Coffee makers

[Y Sanchez]

I want to get more serious abuot my coffee drinking.

Can anyone reccomend a good coffee maker? Don't want to spend an ungodly amount.

Thanks

 

[MaximumBarnes]

French Press

 

[Brisketexan]

If you can find this one, I'd pick it up:

 

[brntorng]

A French press is an excellent choice (they come in various sizes) if you don't mind that it's not an automatic coffee maker. If you're looking for something that is automatic, the Technivorms are excellent coffee makers but might fall into the "ungodly amount" category.

I have a Krups Mokabrew, common in Germany for the past 40 years, that I got for $60 a few years ago that I love. It's since been discontinued (too complicated for simple American consumers) and now goes for >$200 on ebay.

The keys to a good coffee maker are brew time (how long the hot water is in contact with the grounds) and the water temperature (200-205F is ideal.) The sad truth is that the vast majority of modestly priced autodrip coffee makers do not meet the temperature requirement. That's why the French press and other brewers like the Chemex work so well--you can control the water temperature yourself. However, use water that's not hot enough and a French press produces crappy coffee like the rest of them. Also, use filtered or spring water and keep your coffee maker squeaky clean.

The other critical pieces to the puzzle are buying (or roasting) whole beans (ask for "City" to "Full City" roast) and try something from Guatemala or Kenya to start, and getting a burr grinder to grind your beans just prior to brewing. Do these things and you'll have a terrific cup of coffee.

 

[BrûléeOrange]

I've been hooked on the home version of the Bunn for a long time. I'm on my third one in 23 years. It keeps a reservoir of hot water, so that first pot of java in the morning is ready in no time. It's great for cranking out several pots if you are having a gathering too. I have one of those large air pots that I fill up for a big crowd. I swear it keeps it piping hot for at least 12 hours (without the scorching). Bought it at a restaurant supply house and consider it a great investment. But I digress.

I also have a French Press and use it every now and then (especially on the weekends). Clean up is little more high maintenance, but the coffee is good.

 

[brntorng]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[hrhorn]

Nespresso machines. Try'em once and you'll be hooked.

 

[Sasquatch69]

We've had this one for several years and have been very happy with it:

The Link

 

[brntorng]

Here is a list of household coffee makers approved by the European Coffee Brewing Centre. All but one are made by Technivorm and the other isn't available in the US.

 

[shorty]

Well I could care less about coffee makers approved by a European group.

The Hamilton-Beach Brew Station make wonderful coffee and does not have a carafe that can break. Also it cannot cause an electrical short because you did not place the carafe in the perfect position prior to brewing the coffee. I am going onto my third year of ownership and others lasted about six months.

Cuisinart has a brew station coffee maker at Sams. It was $55 for a 12 cup capacity and has the auto brew feature. I have seriously considered getting one to have if and when the Hamilton-Beach dies.

Both have built in water filters. The Cuisinart has a permanent coffee filter where you use the disposable ones with the H-B.

 

[brntorng]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[jimmyjazz]

I use a Newco OCS-8, which also has the "SCAA" stamp of approval:

It's very simple, but it makes a tremendous cup of coffee. I think I paid $120 or so for it. You can buy extra thermal caraffes, which lets you brew diferent beans or caf & decaf for a dinner party, etc.

 

[Not that Bob]

I like those Folgers bags that you dunk in a cup of warm water like a tea bag.