Coffee Makers Buying Guide

Second to staying in bed, drinking that morning cup of coffee  is a most coveted crack-of-dawn activity. When fighting with the alarm clock  is not an option, make sure you're geared up with the right coffee maker  to get things brewing. These machines can be made out of a variety of materials and each brand will give you a different kind of brew and taste. Before you buy, also consider capacity and price. In the long run, if you are buying a good brand then you will be able to justify the price. Also, if you often have a lot of company over for coffee, then you might want a larger capacity maker as opposed to a coffee maker for one.

Common Coffee Makers

Percolator  This is an older model that is not recommended by coffee enthusiasts as it boils coffee and abuses the grounds. It can still be used and purchased today although it is considered an old-fashioned way of making your brew.	Automatic Drip  These are fast and convenient coffee makers that use a filter to hold the coffee grounds. They are then turned on and the brewed coffee pours into the pot. Many automatic drips can be programmed to turn on at a specific time. This model may be commonly found in homes but if you find yourself drinking lots of coffee and becoming something of a connoisseur, you may want to get a nicer brand.	French Press  The French press has lots of popularity among those who want a higher class coffee maker than the automatic drip. It produces a rich, heavy, full-bodied cup of coffee with a strong aroma. It is easy to use as it does not require filters and is also portable.	Espresso Machines  If you love strong espresso  coffee on a regular basis, this is the machine for you to invest in. It is also great for making cappuccinos and can give you that much needed shot of caffeine without having to leave your house. See our complete guide on espresso machines.	Vacuum Coffee Maker  One of the original coffee maker styles, this one is something like a chemistry project. The pot sucks water from a lower chamber into a coffee-filled upper chamber. Said to brew smooth, rich coffee with more flavor minus the bitter aftertaste. While these are older models, they are still on the market.

Coffee For One

Want a quick cup of joe for yourself? Either the pod  system or the K-Cup  may be for you. Insert a packet, called a "pod," of pre-measured coffee into your machine, and out comes exactly one cup of fresh coffee. Some machines can also brew tea,  if that suits your fancy. One drawback is the nuisance -- and environmental unfriendliness -- of throwing away individual pods. However, these quick brewers can be very convenient.

Quick Picks

If you scan any site that reviews and discusses coffee makers, you are sure to find the below brands on lists of stellar brewing machines. Check out one popular model from each brand to get an overview of features and what types of coffee makers are on the market.

DeLonghi 50-cup Capacity Stainless-Steel Coffee Urn  This coffee urn can brew up to 50 cups of coffee and will keep it warm for you while it sits. It also has an indicator for freshness to let you know how long the coffee has been sitting and cool touch handles.	Black & Decker Brew N Go Coffee Maker  This coffee maker will brew a single cup quickly into a 15-ounce mug so that you can fill it and go. The mug comes with the maker and this can be perfect for a single person household.	Bunn VLPF Pro Auto Coffee with 2 Warmers  For enthusiastic scale coffee makers or even a small business, this model is a good pick. It keeps one cup of coffee warm while the other brews and allows you to differentiate caffeinated and decaf.	Cuisinart DCC-2000 Coffee-On-Demand 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker  This 12-cup coffee maker can be programmed 24 hours ahead of time to brew your morning cup and also has an auto shut-off function for safety.	Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker-Red  This coffee maker comes in a fun red color and pauses brewing while you pour a cup of coffee out, then continues making the rest of the pot. Also comes with a warmer to keep your coffee perfect and ready while you wait.

 

Ready, Set, Caffeinate!

Check out a few different types of roasts from around the world to pick out the new, flavorful brew to try next.

French Roast  Uses heavily roasted beans to produce a stronger than average pot of coffee.	Italian Roast  This has a strong, almost bitter flavor and is made out of brown-black beans. Typically used for espresso.	American Roast  Typically what you will find at most coffee houses; uses medium-roasted beans so it has a nice flavor that isn't too heavy or light.	Kona Roast  This is a lighter tasting coffee that is used in many different coffeehouses. The beans come from Kona, Hawai'i and produce a mild taste.

Related Guides

Coffee	Coffee Grinders	Espresso Machines	Everyday Glassware

External Links

• ConsumerSearch: Has a full report on coffee makers.
• CoffeeGeek.com: Reviews many models.
• Sally's Place: Explains the different methods of brewing coffee.
• SingleServeCoffee: Experts in the single-serve genre.
• Coffee-Maker-Guide.com: An overview of everything coffee.