For many of us, it’s hard to imagine starting the day without coffee. Putting on a pot or preparing a cup is as much a part of the morning routine as, say, brushing your teeth. In fact, according to Joe Derochowski, NPD Group Homeware Industry Advisor, the coffee category as a whole has been growing for the last five years, rising 5% in the last year alone.
While Derochowski says single-serve coffeemakers like Keurig-brand machines are the fastest-growing subcategory, sales of espresso machines, pour-over coffeemakers and French presses are also on the rise.
Reading: Best types of coffee makers
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“now coffee is all about flavor,” says derochowski, and that’s whythere are so many different ways to make coffee: each method offers a different flavor, from bold and robust cold brew, to a smooth and creamy French press coffee. But each type of coffee maker has pros and cons, from price to convenience to taste. We know people have very strong opinions about what kind of coffee is best (hey, it’s personal!), but to help you crack the mass market for coffee makers, the experts at the Institute of Good Housekeeping’s Kitchen Appliance Lab identify 15 types of coffee makers, how they work and who they are best for:
drip coffee maker
Drip coffee makers are an easy and familiar way to prepare coffee. They can brew a single cup of coffee or up to 14. Some drip coffee makers feature an additional brew system, such as a hot water dispenser or a single-serve brewer that is compatible with K-cups for added versatility.
how it works: cold water is added to the reservoir and ground coffee is added to a filter. the water is heated and passed through the beans through what looks like a shower head. the brewed coffee is then served in a glass carafe that sits on a hot plate, which keeps the coffee hot.
Who is it best for: traditionalists, families, entertainment.
Don’t you want your coffee to burn? Some people like thermal carafes to keep coffee warm without overheating it on a hot plate. Instead of resting on a heating element, the coffee is brewed in an insulated carafe that is typically vacuum sealed. a good thermal carafe is designed to keep coffee hot for hours.
pour-over coffee maker
Brewing coffee with a pour over is one of the gentlest brewing methods. pour overs can be used over a single cup or a larger carafe to make a full-bodied cup of coffee.
how it works: medium-coarse grains are placed in a cone-shaped funnel with a filter. hot water is added to the soil in batches; the first time to “bloom” the coffee grounds and the second time to fully brew them. as the water percolates through the grounds, it empties into a single cup or carafe, resulting in a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.
Who is it best for: Single-cup coffee lovers.
single-dose capsule coffee maker
keurig was one of the first brands to introduce pod machines, which have changed the way traditional drip coffee is brewed: a fresh cup of coffee at the touch of a button. most have water reservoirs so you don’t have to fill your coffee maker with water every time and they come in a wide variety of styles, from a single coffee cup size to a wide range that can accommodate a large cup to go.
How it works: Using the same method as drip coffee but on a smaller scale, these machines use pre-ground, measured pods to deliver a consistent cup of coffee every time. a preset amount of hot water runs through the floor directly into your cup. the filter is located in the pod so you don’t have to worry about emptying the grinds, just throw the pods in the trash.
Who is it best for: Anyone who wants a quick and easy way to make a variety of coffee beverages, but doesn’t want to make a full pot of coffee.
French press coffee maker
A French press works by gently steeping ground coffee in freshly boiled water to make a full-bodied cup of coffee. the longer you let the coffee steep, the stronger the flavor, although four minutes is the recommended amount of time.
how it works: Combine coarse to medium ground coffee with freshly boiled water and place lid on carafe for steeping. After a few minutes, slowly push down on the plunger (fitted with a fine mesh strainer) to move the grounds to the bottom of the pitcher.
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Who is it best for: coffee lovers who love the taste of full-bodied coffee or want to highlight the taste of high-quality coffee.
aeropress coffee maker
This coffee maker has over 5,000 positive reviews on amazon. People love that it’s quick and easy to clean, especially compared to French presses, which work in a similar way. In addition to making espresso and Americanos, the AeroPress can also make cold brew coffee by allowing ground coffee to steep for one minute instead of 10 seconds.
how it works: add a heaping tablespoon of fine ground coffee to the base for each espresso-sized shot you wish to make. heat water to 170ºf; use to fill base to desired cup mark. Put the filter on the lid, screw it to the base, and then place the base on a cup. Stir the coffee grounds for ten seconds, then use the included plunger to carefully push the water down through the grounds and into the cup.
Who is it best for: Strong coffee lovers looking for a quick and easy way to brew one cup at a time.
cold coffee maker
Traditional iced coffee is made by pouring brewed coffee over ice, but the cold brew method uses no heat, resulting in a rich, full-bodied brew. There are many ways to make cold beer, including submerging it in a large container.
how it works: Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans at room temperature or in cold water overnight. the brewed coffee is then dispensed into another portion container. it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days and, in addition to being served over ice, it can be used as a concentrate to make hot coffee.
