What is the best coffee maker? Let us compare three drip coffee makers to help find the best coffee maker for you.

First, let us take a look at the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker. Zojirushi is known for making quality coffee machine, and this one is no exception. It looks distinct and very compact, and it is very attractive. This is pretty expensive though, and the most expensive among the three coffee makers that we are looking at in this article.

This is probably the reason why this coffee maker is so well made. Instead of using words to label the control buttons, Zojirushi opted to use symbolic icons, which are easy to understand. The coffee filter sits inside the lid of the pot and not attached to the coffee maker itself, which makes it easier to see and use. The filter this coffee machine uses is a cone-bottom one, which helps make better tasting coffee than a flat-bottom filter.

The concealed water reservoir is removable so refilling it is easy and mess-free. The water reservoir also makes use of a charcoal filter, which removes impurities in the water, such as chlorine. The charcoal filter lasts about 2 years with regular use. This coffee maker has a heating plate as well, ensuring that the last cup is as hot as the first cup.

If you are looking for a quality 5 cup drip coffee brewer, and willing to spend the extra cash, the Zojirushi EC-DAC50 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker is highly recommended.

Second, let us take a look at the Hamilton Beach Aroma Express 5 Cup Coffee Maker. This is a low-cost brewer, despite being low-priced, is packed with features. It has a large wide-mouthed water reservoir, a swing-out filter basket and also a heating plate that keeps your coffee hot. And the filter basket and the carafe can go in the dishwasher, making this machine very maintenance friendly.

Sadly, the Hamilton Beach Aroma Express gets somewhat mixed reviews. The problem usually stems from its filter basket. It appears that the filter is hard to remove, and it is also hard to insert into the coffee brewer. And, if you pour water into the reservoir too quickly, you will spill water all over the counter. There are also complaints about the carafe spilling if you happen to pour coffee too quickly. Therefore, a lot more care is required when handling this machine. This is a low-cost machine and you have to adapt to it a little to compensate for the compromise in quality. Taken as a whole though, for a low-cost machine, it does act upon what it promises.

Finally, let us take a look at the Black & Decker DCM18 Brew 'n Go Coffee Machine. This is a drip coffee maker that caters to those who want a low-cost single cup coffee brewer. The striking feature about this machine is the travel mug. The travel mug fits most car cup holders, and has a non-slip handle. It brews coffee fast, and it brews coffee directly into the travel mug and automatically shuts off after brewing, so if you are in a hurry to leave, just take the travel mug with you without having to worry about leaving the machine on.

It also comes with a reusable filter as well, so you do not have to worry about disposable filters. This brewer also heats water for instant soup, tea, hot chocolate, or oatmeal.

This coffee machine generally receives positive feedback from those who have used it. Most complaints stem from misuse and from using finely ground coffee beans. For example, it is hard to find a replacement for the travel mug if you happen to lose it. And avoid using very fine ground coffee beans or else the grounds will reach the water reservoir. Overall though, for a low-priced single cup coffee maker, this is a great machine.