Coffee Makers Buying Guide
Types of Coffee makers
Coffee Machines available on the market gives good quality results at home, that were once only available with café bought coffee. Choosing the one for you will depend on the type of coffee that you like, how often and for how many people you are likely to be making it. Capacity is usually measured in cupfuls, although exactly how big a cupful is seems to vary considerably
- Percolator – This is an all-in-one jug machine. They are usually electric, although hob versions are available.
- Filter Machine – Usually consists of a water tank, filter area for the ground coffee and collection jug for the coffee.
- Espresso Machine – Similar to the above except that water is heated and forced through the coffee grounds very quickly giving that unmistakable café flavor.
- Espresso/Cappuccino Combination – The addition of a separate steam spout allows milk to be frothed before being added to espresso giving cappuccino coffee.
- “Pod” System – Similar to an espresso machine except using branded pre-measured coffee “pods” giving consistent quality every time.
Percolator
The oldest of all types of coffee machines is the percolator machine which was found in the home some time back quite often. They look like a tall coffee pot and hold enough for about eight cupfuls. The ground coffee is placed on a small metal basket. The required amount of water is added into the “pot” and is heated. As the water heats, it is drawn up a tube that leads to the coffee grounds where it then drips over the coffee. The brew is ready when all the water has passed through the coffee grounds enough to draw its flavor. The coffee will stay hot as long as the percolator remains switched on. All percolators work in this way and only really differ in style and size. All percolators are a simple way to make coffee but can be quite slow if you just want a couple of cupfuls. Percolators are quite easy to clean and have no fiddly bits to get lost. So if you require some good authentic morning caffeine then it will really suit you good.
Filter Machines
If you wake up late and want your coffee in rush then here is the ideal machine for you as this offers a slightly faster way of producing fresh coffee with the water being heated in a separate tank, dripping through the coffee grounds and collecting in a jug ready to pour. Some of them would need paper filters, whereas others have permanent mesh filters already fitted. They both give good results. The coffee is kept hot on a hotplate that the jug sits on. Some machines do not really keep the coffee warm enough to drink whereas others are too hot and spoil its flavour which is a major back drop and you would really need to get some reviews from the people who have used the model you are after. Any coffee made using a filter machine should really be drunk within ten minutes to appreciate its full flavour. Most Filter Machines will hold enough for about six cupfuls at a time and are speedy enough if you need to make more. Filter Machines are low maintenance with most sections being easily washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. They are a good all- round reliable way of making quick and easy coffee.
Espresso Machines
This type of machine is closely related to filter machines except that the quantity of coffee delivered is very small. Espresso is a tiny cupful of intensely-flavoured coffee made by letting hot water pour over coffee grounds very quickly. Some espresso machines will have the facility to brew two cupfuls at the same time but most of the domestic ones do not have this feature, which turns out to be really a frustrating job when you have more than a couple of espresso lovers with you. But incase you like a small cup of coffee after your dinner then this machine serves you just right. Before buying the machine you should inquire about the cleaning procedure as this can b really fiddly with some of the machines. Many of the people end up buying a semi commercial model which not only will this let you make two cups at once, but these versions are usually self cleaning on the inside. If you’re a serious espresso fan this might be for you.
Espresso/Cappuccino Combination 
As the name suggests this is similar to the machine above except with the addition of a separate “spout”. This spout is for frothing milk, by means of steam, to add to the espresso, making cappuccino. These machines must only be operated with extreme care as the steam generated to froth the milk can be very dangerous. That said, they can produce a finished cappuccino very similar to that of a café. However, the water containers on most of these machines are quite small so that there is only really enough steam to froth milk for one cup at a time. This can be a very slow way of making cappuccinos for your friends! If you’re only likely to be making a single cup at a time though, it may be worth considering
“Pod” Systems 
If you want 10 cupfuls of coffee then you should go ahead with this for sure as these relatively newer machines in the market. These machines must be used with their own branded “pods” of coffee. (Which are available in different blends to suit all tastes). The pod (which is exactly the right amount of coffee for one cup) is inserted into the machine which then forces heated water through the pod, delivering the fresh coffee straight into the cup placed beneath. The quality of the coffee produced in this way is very consistent, and although only one cupful is produced at a time, it is very quick. This might be just the solution for you if live in a house with lots of coffee drinkers who all need their “fix” quickly in the morning. A more expensive option than a regular Filter Machine but much quicker; with the option of each person being able to have their favourite blend. These machines are very easy to clean and maintain and are definitely worth considering for the serious coffee addict.
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