The Ultimate Coffee Maker Guide

Phase 1: What type of Coffee Maker do I need?

The two main ways to make coffee are by using an Espresso Machine, or a normal Coffee Maker (no Espresso). In the next phases we will look at the different types of machine for these two methods, however first you must decide whether you want an Espresso Machine or not. Below we have set out a simple comparison table which should help you decide.

 

An Espresso Machine is for you if:	A Non-Espresso Coffee Maker is for you if:
You are prepared to put more effort into your coffee; Espresso Machines require regular cleaning and new coffee must be ground for each cup.	You want to “put the coffee on” and leave the coffee to brew while you do other things.
You think yourself a bit of a Coffee Connoisseur and want to make several different types of coffee, including Cappuccino, Macchiato and Latte.	You are not bothered about fancy styles of Coffee such as Cappuccino and Espresso; you want a simple black coffee.
You can afford to spend a little more time when making your coffee.	You want to have coffee ready to drink at all times.
You do not wish to make large amounts of coffee simultaneously (4 to 6 cups).	You are catering for large groups of people and need to make “Pots” of coffee, not just cups.
You are happy to spend more money on an Espresso Machine to make the coffee that you want.	You don’t want to spend too much money and are happy with a simple tasting coffee.

 

 

Actually, this seems to be the basic need of the human heart in nearly every great crisis - a good hot cup of coffee. 

Alexander King

 

Now that you have read about the advantages of each type of Coffee Maker, we hope you are ready to make an informed decision about your needs and desires.

If you feel confident that you know which type of Machine you want, then head on to phase 3 if you want an Espresso Machine, or phase 4 if you want a Coffee Maker.

The two machine styles mentioned above are not the only way for you to enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Below we have listed and described some of the more traditional methods of brewing coffee.

Stovetop Pots - The Alternative Espresso Maker

Stovetop Pots are a non-electrical method of making Espresso, they are sometimes known as “Moka Pots” (the name comes from the “Moka Express” Stovetop brand).

A Stovetop will produced a very strong, black coffee. Because of this it can be used to make other types of Coffee such as Cappuccino, this is in the same way that espresso is used in electric Coffee Makers to form the base of other styles of Coffee.
Stovetop pots are often used in Italy as a household item; they hold two chambers which are separated by a Coffee filter.

The lower chamber is first filled with water, which is boiled and then forced through the coffee and into the top chamber, where it is served.

Search for “Stovetop Coffee Maker” in our store to see some of the different Stovetop Pots on the market.

The French Press – The Alternative “Non-Espresso” Coffee Maker

A French press is a coffee brewing device popularized by the French (not the Italians!). Its operation is simple and it produces a stronger coffee than other devices.

A French press consists of a narrow cylindrical jug usually made of glass or clear plastic, equipped with a lid and a "plunger" which fits tightly in the cylinder and which has a fine wire or nylon mesh acting as a filter.

Coffee is brewed by placing the coffee and water together, leaving to brew for a few minutes, and then pressing the plunger to separate the coffee at the bottom of the jug

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Search for “French Press” in our store to see some of the different French Presses on the market.

This concludes phase 1. If you have chosen to buy an espresso maker, then please go to phase 2. If you have chosen to buy a drip/filter coffee maker, go to phase 3.

 

Phase 2: The different types of Espresso maker on the market.

 

Phase 3: The different types of Drip/Filter coffee makers on the market.

 

Phase 4: The grinder, an integral part in the brewing process.