Drip Coffee Makers
Filter machines and batch brewers, compared on brew temperature, SCA certification and whether the carafe keeps coffee drinkable.
How we rate drip coffee makers — the 7 criteria behind every score on this page.
Our pick
· research-based, chosen for a reason, not a rating
Home brewers who want hot, iced, and cold brew coffee plus tea from one machine
Scores 10.0 of 10 on Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published), the heaviest criterion in this category at 22 of 100.
The best drip coffee makers, ranked
scored on what the maker publishes · open a row for the working1
Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System8.1- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 8.3
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 10.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 8.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 10.0
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 8.5
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Value for Money (no price published) — 5.0 of 10, carrying 10 of the 84.6 points scored here.
2
Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB 10-Cup Coffee Maker6.9- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 5.0
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 6.2
- Build Quality & Durability
- 7.0
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 10.0
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 6.5
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 5.0 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
3
Wolf Gourmet 10-Cup Coffee Maker6.8- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 6.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 8.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 10.0
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 6.5
- Value for Money
- 0.5
Weakest link: Value for Money — 0.5 of 10, carrying 10 of the 84.6 points scored here.
4
Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-4N16.4- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 6.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 8.8
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 0.8
Weakest link: Value for Money — 0.8 of 10, carrying 10 of the 84.6 points scored here.
5
Bonavita 8-Cup Coffee Maker6.3- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 10.0
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 6.2
- Build Quality & Durability
- 7.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 5.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 10.0
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 3.5
- Value for Money
- 1.6
Weakest link: Value for Money — 1.6 of 10, carrying 10 of the 84.6 points scored here.
6
Breville Precision Brewer BDC400BSS6.3- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 8.3
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 8.8
- Build Quality & Durability
- 5.0
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.5
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Carafe & Heat Retention — 3.5 of 10, carrying 13 of the 84.6 points scored here.
7
Ninja CFN601 Espresso & Coffee Barista System6.3- Drink Quality (pump pressure not published)
- 7.0
- Capsule System & Choice
- 5.0
- Running Cost Per Cup (cost per cup not published)
- 5.0
- Ease of Use & Speed
- 5.8
- Build Quality & Reliability
- 7.5
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- 8.0
- Machine Value for Money
- 6.0
Weakest link: Capsule System & Choice — 5.0 of 10, carrying 18 of the 87 points scored here.
Read review →PriceFrom $1648
Smeg DCF02 Drip Coffee Machine6.3- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 5.0
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 8.8
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 8.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 8.5
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Carafe & Heat Retention — 3.5 of 10, carrying 13 of the 84.6 points scored here.
9
Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker6.2- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 5.0
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 5.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 6.0
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Carafe & Heat Retention — 3.5 of 10, carrying 13 of the 84.6 points scored here.
10
Braun MultiServe Plus 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker6.1- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 5.0
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 8.8
- Build Quality & Durability
- 5.0
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 8.0
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Carafe & Heat Retention — 3.5 of 10, carrying 13 of the 84.6 points scored here.
11
Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable6.1- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 4.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 9.0
- Value for Money
- 3.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
CarafeGlassFilter TypePaper, Reusable metal meshBrew Size12+ cupsBloom / Pre-infusionNoRead review →PriceFrom $84.9912
Hamilton Beach 46310 12-Cup Programmable5.9- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 6.2
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
13
Black and Decker CM1160B 12 Cup5.8- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 5.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 5.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
14
OXO Brew 9-Cup Drip Coffee Maker5.8- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 6.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 5.0
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 5.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 8.0
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Carafe & Heat Retention — 3.5 of 10, carrying 13 of the 84.6 points scored here.
15
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable5.7- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 5.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
CarafeGlassFilter TypePaper, Reusable metal meshBrew Size12+ cupsBloom / Pre-infusionNoRead review →PriceFrom $34.9916
Gevi 10-Cup Grind & Brew5.6- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 8.3
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.0
- Value for Money
- 1.4
Weakest link: Value for Money — 1.4 of 10, carrying 10 of the 84.6 points scored here.
CarafeGlassFilter TypePaper, Reusable metal meshBrew Size7-10 cupsBloom / Pre-infusionYesRead review →PriceFrom $179.9917
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable5.6- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 4.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 9.0
- Value for Money
- 3.1
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
18
Gevi 10-Cup Grind & Brew Touchscreen5.5- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 8.3
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 7.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 6.5
- Value for Money
- 0.8
Weakest link: Value for Money — 0.8 of 10, carrying 10 of the 84.6 points scored here.
CarafeGlassFilter TypePaper, Reusable metal meshBrew Size7-10 cupsBloom / Pre-infusionYesRead review →PriceFrom $289.9919
Black and Decker CM0915BKD 12 Cup5.3- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 3.3
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 2.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 5.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brewing Control & Programmability — 2.5 of 10, carrying 16 of the 84.6 points scored here.
20
Amazon Basics Drip5.1- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 3.8
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 6.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 5.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
CarafeGlassFilter TypeReusable metal meshBrew Size5-6 cupsBloom / Pre-infusionNoRead review →PriceFrom $18.8921
Black and Decker DCM600B 5-Cup4.8- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 2.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 4.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 5.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
22
Ninja CE2514.7- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 6.2
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 6.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 6.5
- Value for Money
- 2.2
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
23
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Switch4.5- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 1.7
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 2.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 4.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 3.5
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 4.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 7.5
- Value for Money
- 7.8
Weakest link: Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 22 of the 84.6 points scored here.
