Drip Coffee Machine recommendations - Simple, easy, "Super automated"

[ThankYouJack]

Any recommendations for a "super automated" drip coffee machine?

Ideally:
- Would like to grind the beans and make a coffee with the push of a button
- No capsule systems
- Don't want to spend a ton (max maybe $400 unless something really stands out)
- I only need coffee (don't need an espresso machine or milk frother)
- Easy to clean
- Decent build quality

Does anything like this exist?

[nanciT]

After going through 4 different cuisinarts over the last 3 years, I finally bought the WOLF coffee pot. We love it. Very easy to use and makes excellent coffee.

I had to wait awhile for it to go on sale but watched and bought it for $464 on Amazon. It's a bit over your budget but a great coffee maker.

[CharacterCounts]

We've been very satisfied with a Moccamaster. There are a number of different styles. Have been using it daily for 6+ years. Comes with a 5 year warranty. https://us.moccamaster.com/

[Ivanhoe]

All in one machines are always going to be subpar to having a separate grinder and brewer. I’d recommend spending $150 on a Baratza Encore burr grinder and the remaining money on something like a Bonavita coffee maker or any other SCA rated one.

I have a moccamaster and think it’s great, however it’s a bit more expensive than the bonavita, but you may try and wait for a sale.

[Nicolas]

I maintain that using a French press is the best way to make coffee but my wife disagrees, she swears by the Bonavita drip maker with the thermal carafe.

She says it heats the water hotter than other drip makers which improves the flavor. It also premoistens the grounds before the brewing process begins which is somehow better. The coffee drips into the thermal carafe which maintains the heat.

I wouldn’t know, my wife uses it, not me. Here’s the one she uses. She paid $130 in 2015, now $180
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O9 ... =UTF8&th=1

Also this coffee maker doesn’t also grind coffee so maybe you wouldn’t like it.

[snackdog]

Grind and drip don’t really go together. That is like asking for a Porsche with a trailer hitch. Grinding fresh beans is a great start but drip ruins it. If you search for Grind and Brew on Amazon you will turn up a Black and Decker for about $75.

[bryanm]

Grind and drip don’t really go together. That is like asking for a Porsche with a trailer hitch. Grinding fresh beans is a great start but drip ruins it. If you search for Grind and Brew on Amazon you will turn up a Black and Decker for about $75.

If you don't like drip, that's totally fine, but don't pretend that there aren't objectively good drip machines out there for those of us who do. SCA Certs are a great place to start. I only see one "grind and brew" on there, the Cafe Grind and Brew. I don't have experience with it, but all of the other SCA Cert machines I've tried (principally the Bonavita and the Moccamaster) brew really great drip coffee.

[LifeIsGood]

The Moccamaster is currently on sale at Amazon for $219.99 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072 ... 00INT&th=1

[UpperNwGuy]

Grind and drip don’t really go together. That is like asking for a Porsche with a trailer hitch. Grinding fresh beans is a great start but drip ruins it.

That's a controversial statement for sure. Is this your personal preference, or is your opinion based on some objective criteria?

[Sandtrap]

Any recommendations for a "super automated" drip coffee machine?

Ideally:
- Would like to grind the beans and make a coffee with the push of a button
- No capsule systems
- Don't want to spend a ton (max maybe $400 unless something really stands out)
- I only need coffee (don't need an espresso machine or milk frother)
- Easy to clean
- Decent build quality

Does anything like this exist?

To op:
"Not" an "all in one", as far as grinding the beans.
But an excellent recent forum discussion on coffee machines, quality of perk, "especially brands".

I tried a number of machines over the years and recently and ended with a "Bonavita".

Here's a link to the thread for your perusal...at your convenience.

Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
viewtopic.php?t=415564&start=200

j

[mrc]

The Moccamaster is currently on sale at Amazon for $219.99 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072 ... 00INT&th=1

I've been wanting to pull the trigger on the 60 oz office model for a couple years. On your note about Amazon, I checked out the Moccamaster store and by golly that unit's on sale too. I ordered one for $279 instead of $395. Thanks for your post! Life is good!

[ThankYouJack]

Thanks all although not quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for simplicity over a fancy drip coffee maker so would like an all in one single pour.

I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test over the grinder. I would think the type of beans, roast, strength, freshness, if I add anything, etc would make a much bigger difference in taste.

[Sandtrap]

Thanks all although not quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for simplicity over a fancy drip coffee maker so would like an all in one single pour.

I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test over the grinder. I would think the type of beans, roast, strength, freshness, if I add anything, etc would make a much bigger difference in taste.

to op:
How much money do you have in mind to buy this type of coffee machine?

