Food

How to Choose a Coffee Maker: Everything You Need to Know

Almost 60% of Americans drink coffee more than any other beverage each day. In addition, 85% of consumers use their own coffee maker daily.

But not all coffee maker brands come with the same features and settings. Are you struggling to decide which type of coffee maker is right for you?

The following guide will explore different ways to choose a coffee maker that’s perfect for your home.

Your Preferred Coffee Type

First, decide what kind of coffee you brew most often. Some makers take pods and others take grounds. Some even grind the beans for you if you prefer making coffee with whole beans.

There are also combination coffee makers on the market that brew both pods and grounds. They’re usually a little more expensive, but still a better option than buying two separate coffee makers.

Serving Sizes

Consider how much coffee you drink each day and the size of the cups you fill. Make sure it’s tall enough to fill a thermos if you like making coffee for on-the-go purposes.

If you like drinking coffee throughout the day at home, choose a maker with a larger carafe. On the other hand, if you just like a small cup in the morning you might consider a compact single-serving maker.

Cleaning Coffee Machines

Coffee makers tend to get dirty quickly and it can even affect the taste. Choose a maker with a removable drip tray that’s easy to clean. A removable water reservoir also makes cleaning the maker much easier.

Stainless steel coffee makers tend to be the easiest to keep clean. Pick any style and color you want, but some are more convenient than others.

Kitchen Space

You might not have the counter space available for a bulky, state-of-the-art coffee maker. Make sure to look at a maker’s dimensions before making your purchase.

Likewise, think about storage space if you plan to keep the maker inside cabinets or in the pantry.

Temperature Options

Some makers don’t offer temperature settings and it makes it hard to produce the best cup of coffee. Luckily, most makers have the ideal temperature set as their default.

But consider adjustable settings if you’re very particular about the flavor and strength of your coffee.

Other Coffee Maker Features

Coffee makers with auto-shutdown features are more energy efficient. The feature turns the machine off after a set period without activity. You’ll never have to worry about remembering to turn it off.

Scheduling features work well for those with limited time in the morning by making coffee in advance. For example, you could program the maker to have your coffee ready 10 minutes before you wake up.

Brewing strength options are great if members of your household have different strength preferences. Makers with intensity settings allow you to make both mild coffee and bold coffee.

Choose a Coffee Maker Confidently

Now you know how to choose a coffee maker that fits all of your needs. Remember to prioritize the size of the maker, the type of coffee it brews, and which features you want.

Don’t forget to read online customer reviews for coffee makers once you’ve narrowed down your search! Check out our site’s coffee category for more helpful tips.