Coffee. It’s a simple beverage made only from a couple of ingredients. Spice it up with your favourite syrups, flavourings, sugar, or cream, or keep it simple with black coffee. Despite its simplicity, messing up a good cup of coffee is far too easy, and without a good coffee maker on your team, there’s a good chance you won’t get the results you’re hoping for.
So, how do you choose a drip coffee maker to create an endless supply of glorious beverages? It starts with a solid drip coffee maker. While it doesn’t need to have fancy bells and whistles to make a great cup, it needs to do its singular function well.
We researched an array of drip coffee makers to help consumers like you find the best option for their homes. So, if you’re searching for the best drip coffee maker in Canada, look no further. Here are our top suggestions.
Best Drip Coffee Makers for Canadians in 2023
- Best Overall: Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker
- Best Smart Features: Black + Decker Programmable Coffee Maker
- Best Programmable: Black + Decker Digital Coffee Maker
- Best Budget Model: Elite Gourmet Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker
- Best Multi-Functional: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 3-Way Coffee Maker
- Best for Small Homes: Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker
Why Did We Choose These Drip Coffee Makers in Canada?
We sifted through some of the best top-rated drip coffee makers in Canada to help you select the drip coffee maker that would be best fo ryou. We evaluated all the features and options available with each model, including their dimensions, capacities, and special standout features. Each of them stood out in their own specific ways, making them some of the best we can recommend from the selection on the Canadian market. Here’s how we chose the best drip coffee makers in Canada for 2023.
The Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker earned its place as our best overall pick. It features an impressive list of features packed into an aesthetically pleasing package. It comes with a strong warranty and is programmable, making it a great option for busy mornings.
If you appreciate smart features, the Black + Decker Programmable Coffee Maker is a worthwhile consideration. This coffee machine offers features such as a Keep Warm function, Brew Freshness, Sneak-a-Cup, and Auto Clean.
Next up, we have the Black + Decker Digital Coffee Maker. This machine earned its place as our top programmable pick, offering Quick Touch programming for effortless brewing scheduling. If you need a pot that’s easy to use but will produce a pot of coffee on schedule, this one is a great option.
The Elite Gourmet Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for Canadians on a budget. It comes at a nearly unbeatable price but offers great features, including a single-cup brewing option, compact footprint, and simple operation.
If you want a multi-functional coffee machine, consider the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 3-Way Coffee Maker, which offers a blend of features for optimal usability. It provides multiple brewing options for single or full-pot brewing, plus a slew of features.
Lastly, we have the Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker. This little machine is perfect for small homes, as it offers a smaller brewing capacity and compact footprint. It’s easy to operate, making it ideal for Canadians who don’t want to fuss with bells and whistles
Best Overall
Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 20.1 x 20.1 x 36.1 centimetres
- Color: Black
- Programmable: Yes
- Material: Aluminium, Glass, Plastic
- Filter Type: Reusable
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a well-rounded pick
- Those who want a strong warranty
- Those with busy mornings
The Braun BrewSense drip coffee maker is a great choice for Canadians who want a well-rounded pick. The machine features the basics, plus a few extras, to simplify the process of making your morning cup of coffee.
It features a 24-hour programmable timer, allowing you to set a time to have the coffee brewing in the morning. This can be a great tool for Canadians with an ongoing relationship with their snooze buttons, resulting in a late morning (we get it!). The machine also features an auto shut-off feature that shuts it down automatically when it’s done.
The pot has a capacity of up to 12 cups of coffee, but you can brew smaller amounts at a time. The 1-4 cup setting allows you to brew just enough for your morning caffeine intake. A water level indicator will enable you to determine how many ounces you’ll end up with, whether you want an 11-ounce mug or a full pot.
An optional charcoal filter offers an added level of purification for your brewing water, which is ideal for homes with hard water. The system also features a cleaning feature you can adjust to accommodate your home’s specific water hardness level.
This machine features a modern, minimalistic design with stainless steel components accentuating a glossy black backdrop. Flat buttons offer easy control over the machine, and a LED display clearly displays the current time.
A three-year warranty offers excellent coverage, ensuring you’ll get the most out of your purchase.
Key Features
- Solid warranty. Three years of warranty coverage offer excellent protection to cover your investment.
