Best Coffee Makers: Braun, Cuisinart, Bunn And Espresso

For most people coffee isn't just a tasty beverage, it's a necessity. Making coffee and espresso drinks at home might save a trip to the local coffee shop, but can a person really get that same rich, fresh-brewed taste? Will investing in a coffee maker also save money in the long run?

Yes, to the first question, maybe to the second.

Investing in coffee makers may save money depending on how often a person buys made-to-order coffee and what type of hot beverage he or she regularly indulges in. A plain cup of java most likely runs only a couple bucks and a fancy espresso drink is usually double or triple that amount. Personal coffee makers are an investment for coffee drinkers who are in the habit of grabbing a large latte every day. Over the course of a year, self-brewing a mug of warm, roasted flavor could save some substantial money.

But before running out to buy a coffee maker, take a moment to consider its use. There is a large assortment of commercial coffee makers on the market today and knowing specific needs is key to making a satisfying purchase.

There are several factors to consider before selecting a coffee maker. First consider, how much coffee will be consumed. Coffee makers range from producing 1 to 3 cups of coffee to as large as producing 10 to 12 cups of coffee per pot. Another factor to research is available features. Coffee makers range from technologically advanced with automatic timers and frothing abilities to simple brewing capabilities. Finally, it's important to evaluate necessary counter space. Coffee makers are available in a variety of sizes that are dependent on their pot sizes and features.

Once-Cup Coffee Makers

There are many options for people who consume small coffee portions. One-cup coffee makers offer the taste of fresh-brewed hot beverages one cup at a time. This may be accomplished with single-serve drip units, or with the newest method on the market; the "pod" system.

Today's "pod" method utilizes a similar design to conventional tea bags. Unlike multiple-cup systems, these units also offer the versatility of several types of hot beverages without the need for a complicated steam wand or frothing attachment.

Two examples of this coffee brewing style are:
* Braun Tassimo(tm) Hot Beverage System, and
* Bunn Coffee Maker MCP - My Café Commercial Grade Pod.

Multiple-Cup Coffee Makers

There are many options available for consumers who prefer to enjoy their coffee in greater quantities. Manual drip, percolators and pressed coffee are possibilities for those so inclined. However, automatic-drip coffee makers are still the most purchased type, selling nearly 14 million a year.

Within the automatic-drip family consumers may choose anything from a fairly no-frills system to one that grinds coffee beans, brews the coffee and keeps it hot and fresh in an insulated carafe for hours.

Some straightforward coffee makers include:
* Coffee Maker Bunn BX
* Braun KF510-WH, or the
* Cuisinart Filter Brew

The following coffee makers are worth investigating for moderate complexities such as an insulated carafe, programmable brewing or a pause feature enabling a person to grab a cup during brewing:
* Thermal Carafe Bunn Coffee Maker BTX
* Braun KF590
* Cuisinart 12 Cup Programmable Thermal Coffee Maker

For those of us who want it all, a system that grinds, brews, and keeps it warm with an insulated carafe (so flavor isn't lost from heating), the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal Coffee Maker is a possibility.

There's something for everyone in the world of coffee makers. The bottom line in brewing that perfect cup of coffee ultimately comes down to one thing. What's perfect for you?


Sources:
Buying Advice. Coffeemakers. April 2006. Consumers Reports. 19 Jan. 2007. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/coff eemakers/reports/how-to-choose/index.htm
Important Features. Coffeemakers. April 2006. Consumer Reports. 19 Jan. 2007. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/coff eemakers/reports/features/index.htm