How to Choose a Coffee Maker

Choosing a coffee maker starts with how you like to drink your coffee. Some people want a simple machine that makes several cups at once, while others prefer the convenience of a single cup or the flexibility of making espresso-based drinks. Before you buy, consider the type of coffee you drink, how much you usually make, your budget and which features are important to you. PriceInspector can also help you compare current prices and offers from different retailers before you buy.

 

Choose the Right Type of Coffee Maker

The best place to start is by deciding what kind of coffee you want to make most often.

 

Coffee Makers Under $100

If you want a straightforward coffee maker without spending too much, there are many options available for under $100. These machines are generally designed for everyday coffee and can be a good choice if you want to brew several cups at a time without paying for advanced features.

Look for features such as programmable brewing, a larger carafe, automatic shut-off and a keep-warm function if they are important to you.

Espresso Coffee Makers

Espresso coffee makers are designed for preparing espresso and can also be used to make drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, depending on the machine. They range from relatively simple and affordable models to more advanced machines with features such as built-in grinders, milk frothers and automatic brewing programs. If espresso is your main priority, it is worth considering how much control you want over the brewing process and how much preparation you are willing to do.

Single Serve Coffee Makers

Single serve coffee makers are designed to make one cup at a time, making them a convenient option if you usually prepare coffee for yourself or want to avoid making a full pot. Many use pods or capsules, while some models can also work with ground coffee. Before choosing one, check which coffee format it uses and consider the ongoing cost and availability of pods or other supplies.

Who should skip each type

• Single serve: skip it if you drink several cups a day or brew for guests, because the pod cost adds up and each cup is made separately.
• Espresso: skip it if you want coffee ready in a minute without cleaning, because most machines need preparation and regular cleaning.
• Drip: skip it if you drink one cup a day, since a full pot may go to waste.

Consider How Much Coffee You Make

Your daily coffee routine can help narrow down the right type of machine. If you regularly make coffee for several people, a traditional coffee maker with a larger carafe can be more convenient than preparing individual cups. If you usually make only one cup, a single serve coffee maker can save time and avoid brewing more coffee than you need. If you enjoy espresso, cappuccinos or lattes, an espresso coffee maker may be a better fit, particularly if you want more control over how your coffee is prepared.

Think About Convenience vs. Control

Different coffee makers require different levels of involvement. A simple coffee maker can be convenient for everyday brewing: add water and coffee, start the machine and let it do the rest. Programmable models can also let you prepare the machine in advance. Single serve machines can make the process even quicker, particularly when you only need one cup. Espresso machines generally require more preparation and cleaning, but they can give you greater control over the coffee you make. Some models also include features designed to simplify the process, such as automatic programs or built-in grinders.

Which Features Matter?

Once you know which type of coffee maker you want, compare the features that fit your routine. Some features worth considering include:

• • Capacity: Check how much coffee the machine can make if you regularly brew for several people.
  • Programmable brewing: Useful if you want coffee ready at a particular time.
  • Brew-strength settings: Helpful if you prefer to adjust the strength of your coffee.
  • Keep-warm function: Useful when you do not drink the entire pot immediately.
  • Removable water reservoir: Can make filling and cleaning easier.
  • Milk frothing: Worth considering if you regularly make cappuccinos or lattes.
  • Built-in grinder: Convenient if you prefer to use whole coffee beans.
  • Ease of cleaning: Removable and dishwasher-safe components can make regular maintenance easier.

You do not necessarily need every feature. In many cases, choosing a machine that does the things you actually use can be better than paying more for features you rarely need.

What does a cup actually cost?

Work it out with your own prices: price of the coffee or pod ÷ number of cups it makes. For example, a bag of ground coffee that makes 40 cups at $12 costs $0.30 per cup, and a pod at $0.70 costs $0.70 per cup. These are example prices, so use your own. Add filters and descaling, and multiply by the cups you drink each month. Over a year, the difference between a cheap machine with expensive pods and a pricier machine with ordinary coffee can outweigh the price gap between the machines.

Quick guide: which coffee maker suits you?

Compare Prices Before You Buy

Once you have decided which type of coffee maker and which features you need, compare prices before making your purchase. The same model can be available from multiple retailers at different prices and offers can change over time. PriceInspector lets you compare current offers and inspect available prices before you buy. Prices and availability may change, so check the current offers before buying.