When looking to purchase a new coffee maker, one should know that not all cups of coffee are created equal. Choosing the right coffee maker can make the difference between a great cup of coffee and one that is just alright. Many people’s days do not officially start until that first pot is brewing. Coffee provides the caffeine many need to wake up in the morning or to give them the extra boost that they need as the day goes on. Research has shown that the antioxidants in coffee may have a variety of health benefits as well.
While any coffee maker may be capable of making a good cup of coffee, certain features can help your coffee brew right, stay fresh, and taste delicious.
Essential Features
Construction – Look at the model of coffee maker that you’re considering buying. See how well it is constructed, how easy it is to use, and whether the coffee pot is reinforced or simply glass. Reinforced coffee pots act as a thermos that keeps your coffee hot and fresh for much longer.
Digital Timer – Most coffee makers come with some sort of a digital timer and automatic start feature. This feature allows you to prepare your coffee the night before and set it to brew before you wake up.
Pause and Serve – This is one of the most useful features that your coffee maker can have if you need a brewer that brews a whole pot of coffee. Instead of having to wait for the pot to finish brewing, you can remove the pot during the brewing cycle because doing so closes a valve on the coffee maker.
Optional but Useful Features:
Water Filter – One of the most common optional features on coffee makers is an in-line water filter. A water filter can improve the taste of your coffee by ensuring that no impurities are in the brewing water.
Locking Lids – A useful feature found commonly on coffee makers that use reinforced pots; a locking lid enables you to screw a lid directly onto the pot that makes it easy to transport coffee.
Variable Temperature – A variable temperature gauge allows you to tweak your brewing temperature to suit your tastes.
Other Considerations:
Grinder – Fresh-ground coffee tastes better, and coffee makers have a coffee grinder built in.
Drip Type – Most coffee makers are of the automatic drip variety. With this variety all you need to do is fill the basket, pour in water, and start the brewing cycle. Other types of coffee makers include manual drip, percolators, and press pots.
Capacity – Sometimes you might only want a little coffee, and sometimes you might want a lot. Think about exactly how much coffee you are likely to need, and ensure that the coffee maker that you choose can handle that amount. Look for coffee makers that feature a variable capacity, so that you can make as much or as little as you need.
Filter Type – When it comes to coffee filters, there are 3 options that you should consider. You can find coffee makers that use the standard paper filters, metal permanent filters, and even “pods” which are pre-packaged coffee discs complete with their own filter. Metal filters generally produce a better taste and are compatible with makers that use paper filters, while some pods require that the maker is specifically designed for them.