38 dollars
150 dollars
300 dollars
?

- Don't want to spend a ton (max maybe $400 unless something really stands out)
- I only need coffee (don't need an espresso machine or milk frother)

update: oops! missed this on the original post. Apologies.
j

[jebmke]

Thanks all although not quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for simplicity over a fancy drip coffee maker so would like an all in one single pour.

I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test over the grinder. I would think the type of beans, roast, strength, freshness, if I add anything, etc would make a much bigger difference in taste.

to op:
How much money do you have in mind to buy this type of coffee machine?

38 dollars
150 dollars
300 dollars
?

j

“Max $400” apparently.

[Sandtrap]

Thanks all although not quite what I'm looking for. I'm looking for simplicity over a fancy drip coffee maker so would like an all in one single pour.

I don't think I'd be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test over the grinder. I would think the type of beans, roast, strength, freshness, if I add anything, etc would make a much bigger difference in taste.

to op:
How much money do you have in mind to buy this type of coffee machine?

38 dollars
150 dollars
300 dollars
?

j

“Max $400” apparently.

- Don't want to spend a ton (max maybe $400 unless something really stands out)
- I only need coffee (don't need an espresso machine or milk frother)

oops.
missed it.
thanks.
j

[Sandtrap]

Any recommendations for a "super automated" drip coffee machine?

Ideally:
- Would like to grind the beans and make a coffee with the push of a button
- No capsule systems
- Don't want to spend a ton (max maybe $400 unless something really stands out)
- I only need coffee (don't need an espresso machine or milk frother)
- Easy to clean
- Decent build quality

Does anything like this exist?

to op:
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DGB-90 ... inder&th=1
Avail. Amazon. Watch the video.
Is this what you had in mind?

Some reviews:
https://www.purewow.com/home/best-coffe ... th-grinder
j

[jebmke]

I would separate the grinder from the maker. Grinders are mechanical devices; they fail. Less of a deal to replace a grinder than a combination. In general, I'm not a fan of swiss army knife devices.

[Sandtrap]

I would separate the grinder from the maker. Grinders are mechanical devices; they fail. Less of a deal to replace a grinder than a combination. In general, I'm not a fan of swiss army knife devices.

+1

to op
an example of simplicity yet quality:
Burr grinder: Kitchen Maide
Drip coffee maker: Bonavita

j

[onourway]

Another vote to separate the grinder from the coffee maker. Any integrated system will be expensive and comparatively low quality, and highly prone to early failure. A $150 Baratza grinder and a $250 Moccamaster will make excellent coffee for the next 20 years+. It's worth it to spend that one minute to grind the beans yourself.

[ThankYouJack]

Another vote to separate the grinder from the coffee maker. Any integrated system will be expensive and comparatively low quality, and highly prone to early failure. A $150 Baratza grinder and a $250 Moccamaster will make excellent coffee for the next 20 years+. It's worth it to spend that one minute to grind the beans yourself.

I'll consider this, but isn't the process measure the beans, add to grinder and grind, transfer to coffee pot, measure water, pour mug, empty grinds, clean filter and carafe

If I was just making large pots it would be fine, but I'm doing 2-4 single servings a day. I'd rather push two buttons Seems like a good amount of time savings.

[onourway]

I'll consider this, but isn't the process measure the beans, add to grinder and grind, transfer to coffee pot, measure water, pour mug, empty grinds, clean filter and carafe

If I was just making large pots it would be fine, but I'm doing 2-4 single servings a day. I'd rather push two buttons Seems like a good amount of time savings.

The only steps an automated drip machine saves on is the measuring the beans, adding to grinder and grinding, and transferring to the coffee pot filter. That's the part that takes about a minute. All the rest is the same whether part of the process is automated or not. And cleanup for automated machines is frequently harder.

That said, if you are only making one cup of coffee at a time, you probably want something other than a standard drip brewer. Ask the question that way and you'll likely get different responses.

[ThankYouJack]

I'll consider this, but isn't the process measure the beans, add to grinder and grind, transfer to coffee pot, measure water, pour mug, empty grinds, clean filter and carafe

If I was just making large pots it would be fine, but I'm doing 2-4 single servings a day. I'd rather push two buttons Seems like a good amount of time savings.

The only steps an automated drip machine saves on is the measuring the beans, adding to grinder and grinding, and transferring to the coffee pot filter. That's the part that takes about a minute. All the rest is the same whether part of the process is automated or not. And cleanup for automated machines is frequently harder.

That said, if you are only making one cup of coffee at a time, you probably want something other than a standard drip brewer. Ask the question that way and you'll likely get different responses.

