The sheer number of electric coffee makers on the market today seems limitless. As you stand in the middle of an aisle crammed with boxes, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Before you make a decision on the brewing equipment that will be sitting in your kitchen for the next five to ten years, get the facts on coffee makers.
As a basic rule of thumb, the more bells and whistles on your coffee maker, the higher the price tag. So think carefully about which features matter to you. Many consumers prefer an electric coffee maker that is programmable. Simply push a button before you go the bed for the night and you can expect a freshly brewed pot of java waiting for you in the morning. However, do not sleep in too long, because the beverage loses its flavor quite quickly when exposed to air.
Consider purchasing a coffee machine that comes with a thermal carafe. These are great if you like to fill your mug repeatedly throughout the day. The thermal carafe keeps the coffee from getting cold and to some degree maintains the flavor. Units are also available with thermal mugs instead of carafes.
Impatient coffee drinkers will appreciate the pause-and-serve feature. While it is brewing, you can grab a mug and interrupt the process to fill your cup. You may not experience the full flavor you would have gotten had the process completed, but you do not have to wait.
Some coffee aficionados insist on electric coffee machines that grind the beans as well as brewing. Some send the ground beans directly to the filter and then start brewing. These machines appeal to those who demand absolute freshness but be prepared to pay a lot more for this extra feature.
Are you absent-minded? Then look for a machine that provides an auto-off button. No more worrying that you forgot to turn the coffee maker off and are going to return home to a blackened, scorched pot. This control remembers to turn the pot off for you. As well, choose controls that are bright and easy to see in a darkened room. Bending over and fumbling with controls you can barely see is simply irritating.
Like everything else, technology has changed the coffee making industry dramatically. Years ago, there were only a few choices available. Today, the selection is limitless. You don’t have to be intimidated by the sheer variety of electric coffee makers on the market if you know what you need before you walk out the door.