Drip filter coffee machines are fast gaining popularity in Australia, and Aussies seem to love them. These units are designed to automate the coffee-brewing process, making them essential for coffee aficionados. Making coffee and brewing high-quality coffee are two things that are completely different. If you are for the latter, you should consider buying the best drip filter coffee machine available on the market.
A good number of these appliances have advanced features that will upgrade how you make your morning coffee. Some models are fitted with powerful grinders that can reduce coffee beans into coarse brewable granules. The programmable models will allow you to set the most ideal brewing temperature for your coffee. Additionally, they are easy to operate, which makes them ideal for novices and professionals alike.
TL;DR: The #1 Drip Coffee Machine for Most People 👇
Sunbeam presents you with a high-performance drip filter coffee machine that you can rely on in all brewing applications.
The PC7900 is durably built, energy-efficient, easy to use, and also features a 12-cup carafe that can help you brew enough coffee to keep you active throughout the day.
It may lack the size or the more advanced features of other, more expensive units, but it’s hard to find a better value for money drip coffee machine anywhere in Australia, so it’s certainly worth checking out. 🙌
Since most drip coffee machines come with large capacity carafes, you can brew multiple cups of coffee at a go. As such, you will never run out of hot brewed coffee, provided that you load the machine with fresh granules and water regularly. But that is not all; these units will keep your coffee warm for several hours. If you love filter coffee, the drip machines highlighted in this article are some of the best appliances that you can consider buying.
The Best Drip Filter Coffee Machines in Australia
- Best Overall: De’Longhi Clessidra Drip Coffee Machine
- Best for Precision Brewing: OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Make
- Best Large-capacity Drip Filter Coffee Machine: Calphalon 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
- Best for Most People: Sunbeam PC7900 Auto Brew Drip Filter Coffee Machine
- Most Compact Drip Coffee Machine: Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
1. Best Overall: De’Longhi Clessidra Drip Coffee Machine
The De'Longhi Clessidra Drip Coffee Machine takes the top spot on our list of best drip filter coffee machines because it is efficient, easy to use, and also has an anti-drip feature that will keep your countertop mess-free. This unit comes with a 1.25-litre carafe that can hold 10 cups of coffee. The carafe is made of high-quality glass to increase durability.
Additionally, it has an ergonomic handle that will provide you with maximum grip when pouring your coffee. What’s more, the heating plate heats the water with precision, thus providing you with flavour-rich coffee each time. With a brewing temperature of 92°C to 96°C, this machine will make your coffee just the way you like it. Also, you won’t have to worry about the coffee getting cold within the first 40 minutes after brewing.
The heat plates will ensure the coffee is kept at optimum temperature, making it even more convenient. In addition, this drip filter coffee machine is ECBC certified, so rest assured that it will provide you with gold-standard coffee. The included filter holder ensures the filter stays in place for granule-free coffee. And since the brewing time ranges between 4 and 6 minutes, you can brew your favourite cup of coffee in between your work session without wasting a lot of time.
But that is not all; the brewing system has a one-touch function, allowing for hassle-free brewing. If you are looking to get the best results from this coffee machine, the ratio of coffee to water should be 7 grams per 125 milliliters. Furthermore, it has a 1,250-millilitre water tank that is conveniently marked to allow for accurate measurement. More on the water tank, it has a mesh-like strainer that will filter out settleable solids from the water. This feature can particularly assist those who use tap water for their coffee.
The passageway leading to the carafe is perforated, thus creating a shower-like effect. This feature not only allows for equal distribution of water but also increases the rate at which the coffee granules are dissolved. The only snag about this machine is that it does not keep the coffee hot for long.
2. Best for Precision Brewing: OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker
The OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker is the only drip coffee machine on the list with a thermal carafe. As such, the vacuum-insulated jug will keep your coffee hot for a couple of hours without having to plug in the machine. Featuring Oxo’s BetterBrew™ system, this drip filter coffee machine is one of the best units when it comes to precision brewing. The heating plate generates just the right amount of heat, so the coffee won’t lose its flavour during the brewing process.
