Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Buying Guide

A drip coffee maker is considered to be one of the most popular styles throughout the world. These coffee makers heat water that is ultimately transferred over coffee grounds resting in a filter. The coffee then drips through the filter and into a carafe. Drip coffee makers are generally:

Stemming from the verb percolate, which means "to filter," percolators push boiling water through coffee grounds, using higher temperatures than other coffee makers. By continuously filtering and reheating the brew through the grounds, percolators extract oils to produce robust flavors. If you like your coffee hot, then the percolator is the perfect coffee machine for you. Percolators:

The single-serve brewers are great for those who drink minimal amounts of coffee or simply want one cup of coffee at a time. Their smaller size is perfect for a quick and easy cleanup, and because they only brew one cup at a time, you'll have coffee in mere seconds.

Single-serve brewers are designed to work with a coffee pod or prepackaged cup. Hot water filters from the brewer through the pod, so you can brew coffee with the simple push of a button. Coffee pods or cups are designed to fit inside these particular machines, so you must buy these specific pods. Single-Serve Brewers are:

The easiest of all brewing systems, the French press combines coarsely ground beans and fresh boiling water. A French press uses a plunger to press the filter down and separate the grounds from the actual coffee extract. This method retains essential oils in the brew for the purest flavor. So for all of the coffee aficionados who enjoy a robust flavor, the French press is a must. A French press:

Cold brew coffee makers extract flavor from ground beans, usually overnight or even up to 24 hours. Cold brew coffee makers:

Manual espresso machines are the most difficult to use, but they make excellent coffee. These were actually the first authentic espresso machines on the market and they are still used in many coffee shops. You have to fill a portafilter handle, tamp down the coffee, brush off any loose coffee grounds and lock the handle into the filter holder. After that, you pull the handle on top of the machine. It may sound simple, but if you pull the handle too fast or too slow the coffee won't taste good. If taken too fast your coffee will taste very acidic and if you pull the handle too slowly, usually the coffee will taste bitter. If your coffee grounds are too fine or too coarse, it will result in a weak-tasting brew. If you are the type of person that is not afraid of the challenge, you should consider this type of espresso machine. Manual espresso machines:

Semi-automatics are similar to the manual espresso machines. You fill the portafilter with ground coffee, but instead of using your arm power, the machine uses a pump to create the pressure. The pump is very consistent in its delivery, so your espresso should taste great every time. Most semi-automatics have a frothing feature on the side, so you can froth or steam your own milk for cappuccinos or lattes. These machines have a tank in the back to hold your water, but they do not store your coffee grounds. Semi-automatics:

Super-automatic espresso machines allow you to store coffee directly in the unit. They also freshly grind your beans upon each use. Just be sure to use dry beans. Oily beans will clog the grinder. Super-automatics will grind a pre-measured dose of espresso beans and extract a specific amount of coffee. The used coffee grounds are then placed into an internal bin. Super-automatics:

Built-in coffee machines are similar to super-automatics except that they are built into a kitchen cabinet. Brewers use built-ins for espresso, regular coffee, frothed or steamed milk and instant hot water. Built-ins also grind your beans with each brew. When it comes to water, some built-in espresso machines come with the water tank that needs to be refilled, but others can connect to your water line. In this case, you don't ever have to refill the water tank. Built-Ins: