. Also, automatic coffee makers generally don’t get hotter than 195 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t conducive to proper extraction and optimal taste (it’s recommended that your water temperature sit between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results). Those that like, say, a latte with frothed milk might opt for a different kind of machine. What is the difference between a French press and an automatic coffee maker? A French press brews coffee by immersing grounds in boiling water and compressing the grounds with a filtered plunger that carefully extracts the flavor as you push down on the grounds. This method is more hands-on and allows full control of the brewing process, so it yields a richer flavor. Automatic coffee makers, on the other hand, have a more hands-off system. You place the grounds loosely in a basket that sits under a spout that drips pre-heated water over the grounds and through a filter. Automatic coffee makers are less time-consuming and great for when you’re in a hurry, but they won’t get you the same level of taste or concentration. This is mostly because the water isn’t boiling but rather shot through an electric heating tube that doesn’t get hot enough for proper extraction to occur. What kind of coffee grinds go in an automatic coffee maker? This varies depending on the machine, but during our testing, we found that setting a medium-coarse grind on the coffee grinder got the best results. The pre-blended, finely ground coffee tasted noticeably worse. If you’re not sure how to tell if coffee is ground at a medium-coarse level, a good rule of thumb is to aim for the texture of rough sea salt. Why Trust PEOPLE? Olivia Avitt is a freelance writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. For many, a cup of coffee is the way you kick off your day, so having a coffee maker that meets your needs is key to starting each day on the right foot. When writing this roundup, she thoroughly analyzed each product’s testing results to find the need-to-know information so shoppers can feel empowered in their purchase. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.