On top of that, it regulates the volume of water passing through the coffee granules so that the grounds can dissolve more easily. Like the De’Longhi Clessidra Drip Coffee Machine, Oxo’s drip coffee machine has a showerhead tank attachment that allows for uniform distribution of water. As a result, the coffee grounds will dissolve at a faster rate without altering the taste of your coffee. Plus, this drip-coffee machine is SCA-approved, so you can go for it without worrying about the quality.
The most outstanding feature of this drip coffee maker is that it gives you the option of brewing into the thermal carafe or a mug of your choosing. Moreover, it has an easy-to-use slide switch that will allow you to switch from mug to carafe and back in a matter of seconds. You should, however, keep in mind that the machine will use all the water inside the tank, so ensure that you measure the water using the carafe or the mug that you intend to use.
To add to this, there are two brewing options that you can use depending on your needs. That said, you can go for the 2-4 cups or 5-8 cups brewing option. Choosing the right mode enables the machine to make the necessary adjustments for precision brewing. This 8 cup coffee maker has a well cover that will allow you to use mugs of different heights. When using short mugs, you can place the cover on the drip tray.
You can as well remove the cover to create space for mugs that are a bit tall. The self-cleaning function will simplify your work during maintenance. Simply select the cleaning mode and you will be good to go. When you buy this product, you will get a spatula for scooping the coffee grounds and ten filters that will help you get started on your first brewing session. Both the carafe and the machine are made of stainless steel to maximize durability. The flaws: This drip coffee machine does not have a timer function.
3. Best Large-capacity Drip Filter Coffee Machine: Calphalon 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Why we like it:
- Fully programmable
- Adjustable timer setting
- Customizable brew strength
What customers say:
“Adjustable brew strength with up to 4 hours of hot coffee. Controls are visible and do not require a technology degree to make it work. Good quality. Good price. And above all, up to 14 cups.”–D. Daniels
If you are a coffeeholic, the Calphalon 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker will help you quench your thirst for coffee. It has a 14-cup glass carafe that is designed with your brewing needs in mind. The heating element is dual-insulated to prevent heat loss. This allows the unit to heat the water efficiently to the most preferred brewing temperature.
Moreover, it has a temperature range of between 91°C and 96°C, which is the most preferred temperature level for brewing coffee. These parameters allow for optimal extraction, thus providing you with a carafe of coffee that is both aromatic and flavourful. To make it even more efficient, the heating element will maintain the temperature at optimal levels throughout the brewing process.
This machine is not only programmable but also has great features that will enable you to make the best cup of coffee. For starters, it has up to three heat settings that you can use when brewing different types of coffee. Also, you can customize your coffee with the help of the ‘Strong Brew’ function. Aside from that, users can set the machine to brew their coffee at a later time using the ‘Brew Later’ option. As such, your coffee will always be ready by the time you get out of bed.
There is an auto-shutoff feature that powers down the machine once the timer reaches the set time. If you don’t want to brew a large volume of coffee, you can consider using the 1 to 4 cups function. This programmable drip filter coffee machine is fitted with a sizeable LED display for easy readability. And since all the buttons are placed in the same place, you can make quick changes to the brewing system should there be a need to do so.
To add to its list of features, the warming plate is made of premium quality aluminium for increased heat dissipation. The oversized shower head evenly disperses the water, thereby allowing the coffee grinds to soak properly. It is also worth noting that the coffee machine has a decalcification sensor that will let you know when the unit needs cleaning. If you follow the cleaning schedule, your coffee will never smell or taste funky. Nevertheless, there have been complaints of the machine being too noisy during usage.
4. Best Programmable: Sunbeam PC7900 Auto Brew Drip Filter Coffee Machine
The Sunbeam PC7900 Auto Brew Drip Filter Coffee Machine is somewhat similar to the machine just before it in that both units are programmable. However, we chose the PC7900 as the best programmable drip coffee machine on our list because it has a tougher glass carafe and is also easier to use. This appliance comes with a 1.5-litre carafe that can make 4-12 cups of coffee.
