For most people, coffee is the first thing they drink in the morning. In fact, the coffee category has experienced rapid growth in recent years. While single-serve coffee makers represent one of the largest growing subcategories, sales of French presses, pour-over coffee makers, and espresso makers have also increased. Consequently, there are numerous methods of making coffee, each offering distinct tastes, from bold and robust cold brews to smooth, flavorful French press coffee.
Naturally, each type of coffee maker has its own advantages and disadvantages, ranging from price and convenience to flavor. In this guide, we aim to decode the vast market of coffee makers to help you choose the perfect one that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Explore the most prominent types of coffee makers, their capabilities, and which one is best suited for you.
Drip Coffee Maker
One of the most familiar ways of making coffee is by using drip coffee makers. These machines not only brew a single cup of coffee but can make up to 14 cups. However, they are not suitable for brewing just one cup.
Some versions of drip coffee makers include additional brewing systems, such as a single-serve brewer or a hot water dispenser. You can choose between thermal pots or glass carafes, though most people prefer thermal carafes for retaining the temperature of the coffee for a few hours without the need for a hot plate.
How Does a Drip Coffee Maker Work?
You simply add cold water to the reservoir and then place the ground coffee in the filter. The heated water passes through the beans via a showerhead. Afterward, the brewed coffee flows into the glass carafe, which sits on top of a hot plate to keep it warm.
Drip coffee makers are ideal for entertaining, families, and traditionalists.
Pour-Over Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for a gentler brewing method, consider using a pour-over coffee maker. Pour-overs can be used for a single mug or even a larger carafe. However, the drawback is that the glass design is not very insulating, so your coffee may cool more quickly.
How Does a Pour-Over Coffee Maker Work?
This coffee maker has a cone-shaped funnel with a filter, where you’ll place the medium-coarse grounds. Hot water is added gradually, with the first batch used to bloom the coffee grounds. Then, subsequent batches fully brew them. As the water filters through the grounds, it flows into the cup or carafe, resulting in a full-bodied, rich cup of coffee.
Pour-over coffee makers are perfect for those who prefer a single cup of coffee.
Single-Serve Capsule Coffee Maker
Capsule machines were introduced by Keurig brands, revolutionizing the traditional way of brewing coffee. With just the touch of a button, you can have a fresh cup of coffee. Most of these machines have their own water reservoirs, eliminating the need to refill them every time you want coffee.
They come in various styles, from single cups to larger sizes for to-go cups. However, it’s important to note that these machines tend to generate more waste than other styles, and the coffee may not be as sophisticated as desired.
How Does a Single-Serve Capsule Coffee Maker Work?
These machines use a similar method to drip coffee but on a smaller scale. Pre-measured pre-ground coffee beans are used to produce a consistent cup of coffee. Hot water runs through the grounds until it reaches your mug. The filter is contained within the pod, so there’s no need to worry about emptying the grounds; you simply discard the pods after use.
A single-serve capsule coffee maker is ideal if you prefer a quick and easy way to make different varieties of coffee without brewing a full pot. They are popular for businesses due to their low maintenance requirements and offer the freedom to choose from a variety of flavors and drinks.
French Press Coffee Maker
With a French Press Coffee Maker, your coffee grounds are gently soaked in just-boiled water to provide you with a full-bodied cup of coffee. The longer you steep your coffee, the stronger its flavor will be, but it’s recommended to steep for just four minutes. This provides more control; however, it’s advisable to heat the carafe first to ensure the coffee doesn’t cool too quickly.
How Does a French Press Coffee Maker Work?
You can use either medium-ground or coarse ground coffee and mix it with just-boiled water. Ensure the carafe lid is placed on top to soak it. After a while, gently push down the plunger so the grounds reach the bottom of the carafe.
A French Press Coffee Maker is ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy full-bodied coffee or simply want to savor the flavor of a high-quality cup of coffee.
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Aside from making Americanos and espresso, the AeroPress Coffee Maker can also produce cold-brewed coffee by letting the ground coffee soak for just one minute rather than 10 seconds.
What people love about it is that it is very easy and quick to clean compared to a French Press coffee maker. Currently, the brand is producing a portable version that comes with nesting parts. It’s straightforward to use and perfect for the office, where employees want to enjoy a quick brew.
How Does an AeroPress Coffee Maker Work?
Simply add one tablespoon of finely ground coffee to the machine, and you can have an espresso-sized cup of coffee. Heat the water to 170ºF and pour it into the base up to your desired marking. Put the filter in the cap, attach it to the base, and then place the base over a mug.
Mix the coffee grounds for about 10 seconds, and use the plunger to gently push the water down until it reaches your mug. An AeroPress coffee maker is ideal for strong coffee lovers who prefer the easy and quick way of making one cup of coffee at a time.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Traditionally, iced coffee is created by pouring brewed coffee over ice. However, the cold brew method of making coffee does not involve heat, resulting in a full-bodied, rich brew of coffee. There are many methods of making cold brew, such as soaking coffee grounds in a large container. However, most of them require a significant amount of coffee and often take up to 24 hours.
How Does a Cold Brew Coffee Maker Work?
Cold brew coffee is made by soaking coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water or at room temperature overnight. Afterward, the brewed coffee is transferred to another container, ready to be served. You can store it in your refrigerator for up to 14 days and serve it over ice. It can also be used as a concentrate if you prefer hot coffee.
Cold Brew Coffee Makers are an excellent choice for those who want a deeper, fuller, more flavorful cup of coffee, whether it’s served hot or cold.
Coffee Man Beverage Services offers coffee and tea equipment so you can have the best coffee experience in your office or home. To learn more about our products, simply call us at 714-336-8636 or send us an email at .