Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Ninja CE251 Drip Coffee Maker
Best Budget PickRatio Six Coffee Maker
Best Low-Plastic OptionPrice
$60-$100
$370-$800
Summary
The best-tasting coffee maker under $100 according to Wirecutter's testing. No frills, no fuss — just solid, consistent drip coffee at a fraction of the premium price.
The go-to for coffee drinkers worried about microplastics — metal feed lines, minimal plastic contact with hot water, and exceptional brew quality. A cult favorite in r/Coffee.
Pros
- Best-tasting coffee under $100 per Wirecutter's blind testing
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve
- Wide availability and affordable replacement parts
- Good capacity for households that brew multiple cups
- Metal feed lines minimize hot water contact with plastic
- Produces excellent, clean-tasting drip coffee
- Praised by coffee enthusiasts for build quality and aesthetics
- Paper filter use further reduces plastic exposure
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like bloom cycles or precise temperature control
- Build quality won't last as long as premium options like the Moccamaster
- No programmable timer on base model
- Stock dripper is plastic on the base Ratio Six model
- Expensive at ~$370 for the entry-level version
- Carafe lid/spout is plastic, so coffee does touch plastic when pouring
Our take
If you're not ready to spend $300 on a Moccamaster, the Ninja CE251 is the honest answer. Wirecutter tested everything under $100 and this one won on taste.
If you've gone down the microplastics rabbit hole, the Ratio Six is the answer at a price that doesn't require selling a kidney. The community loves it for a reason.
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