Coffee Maker Guide

Coffee Maker Buying Guide

 

Coffee is an essential morning beverage for many and a perfect way to start off the day. Though you can easily find a coffee shop or cafe to whip up a delicious drink for you, there’s a charm and ease to making your own coffee in the comfort of your home with a coffee machine or coffee maker. The right one can make your morning even more exceptional, giving you control over your cup of joe and providing an easy way to brew it in minutes or even seconds. However, with so many types to choose from, finding the right coffee maker can be a daunting task. This coffee maker buying guide takes a closer look into the various types of coffee machines, how they work, and which kind of coffee works best for each machine so you can find the perfect match for your preferences and lifestyle.  

Bean-to-Cup Machines

A bean-to-cup coffee machine takes care of the entire coffee-making process, from grinding the coffee beans to pouring the coffee directly into your cup. It’s equipped with a grinder that takes unground coffee beans and grinds them within the machine, allowing you to use the freshest grounds for a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee every single time. If you want a more personalized cup, many of these coffee machines also come with various settings so you can control how your coffee is made. The Espressione Concierge Elite Auto Bean to Cup Espresso Machine comes with a high-tech LED control panel to operate the machine, and you can press a single key to make espresso, lungo, and ristretto shots. The machine will automatically create it for you, giving you barista-level coffee right at home.  

Single-Serve Coffee Makers

A single-serve coffee maker uses pre-packaged capsules, or pods, to make a cup of coffee. These pods are inserted into the machine and punctured to allow hot water to flow into the coffee grounds, extracting the flavor. The machine can also control the water pressure and temperature to create a consistent, high-quality cup of coffee each time. Coffee pod machines are a convenient choice since all you need to do is insert the capsule and press a button to start the process. Pods also come in a wide variety of flavors and roasts, so you can easily experiment with different tastes to find a favorite. The Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe Machine with Frother by De’Longhi can help you brew a perfect cup of coffee with ease. This Nespresso coffee pod machine comes with 12 coffee pods and a frother, allowing you to create a wide range of coffee drinks any way you like. 

Espresso Coffee Makers

An espresso coffee maker uses pressure to force nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans, creating a shot of espresso. Espresso is thicker than typical coffee and also has a higher level of caffeine. Its rich flavor also makes it a great basis for other coffee drinks such as latte, cappuccino, macchiato, and more, but you can also drink it on its own. Due to the pressure and the fine grind of the coffee beans, you can expect your espresso machine to brew and pour your coffee in less than a minute! Espresso machines aren’t limited to espressos, either. The L’OR Barista coffee machine can brew a rich espresso and other types of coffee. You can also choose whether you want it hot or iced and the espresso or coffee pour size. Espresso coffee machines are the perfect fit for coffee lovers who enjoy strong flavors or who need a quick pick-me-up before starting their day.

Filter Coffee Makers

A filter coffee machine, also known as a drip coffee maker, is the most common type of coffee maker. It uses hot water and a paper filter to brew a pot of coffee. All you need to do is place a coffee filter in the machine's filter basket and add coffee grounds to the filter. The machine pours hot water over the grounds, extracting the coffee's flavor. The brewed coffee flows through the filter and into a carafe below. Filter coffee makers are straightforward and easy to use, even if they don’t have as many features as other coffee makers. They’re also relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for home coffee drinkers. If you prefer simple coffee drinks like black coffee, these machines can get the job done. A De'Longhi coffee machine like the De'Longhi 3-in-1 Specialty Coffee Brewer can make it easy to brew a flavorful cup of joe in the morning, but also provides different ways to make your drink, whether you want a premium drip-style brew, a refreshing iced coffee, or a gourmet pour over coffee. You can get the most out of your favorite coffee beans for an aromatic cup that’s bursting with flavor.

Coffee Maker Tips

How do I know what coffee maker to buy?

The right coffee maker to buy depends on how you like your coffee and your coffee-making preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a coffee maker:

An espresso machine is a good fit if you enjoy intense espressos, strong coffee, or frothy and milky drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. If you like simple and straightforward black coffee, a filter coffee maker can give you a flavorful cup. Some machines combine a traditional coffee maker and an espresso machine, which is a great option if you enjoy both types and don’t want to own two separate machines.

