Buying a coffee maker guide

Is having a coffee maker worth it?

At-home coffee makers allow you to customize your morning cup of joe. They also come in handy when hosting a Sunday brunch or serving after-dinner espresso to your guests from your coffee station at home. You can choose the flavor, brew strength, add-ins and toppings to create the best cup of coffee whenever you get a craving.

With the help of a KitchenAid^® coffee grinder, you can tailor your coffee to your taste even further by grinding the coffee beans at home. This allows you to choose the proper grind of your coffee beans for French press, drip, pour over, cold brew and espresso beverages.

Coffee makers and coffee grinders also make great gifts for new parents who are spending more time at home and could use a caffeine boost.

What should I look for when buying a coffee maker?

To find the right coffee machine for you, look for options that best suit the way you prefer to make coffee. When shopping for a new machine, consider factors like brewing method, batch size, appliance size and extra features like milk frothers or “keep warm” settings.

Before you begin shopping for a new coffee machine, consider the following features to find the right option for your needs.

Coffee experience

When browsing coffee maker options, consider whether you want an immersive, hands-on experience when brewing. Some coffee makers provide a hands-off brewing experience and can make coffee in minutes with just the push of a button. However, other options can turn your brew into a morning ritual and allow you to have more control over the end result.

Brew batch size

Consider how much coffee your household enjoys whenever you brew. If you typically have one to two cups a day, you may want a coffee maker that brews in smaller batches. For families that go through at least a pot a day or homes that frequently host other coffee lovers, a machine with a large carafe may be the best fit.

Hot or cold coffee

If you prefer iced coffee over a hot cup of joe, you may want to look for a coffee maker that specifically brews iced coffee. For iced coffee enthusiasts, an at-home cold brew maker can keep your chilled coffee on tap in your refrigerator or on your counter. Some hot coffee machines have a “brew over ice” setting to combine both hot and iced coffee options into one appliance.

Coffee maker size

When choosing a coffee machine, you also have to factor in the size of the appliance and whether it will fit on your countertops. Before buying a new machine, measure carefully to account for whether you’ll need to lift or slide open a lid to add beans and water. Select KitchenAid^® drip coffee machines include two brew buttons so you can start brewing from any angle.

Types of coffee makers

Each type of coffee machine brews coffee differently and offers a different taste experience. For example, espresso machines utilize high-pressure extraction to yield a bold flavor, while cold brew makers steep coffee grounds over a long period of time for a smooth and mellow taste. Compare popular types of coffee makers to find the right fit for your taste and style.

Drip coffee makers

Drip coffee makers are the most commonly found machines in a kitchen. Depending on the model, they can brew single servings or 12–14 cup pots of coffee with just the press of a button. These machines are familiar, easy to use and brew your coffee in a short amount of time.

Other benefits of drip coffee machines are:

• Some models offer 24-hour programmability so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

• “Keep warm” setting helps to keep the coffee pot heated so you can enjoy your coffee over longer periods of time.

• Large batch options help to make more coffee in one brewing cycle.

• Easy to use and accessible for both coffee novices and enthusiasts.

French press coffee makers

If you enjoy a more robust brew, a French press may be your perfect match. French presses brew coffee by pouring hot water over coffee grounds, then “plunging” the grounds to filter them out. These coffee makers are simple to use and don’t require a lot of skill to get a great result.

Benefits include:

• Doesn’t require electricity to brew so you can make coffee anywhere with hot water.

• Brewing method yields a rich and delicious tasting batch of coffee.

• Compact and portable, making it easy to travel with.

• Easy to use.

Espresso machines

While there are different types of espresso machines, a semi-automatic espresso maker is a popular choice for java lovers looking for a traditionally brewed espresso shot at home. You can enjoy a bold yet complex shot of straightforward espresso, or create your favorite cafe drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and macchiatos. These machines typically control the pressure of the brew but allow you to control the amount of water you brew with, among a few other factors depending on the model. Learn more about the differences between espresso machines and drip coffee makers.Benefits of semi-automatic espresso machines include:

• Strong, bold flavored coffee perfect for single espresso shots and Americanos.

• Cup Warmer on the top of the machine preheats your cup while espresso brews.

• Semi-automatic programming offers a more hands-off brewing experience compared to manual espresso makers.

Cold brew coffee makers

Cold brew coffee utilizes a slow-brewing method to create a high-caffeine coffee concentrate that can be enjoyed over ice, mixed with milk or blended into a homemade frappe. The brewing process itself is very simple so you can enjoy rich cold brew with ease, just add coffee grounds to a filter and submerge in water for 12–24 hours.Some benefits of cold brew coffee makers are:

• A steeping process that allows for hands-off brewing.

• Creates a smooth, rich and nutty taste for coffee drinkers who enjoy a flavorful iced coffee.

• Can keep large amounts of cold brew on tap in your refrigerator or on your counter.

Pour-over coffee makers

The pour-over method of brewing coffee is a controlled process that yields a full-bodied cup of coffee. This hand-brewed method uses a goose-neck kettle to slowly pour hot water over coffee grounds and allows the flavor and aroma of high quality beans to stand out, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to fine tune the perfect cup of coffee.

Benefits of pour-over coffee makers include:

• Goose-neck spouts allow for consistent and precise water flow for even extraction.

• KitchenAid^® kettles include integrated thermometers and temperature settings allow you to achieve the ideal brew temperature.

• Pour-over method can also be used for brewing tea and hot cocoa.