Coffee Talk
Take a look at the Best Coffee Makers in 2011! Whether you're crazy for Cuisinart or dazzled by DeLonghi, take a look at this article and decide for yourself what brand and machine make you swoon. This is also a great place to get gift ideas, because you know we at CoffeeMakers.com like them, so I'm sure your family and friends will too!
Having trouble deciding what brand of coffee maker to get, but already know what type of coffee maker you like? Or are you unsure what types are even available? Getting a gift for someone, but trying to decide which one they will like best? We have given the awards out for the Best Coffee Makers 2011 to help you decide! Look at the top models of 2011 for drip, grind and brew, single cup, pod, & single serve coffee makers as well as the top espresso machines we have to offer.
Coffee Maker Types and Styles
Whether you're an avid coffee lover or just an average joe junkie, choosing a coffee maker can get complicated. You'll find several styles and brands on the market to choose from, and purchasing the right one for your needs is important.
Coffee Glossary
If you'd like to increase the vocabulary that really matters, you'd better learn your ABCs of coffee. Knowing the difference between a French press and a pod, between crema and froth, between an Americano and a latte can help you make the leap to coffee aficionado. The world of coffee is vast but very interesting. Take a look at our glossary of coffee terms and before you know it, you'll actually understand, albeit with a snicker, the yuppie ahead of you in line who asks for a skinny soy half-decaf latte with an extra shot.
Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Enjoying coffeehouse-style drinks in the comfort of your own home is fun and easy... and it's also much less expensive than a trip to the local Starbucks every time you're jonesing. If you love espressos and lattes and want to know how to make them yourself, it's as simple as having the right equipment. All espresso machines feature the same basic mechanisms- a metal filter basket for pulling shots and a steam wand for heating and frothing milk. But aside from those basics, multiple types of espresso machines on the market are designed for home use, and picking the right one is a matter of knowing the differences between them.
Popular Espresso Machine Brands
Many companies manufacture espresso machines, so when you're searching for one designed for home use, the options can get confusing. Check out the list below for some of the most popular espresso machine brands and what you can expect from each.
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Anatomy of a Coffee Maker 1. Coffee Filter (inside): Made of paper or stainless steel, the filter holds the coffee grounds. Water flows through and trickles out as coffee. 2. Reservoir: Holds water that will be used for brewing coffee. Use the measurements on the outside as a serving guide. 3. Carafe: Pourable pitcher that catches the brewed coffee. Glass carafes are dishwasher safe. Thermal carafes help retain heat and freshness longer. 4. Heating Plate: Below the carafe, this keeps your coffee warm after brewing. 5. Digital Clock & Timer: Program your coffee maker to start brewing just before you wake up in the morning. 6. Pause and Serve: Interrupts the brewing process to let you pour a cup. Resumes dripping when the carafe is replaced. 7. Brew Strength Control: Determines the strength of your coffee. Options can include bold, regular, and mild, depending on the coffee machine. 8. Automatic Safety Shut-Off: Turns off the heating element if you forget. |