- Varying capacity. Brew one single cup or a full pot – it’s up to you!
- Brew Pause. This feature prevents the pot from dripping when you want to pour a cup while the pot is still brewing.
- Sleek design. Stainless steel and glossy black pair beautifully to create a sleek finish that matches nearly any kitchen aesthetic.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you want a well-rounded drip coffee pot, this model is a formidable contender.”
Best Smart Features
Black + Decker Programmable Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 13.8 x 14.2 centimetres
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Programmable: Yes
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Filter Type: Reusable
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a smarter coffee pot
- Those who drink coffee sporadically throughout the day
- Compact kitchens
The Black + Decker Programmable coffee maker is a great choice for Canadians who appreciate smart features. This machine has an array of smart features to make producing a pot of delectable coffee easier than ever.
For example, the vortex water flow feature provides better saturation and optimized water flow to create a richer, more flavorful final product. A hot carafe plate keeps the coffee in the glass carafe hot, ensuring you can enjoy your coffee for hours after you brew it.
The Keep Warm function with Brew Freshness allows you to determine how long it’s been since you brewed the coffee and activated the Keep Warm function. If it’s been too long, brew another pot – there’s no guesswork involved in trying to remember when you brewed the pot!
The Sneak-a-cup feature allows you to grab a cup of coffee before the machine finishes brewing the current batch. It prevents the machine from dripping while the carafe is out of place, ensuring you don’t make a mess on the warming plate.
The digital controls allow you to conveniently control brew strength to ensure you get the perfect balanced cup. An Auto Clean system takes the hassle out of cleaning, helping to cleanse the interior of the pot. The filter baskets are removable and dishwasher safe, further simplifying the cleaning process.
The pot comes in two colours: black and silver. The black model features black stainless steel, while the silver model features classic silver stainless steel. Both colour options blend beautifully into varying kitchen colour palettes.
Key Features
- Keep Warm function. Drink your coffee over the course of a few hours without having to reheat the pot using the Keep Warm function.
- Freshness detection. No more trying to figure out when you brewed your last pot of coffee. A freshness detection system will tell you how long the coffee has been in the warm setting.
- Auto Clean system. Forget about trying to wiggle your hands into the tiny nooks and crannies for cleaning. The Auto Clean feature has you covered.
- Brew strength controls. Don’t want an overly powerful cup of coffee? Adjust your brew strength preferences with a simple tap.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you want a coffee pot that can adjust to your needs, this machine is a worthwhile consideration.”
Best Programmable
Black + Decker Digital Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 20.7 x 24.1 x 30.8 centimetres
- Color: Black
- Programmable: Yes
- Material: Plastic, Metal
- Filter Type: Disposable
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a programmable coffee maker
- Multiple coffee drinkers
- Those who drink coffee throughout the day
This Black + Decker Digital coffee maker is another strong pick on our list. It offers programmable features for ultimate convenience, making it an excellent option for busy Canadians who want to save a few minutes on making coffee.
The pot comes with Quick Touch programming for easy adjustments and a digital clock to keep time. You can easily program the machine, which has a 24-hour auto brew feature, to start a pot of coffee at a set time. So, if you’re running late in the morning or want a cup of coffee before you leave for the night shift, plan ahead and have your coffee ready for you when you need it.
Like the other Black + Decker model on this list, this machine features vortex technology for a more even, richer final product saturated with flavour. It also features the Sneak-a-cup option, which temporarily stops the steady drip of coffee while you grab a cup from the still-brewing pot.
It can produce up to 12 5-ounce cups of coffee, making it an excellent choice for larger households. It’s also a great choice for those who drink several cups of coffee throughout the day, as it has a built-in hotplate to keep your coffee toasty throughout the day.
The convenient water window lets you know how much water is left in the reservoir, and a brew strength selector makes it easy to select the perfect strength for your coffee.
Key Features
- All black design. This coffee pot features a glossy all-black design, save for a stainless steel band on the glass carafe, making it a great choice for all kitchen aesthetics.
- Hotplate. A built-in hotplate keeps your pot of coffee nice and toasty for drinking convenience throughout the day.
