Did you know that Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day? That’s the equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year! Surely, coffee is how most people in the United States start their morning. Not only does it help us wake up in the morning, but it also leaves us feeling productive throughout the rest of our day. As of 2019, a freshly brewed cup of coffee at Starbucks costs $2.45. If you are an average coffee drinker such as myself, that will set you back $894.25 per year. Think about that! It’s no wonder that Americans are one of the biggest purchasers of coffee makers in the world.
Purchasing a coffee machine isn’t just great for saving money down the line, but there are some other benefits as well. We cover the reasons why if you are a coffee lover, you should purchase a coffee machine to have at home and how to pick one based on which type of coffee drinker you are.
What are the benefits of owning a coffee maker?
As we’ve mentioned, owning a coffee maker can save you money down the road. Not only does a coffee maker pay for itself, but it can be an added resource to your life in general.
To bring back the point, a Starbucks coffee on average is $2.45 today in 2019. Not only that, but the price for a cup of coffee is going to continue to rise because of the rise in cost for coffee beans by farmers. It makes economic sense to own a coffee maker in the case that the price of a cup of coffee continues to increase.
Not only that, but you’ll save both on gas and the time by skipping your trip to your local Starbucks. Furthermore, you can use this opportunity to make whatever type of coffee you’d like to make and allow the coffee smell to flow in your kitchen daily.
No matter which way you see it, as long as make your cup of coffee with a coffee maker, you will save so much more money down the line.
Which type of coffee maker should I choose?
No one coffee maker is the same. There are a ton of options out there, and there’s no clear winner on what is the best choice. The type of coffee maker you should choose depends on your situation and your budget. We cover the different kinds of coffee makers that are out there.
Pot of Coffee
What are the different types of coffee makers that I can use?
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Drip Coffee Maker / Coffee Brewer
The coffee brewer, also known as the automatic drip coffee maker, is one of the most common types of coffee makers that you’ll see in the household. Dependent on your budget or how much your house needs to consume, there are different sizes and shapes. If you ever hear someone mention making a pot of coffee, they’re probably using this type.
The beauty of the coffee brewer is that it is practical and straightforward. Once you set the coffee filter in place with your choice of ground coffee, all you have to do is put it in the allotted spot, add some water, and start the machine.
However, not all drip coffee makers are the same. Some have an even more straightforward process. There are some out there that can make a pot of coffee as strong as you’d like and return to the pot for refills until the coffee beans can’t be used for another pot. It’s just that these drip coffee makers aren’t the standard types that you see around the house since these are restaurant-grade coffee makers.
Speaking of filters, they’re super cheap to purchase, and they usually last for a long duration of time. Ground coffee typically costs around $5 to $15. If you want fresh coffee, you should invest in a coffee grinder to grind it yourself.
If you’d like a recommendation for a coffee maker, I’d suggest a Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker with 12 Cup Capacity & Internal Storage Coffee Pot, Brewstation. It brews up to 12 cups and has an internal tank and gentle heater, ensuring that the coffee stays hot and tastes fresh for hours. What I appreciate about Hamilton Beach Coffee Makers is that they can set the brew time for up to 24 hours in advance. So, if you need to set it for the day before work, you can do just that.
What are some of the benefits of owning a coffee maker?
- Coffee makers are straightforward to use.
- They’re pretty affordable, and you can use it daily.
- It’s quick and convenient.
- There are a lot of brand name and options out there.
- It’s flexible.
What are some of the limitations or drawbacks of owning a coffee maker?
You can only make a brewed coffee. Coffee makers are not a great option for an espresso drinker.
While you do make a lot of coffee when you brew a pot, if you’re in a small household, you may end up wasting it.
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Single-Serve Coffee Maker
If you have never heard of single-serve coffee makers, then you may have heard of the trend that’s called K-cups. These types of machines are the ones where you purchase a pod, place it into the machine, add water, and then let the machine do its magic.
