How to choose the best coffee makers or espresso machines?

The first step in choosing the best coffee maker or espresso machine is deciding what type you want. This depends on what kind of drinks you want to prepare. Your basic decision here is traditional coffee or a specialty drink.

Coffee Maker.
If you like to try a wide variety of coffee types, you may choose a coffee maker. A coffee maker is preferred by people who like the taste of weaker coffee. Drip machines work by heating the water and then dripping it through the grounds. The grounds are placed in the filter and the dripping water extracts the flavor. These machines are easy and convenient to use. They are great if you drink a lot of coffee or will be serving a crowd. You can brew a pot at a time, rather than just a cup or two. Coffee makers is  categoried below: Thermal, Glass or Double Pot.

Thermal Carafe.
These are coffee makers that brew into thermal carafes. Machines with thermal carafes are ideal if you like to keep a pot of coffee for an extended period of time. The thermal carafe keeps the coffee insulated and therefore hot for hours without burning or altering the flavor of your coffee. And since the carafe doesn’t need a burner to stay warm, it’s portable. Such as: Bunn BTX-B Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker Krups Thermal Coffee Maker Saeco Renaissance XV.

Glass Carafe.
These coffee makers brew into clear glass carafes. This makes it easy to see how much coffee you have left and when it’s done brewing. Glass carafes need to sit on a heating unit or hot plate to stay warm. Many models have an automatic shut off feature so you don’t have to worry about burning these units out. Some even feature adjustable heating units so you can decide how hot you want your coffee to be. Such as: Bunn BX-B Coffee Maker , Capresso CoffeeTeam S, Cuisinart CoffeeBar Classic.

Double Pot systems.
If you entertain alot or like to have different types of coffee available at all times, this is the way to go. These machines feature dual brewing stations. You can make a pot of decaf and regular simultaneously, or brew two different flavored coffees at once, if you so choose. Such as: Krups Dual Thermal Carafe Brewer.

Espresso Machines.
If you like to try a specialty drink such as capucino, latte,etc,you may choose a espresso machine .You need to be willing to spend some more time in preparation and these machines only make one or two cups at a time. If you will be serving a crowd, that may not be practical. The most common machines are semi automatic and super automatics.

Semi Automatic.
Semis have a portafilter that you fill and lock into place yourself. The pressure required to brew is controlled via an electrical switch to the pump. With semi automatic machines, you load the portafilter with ground beans. You set the water level, depending on the drink you are making. Once everything is set, the machine does the rest. A milk frother attachment is included for making cappuccinos and lattes. Some automatics come with a built in grinder, but many do not. Many espresso lovers prefer a separate grinder for quality grinds. Adjustable coffee grinders allow you to set the consistency of the beans. Automatic machines are pod compatible, if you want to skip the grinding altogether. Opinions differ regarding pods, with some people loving the convenience and others thinking the taste is weak or bitter. Semi automatic machine such as: Krups XP4050 Espresso, Nespresso Essenza D100 Espresso.

Super Automatic.
All super automatic espresso machines will grind whole beans that are put into the machine and deposit the grounds into the brew group, where they will be tamped and brewed. These machines do the whole job for you.The user set the machine for strength, texture of the beans, water level, temperature and quantity that is dispensed using controls on the machine. Super automatic machines will also provide hot water and steam through a steam wand. Water to brew and steam comes from an attached reservoir and is pulled through a small boiler that heats the water to the appropriate temperature of the function you are performing.

Super automatics are fully programmable. The size of the reservoir varies by brand, but you will need to refill it regularly. Distilled water is the best choice for keeping your machine clean and your drinks tasting their best. You will need to empty the waste box frequently. This is where the machine dumps the used grinds. Additional features like cup warmers and hot water dispensers are convenient. Super automatic machine such as: Bosch Benvenuto B20, Jura Capresso Impressa E9, Saeco Talea Giro Espresso Machine.

Some Super automatics employ several technologies available that allow you to enjoy that cup in under a minute, such as: k-cup, T-disc and pod technology. Their technology measured portions of coffee that ease the process. You need not measure, fill, and tamp (press) ground coffee. The machines such as: keurig B70, Bunn My café, Braun Tassimo.

So you prefer coffee or specialty drink?. Nothing wrong with that. Just decide which ones is suit for you and choose your best coffee maker.