In addition to this, the water tank has a gauge, which will help you measure the correct volume of water depending on the amount of coffee that you want to make. This unit has a small footprint, which means it won’t take up a lot of space on your kitchen countertop. The anti-drip valve ensures the coffee does not spill all over the place when you remove the carafe from the heating platform.
The good thing about this drip coffee machine is that it comes with a built-in mesh filter, so you can even use it without inserting a paper filter inside the basket. Nonetheless, if you are looking to get good quality coffee, you need to use an additional filter. Additionally, the Sunbeam PC7900 has a delay timer, meaning you can programme the unit to brew your coffee when you need it the most. This feature can come in handy if you are on a tight work schedule as it allows you to brew flavourful coffee while you go about other duties.
Once the brewing process is complete, the keep-warm function will maintain the temperature for approximately 2 hours. This means the coffee won’t go cold even when left at room temperature. The carafe has an ergonomically designed handle and a pouring spout, both of which will provide you with a frustration-free brewing experience.
Aside from having a sturdily built base, this machine is counterweighted to ensure it doesn’t fall over when you are using it. Since it is stylishly designed, it can be a great addition not only to your kitchen but also office workspace. One disadvantage of using this drip coffee machine is that it lacks the single-serve option.
5. Most Compact Coffee Machine: Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
The Automatic Drip Coffee Maker is ultra-compact yet efficient. It is equipped with a 600-watt heating plate that allows for quick heating. With this machine, you will be able to brew 4 cups of coffee in just a few minutes. Additionally, it has the same keep-warm time as the first drip filter coffee machine on the list.
With that being said, this equipment will keep your coffee warm for about 40 minutes. This coffee machine has an automatic shut-off function for user safety. As such, it will shut down on its own once all the water in the tank has been used. The 750-millilitre glass carafe has a stay-cool handle that allows users to pour the coffee without burning their hands.
You can also use this unit for making tea, thanks to its versatile filter system. This drip coffee maker is both energy-efficient and cost-effective. It will help you lower your electricity bill, making it a great appliance for all users. Plus, it is equally lightweight, allowing for easy portability. And because it uses the same brewing method as the Sunbeam PC7900, the coffee granules will soak to the maximum level.
The result is that you will have yourself a well-made cup of coffee that will lighten up your mood. This machine is made of high-quality materials to give you long-term service. Furthermore, you can assemble or disassemble this unit with minimal strain, so you won’t experience any problem during or after cleaning the removable parts.
Due to its small size, this machine may limit you, especially when brewing coffee for a large number of people. All factors considered, it is an option that is worth trying out. And since it can fit nicely inside a standard size kitchen cabinet, it won’t cramp up your counter space. If you live alone or rarely brew coffee, this drip coffee machine may just be what you are looking for.
How We Researched the Best Drip Filter Coffee Machines
To find the best drip filter coffee machines, we visited online marketplaces like eBay, My Deal, Amazon, The Good Guys, and Myers. And because our recommendations are based on independent customer feedback from Australian consumers, we focused our attention on drip coffee brewers frequently bought by Aussies.
Additionally, we consulted ProductReview.com.au—one of Australia’s most trusted consumer opinion sites to see what consumers had to say about the appliances that we had picked. After going through the reviews, we did further research to find out if the drip filter coffee machines on our list had all the basic features that users may need.
We ended up choosing five products based on their functionality, ease of use, features, and the capacity of the carafe. All appliances on our review list are expertly curated, so you can go for any that meets your requirements.
Drip Filter Coffee Machine: Buying Guide
When shopping for a drip filter coffee machine, there are a variety of factors that you need to take into account. Furthermore, these machines come in different sizes and also vary in terms of design and functionality. Our role is just to provide you with the best recommendations that are currently available in the Australian market.