Who is it best for: Those who like a fuller, deeper, and tastier cup of coffee, hot or cold.
espresso machine
Like coffee, there are many ways to make espresso, which is a type of coffee drink that uses dark roasted beans and a fine grind. it is much more concentrated than drip coffee and is served in a smaller cup.
how it works: espresso can be prepared with a manual, semi-automatic, automatic or super-automatic machine. they all work by heating water and forcing it through ground coffee at high pressure.
- manual machines require you to control all variables, including tamping, pressure build-up and water flow. these are great for expert espresso drinkers who are very particular about their espresso and enjoy making things from scratch.
- ssemi-automatic machines control the pressure, but allow you to control the amount of water you want to use. these are good for coffee drinkers who like strong coffee and want to be able to make espresso and americanos.
- automatic machines control the pressure and amount of water. some have built-in coffee grinders. they’re perfect for people who want to make a hassle-free espresso at home.
- super-automatic machines do it all for you; all you have to do is select the type of espresso drink you want and the machine will automatically grind the correct amount of beans and dispense the drink according to pre-programmed settings, making them ideal for those who want to press and go espresso. .
- capsule machinesprepare espresso and coffee drinks using pods with espresso or pre-measured ground coffee. Most capsule machines require you to select the size of drink you’d like to make, but others, like the Nespresso VirtuoPlus, detect the barcode on the capsule and brew the perfect size automatically. ideal for people who want to be able to make a cup of espresso or a consistent coffee drink with little effort.
- blade grinders have a single blade that grinds the beans like a food processor, chopping them.
- burr mills are made up of two pieces of hard material that grind the grains as they pass between the two; allow for greater accuracy and consistency.
stove coffee maker
A moka pot is a popular coffee maker that produces a dark brew comparable to espresso, but, according to the Italian National Espresso Institute, does not qualify as an espresso because it does not use the required nine bars of pressure. however, it still produces a very dark cup of coffee and can be used as a solid base for cappuccinos and lattes.
how it works: Water is added to the lower container and fine grains are added to the filter located at the top. the heat generates steam, which creates pressure, causing the bottom water to flow through the grains and seep into the upper compartment.
Who is it best for: Espresso lovers who like a deep, dark cup of coffee.
coffee maker to grind and prepare
Some drip coffee makers have a grinder that can grind coffee beans immediately before brewing. Many people like this style of brewing because it ensures the freshest tasting coffee.
how it works: Select the amount of coffee you want to brew and watch as the machine automatically grinds the corresponding amount of beans in the brew basket. As with normal coffee grinders, some grinders and coffee grinders have blade grinders and others have burr grinders.
Who is it best for: Grinding and brewing are appealing to drip coffee drinkers who like to grind their coffee at home and simplify the process.
Turkish coffee pot (ibrik)
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Turkish/Greek coffee is prepared on the stove using a very small pot. this method produces a very strong unfiltered coffee. some people like to add sugar or other seasonings like cinnamon or cardamom directly to the pot as it cooks, which infuses the flavor. like espresso, it is enjoyed in a small cup.
how it works: water is mixed with very finely ground coffee until the mixture begins to boil. then the coffee is transferred to a cup where the grounds settle to the bottom.
Who is it best for: Coffee drinkers who like their coffee strong, quick and easy to prepare.
macerated coffee
Some brands package coffee in tea bags that can be prepared the same way as tea: steeped. specialty coffee packed in compostable bags makes it easy to enjoy a nice, full-bodied cup of coffee on the go.
how it works: like a tea bag: put the coffee bag in a cup and add hot water. steep for five to six minutes.
Who is it best for: Frequent travelers and those who value comfort above all else: you only need hot water for a cup of coffee.
Vietnamese coffee pot (phin)
a phin is similar to a small pour. it is made of metal and uses finer ground beans.
how it works: small holes in the bottom allow hot water to drip through after it has passed through the floor. It is usually made in a cup filled with a small amount of sweetened condensed milk.
Who is it best for: Single cup coffee drinkers who like their coffee strong.
siphon coffee maker
a gentle way of making coffee, as the water is just about to boil when combined with the ground coffee. the lower temperature allows the coffee to brew more delicately, which doesn’t extract too much flavor.
how it works: Water is heated until it turns to steam and passes upwards into a round carafe filled with ground coffee. once the steam turns back into water and combines with the ground, it is released back into the carafe used to heat the water and create a vacuum, which strengthens the aroma and flavor of the coffee.
Who is it best for: Coffee fanatics who love science and want to maximize the flavor of their coffee in the most advanced way.
percolator coffee maker
Percolators existed long before drip coffee makers. they produce flavorful cups of coffee with a strong aroma. some can be used on the stove, while others are electric.
how it works: Heated water passes through a tube and repeatedly saturates the coarse ground coffee located at the top of the machine.
Who is it best for: those who really like hot coffee.
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