Tips for Choosing a Coffee Maker
Tips for Choosing a Coffee Maker
Coffee makers are a beautiful invention which have withstood the test of time. For years, people have been finding ways to extract the richness of the coffee in the most efficient, sometimes eclectic, ways possible. At HG Coffee Online we roast and sell only the freshest coffee blends and single origin beans directly to your doorstep. When brewing our beans, we hope that you extract the same richness that we taste from our coffee.
You're probably asking yourself: Do you have the proper coffee maker that suits your needs? From the Wild West’s “cowboy coffee” method (boiling over an open fire), to today’s simple pod brewers (like a Keurig), there’s a coffee maker to fit every preference, lifestyle, and budget. How do you decide on the coffee maker of your dreams? Before you make your purchase, do some research on your own desires! In this blog post we will help you consider the type of coffee drinker you are. We will analyze: What kinds of coffee do you prefer? Do you drink coffee often? Is your kitchen large or small? How much are you willing to invest?
Start by asking yourself few questions:
Should I Buy an Espresso Machine?
The espresso coffee maker is an advanced piece of machinery. They are typically found at your local coffee shop. They are substantially more expensive than other coffee makers and, depending on the variant, you can make a latte or cappuccino effortlessly. Espresso machines will usually only make one drink at a time - and each drink requires preparation and clean up. If you’re looking for a caffeine kick- espresso is, by volume, stronger than your average cup of joe. Coffee aficionados (some are self-proclaimed addicts) often will choose an espresso coffee maker. There are also versions that are super automated, which will grind, brew, and steam milk for you.
However, many people fall into the ‘casual drinker’ category, these individuals like to have a hot pot of coffee available at all times. They think lattes and mochas are tasty but are usually not prepared to invest in their own espresso machine. The common drip coffee maker is ideal for people who like to wake up to coffee brewing and have it automated to continue through the day. These types of coffee makers are much less expensive than espresso machines - requiring less intensive maintenance and cleaning. It’s not uncommon for casual coffee drinkers to purchase pre-ground coffee, eliminating another morning step to brewing. HG (Higher Grounds) Coffee Online recommends grinding your beans fresh for every brew. Believe it or not, this additional step in your casual routine will promote a more taste and strength, adding to your coffee pleasure and experience.
For coffee drinkers needing two to five cups of coffee per day, a drip coffee maker or french press is the way to go. There are even large percolator-type coffee makers that produce more than 100 cups of coffee at one time! We’re sure the average household would not need a hundred cups, but in case you do, HG sells five pound bags! 😉
What are the Most Cost-Effective Types of Coffee Makers?
There are several different types of coffee makers: Drip, French Press and Combination models. There are also simple brewers which we discuss in another post.
Drip machines (sometimes can be automated) often make 80 ounces (over 10 cups) coffee at a time. Then there are smaller models that make four cups (or less) at a time. Drip coffee makers are affordable and simple to brew with - also less wasteful than a typical ‘pod’ brewer.
There are Pod coffee makers which make single cups (4 ounces - 6 ounces) of coffee at a time. Pod coffee makers vary in price. Keep in mind that the coffee itself costs more than standard cans of pre-ground coffee.
An even more affordable option is a French Press coffee maker with combination with fresh whole beans and purchasing a standard coffee grinder. The French Press coffee makers are great for four to five cups of coffee at a time. French Presses fully immerse your coffee and give you more bite (more coffee flavor) per cup because the coffee is not as filtered as other brewers.
A Combination Coffee brewer makes both espresso and non-espresso coffee. These machines give coffee drinkers the best of both worlds with a high cost - if you’re looking for a combination brewer, it is best to not go cheap.