Small appliances can perform large tasks. Take the tears out of chopping onions with a food processor or mini-chopper, mix dough with your food processor, make fresh smoothies in the blender, deep fry your favorite fish - the list is endless. For advice on selecting the perfect small appliance check out our quick reference guide to small appliances. If you need further assistance contact our Gourmet Shop Sales Associates at 888-228-5800.

Coffee Makers

There are many types of coffee machines available on the markets that provide quality coffee. Which once you choose will depend on the type of coffee that you like, how often and for how many people you are likely to be making it and, of course, how much money you are willing to spend.

There are three types of coffee machines: percolators, filter coffee machines, and "pod" systems:

Percolators look like a tall coffee pots and hold enough for about eight cups. Inside is a small metal basket where you put your ground coffee. The required amount of water is added into the "pot" and is heated. As the water heats, it is drawn up a tube that leads to the coffee grounds where it then drips over the coffee. The brew is ready when all the water has passed through the ground coffee. The coffee stays hot until the percolator remains on. All percolators work this way and the only difference is style and size. All percolators are a simple way to make coffee, but they can be quite slow if you just want a couple cups of coffee. They are very easy to clean and have no fiddly bits to get lost.

Filter coffee machines offer a slightly faster way of producing coffee. Water heats up in a separate tank and then drips through the coffee grounds and goes straight to the jug. Some machines use paper filters and some have permanent mesh filters already fitted. They both give good results. The coffee is kept hot on a hotplate that the jug sits on. They usually come in sizes 10 or 12 cups. Filter machines are low maintenance with most sections being easily washed either by hand or in a dishwasher.

"Pod" system coffee machines are the newest way of making coffee. They have a water tank that holds up to 10 cups of coffee, but you can only make one cup at the time. They use their own pods, which come in different blends and flavors. Every pod holds the right amount of coffee for one cup. Even though it produces only one cup at the time it's very quick. This might be the perfect way to go if you are the type of person that doesn't need to make a whole 10-cup pot in the morning. Also, another advantage of this kind of a coffee system is that each person in the house can have his/her own favorite blend. These machines are very easy to clean and maintain.

Considerations for all small appliances:

• Determine your cooking needs and wants - both current and future. Is your family growing or growing up and moving out? Are you interested in increasing your culinary endeavors? Are you wishing to simplify and reduce time in the kitchen?
  
  
• Evaluate your kitchen counter space. Where are you going to put all those new small appliances?
  
  
• Check the height of the appliance compared to the height of your cabinets.
  Appliances that mount under the cabinet are available.
  
  
• Decide on the color of your new small appliance.
  
  
• Determine the appliance capacity. The number of speeds and settings on an appliance usually increases with the size of the machine. Those who have large families or like to entertain may choose to buy larger appliances.
  
  
• Decide whether you want corded or cordless appliances.
  

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