Automatic Drip Coffee Makers

Krups Stainless Steel 10 Cup Coffee Machine - FMF5-14

Price: $98

Of the many automatic coffee machines we have used over the years, Krups has always proven to be reliable and great value for the money.

There are a number of features that we particularly like with the FMF5-14. We much prefer the stainless steal thermal carafe over the standard glass carafe models. After brewing, we shut off the unit saving energy, and take the carafe upstairs to enjoy several cups of perfectly brewed coffee before heading off for work.

The thermal carafe is one of the better designs, easy to handle, and has a nice positive start/stop pouring mechanism that doesn't dribble or drip. The carafe is very thermal efficient and keeps the coffee hot for at least an hour, plenty of time to finish off the refills.

The anti-scale, anti-chlorine filter system definitely produces a superior brew, especially if your water is a challenge. The filter is easily replaceable and a rotary indicator on the top of the filter holder makes it easy to keep track of when it's time to change the filter.

This Krups unit is definitely a welcome replacement for the miserable Cuisinart unit we recently put out to pasture.

Here's a list of more great features:

• FMF5-14 Stainless Steel 10 Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Machine
• 1100 Watts provides fast and efficient brewing.
• Programmable timer/auto on sets the start time each day.
• Auto-off after brew cycle complete.
• Empty water reservoir detection shuts unit off automatically if empty.
• High visibility blue illuminated LED control panel for ease of use.
• Audible signal when brewing is complete.
• 10-cup double walled vacuum sealed stainless steel thermal carafe maintains flavor and temperature longer .
• Pause and serve feature allows interruption anytime during the brew cycle to remove the carafe.
• Built-in water filtration system removes chlorine and lime scale.
• Descaling indicator measures brew time and calculates when descaling is necessary.

Krups FMF5 Stainless Steel 10 Cup Coffee Machine - FMF5-14

Capresso MT500 - 10 Cup Programmable Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

Price: $179.95

Our top pick for automatic coffee brewing, Capresso stands out above the rest.

High quality heating elements assure ideal brewing temperatures of over 200° F during brewing and approx. 180° F coffee temperature in the carafe directly after brewing. This is the only coffee maker in this price range that gets this close to brewing coffee at the optimum temperature (200° F) for proper infusion. This inures the best flavor and aroma.

The thermal carafe is a must. We won't use or recommend a glass carafe and heating element which only burns and spoils coffee left sitting on the warming element. Only use a thermal carafe.

Here's a list of more great features:

• Stainless steel thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot for up to 4 hours. Much better than the cheaper keep-warm heating elements that burn and spoil the coffee.
• 1200 Watt stainless steel lined heating system for fast and efficient brewing.
• Can brew 10 cups of coffee in under 8 minutes for maximum flavor and aroma.
• Drip stop allows you to pour a cup while brewing.
• Charcoal water filter removes up to 83% of the chlorine commonly found in may water supplies.
• 24-hour programmable clock/timer.
• Permanent GoldTone filter included.
• Safety auto shut-off after brewing.
• Dimensions: 13.75" H x 9.75" W x 10" L
• FREE Shipping.

Capresso MT500 Coffee Maker - Stainless Steel with Black