Single-serve coffee maker machines have a variety of pod flavors available. They’re also incredibly easy to use, and there’s no need to worry about making a mess with your coffee grounds and filter.
Overall, if you’re the type that values convenience and wants more of an option in terms of flavoring, single-serve coffee makers may be a better option for you. However, pods are typically costlier than coffee grounds over time. Coffee pods can range from $20 to $35 per pack, in comparison to coffee grounds where the cost is $5 to $15 per pound. Still, this option is overall cheaper than purchasing a cup of Starbucks coffee per day.
If you’re looking for a single-serve coffee maker, we suggest the best of the best Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod. All you have to do is put the pod in, add water, and let it brew for you while you get ready for work. The only setback for this model is that it does not come with pods. The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker also has over 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, so it’s hard to argue that they’re all wrong.
If you’re looking for one that can add a pod and allow you to make your coffee out of coffee grounds, I’d suggest a 
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker. It has the option for brewing coffee with ground beans, and you can use single-serve packs (also known as K-Cups) if you are in a hurry. The one thing I like about this coffee maker is that you can set your brew time up to 24 hours in advance. If you need to set it the day before work, it’s easy to do.
What are some of the benefits to a single-serve coffee maker?
A single-serve coffee maker is incredibly easy to use.
As it is single-serve, you need to make one single cup instead of a pot.
Cleaning is the most convenient option for a single-serve coffee maker.
Coffee pods provide a variety of flavors to choose from.
Not only are coffee pods available, but tea pods are as well!
What are some of the limitations or drawbacks of owning a single-serve coffee maker?
It’s not the cheapest option out there – Individual pods are $15 to $35 per pack whereas coffee grounds are $5 to $15 per pound.
Though pods are convenient, the pods can be costly to the environment as it is plastic and disposable.
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French Press
The French press, also known as the press pot or the coffee press, is one of the oldest styles of making coffee predating to 1929. The French press does not require electricity, and it is simple to use.
All you have to do is pour in the amount of coffee grounds that you want, add boiling water, and press the lid down to force the grounds to the bottom. Let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes, and you have yourself a nice pot of coffee.
Not only is a French press incredibly cheap, but you do not need to buy a filter for it. Plus, you’ll be saving on electricity — best of all, a French press on average costs about $10 to $25.
French press coffee, however, isn’t always as strong as the other options that are out there. Additionally, you might get some of the loose ground coffee in your drink since there’s no filter.
If you don’t mind the loose ground coffee and the strength is a bit weaker, then french press may be a great option if you’re trying to save money.
I like the Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee. Firstly, Bodum is an incredibly reputable brand for french presses and have been around the longest the game. Additionally, the quality that they use in their products, such as the glass beaker, steel cross, plate, and mesh, are of the highest quality. I’ve had mine for more than a decade, and it still lives up to its use as one of my favorite device in the kitchen.
What are the benefits of using a french press?
French presses are the most affordable and cheapest device to make coffee.
French presses are incredibly easy to use and do not require electricity or even filters.
What are some of the limitations or drawbacks of owning a single-serve coffee maker?
French presses do not have filters so that you may get coffee grounds in your coffee.
Timing is everything with a french press to get the right flavor profile.
It may be harder to clean french presses because of the coffee grounds.
Espresso Makers
If you are serious about coffee flavor and prefer espresso over a cup of coffee, then you should consider an espresso maker. Espresso makers are the costliest machines to own out of the four. However, if you’re an espresso aficionado, I highly recommend you to get one to save money down the line.
Although espresso makers only make a small shot of concoction, the drink is a lot stronger and more flavorful than a cup of coffee. There are espresso machines that make drinks other than just an espresso; these days, espresso machines can make cappuccinos, and even lattes.
There are also hundreds of varying types out there with different functionalities and capabilities. Be sure to do your due diligence and checkmark what qualities you’re looking for before purchasing an espresso machine.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, I would highly suggest a Mr. Coffee Barista Espresso and Cappuccino machine. This espresso machine can make espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. It’s easy to use, has a frother, and I found it incredibly easy to dismantle and clean.
