Coffee Makers:
Tips Before Buying

Coffee makers have come a long way. From yesterday's cowboy pots boiling coffee over the coals to today's sleek gourmet brewers, there's a machine to fit every taste, every lifestyle, every budget and every counter space. So where do you begin finding the machine right for you?

Before you head for the appliance aisle at your favorite store, do a little homework. Consider what kind of coffee you prefer, how often you drink coffee, how much space you have for the machine, and how much you can afford to spend on one. These are the issues involved in deciding whether to purchase an espresso or a non-espresso machine.

Choosing Between Espresso or Non-Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are fancy! They cost more than other coffee makers (some cost thousands of dollars) and make a variety of coffee types including cappuccino and lattes. Espresso machines often make only one cup of coffee at a time and require cleaning after each cup. The coffee is stronger than that brewed by other means.

True coffee aficionados often choose an espresso machine. The top of the line models can do everything...from grinding the coffee to even pouring it into the cup.

Typical coffee drinkers who prefer to have a pot of coffee available at all times and not necessarily interested in a latte or other version of coffee usually prefer a non-espresso machine. The non-espresso type machine works well for those who wish to start the brewing and go on about their business while the coffee brews. These people typically purchase coffee that has already been ground and don't usually bother with the beans or grinding.

For those of you who desire a large quantity of the beverage, non-espresso is certainly the way to go. By choosing a large sized percolator type urn, you can make over 100 cups of coffee at once. These people also prefer returning to the coffee pot time after time and refilling their coffee cup over making just one cup at a time. The non-espresso machines are much less expensive than the espresso types.

Non-Espresso Variety

Non-espresso machines are available in drip, French press, or a combination-type model. The drip machines typically make 6-10 cups at a time. If you are someone who only needs a small quantity, it's best to just purchase one that only makes 4 cups (or even less) at a time. Drip machines are inexpensive and easy to use.

There are pod coffee makers available which use single serving pods to brew coffee. The pods can be inexpensive but the coffee itself costs more than standard cans of pre-ground coffee.

French Press machines are great for a few cups of coffee at a time.

Combination machines featuring both espresso and non-espresso coffee makers in one machine are also available. Owning one of these will give the coffee drinker the best of both worlds.

Espresso Variety

Espresso machines come in semi-automatic, fully automatic and super automatic models. Espresso machines make a few cups at a time and will more than likely take longer and require more attention than that of the standard drip machine.

The more automated an espresso machines is, the more features it will offer. Some take care of everything from grinding the coffee beans to filling the cup with coffee and ejecting the used coffee grounds.

The more features the espresso machine offers, the higher the price tag attached to it. These coffee makers can cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.

Final Factors In Choosing The Right Machine

The first decision to be made in choosing a coffee maker is the need to determine whether an espresso machine or a non-espresso machine is needed. Coffee preferences, budget and quantity of coffee to be made are factors that should affect the decision making process.

For more articles of similar interest click these links:
All About Automatic Drip Coffee Makers
Coffee Facts From Around The World
A Coffee Brewing Glossary

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