Coffee Makers 101

Coffee makers are available at a variety of different price points. The more special features it has, the more expensive it will typically be. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best coffee maker for your lifestyle, budget, and personal needs.

Here is a checklist to help you determine the type of coffee maker that will be best for you. This list is courtesy of Consumer Reports:

• How Much Coffee Do You Typically Drink? Those that just drink a cup of two cups in the morning, or if you live alone and drink coffee sparingly. If you need a lot of coffee to walk you up in the morning, you may want an automatic drip coffee maker. These machines will brew 10 to 12, 5-ounce cups of coffee.
• How Often Do You Drink Coffee? If you rely on coffee for your caffeine all day, you may want to choose a maker that comes with an insulated mug. Many also come with carafes to keep coffee warm for long periods. (Alternatively, if you enjoy cold-brewed coffee, they will keep your coffee cold.)
• Programmable Coffee Makers: Programmable coffee makers are great for those who want their coffee ready when they get up in the morning or find they are rushed each morning. Many love the features of having their coffee ready and waiting for them; many will shut off automatically after the coffee is brewed.
• Is Space an Issue? Coffee makers come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is best to measure your space and find a coffee maker that can fit in the desired area. Because the reservoirs of coffee makers are found on the top of the machine, you may need to pull it out from underneath an overhead cabinet to fill it with water before brewing.
• Hot or Cold, Which is Your Favorite? Some drip and individual pod coffee makers offer cold-brew modes. These models will brew cold coffee in just 15 minutes. Some find that the cold brews come out cool and not cold. Unless you drink both types of coffee, those dedicated to cold brews often choose a coffee maker dedicated to making cold-brew coffee. Be aware they often take 12-24 hours to brew.
• Is the coffee maker durable? If you have a busy household with a lot of coffee drinkers, your coffee maker will get a workout. Before you choose the right coffee maker for your lifestyle, you should do some research that shows which coffee makers will be more durable and long-lasting.

Importance of choosing the right coffee maker for individual preferences and needs:

There are numerous different types of coffee makers, and they all make great coffee, it is often just a matter of personal choice. Some people enjoy making coffee in manual brewers; some prefer programing their coffee so it is available to them as soon as they wake up. There is also a question of budget, some coffee drinkers are on a budget and prefer a budget-conscience coffee maker, while others want all the bells and whistles that go along with high-end espresso machines.

No matter how you prefer to make your coffee, according to CoffeeAffection.com, here are some popular options:

• Electric Drip Coffeemakers
• Electric Thermal Coffee Makers
• Electric Espresso Machines
• Electric Percolators
• Electric Siphon Coffee Makers
• Manual French Press Coffee Makers
• Manual AeroPress
• Manual Cold Brew Coffee Makers
• Manual Vietnamese Coffee Makers

Different Types of Coffee Makers, which is Best for You?

There are so many different types of coffee makers that it can often be confusing to choose the best one for yourself or your family. We are going to provide highlights of some of the different types of coffee makers so you can determine the best maker for you.

Drip Coffee Makers:

Description and Use:

Drip coffee makers are some of the most popular styles. They have been around since the early 1900s and there are numerous choices. They include a variety of features and can easily brew coffee for one to four coffee drinkers at a time.

Pros:

Drip coffee is a great option for those who prefer the convenience of drip coffee. Many have different settings that make them programmable and enable you to pour a cup, while it is still brewing. Here are some pros from KitchenAid.com.

• Since many makers are programmable, you can wake up to your coffee already brewed and waiting for you.
• Many programmable makers take very little effort, without losing out on quality.
• Can brew many cups at a time, making it a good option for groups.

Cons:

There are several drawbacks associated with making drip coffee. Here are some thoughts from MajestyCoffee.com.

• Many coffee enthusiasts prefer bold, strong-flavored coffee, and many drip coffee makers are not as boldly flavored as making coffee in other ways.
• The paper filters can reduce the flavor of the coffee because the oils in coffee beans can become trapped in the filter.

Popular Brands and Models:

• OXO Brew
• Ninja Hot & Cold Automatic
• Mr. Coffee
• Technivorm Moccamaster
• Hamilton Beach

Ideal For: Households, Offices

Drip coffee makers are good in homes that have more than one coffee drinker. They are also good options for offices. They are durable and affordable while having the ability to produce coffee quickly. 

Single-Serve Pod Coffee Makers (e.g., Keurig, Nespresso)

Description and Use:

If you are the only coffee drinker in your household, if you are done after one cup, but if you and your partner prefer different types of coffee, a single-serve pod coffee maker, may be the answer to your coffee-drinking habits.

The test kitchen at Good Housekeeping has tested several different single-serve coffee makers, which we have listed below, along with some pros and cons of single-serve coffee pod makers.

Pros:

There are pros and cons to nearly everything and single-serve coffee pods are no different, here are some of the positives and negatives from DailyCoffee.com.

• They are very time-efficient since they only brew one cup. You also don’t have to grind beans.
• Each cup comes out the same as the last, whether you choose espresso or coffee.
• The individual pods come in a wide range of flavors like caramel cappuccino, latte macchiato, decaf, mocha, and many others.

Cons:

There are some disadvantages to using coffee pods.

• Not all pods are recyclable and harm the environment by ending up in landfills and waterways.
• The taste that the pods produce (for espresso, for example) is not identical to the espresso made and served by a local barista.
• The size of the pod can differ from one brand to another so you need to be sure you are purchasing the right brand so it will fit into your machine.

Environmental Considerations:

According to CoffeeAffection.com, some consider that single-serving coffee makers are destroying the planet because of the amount of waste in the disposable pods. Some companies such as Keurig moved away from disposable pods and created 100% recyclable K-cup pods to reduce waste. Unfortunately, many are still in landfills and waterways.

Some are moving away from these types of single-serve products altogether and going back to traditional coffee pots or using brands that use refillable pods.

Ideal For: Individuals, Small Spaces:

Single-pod coffee makers are great for individuals or households where there is only one coffee drinker. Homes that have several individuals who enjoy the same blends may want to consider a different type of coffee system.

French Press (Plunger Pot, Press Pot, Coffee Press):

Description and Use:

The French press coffee pot is easy to use and clean and easy to take with you when you travel. Because it drains through a metal filter, coffee oils end up in your cup for a heartier cup of coffee.

Here is a list of good and bad things about French press coffee from yourdreamcoffee.com:

Pros:

• Even for the novice, using a French Press is an easy way to make coffee.
• Cleaning is quick and easy; it is also an inexpensive way to brew coffee.
• Unlike some other types of coffee makers, it can use course grinds and doesn’t rely on very small grinds.

Cons:

• The glass pots are fragile and easily broken.
• Since you are mixing coffee and water sometimes there is a thick coffee sludge that is left over unless a good quality filter is used.
• There can be a variation in the flavor from pot to pot, based on the extraction of coffee, filters used, different amounts of coffee vs. water, etc.

Ideal For: Coffee Enthusiasts, Small Households:

Those who enjoy experimenting with your coffee trying different blends and varying the amount of coffee to water can all change the result. French Press coffee makers are most often used by coffee enthusiasts. They are not good for large households or in business settings.

Espresso Machines:

Description and Use:

Those who have a passion for coffee are usually the people who invest in espresso machines. They are more expensive than other types of coffee makers, they make a fantastic cup of coffee that can rival your favorite coffee shop. But there may be a learning curve to learn all the features, according to CoffeeAffection.com.

Manual vs. Automatic Machines:

According to MasterYourCoffee.com, automatic machines use water to create pressure, manual machines require the user to create the pressure.

In addition, some people prefer to have control over the end product; these are also usually less expensive than automatic machines.

Pros:

Here are some tips from CoffeePursuing.com.

• Espresso machines can be very convenient for those who enjoy them frequently.
• Espresso machines have various features and settings so you can choose the one that fits your budget with the features you desire.
• With the right machine, you can adjust the grind, water temperature, and other features to get the perfect espresso.

Cons:

• Espresso machines can be expensive, only those that love espresso frequently will get their money’s worth.
• There are several special items including filters, coffee beans, and other supplies before you can get started.
• To the novice, it may take a while for the owner to figure out how to properly use the espresso machine.

Ideal For: Espresso Lovers, Home Baristas:

Those who enjoy home gatherings and love coffee will be able to show off their espresso skills. These are best used at home and get-togethers.

AeroPress

Description and Use:

CoffeeAffection.com compares the look of an AeroPress to that of a giant syringe. It makes coffee in a style that is similar to espresso but can be made with a much smaller and more cost-efficient machine. It is easy to use and can be put in your luggage if you want to take it when you travel.

Pros:

• The AeroPress brews high-quality coffee, fast so no need to wait for your cup of Joe.
• It is portable and can be taken with you while traveling.
• It is inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to clean up.

Cons:

• The AeroPress only brews three cups at a time.
• You probably don’t want to leave it on your counter as it is functional, not a beautiful new appliance.
• If you are a novice, it can take a while to set up.

Ideal For: Travelers, Single Serve Coffee Lovers

Those who don’t plan on drinking more than a few cups of coffee would be a great fit for AeroPress users. Since the unit is very small, it is easily transportable. 

