Best Drip Coffee Maker 2020 Reviews & Buying Guide

Each quarter, I pick out the best drip coffee maker among dozens of best drip coffee makers. I filter out marketing gibberish and misleading verbiage, so you can truly understand functionality, compare between the models. Whether you are looking for the best drip coffee maker, best single-serve coffee maker, or best k-cup coffee maker, selecting the best drip coffee maker will be FAST and EASY.

#1. Moccamaster Cup-One by Technivorm

Moccamaster Cup One (KBG741) is by far the best drip coffee maker in 2020. Technivorm, the Dutch company that manufacturers Moccamasters, has been on the coffee brewer market since 1964. Their expertise shows.

Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Brewer

This product is available for purchase online on Amazon.

Bottom line

Moccamaster KBG 741 was the best drip coffee, maker. It performed really well and brew phenomenal coffee. It was a perfect choice for myself: someone who considers himself a true coffee lover who can appreciate nuances in flavor and quality. KBG741 comes with a sophisticated feature set that positively contributes to the richness and depth of coffee flavors.

I appreciate a 5-year warranty, which is unparalleled in the industry. I find it very positive that Moccamaster avoids some potentially harmful materials in the manufacturing process. Though KBG741 may seem a little bit expensive, I find the price-to-value ratio of this drip coffee maker to be absolutely extraordinary.

PROs

  • Visually stunning
  • Very solidly and durably built
  • Max. 10 cups per brewing
  • Easy to brew a desired number of cups
  • Yields the best coffee I have ever had
  • Perfect coffee at the perfect brewing temperature (200 F degrees)
  • Automatic brew-basket that prevents accidental spilling/dripping
  • Ideal coffee saturation with a 9-hole outlet arm that evenly distributes hot water
  • Ability to control strength through a brew basket switch
  • One-touch operation
  • Does not include some of the potentially harmful materials
  • Extraordinary price-to-value ratio
  • Excellent for coffee lovers who treat coffee brewing as a ritual

CONs

  • Takes 5-7 minutes to brew, but is really for coffee lovers who can appreciate depth and richness of flavors
  • Not programmable (no auto-on)
  • Uses some plastic
  • No permanent basket filter
  • Expensive but the great price-to-value ratio

#2: Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System

Ninja’s Hot and Cold Brewed System has been winning many accolades. The Hot and Cold Brewed System is among the best drip coffee makers. The machine can brew anything from 1 small cup of coffee to a full 10-cup carafe. The machine is also very convenient and compact. All in one!

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker

Bottom line

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System are extremely convenient if you are looking for the top drip coffee maker. The machine is extremely adjustable and can brew any beverage size from a small cup to a large 10-cup carafe. The machine is pod-free, which means slightly less convenience but more environmental consciousness.

In addition to coffee, Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System can brew tea. The coffee maker is easy to use thanks to the Auto-IQ technology, as the machine detects whether we want to brew coffee (orange filter holder) or tea (green filter holder). Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System come with settings to regulate bloom time and strength.

Though we feature a thermal version of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System (CP307), the same machine is also available with a glass carafe (CP301). Overall, we love this machine and recommend it as the best drip coffee maker that can also bring other coffee beverages.

PROs

  • Brewing flexibility with 6 drink sizes
  • Unparalleled control in the brewing process
  • Hot & cold tea & coffee in 5 brew styles
  • Milk frothing wand for cappuccino, flat whites, and latte
  • Large 50oz removable water reservoir
  • Pod-free for environmental consciousness

CONs

  • Pod-free means slightly less convenience
  • Coffee might not be strong enough for some
  • Made with plastic

#3: Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-way brewer

Hamilton Beach 49980A is the best drip coffee maker at a great price! Just like Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, Hamilton Beach 49980A can brew a cup of delicious coffee and a full carafe. Sold for many years in the US, it has earned the trust and hearts of American people. The machine is very powerful, brews great coffee, and sells at an incredibly low price point $-$$. Other best filter coffee machines sell for 2X, 3X, and sometimes 4X as much!