I guess what I'm looking for doesn't exist, so I'm now considering a low end automated "espresso" machine or pour over. I just started another thread for pour over systems - viewtopic.php?t=417130

[jebmke]

I'll consider this, but isn't the process measure the beans, add to grinder and grind, transfer to coffee pot, measure water, pour mug, empty grinds, clean filter and carafe

If I was just making large pots it would be fine, but I'm doing 2-4 single servings a day. I'd rather push two buttons Seems like a good amount of time savings.

The only steps an automated drip machine saves on is the measuring the beans, adding to grinder and grinding, and transferring to the coffee pot filter. That's the part that takes about a minute. All the rest is the same whether part of the process is automated or not. And cleanup for automated machines is frequently harder.

That said, if you are only making one cup of coffee at a time, you probably want something other than a standard drip brewer. Ask the question that way and you'll likely get different responses.

Or a thermos.

[onourway]

I guess what I'm looking for doesn't exist, so I'm now considering a low end automated "espresso" machine or pour over. I just started another thread for pour over systems - viewtopic.php?t=417130

Something like this probably makes more than passable coffee and seems to be what you were asking for.

That said, you still have to clean it up every time you use it.

Like @jebmke above, I make a pot with a regular brewer and put it in a really good thermos, which then lasts me all morning.

[Horologium]

We've been very satisfied with a Moccamaster. There are a number of different styles. Have been using it daily for 6+ years. Comes with a 5 year warranty. https://us.moccamaster.com/

Took me a while because I didn't want to spend the money, but about 6 months ago I got a Moccamaster. Very simple and easy to use, no automation to speak of, but worth every penny, IMO.

I used to go out for coffee pretty regularly. Since getting the Moccamaster, I only go out for coffee in order to socialize; I much prefer to make coffee at home now.

[sunsetting101]

Darn thread talking about coffee makers. I just bought a Moccamaster.

[FromAto401k]

I am an admitted coffee snob. I have an arsenal: French press, Aeropress, Chemex, V60, grinder, scale, gooseneck kettle, etc. After kids though, I had no time for any of that. We got a Nespresso and it's...fine. My wife likes it. I quickly got tired of it and yearned for my coffee of old. A complicating factor, however, is that my wife is OCD and severely limits what items can live on our kitchen counter.

Eventually, I summoned the courage to ask my wife about keeping a 2nd coffee machine on the counter (remember, we still have the Nespresso). She could sense my feelings of longing and desire for a solid cup of joe. She relented, and upon receiving the small gesture of kindness, I sought out a machine that would require minimum effort to make a good cup of coffee while using fresh beans.

I took a risk and bought this: https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Machin ... 03685&th=1.

Does it make the best cup of coffee? No. But it is good enough and worlds better than the Nespresso, and it allows me to make a small pot so I can have a few cups. All you have to do is load beans, fill water, hit the start button. I clean it once a month with distilled vinegar. Been going strong for about two years now.

[MH2]

I'll consider this, but isn't the process measure the beans, add to grinder and grind, transfer to coffee pot, measure water, pour mug, empty grinds, clean filter and carafe

If I was just making large pots it would be fine, but I'm doing 2-4 single servings a day. I'd rather push two buttons Seems like a good amount of time savings.

The only steps an automated drip machine saves on is the measuring the beans, adding to grinder and grinding, and transferring to the coffee pot filter. That's the part that takes about a minute. All the rest is the same whether part of the process is automated or not. And cleanup for automated machines is frequently harder.

That said, if you are only making one cup of coffee at a time, you probably want something other than a standard drip brewer. Ask the question that way and you'll likely get different responses.

I guess what I'm looking for doesn't exist, so I'm now considering a low end automated "espresso" machine or pour over. I just started another thread for pour over systems - viewtopic.php?t=417130

Super automated machines are prolific where I live.

They're convenient, easy to use, and take advantage of the fact that a lot of commercial coffee is specifically roasted for lower extraction pressures.

The downsides are price - good ones, like Juras, are expensive - and cleaning.

I would actually recommend taking the opposite approach. Good coffee comes down to the bean and the grind. Preparation is, in my opinion, a very distant third.

You've already gotten a lot of good advice here and in the pour-over thread, but to reiterate:
1. Find the nearest third wave cafe, or, really, any well reviewed independent cafe that either does their own roasts or sources from an independent roaster, go there, and learn how good coffee tastes.
2. Then, spend the money and buy highly rated roasted beans. Be diverse. Go for quality.
3. After that, buy a french press or a simple pour over setup. Start with a cheap blade grinder (the horror!).
4. Once you've decided that this is a hobby worth pursuing, upgrade good quality burr grinder, like the Eureka Mignon. Pair it with a good quality, used, semi automatic, such as a Gaggia or a Rancilio. Or, skip this step entirely and buy a pull lever LaPavoni.