24
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select 10-Cup4.0- Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)
- 5.0
- Brewing Control & Programmability
- 1.2
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.5
- Ease of Use & Cleaning
- 3.0
- Carafe & Heat Retention
- 3.5
- Capacity & Flexibility
- 5.0
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Brewing Control & Programmability — 1.2 of 10, carrying 16 of the 84.6 points scored here.
More drip coffee makers guides
How to choose a drip coffee maker
Most drip machines fail in the same two ways: the water is not hot enough and it does not touch all of the coffee. Everything worth paying for addresses one of those.
Brew quality is 22 points and it comes down to heat and coverage
Temperature. Coffee extracts properly between about 92 and 96 degrees Celsius, 197 to 205 Fahrenheit. Cheap machines run cooler because a smaller heating element is cheaper and a cooler machine is a safer machine. Under temperature coffee is sour and thin, and no amount of grinding finer fixes it.
Showerhead versus single spout. A single spout drills a hole through the middle of the bed and leaves the edges dry. A showerhead spreads water across the whole surface. This is the single most visible difference between a $30 machine and a $150 one, and you can see it by lifting the lid mid brew.
Contact time. Around four to six minutes for a full carafe is the target. Much faster and the water has not taken enough with it.
SCA certification is the one badge worth checking
The Specialty Coffee Association certifies drip brewers against measured requirements for brew temperature, contact time and uniformity of extraction. It is tested rather than claimed. If a maker has it, it will say so. It is not the only way to make good coffee, but it is the only label in this category that a third party had to agree with.
Thermal or glass
A glass carafe sits on a hot plate, and a hot plate keeps cooking the coffee. After forty minutes it tastes stewed. A thermal carafe holds heat without applying it, which is why the coffee still tastes like coffee at 10am. If you drink a pot over a morning, this is the difference you will actually notice. Glass is fine if you drink it straight away.
Programmability is worth less than it looks
A timer that starts the machine before you get up is genuinely useful. Strength settings usually just change the flow rate, which is a real effect but a small one. Numbered brew profiles on a display are mostly a way of adding features to a spec sheet.
What we mark down
A maker that does not publish brew temperature is not hiding good news. The same goes for contact time. These are cheap to measure and easy to state, and their absence is why so many drip machines in our catalogue score thinly evidenced on the criterion that matters most.
Reading on drip coffee makers
What to know before you pick one.
- What Is a Red Eye Coffee Drink?
Drip coffee with a shot of espresso in it. The name comes from the flight you drink it on, and the family it belongs to goes darker from there.
- How Much Coffee for 12 Cups? The Ratio, and the Cup-Size Trap
A 12-cup coffee maker does not make 12 cups. Get that straight and the ratio becomes simple arithmetic.
- Why Oat Milk Curdles in Coffee, and How to Stop It
It is not spoilage. Two things make oat milk split in a hot cup, and both of them are under your control.
- Christmas Coffee Drinks Worth Making
Six that work at home, without a syrup pump or a cafe's equipment, and the two that are better in theory than in a cup.
Frequently asked
What temperature should a drip coffee maker brew at?
Between about 92 and 96 degrees Celsius, or 197 to 205 Fahrenheit, measured at the coffee rather than in the tank. Below that range the coffee extracts incompletely and tastes sour and thin no matter how you grind. Many inexpensive machines run cooler than this because a smaller heating element costs less. It is one of the most useful numbers on a spec sheet and one of the most commonly left off it.
Does SCA certification actually mean anything?
Yes, and it is unusual in this category for being tested rather than claimed. The Specialty Coffee Association measures a brewer against requirements covering brew temperature, contact time and how evenly it extracts, and a machine either passes or it does not. It is not the only route to good coffee and plenty of uncertified machines brew well, but it is the one badge here that a third party had to agree with.
Is a thermal carafe better than glass?
If you drink the pot over more than about twenty minutes, yes, clearly. A glass carafe sits on a hot plate that keeps applying heat, and coffee held that way turns bitter and flat within the hour. A thermal carafe insulates instead of heating, so the last cup tastes close to the first. If you pour the whole pot immediately, glass is fine and usually cheaper and easier to clean.
What does a showerhead do on a coffee maker?
It spreads the brew water across the whole bed of grounds instead of pouring it through one point. A single spout drills a channel through the middle and leaves the outer coffee barely wetted, so you extract part of your dose and waste the rest. Lift the lid during a brew and you can see which kind you own. It is the clearest difference between a budget machine and a mid-range one.
How long should a drip machine take to brew a full pot?
Roughly four to six minutes for a full carafe. Faster than that and the water has not been in contact with the grounds long enough to take much with it, which is why some fast machines produce weak coffee that is not fixed by adding more grounds. Much slower risks over-extraction and bitterness. Some makers publish the figure and it is worth looking for.
What is the best drip coffee maker?
Based on our research across the category, Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System is our editor's pick for drip coffee maker. Home brewers who want hot, iced, and cold brew coffee plus tea from one machine
Is there a cheap drip coffee maker worth buying?
Amazon Basics Drip is the least expensive we have reviewed in this category at $18.89. Cheapest is not the same as best value: the review says which corners were cut.
How much does a drip coffee maker cost?
The ones we have reviewed run from about $18.89 to $599.95. Price tracks build material, capacity and how much of the specification the maker publishes.