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Bottom line

Hamilton Beach 49980A coffee maker combines a single cup and a full carafe at a fantastic $-$$ price point. This best drip coffee maker gives a lot of flexibility and offers an extraordinary price-to-value ratio. Because this is a 2-way coffee maker, it will require two different paper filters.

The single-serve side should be compatible with a #1 cone paper filter, while the drip coffee side is compatible with an 8-12 cup cupcake-style paper filters. 49980A coffee maker comes with a couple of interesting features to improve convenience and coffee flavor. The carafe side of the machine is programmable (24 hours in advance). Both sides (single-serve and a drip coffee) allow selecting desired strength (bold/classic).

PROs

  • Two separate sides for a single cup and a carafe
  • Various single-serve sizes (a small cup to a travel mug)
  • Increased convenience with 24-hour programmability
  • Bolder and richer coffee with strength control
  • Affordable + extraordinary price-to-value

CONs

  • Needs 2 different styles of paper filters
  • Single-serve portion is not programmable
  • Made with plastic

#4: Cuisinart DCC3200 coffee maker

Cuisinart DCC3200 is a 14-cup programmable coffee maker, which is made on our list of best drip coffee makers. As a drip coffee maker, DCC3200 can take either a gold-tone filter or a standard #4 cone paper filter. Reliable, solid, and affordable.

Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker

Bottom line

Cuisinart DCC3200 offers an extraordinary price-to-value ratio. This drip coffee maker has become a landmark in many households across the US. As a drip coffee maker, DCC3200 can brew filter coffee with the use of a standard #4 cone paper filter. The machine also comes with a gold-tone permanent filter. However, this one does not brew filter coffee.

The machine has earned glowing feedback on its durability, functions, brew quality, and design. The features allow us to brew hot, flavorful coffee. Cuisinart offers all US buyers a 3-year warranty. Some of the features include 24-hour programmability, strength control, and carafe temp.

PROs

  • Stylish and well-built stainless-steel body
  • Strength control for stronger and richer coffee
  • Hotter coffee with adjustable coffee temperature
  • 24-hour programmability
  • Unparalleled 3-year warranty

CONs

  • The inconvenient non-removable water reservoir
  • Too many buttons & controls can be confusing
  • The warranty may not cover the costs of shipping
  • Made with plastics and aluminum

#5: Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Ninja CE201 coffee brewer is the second-best drip coffee maker in 2020.

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Bottom line

Ninja CE201 is among my most favorite drip coffee makers, with highly functional features and options. Though there are quite a few buttons to press, CE201 brews delicious and fragrant coffee. There’s a removable water reservoir, so it’s not that hard to clean. It yields an extraordinary price-to-value ratio.

PROs

  • Elegant, sturdy and elite-looking
  • Brews up to 12 cups
  • Fully programmable (auto on/off)
  • Strength control
  • The automatic mid-brew pause that prevents accidental spilling/dripping
  • Good coffee at the almost perfect temperature
  • Great price-to-value ratio
  • Excellent for singles and families who enjoy tasty coffee, alone or in the company for an everyday use

CONs

  • Plastic
  • Insufficient transparency on materials and chemicals
  • Can hear unstoppable beeping noises from the water pump
  • Close to but not at the perfect brewing temperature

#6: Redline MK1 8 Cup Coffee Brewer

MK1 earned one of the top positions among the best drip coffee makers in 2020!

Redline MK1 8 Cup Coffee Brewer with Glass Carafe

Bottom line

Redline MK1 is quickly gaining traction in the US market, as its drip coffee maker MK1 is among the better ones out there. MK1 looks more like a modern electric kettle than a coffee maker. With its “pre-infusion” mode, Redline MK1 ensures that coffee grounds have enough time to release gases, thus yielding better coffee flavors.

I was positively surprised about the high brewing temperature. The coffee maker reminds of Breville Precision Brewer and OXO Brew. The brew chamber is made out of high-grade aluminum and all plastics in the coffee maker are BPA-free. We love that the company is based in the US (Oakland, CA). The product offers a very strong price-to-value ratio.

