in this article:
- the best coffee makers
- how we test
- frequently asked questions about coffee makers
- the best coffee grinder of 2022
- best cold brew coffee maker of 2022
- best espresso machine for 2022
- everyday tips for making great drip coffee
- best french press for 2022
There are countless ways to enjoy coffee these days. At a Starbucks, Dunkin’, or Caribou, you can get anything from a simple black coffee to what is essentially a coffee-flavored milkshake. Or, you can opt for one of the artisan coffee shops that have proliferated in the last decade and get a meticulously prepared latte or latte. But if you’re looking to save money, or just interested in learning more about making coffee, you’ll want to make it at home.
The options for brewing coffee at home can seem as numerous as the options for going out when you consider factors like brewing method, price, and your personal situation. (Does someone living alone need 12 cups of coffee every morning? I’m not here to judge.) The choice may seem daunting, but we’re here to make it easy.
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We have meticulously tested and handpicked the best coffee makers available today. Whether you are looking to brew your coffee hot or cold, manually or automatically, on a tight budget or without financial constraints, we have an option for you. (You can also check out our picks for the best coffee subscriptions.)
best coffee makers
how we test coffee makers
Assessing the performance of a coffee maker is more complicated than it seems. You need to know what good drip coffee really is, and according to the Specialty Coffee Association, there are essential criteria for good brewing. brew time and water temperature top the list. hot water must come into contact with the ground for no less than four minutes and no more than eight. The ideal water temperature range is between 197 degrees Fahrenheit (92 degrees Celsius) and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius).
To see how well each coffeemaker handles that challenge, we tracked the length of their brew cycles. we also employ thermocouple heat sensors connected to industrial grade data loggers. that allows us to record the temperature inside the ground coffee while it is being brewed.
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We measured the temperature inside the brewing chamber of each coffee maker we tested.
after brewing coffee, we take sample readings of the produced coffee liquid with an optical refractometer. Since we take into account the amount of water and freshly ground coffee used, these data allow us to calculate the total percentage of dissolved solids for each brew. from there we arrive at the extraction percentage. the ideal range is commonly thought to be between 18% and 20%.
We also back up the measured data with a good old-fashioned taste test. Over-extracted coffee tastes bitter and strong, while under-extracted coffee is often weak or sour. And to be sure, we run identical tests a minimum of three times to get an idea of the average results.
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