You can also choose a coffee machine based on how you like to make your coffee. If you enjoy the coffee-making process and don’t mind doing the steps yourself, you don’t need the automatic equipment or capsules. A filter coffee machine or manual pour-over coffee maker will require more of your attention. You may find it easier to work with these machines if you’re more experienced with coffee making and know how to make a cup to your liking. However, if you favor efficiency, need to bring your coffee on the go, or aren’t experienced with making coffee yourself, automatic coffee machines can quicken the brewing process for a quick caffeine fix with little to no intervention. A bean-to-cup coffee machine can make high-quality coffee without too much effort, which is great for those busy mornings when you have a hundred things to do before you head out for the day.

How do I choose coffee for my coffee maker? 

Choosing the right coffee for your coffee maker depends on two main factors: the type of coffee maker you have and your own taste preferences. Filter coffee machines work best with medium-coarse grind coffee. Since the water has a longer contact time with the grounds, a finer grind can lead to a bitter brew. Pod coffee machines are designed for pre-packaged pods containing the perfect grind for that specific machine. You won't need to worry about grind size but choose pods based on flavor and roast preference. Bean-to-cup coffee machines allow you to use whole beans and adjust the grind size to your liking. Espresso machines require a very fine grind to allow the pressure to brew the espresso quickly. 

Flavor preference also plays a role in finding coffee for your coffee maker. There’s a wide variety of coffee beans from all over the world, but there are four main categories: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. Arabica beans are the most common variety and can be used in all sorts of coffee drinks. Robusta beans are another common type but are mainly used in coffee blends due to their deeper, bitter taste. Excelsa beans are known for their complex flavor profile, combining light and dark roast traits. They’re not as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta beans and are mainly used in coffee blends. Liberica beans have a more nutty or woody taste and can add more potency to a coffee blend. You’ll have more luck finding and using Arabica or Robusta beans and grounds for your coffee maker, but you can also use your smell and taste to narrow down your options and find your flavor profile. 

What is the ratio of coffee grounds to water? 

The ideal coffee grounds-to-water ratio depends on the brewing method or your taste preference.  A good starting point is the "golden ratio" of 1:16 or 1:17 coffee to water. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 16 to 17 grams of water. This ratio works well for drip coffee makers and pour-over methods. If you don’t have the means to measure grams, a common estimate is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per six ounces of water. However, you don’t have to stick to this ratio; you can make slight adjustments to alter the taste or strength of the coffee. For stronger coffee, add more coffee grounds and less water, and for a weaker cup, use less coffee grounds and more water. Some coffee machines may use a predefined amount of water depending on the type of coffee you’re making and how much you’re brewing. If you have an advanced model, you may be able to customize these settings further to adjust your coffee to your liking. 

How do you choose a coffee maker for your home? 

Choosing a coffee maker for the home can depend on how many people in your household drink coffee or the amount of space available. Single-serve coffee machines can work if you live alone or if you don’t live with many coffee drinkers. They’re also much more compact and won’t take up too much counter space, which is helpful if you’re working in a smaller kitchen.  

If you live with multiple people, coffee makers with built-in grinders or milk frothers that can make multiple cups quickly can ensure everyone gets their coffee when they start the day. Coffee pod machines are great if different people in your household have varying coffee preferences, making it easy to create different types of coffee in smaller quantities. Since the coffee pods are small, you won’t need to worry about storage since they won’t take up as much space as multiple bags of coffee beans. However, these coffee machines can be larger and bulkier. If you have enough space to accommodate a larger coffee machine, these advanced models can be worth the investment.

How do I use a coffee maker step by step? 

The steps to use your coffee maker depend on the type of coffee machine or coffee maker you have and what type of model or brand it is. Generally, you’ll need your coffee beans, coffee grounds, or coffee pods of choice and put them in the coffee machine. You can then add water to the machine so it can be combined with the coffee and drip into the carafe or cup. Filter coffee machines use this straightforward method, but other coffee makers, like espresso machines, may require more steps. In addition to filling the espresso coffee machine with water and your coffee grounds, you may also have to preheat the machine, tamp the grounds into a level “puck,” and steam or froth milk. Always carefully read the instructions of your coffee machine before using it to ensure safe and efficient operation. Not only will doing so keep your coffee machine running for longer, but it is also paramount to making the perfect cup of coffee.  

Whichever coffee maker is right for you, you can find your perfect match on QVC.com. Whether you’re a beginner brewer or a coffee connoisseur, making a cup for yourself or for more, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and preferences. Aside from high-quality coffee machines, you can also browse a wide range of coffee maker accessories such as scoops, pitchers, and carafes, for an improved experience.