[Sandtrap]

To OP:
Eventually, you will find a way to make coffee that you like. That's very individual. Some like "pour over" with fresh ground beans, whether a V60 or other. Or you can grind beans you find you like and make it in a reliable neutral "Moccamaster" drip coffee machine. Finding what you like in a cup of coffee and figuring out how to do it is a fun hobby that doesn't cost too much.

Have fun.
j

Hario V60 Pour Over setup and guide:
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P ... =UTF8&th=1
Hario #2 filters
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W9 ... =UTF8&th=1
Guide to use the pour over V60 to make coffee. It is a bit more "involved" than an electric drip coffee maker.
https://www.equatorcoffees.com/blogs/guides/hario-v60

[unstartable]

I use a Breville Precision that has been great so far. I was not satisfied with how long two Bonavita brewers lasted in the past. I use a Baratza Virtuosso to grind, but it produces a lot of static. When I want a single cup I make pour over.

[GmanJeff]

I use a Breville Smart Grinder Pro which grinds only as many beans as are needed for the number of cups you want to prepare. No need to measure out or calculate the bean quantity yourself. You just specify the number of cups of coffee you want to prepare. The grinder defaults to the last number of cups of coffee specified, so you often may not need to change any settings on it. Coupled with a Bonavita drip brewer, you'd be within your budget.

https://www.breville.com/us/en/products ... CG820BSSXL

https://bonavita.co/products/connoisseu ... fee-brewer

[hoofaman]

I wouldn't want a built in grinder, personally

We have a Moccamaster and like it, it may appear a bit flimsy but I like the design as it's easy to remove all the parts to clean. And after a lot of use, haven't had any parts break yet. It has 2 separate heating elements, 1 for the pot and 1 for the water. It doesn't have a water pump either, it just heats the water...and it heats it really fast, which moves the water through the basket, and to a much higher temp than my old MR coffee seemed to do. Does a good job making coffee and just has 1 button, the on/off switch

For the grinder we have a Breville "Smart" grinder pro, we used to have an offbrand Amazon bur grinder that was around $60 and was fine, but I like the Breville grinder. Up to you if it's worth the difference

[VinoVita]

Moccamaster!
+1
Wonderful coffee maker.

[lazydavid]

We have a Moccamaster and like it, it may appear a bit flimsy but I like the design as it's easy to remove all the parts to clean. And after a lot of use, haven't had any parts break yet. It has 2 separate heating elements, 1 for the pot and 1 for the water. It doesn't have a water pump either, it just heats the water...and it heats it really fast, which moves the water through the basket, and to a much higher temp than my old MR coffee seemed to do. Does a good job making coffee and just has 1 button, the on/off switch

To clarify, the Moccamaster isn't unique in this way. I don't know of any drip coffee makers that have a pump. They all use a heater to drive water up the feed tube. Food-grade pumps that are compatible with boiling water are very expensive, and are generally only found in midrange and high-end espresso machines.

That said, I'll echo your (and everyone else's) recommendation of the Moccamaster. They make wonderful coffee, and last almost forever. Mine finally developed a pinhole leak in the heater element after more than 40,000 pots. I still have it in the basement and may repair it someday.

Pair that with a good grinder, and you're golden. Your recommendation of the Brevelle is a good one. I got my mom a Capresso Infinity more than 15 years ago, and she still likes it.

[Sandtrap]

Any recommendations for a "super automated" drip coffee machine?

Ideally:
- Would like to grind the beans and make a coffee with the push of a button
- No capsule systems
- Don't want to spend a ton (max maybe $400 unless something really stands out)
- I only need coffee (don't need an espresso machine or milk frother)
- Easy to clean
- Decent build quality

Does anything like this exist?

To op:
"Not" an "all in one", as far as grinding the beans.
But an excellent recent forum discussion on coffee machines, quality of perk, "especially brands".

I tried a number of machines over the years and recently and ended with a "Bonavita".

Here's a link to the thread for your perusal...at your convenience.

Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
viewtopic.php?t=415564&start=200

j

tried this one by "Moccamaster", did not like the "bulk" and especially the height for where we needed it to be on the kitchen countertop.
It made reasonable coffee, went back to the Bonavita because of the "rain head" design, also had the preheat / bloom feature.

Moccamaster

[Go Blue 99]

I bought the Moccamaster Cup One last year, and really enjoy it.

