How to Choose the Perfect Coffee Maker for Your Style and Taste
Dear Coffee Lover,
If you’re like me, you can’t start your day without a cup of delicious, aromatic coffee. But not just any coffee. You want the best coffee possible, brewed to perfection, with the right balance of flavor, strength, and temperature.
But how do you achieve that? How do you choose a coffee maker that suits your style and taste?
Well, I have good news for you. I’ve done the research and tested dozens of coffee makers, and I’m going to share with you the secrets of finding the perfect one for you.
But first, let me ask you a question: What kind of coffee do you like?
Do you like it strong and bold, with a rich crema and a full-bodied taste? Do you like it smooth and mellow, with a subtle aroma and a delicate flavor? Do you like it hot and fresh, with a consistent temperature and a long-lasting heat?
Depending on your answer, you’ll need a different type of coffee maker. There are three main types: espresso machines, french presses, and drip coffee makers. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each one produces a different kind of coffee.
Let me explain.
Espresso machines
are the most expensive and complex type of coffee maker. They use high pressure and hot water to force steam through finely ground coffee beans, creating a concentrated shot of espresso. Espresso machines can also make other drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, by adding steamed milk and foam.
Espresso machines are great for people who love strong, intense coffee, with a thick crema and a complex flavor. They are also great for people who enjoy experimenting with different beans, grinds, and brew ratios. However, espresso machines are also the most difficult to use and maintain. They require regular cleaning, descaling, and tamping. They also take up a lot of space and use a lot of electricity.
Here are some examples of espresso machines, with their prices:
| Type | Cheap | Value for money | Top End |
| Espresso machine | De’Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso Maker ($271) | Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso ($750) | Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Machine ($2,400) |
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French presses
are the simplest and cheapest type of coffee maker. They consist of a glass or metal container with a plunger and a filter. To use them, you simply add coarsely ground coffee and hot water to the container, let it steep for a few minutes, then press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the liquid.
French presses are great for people who love smooth, mellow coffee, with a full flavor and a low acidity. They are also great for people who appreciate simplicity and convenience. However, french presses are also the most messy and inconsistent type of coffee maker. They leave some sediment in the cup, which can affect the taste and texture. They also don’t keep the coffee hot for long, so you have to drink it quickly or transfer it to another container.
Here are some examples of french presses, with their prices:
| Type | Cheap | Value for money | Top End |
| French press | Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee and Tea Maker ($27) | Espro P3 Glass French Press ($45) | ESPRO P7 French Press ($120) |
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Drip coffee makers
are the most common and popular type of coffee maker. They use gravity and paper filters to drip hot water over medium-fine ground coffee beans, creating a smooth and consistent brew. Drip coffee makers can make multiple cups at once, and some models have features like timers, programmable settings, and thermal carafes.
Drip coffee makers are great for people who love hot and fresh coffee, with a balanced flavor and a moderate strength. They are also great for people who value convenience and versatility. However, drip coffee makers are also the most bland and boring type of coffee maker. They don’t produce much crema or aroma, and they can over-extract or under-extract the coffee depending on the water temperature and flow rate.
Here are some examples of drip coffee makers, with their prices:
| Type | Cheap | Value for money | Top End |
| Drip | Wjiang Pour Over Coffe Maker ($18) | Mr. Coffee Drip Coffee Maker ($40) | Technivorm Moccamaster 53942 KBGV 10-Cup Coffee Maker ($359) |
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So there you have it: the three main types