Auto Brewers
Where’s the Mr. Coffees and Black & Deckers? Not on this list. Those cheaper drip machines won’t do justice to specialty coffee for a few reasons: 1) they don’t reach the right temperature (195-205°F) for proper extraction, 2) they don’t finish within the proper time (lending to under- or over-extraction), 3) they don’t have a spray head to evenly saturate the grounds and reduce channeling, 4) they don’t have a pre-infusion mode to let fresh coffee bloom (release CO2), and 5) they may or may not have a burner that’s scalding the life out of whatever decent coffee made it to their glass carafe.
The brewers below are all SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) certified and don’t suffer from such flaws. Rest assured, buying an automatic drip machine from this list means you’ll be making delicious coffee for years to come.
Pros
Cheapest SCA certified drip machine (around $100)
Easy, one switch operation
Popular model with proven track record
Cons
Not good at producing smaller batches (no single/double servings)
Lack of features means your grinder is your only tool for dialing in extraction
Pros
Affordable (under $200)
Easy to use
Able to produce smaller batches (microprocessor adjusts brew time based on number of cups selected)
Cons
Less of a track record compared to other brewers, may not be as reliable
Lack of features means your grinder is your primary tool for dialing in extraction
Pros
Incredible build quality, reliability, and track record (comes with a 5 year warranty, but many report 20+ years of reliable use)
Easy, one switch operation
Manual-adjust brew basket gives control over flow rate/brew time
Cons
Not good at producing smaller batches (no single/double servings)
More expensive (around $250), but track record indicates it’s built to last
Pros
High tech, loaded with unique features
Comes with both flat bottom and cone filter baskets, making it a versatile brewer for large or small batches (this will make great single serving cups)
Great control over extraction variables (bloom time, flow rate, water temperature)
Cons
More expensive (around $300), but no other brewer gives you this much control
Newer model with less of a track record
SCALES
Yes, even with an auto brewer, I recommend you use a kitchen scale to dose (both coffee and water). Start with a 1:17 coffee to water ratio and adjust from there.
Pros
Popular, well-reviewed model
Accurate
Affordable (around $20)
Cons
No timer built in (would need to use a separate timer if using for manual brewers)
Pros
Affordable (around $25-30)
Timer built in
Cons
Less of a track record (may be less reliable)
Pros
Reputable brand and well-reviewed model
Timer built in
Cons
More expensive (around $50)
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