Americans spend a lot of money every year on coffee shops and specialty coffee drinks. While it’s nice to enjoy a coffee treat now and then while out and about, many people are choosing to invest in their own at-home coffee makers to save money and also have the best freshly brewed cup right when they want it.
When you want delicious, freshly brewed coffee to enjoy from home, you need to invest in the right coffee maker. There are now so many different types of coffee makers to choose from, it may seem a bit daunting trying to decide which one to get. That’s why we’ve done a bit of research for you to give you the right information to help you decide.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right home coffee maker.
Best Home Coffee Maker 2022 Recommendations
Types of Home Coffee Makers:
First, it helps to know the different types of coffee makers that are available to you before you start shopping. There are more types of coffee makers you can use at home than ever before, so the choices have never been so plentiful.
#1. Single-Serve Coffee Makers
One of your first choices and one of the most common/popular, is the single-serve coffee maker. Keurig is the most popular name brand for these single-serve coffee makers, but they have paved the way for many other brands to move into the market as well.
These coffee makers use single-use coffee pods to brew your coffee so all you need to do is add fresh water, add a pod, and put your mug underneath the spout. There is no bean grinding, no measuring, no pouring or anything else to worry with. It’s quick and easy to get the perfect cup every time.
Another benefit: There are many coffee flavors to choose from. This can be a great source for someone looking to try different types of coffee or tea. It can also be a good choice for communal spaces, workplace coffee breaks, or a household with members who have very different coffee tastes.
#2. Drip Coffee Makers
Another choice is drip coffee makers. These are the classic and most well-known types of home coffee maker, although they have some a long way from their humble beginnings. This is the perfect choice if you drink a lot of coffee or are making for more than one person.
You can choose your bean type – from light, medium to dark – and the flavor of coffee that you enjoy. It’s pretty easy to just pop in a filter, fill up the appropriate amount of fresh water, and then allow the machine to do its thing. You can even by pre-ground coffee beans to make it quicker and easier to brew your coffee at home.
#3. Espresso Machines
You might also consider espresso machines if you enjoy espresso on a regular basis. Some models can be pricey so if it’s not something you drink often, then it may not be worth the investment. For optimum taste, you’ll need a grinder, too, unless you get an espresso machine that comes with one. Your espresso machine might also be able to make other coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. If you drink these often, consider a multi-function machine.
Italian-style espresso is more intense than drip coffee and it also has a more bitter flavor. If this is what you’re into, then you likely have a more refined palate when it comes to coffee flavor. Drip coffee machines just may not do it for you.
#4. Other/ Manual Options
And finally, you have some other manual options as well. If you’re a big-time coffee enthusiast, you may want to try manual preparation methods like the French coffee press or a pour over set. An AeroPress is another option, as well as a stovetop espresso maker.
These do require more time investment and a greater knowledge of the best coffee preparation techniques. They’re not recommended for the casual coffee drinker who just wants to grab a cup and go.
Choosing from Popular Brands
When shopping for a home coffee machine, remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. While it’s true that high-end brands will cost more, you still want to evaluate more than just the price tag.
Some common brand names include:
- Hamilton Beach
- Cuisineart
- Bonavita
- Keurig
- Mr. Coffee
- Black and Decker
- Ninja
- Mueller
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, nor is it a guarantee that one of these brands is the “best” choice for your needs. The same as with anything else in the consumer world, sometimes a fancy tag is nothing more than that, just a name. More expensive doesn’t always equal better. You’ll need to do some research to decide on the best coffee maker for your needs.
Here are some things to look for when choosing from popular brands:
- What do you get for the price?
- What features does the coffee machine come with?
- What are the reviews (from REAL people) saying about it?
- What warranty is offered and what does it cover?
Next, let’s look at some final things to consider when choosing the right home coffee maker.
Thoughts
Now that you know more about the types of coffee makers on the market, it should make it easier for you to choose the right one for your needs. Some things to keep in mind are:
- How much coffee you drink – If you don’t drink coffee very often, it may not benefit you that much to buy a machine for your home. If you drink coffee every day, it can definitely be an asset. If you make just one cup for yourself in the morning and that’s all, a single-serve coffee maker might be the best option. If you’re entire household are coffee drinkers and you go through a pot a day, then a larger drip-style coffee maker might be your best option.
- How much space you have – How much space do you have available in your kitchen or on your counter for another kitchen appliance? There are space-saver brands and styles to consider if this is an issue for you.
- What type of coffee you like – And finally, consider the type of coffee you enjoy and what you would want to make at home. Do you drink it plain and black? Do you prefer espresso? Do you want macchiatos or need steamed milk for lattes and cappuccinos? Consider the type of coffee you want to make from home to help you choose the right coffee maker.
Now you are ready to start shopping. Choose the best coffee maker for you today and enjoy that great, home-brewed coffee any time you want!
