Check out our detailed reviews of the best drip coffee makers available in 2021! Use our handy buyer’s guide to help you decide which features you need most.
There’s nothing like waking up to the luscious aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. And, when it comes to making coffee at home, it doesn’t get any easier than a classic no-fuss, drip-brew.
Today, the best drip coffee makers offer a wide range of features, from auto on and off to milk frothers, built-in grinders, and even the option to brew cold or hot. From glass carafes to thermal carafes, single and full pot brewers, and budget-friendly, no fuss machines… the options are virtually endless.
And, that’s what makes finding the best drip coffee brewer so complicated! Coffee is a highly personal thing, and everyone’s wants and needs are different.
So, the experts at Be Your Own Barista have tested the highest-rated drip coffee machines on Amazon to see how their features really measure up.
Here are our detailed reviews of the best drip coffee makers available in 2021. We’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide at the end to help you decide which features are the most important for you.
Top 7 Drip Coffee Makers- Best of 2021
Here are our top picks for the best drip coffee makers available on Amazon in 2021. Feel free to read our detailed reviews below or click the link to go directly to Amazon for current pricing information and availability.
- Best Drip Coffee Maker Overall: Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System for Coffee and Tea
- Runner Up: Braun KF6050WH BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker
- Luxury: Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG, 10-Cup
- Budget-Friendly Programmable: Black + Decker DLX1050B 12-Cup Programmable
- Pod/Drip Combo: Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffee Maker/Single-Serve Brewer
- Brewer with Built-in Grinder: Cuisinart Grind and Brew
- Budget-Friendly and Easy to Use: Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Top 7 Drip Coffee Maker Reviews and Favorite Features
Here are our detailed reviews and favorite features to help you decide which coffee maker is right for you.
1. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System for Coffee and Tea
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System for coffee and tea is our top pick for the best drip coffee maker overall in 2021! It also has some of the best reviews on Amazon, so we’re not the only ones who think this machine is amazing!
We just can’t get over the versatility of this drip coffee maker! The Ninja hot and cold brewer allows you to brew an endless variety of hot and cold beverages. Love both hot and cold brew coffee? Perfectly brewed loose-leaf tea? Iced tea in a flash? This coffee and tea brewer does it all!
The cold brew feature allows you to brew your favorite cold beverage over ice at a lower temp for naturally smooth flavor in a fraction of the time it takes to brew cold coffee or tea with conventional methods. There are five brew styles, too- classic, rich, over ice, cold brew, or specialty.
Did we mention that the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System also has a built-in milk frother for lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and more? That means fewer gadgets crowding up your countertop. Everything you need to create super rich coffee and tea concentrates and combine them with hot or cold frothed milk to create your favorite coffeehouse drinks at home is included in one compact machine.
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewer is incredibly intuitive. It knows the perfect temperature and just how long to soak your coffee grounds, loose leaf tea, or tea bag to brew a perfect cup. It even comes with separate filter baskets for coffee and tea to keep the flavors separate.
Brew 1 – 4 cups or a full pot into the thermal carafe or brew a single cup right into your favorite mug. We found that the carafe keeps coffee piping hot for two hours and the included recipe book is full of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing.
The Ninja Hot and Cold Brew system is programmable, easy to clean, and comes with a 1-year limited warranty. We think it belongs in every coffee and tea lover’s kitchen and it would make a spectacular Christmas or wedding gift for the coffee or tea lover on your list!
Click here for best price and availability of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System!
2. Braun KF6050WH BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker
If you don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles, you’re going to love our runner up for the best drip coffee maker of 2021! We love Braun’s BrewSense 12-cup automatic drip brew coffee maker because it delivered consistently delicious, rich, full bodied coffee every time. It’s the perfect daily brewer for most households!
The BrewSense brews cleanly and efficiently, with no sediment in your cup. It has a sleek, compact design that will look fantastic in any kitchen. We love the intuitive, easy to operate, traditional yet modern feel of this coffee maker, too. It does everything you need- without a bunch of confusing bells and whistles.
Set up couldn’t be simpler, just take it out of the box, flush it once with fresh water, and you’re ready to go. You probably won’t even need to read the manual! The included gold-tone reusable filter means no waste, and it allows essential oils to pass through for amazingly flavorful coffee.
In our experience, the Braun BrewSense is nearly silent during brewing, and the clock set up and auto program work like a dream. Options allow you to brew a full pot or just 1-4 cups, and you can pause and pour at any time during the brewing cycle. The adjustable auto shut off is also a huge plus on hectic mornings.
If you’re looking for a delicious, perfectly brewed cup of coffee every time with no fuss, the Braun BrewSense is your dream coffee maker. It’s as close to perfect as you can get for less than $80 and the manufacturer backs up their product with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Click here for best price and availability of the Braun BrewSense!
3. Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG, 10-Cup
We couldn’t do a review and buyer’s guide to the best drip coffee makers without including the Technivorm Moccamaster! This luxury coffee maker has an almost cult-like, loyal following, and it’s easy to see why.
The innovative, yet old school design really stands out from other machines we tried, and it’s available in 25+ colors! We’ll admit that this machine takes some time to set up, but the investment pays off with the most delicious home brewed coffee we’ve ever had!
And, the brew time is fast! In less than six minutes, you’ll have 10 cups of amazing coffee. There’s no waiting for this machine to warm up either. It starts brewing the moment you turn it on. You can even see the hot water bubbling up in the reservoir, through the transfer tube, and then into the brewer- it’s like a mesmerizing science experiment! And, it shuts off automatically after 100 minutes for your peace of mind.
If the Moccamaster has a flaw, it’s that it requires cone-style paper filters. It also has a lot of moving parts, so careful assembly is required. This may be a drawback for some users, but the machine makes up for it with easy one touch operation once assembled.
Despite its minor flaws, the Technivorm Moccamaster has a far superior brew process and produces far superior results than any other home brew coffee maker we’ve ever tried. It’s pricy, but it’s also truly bulletproof, will last for many years, and comes with a 5-year warranty. You really can’t go wrong if you’re serious about amazing coffee.
Click here for best price and availability of the Technnivorm Moccamaster!
4. Black + Decker DLX1050B 12-Cup Programmable
This drip coffee maker from Black + Decker is our favorite budget machine. It’s a step up from a basic, no frills coffee maker with no programming capabilities like the Mr. Coffee model reviewed below. It has all the most important features and brews a decent cup of coffee for less than $40.
The Black + Decker DLX1050B is very user friendly and keeps your coffee nice and hot for two full hours. It comes with a glass carafe and has a smaller footprint than many of the other machines we tested. Additional features include a programmable clock/timer, brew pause capabilities, auto on and off, and a water level indicator window.
This machine uses disposable, basket-style filters, which may be a drawback for some users. At the end of the day, the Black + Decker DLX1050B provides a lot of bang for your buck and proves you can get a decent cup of coffee at home without investing a fortune in a luxury coffee maker.
Click here for best price and availability of the Black + Decker DLX1050B.
5. Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffee Maker/Single Serve Brewer
Cuisinart’s SS-15P1 Coffee Center is our favorite full pot/single serve combo brewer. On one side, it brews a full 12-cups, through a reusable gold tone filter, into a beautiful glass carafe with a stainless-steel handle.
The other side of this machine brews a single serving of coffee into your 6, 8, or 10-oz mug. The single serve brewer is equipped with a charcoal water filter and also includes a single cup reusable filter for your favorite ground coffee. This side also accommodates your favorite k-cup coffee pods.
The machine has been designed with separate water reservoirs for each side, so you don’t have to fill as often. Additional features include a self-cleaning option, temperature control, and adjustable auto shut off.
We’ve noticed that this brewer gets mixed reviewers, but in our experience, the issues people run into with this machine are often due to user error. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for cleaning the machine, using the refillable single-serve filter, and loading commercial k-cups. We also find that using a taller mug prevents splashing during single cup brewing.
At the end of the day, we were very pleased with the performance of this machine over a few months of regular use. It’s much sturdier than other full pot/single serve combo brewers we tried. If you want a machine that accommodates k-cups and brews a full 12 cups of delicious coffee, the Cuisinart SS15P1 is a great choice.
Click here for the best price and availability of the Cuisinart 12-Cup/Single Serve Brewer.
6. Cuisinart Grind and Brew
Cuisinart’s Grind and Brew coffee maker is available with either a glass or thermal carafe and in 10 or 12 cup capacity. It has a built-in professional style burr grinder and a half pound bean hopper that seals tight to keep your beans fresh. The grind off feature turns off the grinder when you want to use pre-ground coffee instead.
The grinder on this machine really stands out from other built-in grinders we tried. First, the grind control allows you to grind just the right amount of beans for 1-4 cups or a full pot. We also love the direct flow grind assembly because it dispenses the grounds directly into the brew basket and then follows u with an auto rinse to ensure all the grounds enter the basket and make clean up extra easy.
This 24-hour programmable brewer allows you to have complete control over the strength over your brew from regular to bold and extra bold. The brew-pause capability, charcoal water filter, gold tone reusable filter, and adjustable auto shut off are great features, too.
Cuisinart’s Grind and Brew machines also feature a large LCD display and a sleek, modern design that will great in your kitchen. This drip brewer is a fantastic choice if you want to save some money and space by not having to purchase a separate grinder.
Click here for the best price and availability of the Cuisinart Grind and Brew.
7. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for the best drip coffee maker on a budget with classic functionality, the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup drip brewer is for you. It features a sleek design and comes in black or white. It’s a breeze to assemble and use, and it brews a decent 12-cup pot of coffee in about nine minutes. It uses paper basket style filters, but you can purchase a reusable gold tone filter separately if you prefer.
This machine is so easy to use that there’s no need to read the instructions. The dual water window prevents overfilling and the machine is nice and durable. It does pause the brew if you want a cup while it’s brewing, but it does not have an auto shut off feature.
We appreciate that Mr. Coffee has made the lid, brew basket, carafe, and removable top half of this brewer dishwasher safe. That’s a feature you won’t find in many machines. At a price point of about $25, this machine is ideal for anyone who wants a no frills, dependable machine on a tight budget.
Click here for the best price and availability of the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Drip Coffee Maker for You in 2021
Having a hard time narrowing down your decision? Here are the top four factors to consider when choosing a drip coffee maker to help you decide.
Brewing Capacity
Do you need a full 12-cup carafe every morning, or is a single cup enough? Or, maybe you brew coffee for the whole family, but also want the ability to brew the occasional single cup in the evening or when you have company.
Think about how much coffee you usually want at one time and keep it in mind when shopping. If you want the best of both worlds, consider Cuisinart’s Coffee Center, Ninja’s Hot and Cold Brew System, or Braun’s KF6050WH, which all offer the flexibility to brew a little as a single cup or as much as a full 12-cup carafe, depending on your needs at the time.
Programmable Features
If you want to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, you want a coffee pot that has programmable features like auto on. Auto off is handy too, especially if you’re likely to forget to turn the coffee pot off before you head to work.
Or, maybe you’re not a morning person and the hassle of making coffee when you first wake up is just too much. Believe me, we get it!
When choosing the best drip coffee brewer for you, decide whether you would like this feature. If so, look at the Cuisinart SS-15P1, Black + Decker DLX1050B, or the Braun KF6050WH, all of which are fully programmable.
On the other hand, maybe you prefer simplicity and would rather not have a bunch of complicated features to fiddle with. If an easy to use machine is more your style, take a second look at Mr. Coffee’s ultra-reliable and uncomplicated 12-cup brewer.
Glass Carafe vs. Thermal Carafe
Here’s the thing, leaving your coffee sitting on a hot plate for an hour or two will always result in coffee that tastes scorched and stale by the time you get to that second or third cup. On the other hand, a thermal carafe keeps your coffee at optimum temperature for an hour or two, resulting in subsequent cups of coffee that tastes just as good as the first.
While brewers with a glass carafe tend to be cheaper, they also require a hot plate to keep the coffee hot. That means more energy usage, which makes them less efficient in the long run. A brewer with a thermal carafe may cost a little more up front, but it also saves energy (and money) over the long haul.
If you’re serious about great tasting coffee and conserving energy, you want a brewer like the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, which comes with a 10-cup thermal carafe that keeps your coffee nice and hot for about two hours.
If up-front spend is a top concern, look at the Black + Decker DLX1050B 12-Cup Programmable, which features a glass carafe, hot plate, and auto on/off at an extremely budget friendly price tag.
Built-In Grinder vs Standalone Grinder or No Grinder
There’s no question that freshly ground coffee tastes far superior to coffee that’s been pre-ground and sitting on the shelf at your grocery store for who knows how long.
That being said, maybe you don’t want to fiddle around with grinding your own coffee, or maybe you already own a decent coffee grinder. If so, you don’t need a machine with a built-in grinder.
On the other hand, if you do grind your coffee fresh, this machine with a built-in grinder will save space on your counter, and it may save you a few bucks over buying a grinder separately.
However, it’s our personal opinion that standalone grinders do a better job. They also offer more versatility when it comes to grind size, which can affect the flavor of your brew. If you want to experiment with other brew styles, such as French Press brewing or making espresso at home, you’re going to need a high quality, standalone burr grinder that allows you to adjust your grind size from fine to coarse.
Some Final Tips for Choosing the Best Drip Coffee Maker for You in 2021
When it comes to choosing the best drip coffee makers, you really do get what you pay for. If you’re serious about a full-bodied, flavorful cup of coffee every time, it pays to invest in your daily coffee maker. You simply won’t get the same results from a budget coffee maker.
That being said, you can greatly improve your results with a budget coffee brewer by choosing high quality beans, grinding them fresh, and using a coarser grind to avoid over-extraction. Using only filtered water will also result in better tasting coffee and extend the life of any coffee machine.
No matter which coffee maker you choose -luxury, budget, or somewhere in between- make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your machine. Staying on top of the required maintenance will result in better tasting coffee, improve performance, and extend the longevity of your machine.
