Different Kinds of Coffee Makers
The right brewer can make a significant difference, whether you're trying to save money at coffee shops, reduce your caffeine consumption or enjoy gourmet flavors at home.
From single-serve specialty pods, to family-sized carafes, there are a variety of ways to brew. Learn about the various kinds of coffee makers to find which one is right for you:.
Drip Coffee Makers
When you're brewing your morning cup of coffee, a lot can depend on the machine you own. Different kinds of machines use different methods to brew, and each method extracts the flavors of your preferred blend differently. There are a variety of options available including single-cup brewers drip coffee makers and even French press machines.
A drip-style coffee maker is among of the most well-known models. These brew by heating water and pouring it over the grounds to create a hot pot of coffee that you pour directly from the machine into your mug. They are best suited for those who want to enjoy traditional full-pot coffee, which tends to be more flavorful than instant coffees that are packaged.
To get the most flavor from your ground coffee, it is essential to heat the water to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. The majority of smaller models don't quite meet the mark, while top drip coffee makers are able to provide a temperature that is closer to that of a pour over.
The water is heated within the coffee maker through an element, and then it flows through a tube constructed of aluminum or plastic. The system is built with a single-way valve that lets the boiling water in however, it prevents the water from flowing back out into the bucket or coffee maker.
When the water is inside the reservoir, it begins to drip down into a container that contains your ground coffee and filter. The showerhead sprays hot water over the beans as it drips down. This creates the familiar gurgling noise you hear in your kitchen. The process takes a time, but the final result is a deliciously brewed pot of coffee that you can pour directly from the machine into your thermos or mug.
A drip-style coffeemaker is easy to operate and requires only minimal input from the user. It's extremely simple to operate and is usually ready to go as soon as you flip the power switch. This kind of coffee maker can also be inexpensive, with basic models priced at less than $100. These coffee makers are also sturdy, but the warranty on certain models can only last for one to five years.
Single Serve Coffee Makers
In a home with a lot of activity it's not always possible for everyone to drink from coffee at the same time. With a single serve coffee maker, everyone can make their own cup of coffee according to their own time. It's as simple as placing in a coffee pod or a pre-packaged K-Cup, pushing a button and grabbing a mugful. Certain models also make hot cocoa and tea for variety, or to fill travel cups.
They are simple to use and compact, taking up only a little space on your counter. They are cheaper than a drip machine, and usually in local or online stores. However, a single-cup maker can be expensive in the long term, as you need to continually purchase coffee pods or K-Cups.
To help offset this cost, consider investing in a model that accepts ground coffee and comes with an reusable filter that can be removed for sustainable brewing. Some models feature an opening that is tall enough for large travel mugs and dishwasher-safe parts. You should consult the manual for your coffee maker to find out the frequency at which you should change the water filter.
Many coffee drinkers are looking to reduce the waste that comes with paper filters, so look for a filter that allows you to use a mesh filter, that is compatible with all grounds. Some models come with a reservoir built-in that will alert you when it is time to refill the water.
Cleaning a single-serve coffee maker is an easy task and is done with a solution of white vinegar and water. Unplug the machine and take off the coffee pod holder as well as the reservoir for water. Rinse the container thoroughly using warm soapy tap water. If you have a Keurig or similar brand of machine, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how often to replace the water filter.
They are ideal for apartments and homes with smaller footprints. Some models come with a drip tray built-in, so you don't need to keep separate tray on your counter. A majority of these models come with a beautiful silver finish that matches other kitchen appliances and fixtures.
Pour Over Coffee Makers
There are a variety of options available when you're looking to upgrade your manual drip coffee maker (also known as a pour-over coffeemaker). The fancy technique might seem daunting, but it's more approachable than you think and offers many options for customization to reach your ideal cup of coffee. The top pour-over makers are easy to clean and use they don't require any power source and are constructed of durable materials that hold heat.
Pour-overs aren't like drip coffee makers with electric drips. They usually have one or two ceramic or metal parts and no wires to break or block. This makes them much less likely to need repairs or replacements over time and can last for a long time without issues. They also have a minimalist elegant design that will appeal to coffee lovers as well as the "Buy It For Life" crowd who like to reduce their waste.
There are several types of pour-overs available. The Chemex style, however, is the most popular. It's made of non-porous Borosilicate glass which is a good choice for coffee due to the fact that it is durable and does not absorb odors or chemicals. This model requires a Chemex paper filtre, which isn’t the cheapest choice. It also takes longer to make 8 cups than other models tried.
Melitta is another brand that produces an excellent pour over with a simple, yet sturdy design and a broad range of options for the coffee lover. The Classic Pour Over is their most affordable model, and comes with a stainless steel mesh filter, which removes the need for disposable paper filters. It is equipped with an insulated water carafe with a thermal element that keeps the water warm. The flow rate can also be adjusted to determine the speed at which the water is poured over the ground.
Most pour-overs require a middle size grind, which is most common and easy to find in grocery stores. Certain brands may recommend grinding that is coarser or more fine, so check the product specifications prior to purchase.
Siphon Brewers
A siphon coffee maker is a gorgeous and functional coffee maker. It is a great choice for those looking to impress their guests. It's sleek and elegant, so it will look fantastic in any kitchen. When it was time for celebrations in the past and lavish banquets, this type of coffee maker was used to serve coffee to guests. This is probably the reason this machine has an attractive appearance.
Siphon coffee makers employ an innovative method of making coffee using vacuums and water vapors to make the beverage. It is also called the immersion method of brewing and is considered to be one of the most advanced methods. It produces a cup of coffee with the highest level of flavor among all other brewing methods.
The device is comprised of two glass vessels that are connected via tubes. The lower vessel is filled with water, while the upper vessel is filled with coffee beans. The device is placed on top of an energy source like an electric or gas heater, and steam begins to rise from the lower chamber. The coffee ground prior to grinding can be added to the upper chamber, and the device is secured. After the coffee has been brewed, coffee is removed from the heat and allowed to cool prior to serving.
Before using your siphon coffee maker, it is a good idea to test the device by heating water and then running some over the grounds. This will make sure that the device is operating properly and won't clog the grounds or harm them in any other way. Also, it is important to use the right amount of grounds to ensure that your beverage does not taste bitter or muddy.
To get the best flavor from your siphon brewer, it is important to grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency. You can employ a burr or a manual hand grinder based on your preference. Once the grounds are ready, they need to be placed in the upper chamber of your coffeee maker and stirred gently using bamboo paddle or a spoon. Be sure to cover the grounds with water at all times to prevent them from drying out and losing their flavor.