Healthy Living: Coffee Makers- A Guide to Choosing the Right One

On the hunt for a new coffee maker? There are several ways to brew your coffee and seemingly endless choices of coffee makers for each method. We’re offering some information, tips, and recommendations so you can select the right one for you!

A few questions to consider before you purchase your next coffee maker: how do you like your coffee to be made? What features are important? What’s your budget?

Drip Coffee Makers

Let’s start with your traditional drip coffee makers. These are going to be the most versatile, with the most features. They allow for making large quantities of coffee, which is helpful if you drink several cups throughout the day or are sharing with others in your household. These makers are also the easiest to use and to find.

As the most popular type of coffee maker, there are a lot to choose from! Consider these questions when helping you narrow down your choices:

• What kind of carafe do you want? A glass carafe will be less expensive, but your coffee may burn if left on too long, and it won’t stay heated if turned off. A thermal carafe helps solve this issue and could be worth the additional cost.
• Do you want it to be programmable? In our opinion, this is the number one selling point of drip makers! Set it up at night and wake up to fresh-brewed coffee.
• Do you prefer black, stainless steel, or something more colorful? Coffee makers come in all colors and sizes, so choose something that either works with your current kitchen aesthetic or add a bright pop of color to your counter!

For more options, check out Home Grounds Best Drip Coffee Maker 2023 review.

Presses

A French press is a single container that steeps the coffee grounds in hot water, then separates the grounds from the coffee by pressing down a small filter. The result is a full-bodied coffee, partly due to the natural oils that are maintained. With a French press, you have more control over how long the coffee is brewed and its temperature.

When considering a French press, think about:

• Container type: glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. Each has its own pros and cons.
• You’ll also want to compare the types of plungers and filters. Good Housekeeping provides a review of their 6 Best French Press Coffee Makers to help you out.

Percolators

A common stovetop coffee maker is a Moka pot. These pots have a chamber for coffee grounds, a chamber for water, and a chamber for the finished product. When the water heats up, it creates steam which pushes water through the grounds. This results in a concentrated coffee similar to espresso-making—it’s a less expensive alternative for making espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Stovetop percolators are similar to Moka pots, using chambers and steam, but the coffee drains through the filter instead of collecting. This method is closer to your drip coffee process; however, it’s easy to over-brew and end up with a bitter coffee taste. Stovetop percolators are convenient for camping or to make on your grill when the power goes out!

This list of the Best Stovetop Coffee Makers provides pros and cons, as well as a step-by-step guide.

Single-Serve

Single-serve coffee makers have gained popularity because of their ease, speed, and ability to make just one cup.

• Do you want a maker that uses pods? Only coffee grounds? Both? If you decide to use pods, consider using eco-friendly options.
• Sometimes, single-serve coffee makers can be rather slow – is the speed of brewing something important to you?
• The size of the water reservoir is another thing to consider when looking at these machines.
• Also, some single-serve makers offer cold brew or espresso options!

If cost is a consideration, keep in mind that single-serve makers can be more expensive to purchase, and pods also tend to be pricier than grounds. This list of the best single-serve coffee makers will walk you through some favorites, including recommendations for the best maker.  

How will you be brewing your future cups of coffee? Will you stick with a traditional drip maker, experiment with a press or percolator, or does a single-serve machine meet your needs?

This article is brought to you by Guthrie. If you have questions or concerns about a health-related topic, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. More information is available at guthrie.org/schedule-appointment.