The right brewer can make a huge difference, whether you're looking to save money on coffee shops, limit the amount of caffeine you consume or just have a taste of gourmet coffee at home.From single-serve specialty pods to large-sized carafes, there's a myriad of ways to make coffee. Learn about the various types and select the one that's best for you.
Drip Coffee Makers
When you're brewing your morning cup of coffee, many things will depend on the machine you own. Different machines employ different methods of brewing and each method extracts flavors differently. You can find a range of options, from single-cup brewers, drip coffee makers and even French press coffee makers.
A drip-style coffee maker is one of the most popular models. These brew by heating water and pouring it over grounds to create hot coffee that can be poured directly from the machine into your mug. They are ideal for those who wish to enjoy traditional full-pot brewed coffee, which tends to have more flavor than prepackaged instant coffee.
To get the most flavor from your ground coffee, you need to heat the water to the 195-205 degree Fahrenheit. Cheaper models usually fall short of this goal however, more expensive drip coffee makers can provide an temperature that is close to what you'd expect from a pour-over cup.
The water is heated inside the coffee maker using an element, then it flows through a tube system made of either aluminum or plastic. The system is usually constructed with a single-way valve that allows the boiling water to flow through but prevents it from flowing back into the bucket or out of the coffee maker.
After the water has been poured into the reservoir, the water will drip down to the area which houses the coffee ground and filter. As it drips down the showerhead sprays hot water on the beans to create the gurgling sound you're familiar with in your kitchen. This process may take some time but you'll end with a delicious cup of coffee. You can pour it directly out of the machine into your mug or thermos.
The benefit of a drip-style coffee maker is that it's simple to use and requires very little input from the user. It's a breeze to operate and is generally ready to go the moment you flip the power switch. Basic models can cost as low as $100. They are also fairly durable, though the warranty on some will only last for one to five years.
Single Serve Coffee Makers
In a busy home it's not always possible for everyone to have a pot at the same time. A single-serve coffee maker permits everyone to make their own coffee according to their timetable. It's as simple as putting in a K-Cup or pod and pressing a button and then consuming a cup. With some models, you can make tea and hot cocoa to spice up your life or fill travel mugs.
They are small and simple to operate, taking up small space on your countertop. They are less expensive than drip machines, and typically in local or online stores. However, a single-cup maker can be costly in the long term, because you will need to buy coffee pods or K-Cups.
To help offset this cost, consider investing in an appliance that can take ground coffee and comes with an reusable filter that can be removed to ensure sustainable brewing. Some models have a tall opening for large travel mugs, as well as dishwasher-safe parts. You should consult the instructions for your coffee maker to learn when you should change the water filter.
Many coffee drinkers want to eliminate the waste that comes with paper filters. Instead look for filters that permit mesh filters that can be used with most grounds. Certain models come with an inbuilt reservoir which coffee machine is the best will notify you when it is time to refill the water.
Cleaning a single-serve coffee maker is a fairly quick process and can be done with a solution of white vinegar and water. Make sure you unplug the machine and remove the water reservoir and coffee pod holder. Clean the container thoroughly with warm, soapy tap water. If you have a Keurig or similar brand of machine, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how often to replace the water filter.
The majority of models have a compact footprint, making them great for smaller apartments and homes. Some models have a drip tray that is built-in, so you don't need to keep separate tray on your counter. These models are available in silver finishes to match other kitchen appliances.
Pour over coffee makers
You have many options when you're looking to upgrade your manual drip coffee maker (also known as a pour-over coffeemaker). The fancy technique may seem intimidating, but it's far simpler than you think. It permits an abundance of customization to make the perfect cup of coffee. The best pour-over makers are simple to clean and use and don't require a power source and are constructed of durable materials that can hold heat.
Unlike electric drip coffee makers Pour-overs typically comprise of one or two metal or ceramic parts and don't have any wires that could break or get clogged. This makes them less likely to require repairs or replacements over the course of time and they can be used for decades without issue. They also sport a minimalist elegant design that will appeal to coffee lovers and the "Buy It For Life" crowd who like to reduce the amount of waste they leave behind.
There are a variety of pour-overs that are available. The Chemex style, however, is the most well-known. It's made of non-porous Borosilicate glass which is a great choice for coffee because it's durable and doesn't absorb odors or chemicals. This particular model requires a special Chemex filter made of paper, which isn't the most affordable option, and it takes longer to brew eight cups than other models tested.
Melitta is also a great pour-over. It's an easy-to-use but robust design, and provides various options for coffee drinkers. The Classic Pour Over is their most affordable model, and includes a stainless-steel mesh filter that removes the need for disposable paper filters. It uses an insulated water carafe with a thermal element that keeps the water warm. The flow rate can be adjusted to control the speed at which the water is poured over grounds.
The majority of pour overs require a medium grind size, which is the most popular and easiest to find pre-ground in supermarkets. However, certain brands may suggest a coarser or fine grind for their products, so make sure to read the specifications prior to purchasing.
Siphon Brewers
A siphon coffee maker is a stunning and practical coffee maker. It doubles as a drink-making device and is a great choice for those who wish to impress their guests. It has a sleek and elegant look that will look great in any kitchen. In the past, during lavish celebrations and banquets, this kind of coffee maker was used for serving coffee to guests. This could be the reason behind its beautiful appearance.
Siphon coffee makers employ a unique method of making coffee using vacuums and water vapors to make the drink. It is also referred to as the immersion style of brewing and is believed to be one of the most sophisticated methods of brewing. This is due to the fact that it makes an intensely flavored cup coffee that has the best balance of flavors among other brewing techniques.
The device is comprised of two glass vessels connected via tubes. The lower vessel holds water, while the top vessel is filled with coffee beans. The device is positioned over the source of heat, such as an electric or gas heater and then the steam begins rising from the lower chamber. After that, the pre-ground coffee is added into the upper chamber, and secured tightly. After the coffee has been brewed, coffee is removed from the heat and allowed to cool before serving.
Before you use your siphon coffee maker, it's a good idea to test the device by heating water and then running some over the grounds. This will ensure the device is operating correctly and won't block the grounds or damage them in any other way. It is also important to choose the right amount of grounds in order to ensure that your beverage does not taste bitter or muddy.
To get the most flavor from your siphon brewer, it is important to grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. You can make use of a burr or a manual hand grinder, based on your preference. Once the grounds have been made, add them to the upper chamber of the coffee maker and stir gently using bamboo paddles or a spoon. It is important to cover the grounds with water at all times to avoid them from drying out and losing their flavor.
