How to Buy Coffee Machines

Step into any kitchenware or gourmet shop or surf the Internet today with the intention to buy coffee machines and you're likely to find yourself bewildered by the range of choices. Dozens of manufacturers offer hundreds of different coffee makers. How does the devoted coffee lover make a wise choice?

The secret to help you buy coffee machines with confidence is to enter the process armed with an understanding of the basic coffee machine types available, along with some basic guidelines that will lead you to the perfect choice for your needs.

Basic Coffee Machine Types

No matter how dazzlingly varied the range of coffee machine choices may seem, they may all be classified into several basic categories:

Automatic Drip Filter Coffee Machines.

These machines heat water to the right thermostatically controlled brewing temperature and then drip it over ground coffee in a filter that sits above a serving carafe. Sizes vary from single cup drip filter coffee makers to ones that brew 8 cups or more. Some include hotplates that hold brewed coffee at an ideal serving temperature; others drip into thermoses instead of carafes to keep the coffee hot. Some models include small switches that automatically stop the dripping process when the carafe is removed, making it possible to pour a cup mess-free before brewing is over. Even more sophisticated models include containers for whole coffee beans and grinders that automatically deposit ground coffee into the filter and can brew a pot at a specified time. Depending on complexity, these can range in price from under $50 to $150 or more.

Vacuum Coffee Machines.

These automated models consist of two chambers. Water comes to a boil in the lower chamber and rises through a tube into the upper chamber, which holds the ground coffee in a filter. Once all the water has boiled and risen and the heating element has been turned off, a vacuum forms in the lower chamber that draws the brewed coffee back down through the filter for serving. Depending on the materials they are made from and how fully automated they are, these can range in price from around $50 to more than $200.

Percolator Coffee Machines.

These old fashioned coffee makers circulate boiling water up through a metal tube into a brewing filter basket that holds the ground coffee. The liquid drips back down and continues circulating in this way until the desired brewed coffee strength is reached. Although percolation has long been disregarded because it can lead to overbrewed coffee that has an unpleasant boiled taste, modern coffee percolators control brewing temperatures and times more precisely, stopping brewing when the coffee reaches optimum strength and controlling the temperature to ensure that the coffee doesn't develop "off" flavors. Even the best coffee percolators are generally priced well below $100 and generally closer to $50.

Espresso Coffee Machines.

Espresso coffee machines work by passing pressurized steaming hot water through single or two-cup filters containing compacted finely ground coffee, resulting in an intense extract of coffee. Some espresso machines require the operator to grind and tamp down the coffee by hand and to control how much water passes through the coffee; at the other extreme, completely automated espresso coffee machines automatically grind and tamp down the coffee and control the water flow. Espresso coffee machines also include steam nozzles that let you steam and froth milk to make espresso drinks such as cappuccino or caffè latte. Espresso machines can range in price from under $100 for smaller machines that require some involvement from you to larger fully automated models priced starting at around $500 and going above $1,000.

Coffee Pod Machines.

Pod coffee makers follow the same brewing principle as espresso coffee machines, except the coffee is contained in a pre-ground, pre-measured coffee filter pod or capsule that is pre-packaged airtight to preserve its freshness. Just fill the machine with water, turn it on, pop in the pod, and quickly brew a perfect cup of coffee. Coffee pod machines can be used to make either regular coffee or espresso coffee, and many models include steam nozzles for heating or frothing milk as well.

Guidelines to Help You Buy Coffee Machines

These few simple questions will help you buy a coffee machine that is right for you.

What's your budget? Think realistically about how much money you have to spend. The good news is that you can find great coffee machines for any budget.

How much coffee do you need to brew? If you live on your own and don't entertain much, you could do with a simpler, smaller coffee machine of any of the types listed above, or even a single cup coffee maker. If you have a large family, entertain a lot, or are buying for the office or a restaurant, consider a larger, more expensive coffee machine, possibly opting for one of the commercial coffee machines.

What kind of coffee do you like to drink? Do you prefer regular-strength drip coffee or an intense cup of espresso coffee? The answer will point you toward one type of machine or another.

How much of a neatness freak are you? If you don't like cleaning up, consider a coffee pod machine, which eliminates much of the mess of grinding coffee and cleaning up afterward.

Are you a fan of great design? Some coffee machines on the market today are designed to be beautiful objects. But beauty can come sometimes at a higher price.

How much space do you have? Many people make the mistake of not looking over their kitchen carefully before they buy a coffee maker. Pick out the spot in which you imagine putting your coffee machine. Measure not only its depth and width but also its height, as many coffee machines get tucked under wall cabinets.