Coffee Makers

Whether you start your day with two cups of coffee or save it for when you entertain, a coffee maker is a staple countertop appliance. The type of coffee maker you choose can vary based on your desired quality, convenience, and ease of use. Your choice can also affect how your coffee tastes. French press tends to make a more potent brew, while drip coffee or single-serve pods produce different flavors, too. Read on for the basics of choosing the best coffee maker for your home.

Drip Coffee Makers

There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a classic drip model. You'll want to decide on the coffee pot type, programmable settings, coffee maker color, and how many cups you'll want to brew at one time.

Coffee Maker Carafe Types

Keep your coffee warm or just ready to serve in a carafe. You'll find pitcher-style models as well as push-button dispensers. Decide on your type depending on your needs:

• Thermal Carafe: Heavy coffee drinkers should look for a model with a thermal carafe. These coffee servers keep your coffee warm for hours. There's no need to worry about scalding your brew, as a thermal carafe doesn't need to sit on a burner.
• Glass Carafe: Glass coffee pots, or carafes, are not insulated and must sit on a heated burner to keep the coffee warm. These are ideal for those who need only one or two cups a day. Some coffee drinkers insist that a glass carafe results in a better-tasting cup of coffee.

Programmable Coffee Maker Features

The controls for a standard drip model can be as simple as an on/off switch. However, if you want more control over the brewing process, many models include brew strength control. Most can be programmed to begin brewing at set times. You can also find many models with self-cleaning functions.

Coffee Maker Colors

If you’re a daily coffee drinker and your pot will sit on your counter every day, find a machine with the right finish to match the decor of your kitchen. The most common finishes are chrome, black, and white. Choose a stainless steel coffee maker to match or contrast with major appliances.

Coffee Maker Volume

Although many standard coffee makers can make up to 10 or 12 regular-sized mugs of coffee, you may need to make a different amount. A small family might want a mini-coffee maker that only makes 4 cups maximum at a time. On the other hand, a large coffee maker is essential if you host frequent gatherings in your home. Remember to get a coffee urn to keep all that freshly brewed coffee warm. Of course, there are plenty of options for coffee makers that make one perfectly curated cup at a time, too.

Single-Cup Coffee Makers

As previously mentioned, single-serve coffee makers are quite popular, especially for busy people who want a quick cup to-go. There is minimal cleaning involved with a single-cup machine. Just throw the used pod away, and you’re ready for the next cup. Choose a refillable single-cup for a more environmentally friendly option. For added convenience, look for a model with a travel mug.

Specialty Coffee Machines

For coffee fans who want even more depth to their morning cup, check out specialty coffee maker options. Many of these require a specific grind of beans, such as finely ground beans for espressos, coarser grinds for French press and cold brew, and a medium-sized grind for pour-overs. Get a coffee grinder to supplement these coffee makers:

• Espresso Machines: Become a barista at home with your own espresso maker. Some espresso makers come with a milk frother and bean grinder, but not all do. Ensure that you have all the supplies to make your lattes in your kitchen.
• Pour Over Coffee Makers: Immerse yourself in the brewing process with this coffee maker. Pour water over the grounds, wait for it to trickle through the filter, pour some more, and enjoy your pour-over coffee.
• French Presses: Get flavorful and robust coffee from a French press. Couple it with a teapot to get the water boiling, coarsely ground coffee beans, and maybe a croissant for the full experience.
• Cold Brew Coffee Makers: A concentrated and refreshing choice, cold brew coffee is simple to make at home. Be sure to use an ultra-coarse ground for the deepest flavor nuances and clear room in the fridge for your cold brew container.

No matter how you take your morning brew, there’s a coffee maker that’s right for you. We've got all the coffee accessories to keep your coffee machines clean, fresh, and organized, too. Shop online or on our mobile app to find the coffee maker of your dreams. We'll deliver it right to your door.