How to Choose the Right Coffee Maker

Choosing a new coffee maker can be a challenge, given the vast array of models and brewing methods available. From the classic drip coffee maker for the morning brew at the office to the manual French press for a weekend indulgence, each method has its own unique characteristics. This guide provides an objective overview of different types of coffee makers to help you make an informed decision that suits your habits and preferences.

What to Look for When Buying a Coffee Maker?

Before you buy a coffee maker, three key aspects should be considered: the brewing method, the required capacity, and the primary place of use. These factors are crucial in determining which machine will best fit into your daily routine.

The Brewing Method: Drip, Press, or Pressure?

The brewing method fundamentally influences the coffee's flavour and body.

• Drip Coffee: A drip coffee maker brews coffee by slowly passing hot water through ground coffee in a filter. The result is a clean, nuanced coffee with a lighter body. This method is well-suited for preparing larger quantities.
• French Press: With a French press, the coffee grounds steep directly in hot water. After the steeping time, the grounds are pressed to the bottom with a metal mesh filter. This produces a full-bodied, robust coffee, as more oils and fine particles remain in the beverage.
• Manual Espresso: A manual espresso maker uses manual pressure to produce a short, concentrated coffee with crema. These devices are often compact and require no electricity, making them an excellent travel coffee maker.

Capacity and Carafe: Thermal or Glass?

For households or offices where coffee is consumed over an extended period, a coffee maker with a thermal carafe is a practical solution. The insulated carafe keeps the coffee hot for hours without it continuing to cook on a hot plate and losing its flavour. Glass carafes are often more affordable and allow you to see the remaining coffee at a glance, but they don't retain heat for as long.

The Location: Home, Office, or On the Go?

The intended place of use is crucial. While a larger Braun coffee maker is ideal for the home kitchen, different solutions are needed for travel, camping, or the office. A portable coffee maker that functions as a no-electricity coffee maker offers maximum flexibility for high-quality coffee enjoyment anywhere.

Our Coffee Maker Picks

Here is a selection of different coffee makers that cater to various needs and applications.

BRAUN PurShine KF1505BK Drip Coffee Maker

Why It Stands Out

The Braun PurShine KF1505BK is a classic drip coffee maker designed for functionality and durability. Its core feature is the OptiBrew system, which, according to the manufacturer, optimises temperature, brewing time, and extraction to ensure a consistently great flavour. The double-walled 1.2-litre stainless steel thermal carafe keeps coffee at a temperature of at least 70°C for more than two hours.

Pros

• OptiBrew System: Ensures a balanced coffee flavour.
• Thermal Carafe: Keeps coffee hot for over 2 hours while preserving its flavour.
• Anti-Drip System: Allows you to pour a cup before the brewing cycle is complete.
• EasyFill Swing-Out Filter: Conveniently fill and remove the filter from the front.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The carafe, lid, and filter basket are suitable for easy cleaning.
• Automatic Shut-Off: The machine turns off after 40 minutes for safety and energy savings.

Who It's For

This model is ideal for families, shared living spaces, and offices that regularly prepare large quantities of coffee and want to keep it hot for an extended period without sacrificing quality.

Bialetti Preziosa Coffee Press (French Press)

Why It Stands Out

As a product from the renowned Italian manufacturer Bialetti, the Preziosa coffee press combines an elegant design with a simple yet effective brewing method. The body is made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel and the beaker is made of borosilicate glass, ensuring durability and easy cleaning. This Bialetti coffee maker is a classic example of a French press.

Pros

• High-Quality Materials: Body made of 18/10 stainless steel and a borosilicate glass beaker.
• Simple to Use: A straightforward brewing process for full-bodied coffee.
• Dishwasher-Safe: The glass beaker can be placed in the dishwasher for cleaning.
• Compact Volume: With a 350 ml capacity, it's ideal for preparing up to 3 cups.

Who It's For

The Bialetti Preziosa is aimed at coffee lovers who appreciate the ritual and the robust, full-bodied taste of the French press method. It's an excellent choice for individuals or couples who prefer to intentionally brew small, fresh batches.

STARESSO Portable Manual Espresso Machine

Why It Stands Out

The STARESSO SP-200 is a portable coffee maker that operates without electricity and is compatible with both ground coffee and capsules. Manual pumping generates the necessary pressure to extract an espresso with crema. The inner chamber, made of 304 stainless steel, and its three-layer insulation ensure safe handling.

Pros

• Electricity-Free: Operates purely manually, making it ideal for travel, camping, or the office.
• Dual-Compatible: Can be used with both ground coffee and capsules.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to transport and store.
• Safe Materials: Inner chamber made of 304 stainless steel, with an outer shell of food-grade silicone.
• Easy to Clean: The modular design allows for simple disassembly and rinsing.

Who It's For

This manual espresso maker is the perfect solution for travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, dorm students, or professionals who don't want to miss out on a freshly brewed espresso while on the go or at the office.

Looking for Something Different?

The products featured cover common brewing methods, but the world of coffee is diverse. For lovers of pour-over coffee or those seeking a sustainable alternative to paper filters, a reusable filter could be the right choice. These filters are durable, produce no waste, and allow more coffee oils to pass through, which can lead to a fuller flavour profile.

Discover our selection of durable stainless steel filters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a French press and a drip coffee maker?

The main difference lies in the extraction method. With a French press (immersion), the coffee grounds steep fully in the water before being separated by a metal mesh filter. This results in a robust, oily coffee. With a drip coffee maker (drip), water flows through the coffee grounds in a paper filter, which leads to a cleaner, more delicate flavour profile, as the paper filter retains most of the oils and fine particles.

How do I descale my coffee maker correctly?

Regular descaling is important for the longevity of the machine and the quality of the coffee. Use a descaler suitable for coffee makers or a mixture of water and white vinegar (in a 1:1 ratio). Fill the water tank with the solution and run a brewing cycle. Afterwards, run at least two cycles with clean water to remove any residue. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.

Which coffee maker is suitable for a single-person household?

For a single-person household, machines with a small capacity are often the most practical choice. A French press with a 350 ml volume, like the Bialetti Preziosa, is ideal for one or two cups. Alternatively, a portable manual espresso maker like the STARESSO offers the ability to prepare single servings of espresso on demand without having to operate a large machine.