- Programmable. A 24-hour auto brewing feature allows you to schedule when the pot will begin to brew a pot of coffee, ensuring it’ll be ready for you when you need it.
- Large capacity. Producing up to 12 cups of coffee at once, this machine is a great choice for Canadians who drink lots of coffee or households with multiple coffee drinkers.
Our Expert’s Take
“Complete with programmable settings and a large capacity, this pot is perfect for busy Canadians on the go.”
Best Budget Model
Elite Gourmet Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 13.5 x 20.3 centimetres
- Color: Black and Stainless Steel
- Programmable: No
- Material: N/A
- Filter Type: Reusable
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want to brew one cup at a time
- Smaller households
- Compact kitchens
The Elite Gourmet coffee maker is a solid choice for Canadians on a budget. This compact little coffee maker is surprisingly affordable, so it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to splurge on a coffee machine.
It features a compact footprint, fitting easily into smaller spaces, making it a good option for Canadians without much counter space, storage space, and small kitchens. It brews as little as one cup at a time, so it’s perfect for households with solo coffee drinkers. However, it can brew up to five cups at a time, so it’s also suitable for a couple of coffee drinkers.
Despite its small footprint, this coffee machine packs an array of helpful features. Its semi-transparent water reservoir panel allows you to quickly determine how much water you have left, and a 5-cup glass carafe holds just enough coffee to serve a handful of people.
The Pause ’n’ Serve feature allows you to pop the carafe out to grab a quick cup while the pot is still brewing, as it halts brewing progress to minimize messes while the carafe is out. A simple ON/OFF switch regulates the system, making a quick pot of coffee easier than ever.
The power indicator light lets you know the system is running as it should. A reusable filter fitted in a swing-out basket pops out for easy cleaning.
Key Features
- Compact. The small footprint of this coffee machine makes it perfect for small kitchens with limited storage and counter space.
- Single-cup brewing. Brew a single cup at a time or up to five cups all in one go based on the current need.
- Simple. Missing the complicated bells and whistles of high-tech coffee pots, this coffee machine is perfect for Canadians who don’t want to deal with a learning curve to use it.
- Reusable filter. The filter in this pot is reusable and removable to save you money on paper cone filters and benefit the environment.
Our Expert’s Take
“Featuring nothing but the basics, this coffee pot is an excellent choice for Canadians who prefer simplicity over high-tech features.”
Best Multi-Functional
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 3-Way Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 35.1 x 39.6 x 35.6 centimetres
- Color: Black
- Programmable: Yes
- Material: N/A
- Filter Type: Disposable
It's Great For:
- Canadians with varying coffee capacity needs
- Those who want a quick way to brew a single cup
- Busy individuals with limited time in the mornings
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 3-Way coffee maker is a phenomenal pick for Canadians who want a multi-functional coffee pot. This handy pot packs a punch, offering three capabilities in one.
Hosting guests who drink lots of coffee? Brew a full pot of up to 12 cups in one go. Want a single cup for yourself? You have two options. If you have a coffee pod on hand, you can quickly brew a cup using the pod. Alternatively, toss your favourite grounds into the main section of the pot and brew a single cup into the carafe. It’s up to you!
There are several single-serve sizes to choose from when brewing in the pot, including 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 ounces. If you brew your coffee with a pod, you can select from 6, 8, and 10-ounce cups.
If you’re in a rush, take advantage of the rapid single-serving brewing capabilities, as the pot can produce a single cup in just 90 seconds. Or, program the machine to brew a set amount at a certain time in the morning to eliminate stopping to brew coffee.
The digital backlit display makes it easy to set the clock, program brewing times, and adjust brewing sizes. The massive 56-ounce water reservoir limits water refills, allowing you to go longer between refilling the pot.
Key Features
- Multiple functions. Brew a full pot of coffee for a large group or a single cup using the pot or pod feature.
- 90-second brewing. Save time in the morning with the rapid single-serving brewing cycles that take about 90 seconds.
- Single-serve sizes. Choose from five single-serve sizes to ensure you get the perfect amount in your cup.
- Easy-touch programming. Get out the door faster by programming your coffee pot to brew at set times, ensuring it’ll always be ready when needed.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you regularly need to brew large pots or single servings of coffee, this multi-functional machine might be perfect for you.”