PROs

  • Elegant and good looking
  • Brews up to 8 (tea) cups of coffee
  • High brewing temperatures
  • Pre-infusion mode for deeper and richer coffee flavors
  • Outstanding price-to-value ratio
  • Excellent for singles and families who enjoy a cup of coffee

CONs

  • While we love the design, we would love higher quality plastic
  • Think glass carafe that might be easy to break
  • Some BPA-free plastic parts come in contact with hot water

#8: BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer

GRB Velocity is the fourth-best drip, coffee maker.

BUNN GRB Velocity Brew 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer

Bottom line

Bunn GRB Velocity is the fourth-best drip coffee maker in our tests. It is not an ordinary drip coffee maker when it comes to its design. The unit looks absolutely amazing, and it brews coffee that I enjoy. All that in just 3-4 minutes. And I’m not speaking about just one cup, but 4 to 10 servings.

The porcelain-coated warming plate ensures that the coffee remains warm as long as possible. However, GRB Velocity does not brew hot enough coffee. As a result, coffee may not be as strong as I like it. Though GRB Velocity Brew comes at a $$ price tag, this drip coffee maker offers a very solid price-to-value ratio.

PROs

  • Elegant, sturdy and elite-looking
  • Brews up to 10 cups of coffee
  • Auto-off feature
  • Quick and convenient
  • Anti-spillage carafe
  • Solid price-to-value ratio

CONs

  • Plastic
  • Not hot enough water
  • Coffee may lack strength
  • No temperature control

2021 Buyer’s guide for best drip coffee makers

The good in the drip coffee maker space

There are just a few brands that have become known for their commitment to high quality, reliability, and good customer service. I have always held a deep appreciation for brands like Moccamaster, Bunn, Cuisinart, or Braun. In my experience and observations, they have come up with some strong and reliable drip coffee makers over the years. Their success lies in their commitment to rigid product testing. Their drip coffee makers go through multiple phases of tests and quality assurance before you and I can purchase them in stores.

When I was looking for the best drip coffee maker, I wanted to ensure that my coffee machine can last longer than just a couple of months. I understand that not every product comes out perfect from the production line. However, I wanted some peace of mind that I would not need to spend more time and more money on another drip coffee maker within a short period of time.

The bad in the drip coffee maker space

Just like with the Best Single Serve Coffee Makers, finding the best drip coffee maker is not a simple task. There are dozens upon dozens of brands filling the market with their appliances. Selecting the best drip coffee maker that would fit into our needs and expectations has become quite challenging and cumbersome. While I can read product descriptions from different brands, I am interested in truly understanding performance and features. Those reviews are rare to find.

First and foremost, manufacturers seem to push to increase their sales and profit margins. Though some come up with more innovative products, a lot of drip coffee maker manufacturers downgrade quality, features, and materials. This is true even for some of the best drip coffee makers. Some drip coffee makers have been in the market for several years. I remember first using those coffee makers several years ago VS using them now. The quality has deteriorated substantially. Plastic became cheap plastic.

Second, even the best drip coffee makers are made with plastic. Unfortunately, in most cases, this plastic comes into direct contact with boiling hot water. This is also true among some of the best drip coffee makers. Though most of them are BPA-free (as specified by respective brands), it really does not matter to me. I’d personally rather not use products where boiling water comes into contact with plastic. Ever.

Why do I say that? Well, a BPA-free status does not guarantee that there are no other potentially dangerous and toxic plastics or chemicals. BPA must be somehow replaced by other types of plastic, right? Those alternatives to BPA may include but are not limited to, BHPF (fluorene-9-bisphenol), TPP (triphenyl phosphate), and bisphenol S (BPS). Those types sound scary, and the government officials (hello, FDA!) likely get a lot of money from lobbying groups (on this in a separate post at a later date). The exact health effects of the BPA-substitutes, such as BHPF, TPP, and BPS are unknown at this point. More independent research needs to occur.

Third, most drip coffee makers fail to get even close to the perfect brewing temperature. While some claim they can reach such temperatures, others don’t even bother to lie, putting 170-180 degrees in their manuals. As I discovered through years of drinking and loving coffee, reaching a sufficient water temperature for a coffee cup is essential. Only very few appliances feature a perfect brewing temperature of 195 – 205 F degrees, which tends to be ideal for a rich and tasteful cup of joe.

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