[CloseEnough]

Well I smelled an electrical smell yesterday during coffee making and today my Braun (only a few years old) has stopped working. So I too am in the market, today! Happy Black Friday.

On a quick check, the Bonavita does not have a warming plate, turns off after 40 minutes. I need about two hours, or up to three as in my house we do not all wake up at the same time. Too bad because the 5 cup otherwise looked good. The Mocamaster is not dishwasher safe - for that amount of money I am not hand washing the carafe, even though it is probably only every several weeks, if that.

So, any other suggestions?

My view is that with an Encore grinder (I have, and love), the brewing machine is not that important as long as the water temperature is HOT (like 205). I think a low end brewer can do the job. That said, I have not begun to research it. Just enjoying my pour over with a dollop of Thanksgiving pure whipped cream (only do that at this time of year, but love it!), for today.

[Sandtrap]

Well I smelled an electrical smell yesterday during coffee making and today my Braun (only a few years old) has stopped working. So I too am in the market, today! Happy Black Friday.

On a quick check, the Bonavita does not have a warming plate, turns off after 40 minutes. I need about two hours, or up to three as in my house we do not all wake up at the same time. Too bad because the 5 cup otherwise looked good. The Mocamaster is not dishwasher safe - for that amount of money I am not hand washing the carafe, even though it is probably only every several weeks, if that.

So, any other suggestions?

My view is that with an Encore grinder (I have, and love), the brewing machine is not that important as long as the water temperature is HOT (like 205). I think a low end brewer can do the job. That said, I have not begun to research it. Just enjoying my pour over with a dollop of Thanksgiving pure whipped cream (only do that at this time of year, but love it!), for today.

I had a Cuisinart for many years. It had a metal carafe and a warming plate. Smaller #2 filter was fine but they make various sizes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000 ... UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DCC-55 ... Z7DR&psc=1
I took off the auto shutoff gizmo button on the bottom of the filter because it did not always work and sometimes would backflow the filter and gunk up the innards. It was fine without it for many years.

It seems that these basic "hotel type" styles last forever. There's not much to them.

j

[CloseEnough]

It seems that these basic "hotel type" styles last forever. There's not much to them.

j

Thanks for the suggestion. I agree these basic models should last a long time. This is the second Braun I've had that had an electrical problem that made it stop working, first covered under warranty at least. Which is too bad, because otherwise it has been fine.

The model you suggested only does 4 cups which would be ok except they are 5 ounce cups. So, even though we are beginning to cut back, that would likely be a bit too little. Other models by this maker could work though, so I may go that way with the Cuisinart.

[CloseEnough]

Ordered this one: Cuisinart Coffee Maker, Perfecttemp 14-Cup Glass Carafe, Programmable Fully Automatic for Brew Strength Control & 1-4 Cup Setting, Black, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200BKSP. Should be fine for making coffee.

[Sandtrap]

Ordered this one: Cuisinart Coffee Maker, Perfecttemp 14-Cup Glass Carafe, Programmable Fully Automatic for Brew Strength Control & 1-4 Cup Setting, Black, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200BKSP. Should be fine for making coffee.

Looks bulletproof.
Should last for many years.

I have to have "non glass" carafes, otherwise I would have also went with the one you picked.

Update if you can on how it works out and performs.
thanks!
j

[runningshoes]

Ordered this one: Cuisinart Coffee Maker, Perfecttemp 14-Cup Glass Carafe, Programmable Fully Automatic for Brew Strength Control & 1-4 Cup Setting, Black, Stainless Steel, DCC-3200BKSP. Should be fine for making coffee.

Looks bulletproof.
Should last for many years.

I have to have "non glass" carafes, otherwise I would have also went with the one you picked.

Update if you can on how it works out and performs.
thanks!
j

We have had the Cuisinart noted above for a good 4-5 years now, about 3x a week I host my small group of running buddies for coffee after our early morning run, so the 14 cup (in reality 7 mugs) is crucial to avoid a second run when we're all short on time in the early morning. The other days it's only my wife and myself, so 8 cups (4 mugs). I broke the carafe (while rinsing, so not related to the product) and got a new one easily and at a reasonable price. The aluminum version is the one I preferred but it only came in the 12 cup size. Coincidentally, I've been arguing with myself over a serious upgrade and finally (after 2 years of deferring) got a factory refurbished Jura E8 this week. Today was Day 1 and I ran it through its paces with all the Holiday guests, and it's a huge step up in quality and taste, and the convenience factor of making exactly what you want when you want it is really nice. I know it's a hard sell for BH's but the small luxuries in life make a difference to me at this stage (it's the same rule with wines ).