Best for Small Homes
Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker
- Dimensions: 15 x 20 x 24.6 centimetres
- Color: Black and Stainless Steel
- Programmable: No
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Filter Type: Reusable
It's Great For:
- Canadians with smaller homes
- Households with a single coffee drinker
- Those who want a basic coffee machine
The Amazon Basics 5-Cup coffee maker lives up to its name. It features the basics, offering blissful simplicity that skirts complicated high-tech features altogether and makes it easier than ever to brew a pot of coffee.
All it takes to brew a pot is pressing the ON/OFF switch to initiate the process. An indicator light lets you know you’re well on your way to brewing a fresh pot of the delectable beverage. A warming plate keeps the coffee hot until you turn off the machine once brewing is complete, ensuring your coffee remains toasty.
Overheating and dry boil protection prevent temperatures from climbing too high by stopping the brewing process when the water in the tank runs out. A water window on the side of the machine offers a convenient peek into the water reservoir to let you quickly determine whether you need to add water.
A reusable filter pops out of the basket for quick and easy cleaning, limiting the need for purchasing paper cone filters. The 5-cup pot holds just enough coffee to serve a few people or a single individual throughout the day.
Key Features
- Simple operation. Simplicity is key with this coffee pot, featuring nothing but an ON/OFF switch and indicator light to let you know you’re on the way to a fresh pot of coffee.
- Warming plate. Keep your coffee warm for hours after brewing by leaving the pot on after brewing and letting the warming plate do its thing.
- Overheating protection. With the dry-boil protection function, there’s no need to worry about your coffee machine overheating if it runs out of water, as it’ll switch into dry-boil mode.
- Small capacity. With a 5-cup carafe, this pot is perfect for making up to five cups of coffee at once or just a single cup.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you want an affordable, compact, and solo-friendly coffee maker, this model is a great choice.”
Why Trust Us?
Coffee is a staple for many Canadians, serving as encouragement to get the day started on particularly blustery mornings or giving you that extra boost of energy you need during sluggish afternoons. Given its importance, you’ll need to choose a good coffee maker.
Unfortunately, choosing a machine that can make a powerful cup every time isn’t so simple. We stepped in to help you in your quest and ensure you have access to the best-performing drip coffee makers in Canada.
Our team is dedicated to all things home-related, from robust heat pumps to keep your home comfortable year-round to the best wine fridges to keep your beverage perfectly chilled. We sift out the best of the best in all home categories to supply you with a top-rated list.
We conduct extensive analysis to ensure we select the best-performing, highest-rated options available. In our quest to find the best drip coffee makers in Canada, we looked for a couple of primary factors, including the following:
- Capacity: While you might drink one cup of coffee daily, someone else might drink three or four daily. Or, maybe their household has multiple coffee drinkers. We looked for highly-rated machines of varying sizes to ensure we suggest something for everyone.
- Programming: Programmable features are handy, especially if you have busy, chaotic mornings. While this isn’t a priority for every Canadian, we included something for those regularly dealing with a morning time crunch.
- Features: The best drip coffee makers offer the basic features, but for some Canadians, add-ons are ideal. We searched for models that cover both bases to ensure there’s something for everyone.
- Cost: Each Canadian’s budget looks slightly different than the next’s, so we prioritized finding models that accommodate varying budgets.
Factors to Look For in a Drip Coffee Maker in Canada
Shopping for a drip coffee maker is a relatively simple process, as these products are typically fairly cut and dry. But if you don’t know what to look for, you might end up with a model that doesn’t match your needs. So, consider these factors to ensure you select the best fit for your home.
Capacity
The capacity of the coffee maker is a key consideration when shopping for a drip coffee maker, as this will help you determine the correct size for your household. How many people in your household drink coffee? Are you all regularly drinking coffee around the same time? Do you frequently host friends or family who drink drip coffee?
If you have a passel of people in your home that routinely drink coffee around the same times during the day, you may want to consider a larger model that can brew a few cups at a time. In contrast, if you’re a solo coffee drinker or live alone, a one or two-cup model might be the better option for you.
A larger machine might be a good investment if you regularly host people who drink lots of coffee. It all depends on your situation and how much coffee your household consumes in a day.
