✔️ Coffee machine type: Coffee machines come in a variety of styles, from drip coffee makers to chilly brew coffee makers and espresso machines. Think about what type of coffee you drink most often and whether you want a coffee maker that can make a variety of coffees, including single servings, full pots of coffee, and sometimes even espresso. It’s becoming increasingly popular for coffee makers to offer multiple ways to enjoy your coffee.
✔️ Strength Preference: If you prefer your coffee subtle or robust, look for a coffee maker with variable strength. Many of the models we tested have two or three strength options. Espresso also generally has a stronger flavor, similar to coffee brewed in a stovetop coffee maker.
✔️ Number of servings: Most drip coffee makers will make between 10 and 14 cups of coffee, but if you don’t need that much, look for smaller machines that make between four and five cups or single-serve options that can make one cup at a time. Manual coffee makers are also great for making miniature amounts of coffee because you can more easily control the brewing time.
✔️ Convenience: If you’re miniature on time or don’t want to make coffee, a single-serve coffee maker can be a good choice because it doesn’t require any preparation or cleaning. A drip coffee maker takes longer to brew because it makes a larger quantity, but that also gives you more customization options. If you’re on a tight budget, drip coffee makers and French presses take longer to brew and require a more hands-on approach, but the flavor is usually richer, smoother, and worth the effort.
