How To Choose The Perfect Coffee Machine

Thinking of getting a new coffee machine? If you’re a confirmed coffee drinker then making your own coffee might save you hundreds of dollars a year (or more, depending on how much coffee you drink). But how do you know which is the right coffee maker for you? Here are some things to think about.

1. How much coffee do you need to make?

One of the issues to consider is how many cups of coffee you need to make in a day. Perhaps you’re making coffee for the whole family first thing in the morning or maybe you just need a couple of cups for you and your spouse. If you’re commuting to the office you might want to fix some coffee to go and some people even take a flask full of coffee so they can get exactly the brew they want throughout the day. A stovetop coffee machine may be great for one or two cups but if you want to make a dozen then you’ll probably need a good sized drip coffee maker.

2. What kind of coffee do you want?

If you’re the kind of person who likes a plain cup of coffee (what’s usually branded an Americano in the shops) than almost any coffee maker will do. But it’s also possible to get coffee makers that specialize in particular types of coffee, such as espresso or cappuccino machines. Some coffeemakers make the full range of drinks that are available in coffee shops, provided you have all the syrups and other add-ons.

3. What about convenience?

Some people want their coffee making experience to be as convenient as possible. That means getting a machine where everything is automated. With pod coffee machines the right combination of little packets will result in a decent cup of java. Others prefer to take time over the coffee making experience, using filters, grinders and real coffee beans to get a better tasting caffeine hit. Whatever your style, you’ll have no trouble finding a coffee maker to suit you.

4. Practicalities

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing your coffee maker is how easy it will be to clean. After all, old coffee grounds stuck inside your coffee maker will make successive cups of coffee taste terrible. A coffee maker which you can disassemble easily and where you can get your whole hand inside the coffee pot is probably the best choice if you want all your coffee to taste as good as the first cup.

5. Thinking about accessories

Apart from the business end of your chosen coffee maker, consider some of the accessories that will make your life even easier when you make a cup of coffee. Some coffee machines are equipped with a timer so you can get your coffee ready to go the night before and wake up to a steaming brew the next morning. Others have thermal cups to make it easy for you to carry your coffee with you. There’s a lot to think about when making your coffee machine choice but with this guide you will soon have the perfect coffee machine in your kitchen.

Sharon Hurley Hall writes for Eden Springs,  the UK’s No.1 water cooler supplier, who now supply coffee machines for the office.