Frequency
Consider how often you drink coffee. Do you prefer a couple of cups in the morning to shake off the remnants of sleep, or do you religiously stick to one cup per day? Do you like to drink coffee throughout the rest of the day, or is it a one-and-done kind of thing?
If you drink several cups in the morning or throughout the day, consider purchasing a coffee maker with an insulated mug or carafe. These pots are designed to keep brewed coffee hot and fresh-tasting for hours upon hours, ensuring your coffee is just as delicious as it was when you brewed it.
While you can always brew more coffee later in the day, this option might be a good choice for folks who drink a considerable amount of coffee. If you prefer a fresh cup each time you drink your coffee, you may want to consider a one or two-cup drip model to ensure you get fresh coffee every time.
Programming
Making a pot of drip coffee is a fairly straightforward task, but if you regularly run late or don’t feel like brewing a pot every morning, consider a programmable coffee pot. With select coffee makers, you can set times for it to brew.
For example, you could set it to brew a fresh pot first thing in the morning, ensuring you’ll have a steaming pot of coffee ready for you when you wake up. Some coffee makers are even fancier, offering other programmable features, like automatic shut-down cycles.
Of course, you’ll have to prep the coffee maker the night before to ensure you get your pot of black gold. But if the mornings are already chaotic and you are pressed for time, saving yourself a few minutes by prepping the coffee pot the night before can be a worthwhile venture.
Dimensions
Consider the dimensions of each coffee maker and how much space you have for it. If you plan to store it on the countertop, ensure there’s plenty of room to keep it there. Otherwise, check your cabinet or shelving for a space where it could fit.
This might not be a prominent concern if you have ample space in your kitchen. However, if counter space is limited, checking this factor before buying your coffee machine doesn’t hurt.
Hot or Cold
Do you prefer to drink hot coffee or iced coffee? This is a key consideration when buying a machine, as some are geared toward one or the other. Some models offer “brew over ice” or cold-brew modes to accommodate the preferences of iced coffee drinkers.
While virtually every coffee machine can make hot coffee, not all can perform as well with iced coffees. Of course, you could pop the brewed coffee in the fridge or freezer for a while. But if you’re in a rush, that might not be an option.
So, if you prefer cold-brew or iced coffee, keep your eyes peeled for a coffee maker that offers these capabilities. If you absolutely love cold-brew coffee and don’t drink any other type of coffee, consider a manual cold-brew coffee maker. These models are different than a standard drip coffee maker, but if you prefer cold-brew coffee, you may want to switch gears from a drip coffee maker to a cold-brew coffee maker.
Features
While not a pressing concern for most folks, the features list is another aspect to consider as you shop. Do you want a fancier coffee machine? These machines often provide extra capabilities, such as a built-in grinder or the option to pull espresso shots.
You can expect to pay more if you want something with more bells and whistles. However, if you don’t mind simplicity and would prefer to keep your coffee maker spending to a minimum, a standard drip coffee maker might be a good choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, using a medium coarse ground coffee for your drip coffee maker is best. The grind is a happy medium and offers a nicely palatable balance.
If the coffee is too fine, it may plug up your coffee machine, making you wait even longer for your next cup of java. On top of that, you might end up with sludge in your coffee cup.
However, if the coffee is ground too coarsely, your coffee might taste weak. This coarser grind often translates to less extraction, hence the weaker coffee. So, a medium grind is usually ideal to get the best of both worlds.
A drip coffee maker is just that, right? So how different can it be? Surprisingly enough, drip coffee makers have quite a bit of variability. Some produce exceptional coffee, while others don’t scratch the itch, leaving you craving a delectable cup of coffee.
So, yes, there truly is a difference between drip coffee makers and the coffee they produce.
The answer to this question hinges entirely on your scenario. For example, a single-cup model is probably best if you’re the only coffee drinker in your household. In contrast, a larger multi-cup model is better suited to households with more than a few people.
Keurigs are incredibly popular and for a good reason. However, while they have their place in the coffee world, drip coffee has an edge over them. You can brew higher-quality coffee in bulk at one time and at a lower cost per cup. So, while a Keruig or similar machine might be a good choice for single-coffee-drinker households, drip machines are ideal for more coffee drinkers.