What are some benefits to owning an espresso machine?
- Espresso machines make the highest quality of the coffee.
- You can make cappuccinos, espressos, lattes, and macchiatos at home with an espresso machine.
- It’s also super easy to use and even easier to clean up after.
What are some limitations and drawbacks to owning an espresso machine?
- An espresso machine is not cheap; it can typically range from $90 to $700 for an espresso machine.
- You’ll only be able to get tiny portions at a time, so this is not for sitting there to drink for the rest of the day.
What are some things I should consider before investing in a coffee maker?
If you already know what type of coffee you like to drink, chances are, you already know which type of coffee maker you’d like to buy. Here are some things to consider when you are shopping around for one.
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How much coffee do I need to make per day?
Are there a lot of people in your house that drink coffee, or is it just you? And if so, how much do you drink per day? If you are a light coffee drinker, chances are, a single-serve coffee maker or an espresso machine will be an excellent option for you. But if you’re in a house with family or roommates, chances are, you’ll probably want to make a pot of coffee for them with a coffee brewer or a french press.
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What’s your coffee style of choice?
This question is probably the most essential factor overall when you purchase a coffee machine. What do you usually order? If it’s a straight black cup of coffee, a coffee brewer, a single-brew coffee machine or a french press can do the job. If you’re more of espresso, cappuccino, or a latte kind of person, chances are an espresso machine would be the better alternative.
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How much money can you spend on a coffee machine?
If you’re a person that likes their espresso but don’t have the upfront cost to purchase a machine, then it is better to save overtime or look for one within your budget.
If you’re tight on money but still like your coffee black (like me!), then you will want to look into a nice french press for starters. Be sure to consider the upfront and the long-term cost of the coffee maker that you choose to purchase. But don’t just settle for something that you don’t want; longevity is always vital.
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How much do you value your convenience to make a cup of coffee?
Are you a rushed morning person? If so, chances are a coffee machine with a k-cup would be a better option than a french press.
If you’re the type that can wait for a fresh pot of coffee, then a coffee brewer or a french press would be a better option for you. Ultimately, you should consider your morning routine and habits before making a purchase.
You can always purchase a coffee maker that has a 24-hour timer built in (like the Hamilton Beach products) to make your coffee the night before.
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How much space do you have in the kitchen?
Honestly, I don’t have that much space in my kitchen because it is filled with gadgets and devices already. It’s gotten to the point where I have had to put my favorite devices away in the cupboard. So if you are limited on your space, be sure to consider that. Remember to look at the dimensions of the coffee machine before making the purchase. Once you have an idea, you can purchase there.
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Do you need the bells and whistles of a coffee maker, or is a simple one plenty?
There are tons of features to be had with a coffee maker these days. From programmable settings to a built-in coffee grinder, it may be incredibly confusing to figure out which one is the best for you.
If you are the type that is fine with grounded coffee, you do not need something incredibly complex. However, programmable settings and built-in devices like auto shutoff can come in handy for a busy person. Things such as steamer and frother could be useful if you make cappuccinos.
There are also coffee makers that have built-in water filters and warmers as well for better quality coffee.
These are just some of the features to consider, but they will cost more as you are looking for more features.
What are some of the takeaways before purchasing a coffee machine for your home?
It doesn’t matter what type of coffee drinker you are, and there is a device out there that will meet your needs. From the higher end models to the convenient and money-saving ones, the main takeaway overall is that these coffee machines will save you so much money in the long term. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get really into the craft of coffee-making as I did.
Sources:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/americas-coffee-obsession_n_987885
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/03/709348166/examining-the-price-disconnect-percolating-in-the-coffee-business
https://www.google.com/patents/US1797672A
Do you have anything you’d like to say about purchasing a coffee maker? Please let me know in the comments section below!
