Coffee is ingrained into today’s culture. Many need at least a few cups a day. There is a plethora of coffee machines out there for you to choose from. One can find a machine for every situation and style of coffee drinker.
Coffee machines can range from the simple to the complex. The most popular style that has been around for many decades is the classic drip brew. This allows for a lot of coffee to be made in a short amount of time. You can graze on it throughout the day or make a pot for a large amount of people; think houseguests. You can find smaller four cup models or the standard 12 cup. There are ones that will even grind your whole beans for you. From the low dollar to the high dollar range, you can find one that fits your budget needs.
Another popular style are the single brew and the on-demand brew machines. Again, from the low dollar to the high dollar range, these offer our on-the-go lifestyles easy access to the coffee you need before you start your daily routine. Or really, at any time you just want one quick cup. This also helps to cut down on coffee waste and will help save money in the long run.
For the coffee coinsurers, French presses and hand presses might be a better choice. These yield a smoother, full-bodied and flavorful cup of coffee for when you want more than your average day-to-day spoils. These require more attention to detail and a higher degree of participation in the brew process, but help give you a much needed treat at the end of a long day.
Coffee Quality
It is important to know what styles of coffee machines will help to give you the best daily coffee experience. As most coffee drinkers will tell you, it isn’t only about the machine but the quality of coffee it produces. For novice drinkers, it is worth noting that coffee machines that use a hot plate will often keep the coffee at a high temperature for too long and will produce a burnt flavor. Combatting this seems easy, turn off the machine when it’s done brewing.
Yeah, but then you’re saying that the coffee will get cold right? There’s where the single serve and on-demand brewers come in. They allow for you to get a fresh cup whenever you want. It’s all about finding the balance between the two.
Whole Bean vs. Pre-Ground
Which is better? Well, pre-ground offers convenience. Just open the bag or container and measure out what you want. But pre-ground can lose its flavor fast. When the beans are crushed they release their flavor and if the grounds sit for too long, the flavor escapes.
Whole beans offer a fuller and richer option as the flavor is preserved in the bean until you need it. Make sure that you have a way to grind it if your coffee maker is not equipped with a grinder. Seems like a hassle right? People who know will tell you, this is the best way to get the best of both worlds.