At the end of the day, you are the one to choose which drip filter coffee machine is best based on your preference, requirements, and budget. With the help of this buying guide, we hope that you find a drip coffee machine that suits you from the five options that we have listed above.
What to Consider When Buying Drip Filter Coffee Machines
Capacity
The first thing that you should ask yourself before buying a drip filter coffee machine is the amount of coffee you plan to make. These machines come in different sizes of carafes, so ensure that you factor in the size. Most drip coffee machines have carafes that can hold 4 to 14 cups of coffee.
However, a large percentage of these units have a maximum capacity of 12 cups. Capacity is not only limited to the carafe but also applies to the water tank sitting atop the machine. Large capacity water tanks can make multiple cups of coffee without needing a refill, while smaller ones may require you to refill them more often.
Programmability
Some drip filter coffee machines are programmable in that they allow you to schedule the brewing time according to your needs. You can even set the machine to brew your coffee before you get out of bed.
Additionally, most of these units feature an auto-shutoff function that will power down the machine after a specific period of time. The Calphalon 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is one of the best programmable drip filter coffee machines worth buying.
Carafe type
Aside from capacity, you should also consider the type of material from which the carafe is made. There are two types of carafes that you can go for—thermal or glass. Thermal carafes can keep the temperature of your coffee at an optimal level for about 2 hours without relying on a heat source. Glass carafes, on the other hand, rely on keep-warm plates that will keep your coffee hot as long as the heating element is on.
However, this can affect the flavour of the coffee over time, and that is one of the reasons why most people prefer thermal carafes. Plus, drip coffee machines with thermal carafes tend to be more expensive than glass models.
Filter shape
The shape of the filter is also another factor that you should consider before buying a drip coffee machine. Research done by the Speciality Coffee Association shows that the shape of the filter basket used during brewing can impact the flavour of the coffee.
This is primarily because the shape and design of the filter basket affect how warm water passes through the coffee granules. Conical filters are known to produce darker coffee, while flat-bottomed filter baskets deliver light flavourful coffee.
Water filter
The type of water used for brewing can also affect the quality of your coffee. To get the best results, experts recommend that you use filtered water. Some models of drip coffee machines feature built-in water filters for user convenience.
Ease of use
If you are shopping for a drip coffee machine, it would be wise to pick a unit with a simple design. Standard drip filter coffee machines have easy-to-use buttons that allow for quick and effortless brewing.
Nonetheless, if you decide to go for the programmable models, you should choose a unit with a LED display as this will make your work easier when changing the settings.
Types of Drip Filter Coffee Machines
Automatic Drip Coffee Machines
These types of coffee machines are very popular since they allow for hands-free brewing. They are fitted with energy-efficient heating elements that will heat the water to an ideal brewing temperature.
After this, the machine will pass the hot water through the coffee granules in pulses, thus allowing the coffee grounds to dissolve.
Manual Drip Filter Coffee Makers
Manual drip coffee makers are very easy to use. They are also less complex compared to automatic drip coffee machines. With the right accessories, you can set up a manual drip coffee maker.
All you need is a carafe, filter holder, filters, and, of course, the coffee granules. However, manual drip coffee makers may not deliver consistent results every time.
Descaling a Drip Filter Coffee Machine
It is not uncommon for drip filter coffee machines to become dirty over time. Consequently, this will impact the taste and smell of your coffee. To avoid this, you should consider descaling your drip coffee machine after every two or three months. The cheapest way to go about this is by using vinegar and water.
Simply fill the water tank using equal amounts of water and vinegar, and then run the machine as you would when brewing coffee. After that, allow the solution to sit for an hour or two. Next, run the machine in a full cycle and then rinse the parts until all the stains and vinegar comes off. If you do everything correctly, the benefits from coffee like the ones described in this study from Havard University will be yours without having to deal with funky tastes and smells.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Automatic Coffee Grinders for Quality Coffee Grinds
- The Best Pod Coffee Machines for Effortless Single-serve Brewing
Last update on 2022-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API