Useful coffee maker buying tips from the experts
Making good-tasting coffee is serious business, especially for those of us who can’t seem to get by the day without a delicious cup of joe in the morning. Many people even believe that the quality of your morning brew goes a long way in determining the quality of your day – and let’s face it, no one wants to slug through the entire day.
Another common belief is that the quality of coffee is determined by the type of coffee maker used. This is why it is essential to find the right coffee maker that’ll make coffee that suits your taste.
Different Coffee Makers, Different Coffee Making Experiences?
Coffee makers come in a wide range of designs. You’ll find everything from electric drip models, non-electric pour-over coffee makers, cold brew coffee makers, espresso machines to cup models that make only a single serving at a time.
Oh – and yes, your coffee-making experience will vary based on the type of coffee maker you buy. But, with so many coffee makers to choose from, how do you know which works for you?
If you are buying a new coffee maker or planning to upgrade your current one, here are some useful expert tips to consider before making that big purchasing decision.
Look Out For Convenience
The whole point of owning a coffee maker is to make coffee at your convenience, so this is a critical factor to consider when buying a coffee maker. Some people want a coffee maker that gives them a hands-off coffee-making experience anytime – a programmable electric coffee maker would come in handy if this is what you want. However, if you opt for a less automated electric model, you might still need to pay a little attention to your process of making coffee. On the other hand, manual pour-over models will require your attention from start to finish of the entire coffee-making process. So, your coffee maker choice should depend, to a large extent, on the level of convenience you want when brewing coffee.
Consider The Extras
When I say extras, I mean things like accessories and warranty. Typically, coffee makers don’t come with many accessories, but there are a few things to look out for when buying a coffee maker.
For instance, a coffee maker that comes with a permanent filter will help you save costs or the stress of using paper filters. Similarly, a model that has a coffee scoop will help you measure more accurately the amount of coffee or the number of cups you make. It would also be best to look for a model backed by a good (or at least a decent) manufacturer’s warranty. You want to be sure you’ve got it covered; in case your coffee maker breaks down.
Consider Your Budget
What’s the cost of buying that coffee maker you like?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider when buying a coffee maker; you don’t want to buy a model that puts a hole through your wallet, and you also don’t want a model that’s too cheap and ends up breaking down way too early.
More often than not, buying a coffee maker is not a one-time expense; you might find that you have to keep buying the required capsules and pods if you buy a single-serving coffee maker, like a Keurig or a Nespresso. These will ultimately cost you more in the long run. So, always consider opting for a coffee maker that works with your budget.
The Brewing Temperature
When making coffee (I mean really good-tasting coffee), the ideal brewing temperature typically ranges between 196°F to 205°F. It would help if you considered opting for a coffee maker that can brew at high heat unless you are into cold brew coffee. Most models list information about their brewing temperature, so you can easily spot this on the package or browse online before purchasing.
Note: If you can’t find any information about the brewing temperature of a coffee maker, you should avoid that model.
Consider The Amount Of Coffee You Consume
You will easily find coffee makers that brew any amount of coffee you want, from a single cup to family-sized servings. How much coffee you or your family consume will determine the type of coffee maker you buy. Single-cup brewers are an excellent option if you don’t go past a cup of coffee a day, or you live alone. However, if you live with other coffee lovers, larger brewers are the best choice. You should typically opt for large brewers that can hold up to 10 or 12 cups in such cases.
With so many models and brands to choose from, buying the right coffee maker can be challenging, especially if you are new to the whole process. Hopefully, this guide will help you figure out what you need to consider before buying your next coffee maker.