Percolators (Stovetop and Electric):

Description and Use:

There are two different types of percolators, those that make coffee on the stovetop and electric percolators. Both options turn out to be a great cup of coffee. They are consistent and offer no difference in flavor between stove tops and electric percolators. Many favor this type of coffee maker even though it has been around for a long time, others have opted for drip brewers instead, according to CoffeeAffection.com.

Pros:

• Percolated stays hot for a long time and doesn’t burn.
• It can brew up to six cups at a time.
• They are durable and affordable.

Cons:

• You will need to purchase ground coffee or grind your coffee before brewing.
• There is no shut-off button on the machine.
• Some have many parts that need to be put together before you can brew coffee.

Ideal For: Traditional Coffee Drinkers, Larger Gatherings:

• Coffee drinkers of all kinds love percolated coffee, and this method of brewing coffee has been around for a long time. It is great for both home coffee drinkers and larger groups since it can brew large amounts of coffee at one time. 

Siphon Coffee Makers (Vacuum Pot)

Description and Use:

Siphon coffee makers or vacuum pot coffee makers are unique to look at and many use them when entertaining since they are not in great demand anymore. They can be labor intensive but those that enjoy coffee using this method say the coffee it produces is wonderful and worth the time and effort.

Pro:

• It is attractive to look at and it is interesting to watch coffee being brewed this way.
• It makes great coffee.
• Users can be a showman when making coffee for a crowd.

Cons:

• These coffee makers are made from glass and can be broken if the proper care isn’t given.
• It requires an alcohol burner, which you will have to purchase separately.
• Users need to figure out how to use the product and there can be a learning curve.

Ideal For: Coffee Connoisseurs, Specialty Brew Enthusiasts

Siphon coffee makers are fun, but some labor goes into each pot, most say the delicious coffee it produces is work the work. Most of the time, these types of coffee makers are those looking for unique gadgets and coffee connoisseurs. They are fun to use when entertaining a group at home.

Cold Brew Coffee Makers

Description and Use:

Cold brew coffee makers or cold water extraction method steeps coffee grounds in water at cool temperatures. The grounds are steeped in water and after 12-24 hours you are ready to brew the water. It is often served warm, cold, or over ice, according to CoffeeInsider.com.

Pros:

• Cold brew coffee has less acidity than other types of blends.
• It is a great drink during warm months.
• You can add other flavors like chocolate and vanilla to change up the flavor.

Cons:

• You won’t get immediate gratification as this method will produce coffee after 12-24 hours.
• It can be difficult to get a full extraction.
• It can contain more caffeine than hot coffee.

Ideal For: Cold Coffee Lovers, Summer Months

The final brew is smooth and low in acid making it a great cold option for coffee lovers; it is very popular in the summer months. It is mostly used by coffee aficionados who love to drink coffee all year round.

Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker)

Description and Use:

According to Coffeeble.com, Moka pots got their start in Italy in the 1930s but are still being used today. It enables the user to get a strong blend, without having to purchase an espresso machine. Moka pots are often called stovetop espresso makers.

Pros:

• This is much cheaper than buying an espresso machine and produces a similar drink.
• The Moka pot creates a thick, rich brew that can be mixed with flavored syrups to change the flavor profile.
• The coffee maker brews quickly with little wait time.

Cons:

• You will have several components to clean after use.
• They are made to use on the stovetop.
• Since they are made on the stove you will need to monitor as it brews.

Ideal For: Stovetop Use, Espresso-like Coffee:

A Moka pot is great for those that enjoy espresso at home, without paying the cost of an espresso machine. They are great for home gatherings where you have a stovetop available. 

Other Types of Coffee Makers:

Turkish coffee pot:

Turkish coffee pots are made from copper for even heating. They have a non-reactive inside so the coffee doesn’t come in contact with the copper. It usually comes in an 8-9 ounce pot and yields about 2 cups.

Pour-over coffee maker:

According to Spruce, many prefer to pour over coffee as their favorite brewing method. This is a century-old way of brewing coffee that produces a deliciously rich cup of coffee. Users have control over how much coffee they use so they can control the flavor of the coffee.

Vietnamese Coffee Makers:

These coffee makers are used to make sweet or cold coffee, which often includes cream, sugar, and milk. It is popular in the Vietnamese culture. It has several removable parts that are a hassle to clean between each use.

Summary

There is a coffee maker for just about any coffee lover. If you enjoy making coffee you can wow your friends and family by using a Siphon Coffee Makers and Espresso Machine. If you like to take your coffee maker with you, choose an AeroPress, and if you’re looking for a great cup of coffee you may choose a percolator, single-cup pods, and drip coffee maker.

Before purchasing a new coffee maker, think about your budget, the special features you are looking for, and the number of people you typically prepare coffee for. Thinking about these things will help you choose the perfect coffee maker.