If you're a coffee lover, having the right coffee maker can make all the difference in the world. But with so many different types and features to consider, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we'll take you through the most important factors to consider when choosing a coffee maker, as well as provide recommendations for some of the best options on the market.
Types of Coffee Makers
There are several different types of coffee makers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are three of the most popular:
Drip Coffee Maker
Drip coffee makers are the most common type of coffee maker. They work by heating water and then dripping it through a basket of coffee grounds and into a carafe. Drip coffee makers come in a range of sizes, from small four-cup models to large 12-cup models. They're easy to use and produce a consistent cup of coffee.
Pros: Easy to use, produces a consistent cup of coffee, comes in a range of sizes
Cons: Coffee can be weaker than other methods, carafes can be difficult to clean, not ideal for brewing small amounts of coffee
Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Single-serve coffee makers are a great choice if you only want to brew one cup of coffee at a time. They work by heating water and then forcing it through a small pod or capsule of coffee grounds. Single-serve coffee makers are quick and easy to use, and they come in a range of sizes and styles.
Pros: Quick and easy to use, no waste, comes in a range of sizes and styles
Cons: Can be more expensive per cup of coffee, limited variety of coffee, not ideal for large groups
Espresso Machine
Espresso machines are perfect for making espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. They work by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans and into a small cup. Espresso machines come in a range of sizes and styles, from small countertop models to large commercial machines.
Pros: Great for making espresso-based drinks, produces a strong and flavorful cup of coffee, comes in a range of sizes and styles
Cons: Can be expensive, requires more skill to use than other types of coffee makers, can be difficult to clean
Alternative Coffee Makers
If you're looking for a different way to make coffee, there are several alternative coffee makers to consider. Here are three popular options:
A moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that uses pressure to brew coffee. It consists of three parts: a bottom chamber for water, a middle chamber for ground coffee, and a top chamber for the brewed coffee. To use a moka pot, you fill the bottom chamber with water, add ground coffee to the middle chamber, and place the pot on the stove. As the water heats up, it is forced through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber, creating a strong, flavorful cup of coffee.
A pour over coffee maker is a simple, manual coffee brewing method that involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans. To use a pour over coffee maker, you place a paper filter in the top of the brewer, add ground coffee to the filter, and slowly pour hot water over the coffee in a circular motion. This allows the water to extract the flavor and aroma of the coffee beans, creating a clean and bright cup of coffee.
Cold Brew Maker
A cold brew maker is a device used to make cold brew coffee, which is coffee brewed using cold water over an extended period of time. Cold brew coffee is less acidic and smoother than regular coffee, and is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor. To use a cold brew maker, you add ground coffee and cold water to the device, and let it steep for 12-24 hours. The resulting coffee concentrate can be diluted with water or milk to create a delicious and refreshing iced coffee.
Features to Consider When Buying a Coffee Maker
Here are three of the most important features to consider when buying a coffee maker:
Capacity
The capacity of a coffee maker refers to how many cups of coffee it can brew at once. If you're a heavy coffee drinker or will be making coffee for multiple people, you'll want a coffee maker with a larger capacity. On the other hand, if you only drink one or two cups of coffee at a time, a smaller coffee maker may be a better choice.
Grind and Brew Function
Some coffee makers come with a built-in grinder, allowing you to grind your coffee beans fresh each time you brew a pot of coffee. This can result in a fresher and more flavorful cup of coffee. However, grind and brew coffee makers can be more expensive and may require more maintenance than other types of coffee makers.
If you love lattes and cappuccinos, a coffee maker with a built-in frother can be a great choice. Milk frothers come in two main types: steam wand frothers and automatic frothers. Steam wand frothers require more skill to use, but they can produce a better froth. Automatic frothers are easier to use but may not produce as good of a froth. Milk frothers are typically the least talked bout feature as you can purchase an automatic milk frother or a hand-held milk frother at any time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance and cleaning is important to keep your coffee maker in good condition and ensure that it produces a high-quality cup of coffee. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and descaling your coffee maker.
- Clean the carafe and filter basket after each use.
- Use filtered water to prevent mineral buildup in your coffee maker.
- Consider using a coffee maker with a removable water reservoir, which can make it easier to clean.
Top Coffee Makers to Consider
Now that you know what to look for in a coffee maker, here are some of our top recommendations:
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
This high-end espresso machine comes with a built-in grinder and milk frother, making it perfect for making cafe-quality drinks at home.
Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Maker
This drip coffee maker is handmade in the Netherlands and produces a consistently great cup of coffee. It also has a large water reservoir and a brew basket that can be adjusted to different coffee strengths.
Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve Coffee Maker
This single-serve coffee maker is perfect for those who only need to brew one cup of coffee at a time. It has a large water reservoir and can brew multiple cup sizes. It also has a strong brew setting for those who like a bolder cup of coffee.
In conclusion, choosing the right coffee maker can make a big difference in the quality of your morning cup of coffee. Consider the type of coffee maker, its features, and its maintenance requirements when making your decision. And don't forget to check out our brew shop for some of the best alternative coffee makers on the market.
