How to Buy Coffee Machines

Coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, some loaded with features and some quite basic. Coffee makers range in price anywhere from twenty dollars to hundreds of dollars.

The more features that are present on a coffeemaker, the higher the cost. Therefore, when buying a coffee machine, you should consider the necessity of its features. This guide will go through some of the common features on coffee machines and whether those features are necessary. Some features are good for convenience sake, while others are there to ensure good coffee flavor. Keep this in mind when purchasing a coffee machine.

Features to Look For in Coffeemakers

Programmability: This feature allows you to set the brewing time, so that it brews coffee automatically. This feature is good for those who want to wake to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. The drawback is that coffee loses freshness when exposed to air, so if left overnight the ground coffee will lose some flavor.

Thermal Carafes: These carafes are advertised to keep coffee hot for hours and prevent the flavor from deteriorating. Some models have thermal mugs rather than carafes.

One to Four Cup Setting: This feature adjusts the flow of water to the coffee grounds. It is designed for those who only want to make a small amount of coffee. Without this feature, a smaller amount of coffee will brew weaker.

Pause and Serve: This feature allows you to pull the carafe away from the maker and grab a cup. The downside to this feature is that for coffee to have its full flavor, the brew cycle must be completed. If you grab a cup in mid-brew, then you may not get the desired strength or flavor.

Brew-strength Control: This feature diverts water from the coffee grounds for a weaker brew or slows down the flow of water for a stronger brew.

Spare Carafe: Never underestimate the value of a spare carafe. A replacement glass carafe can cost anywhere from ten to fifteen dollars. Spare thermal carafes cost anywhere from twenty-five to seventy-five dollars.

These are some of the features that you might look for in a coffeemaker. Some other features, however, are not as useful and will needlessly add to the cost of a coffeemaker.

Self-clean cycle: This cycle just holds cleaning solution a little longer. Simply running vinegar and water through the machine cleans it just fine.
Water Filter: For what you pay in water filter costs on a coffeemaker, you can just buy a water filter for your home faucet.
Built-in Grinders: These are messy to clean up, causing you to have to turn the machine upside down to clean it. A separate grinder is better.
Hotplate temperature adjuster: Most coffeemakers keep the coffee hot enough that no adjustment is necessary. Besides, coffee loses its flavor the minute it is brewed. Coffee should not be kept on the hotplate very long.