Nine Features of the Best Coffee Makers

The best coffee makers have nine characteristics. Whether you are looking for a single cup, drip, or grind and brew coffee maker, make sure your choice has as many of these traits as possible. Get them all in one machine and you have yourself a bargain.

Brewing Temperature Between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the ideal brewing temperature can range from 195F to 205F as water is emerging out of the spray head. Since it’s difficult to test this yourself, look for a coffee maker with at least 1000 watts of power. In addition, the time of contact between the grounds and water should be six to eight minutes for regular grind coffee.

Strength Adjustment

A French Press or Vacuum coffee maker allows for precise strength control. However, a good drip coffee maker will allow for some variation (two or three settings) of coffee strength.

Small-batch Setting

This is a good feature to have if you regularly brew between one and three cups of coffee. This setting adjusts the water flow so that a small batch has the same full flavor as a larger one.

Thermal Carafe

A thermal carafe is very useful for people who don’t drink the entire pot right away. A traditional glass carafe sits on a warming plate which will “cook” the coffee if it is left too long. A thermal carafe will keep the coffee warm for a long time, without it getting cooked.

Auto Shutoff

If you are the type that’s in a rush get out of the house in the morning, the auto shutoff feature is a necessity. There is nothing worse than coming home from work to find coffee burned in the bottom of the carafe; because you forgot to shut it off in the morning.

Programmable Timer

A programmable timer is very practical for anyone short of time in the morning. The timer can be set to automatically start the brewer first thing in the morning; wonderfully practical.

Pause and Serve

Not everyone can (or wants to) wait until the entire brewing cycle finishes, before they have their first cup of coffee. The pause and serve feature lets you sneak a cup while the coffee maker is still brewing.

Reusable Filter Baskets

There are pros and cons to reusable filter baskets. Some experts feel that they produce better coffee than paper filters. However, it is a good idea to clean reusable filters after each use; otherwise residue will quickly build up. These filters aren’t capable of filtering as finely as the paper ones. As a result, you will find more deposits in the bottom of the cup.

Self-cleaning Cycle

This is a very practical feature for those living in areas with hard water. A self-cleaning cycle simplifies the descaling process. Over time, mineral deposits will build up and restrict the flow of water in the coffee maker. Descaling (usually with a vinegar solution) removes those deposits.  Some coffee makers have an indicator that lights up when descaling is necessary.

The best coffee makers will ideally have all nine features discussed in this article. Some features are more important than others, but if you can get all nine of them at a good price, then you are getting good value.