Drip coffee makers offer many features such as a warming plate, water reservoir, filter holder, and heat-retaining, vacuum insulated, brushed, stainless steel carafe or carafe stand. You can brew coffee directly into a thermal carafe, coffee pot or into travel mugs. Other features include:

• Single cup, 2 cup, 4 cup, 6 cup, 8 cup, 10 cup, 12 cup and even 14 cup
• 24-hour programmable clock/timer
• 1-4 cup setting
• Automatic cleaning cycle
• Advanced water filtration that eliminates chlorine and bacteria
• Audible tone to signal completion of the brew cycle
• Brew-pause feature
• Built-in coffee grinder
• Aroma button
• Removable cone filter basket
• Adjust the strength of the brew
• Front access door for pouring water or adding coffee grounds
• Removable drip tray
• Removable water reservoir
• Pressure safety valve
• Built-in espresso maker / cappuccino maker

Some popular manufacturers are:

• DeLonghi
• Hamilton Beach
• Cuisinart
• Toastmaster
• Mr. Coffee
• Sunbeam
• Black & Decker
• Braun
• Keurig
• Farberware
• Capresso
• Bunn
• Zojirushi
• Melitta
• Bodum
• Chemex

You should decide what size of drip coffee maker you need. We know that 6 cup automatic drip coffee makers are popular for people who just want to make a few cups of coffee in the morning but other people like the 14 cup size if it’s being used by several people and if it’s being used more frequently.

You will want to find a drip coffee maker that’s easy to clean. Some brands (like Mr. Coffee for instance) need to be cleaned fairly often, which can be a chore. Other brands will need to be cleaned less often. To clean a coffee maker, run a light mixture of vinegar and water through a brewing cycle and then run a cycle of water before you run a regular coffee brewing cycle.

Another important feature is the programming. You want one that’s easy to program (use a timer) without a lot of complicated menus or one that will give you confusing error messages or require you to leave it alone for 5 minutes before you can try changing a setting again. Yes, this happened to my mom with a Krups coffee maker and she took it back.

Drip coffee makers are probably the most inexpensive of all coffee makers and they are the single most popular small kitchen appliance in the US. Find the best prices in our Drip Coffee Makers Store.