Buying Guide
How to Buy a Coffee Maker
This short guide helps you pick the right coffee maker fast. It covers what matters first, the main types available, specific features and specs to look for, where to buy, common mistakes to avoid, and quick expert tips so you can act with confidence.
What to consider first
Household size and daily volume - Count how many mugs you pour each morning and plan capacity accordingly. Counter space and footprint - Measure the spot where the machine will live. Brewing style and speed - Decide if you want quick single cups, full carafes, or espresso-style drinks. Budget - Expect basic drip and single-serve machines in lower price tiers, combo machines in the midrange, and fully automatic espresso machines with built-in grinder and frother at higher prices. Maintenance and time - Look for removable reservoirs, dishwasher-safe parts, and self-clean or descaling features if you want low-effort upkeep.
Types available
- Drip carafe machines - Best for multiple cups at once; commonly 10 to 12 cup capacity and usually include a programmable timer and pause-and-pour.
- Single-serve pod brewers - Fast and convenient for one cup; check reservoir size so you do not refill often.
- Combo 2-way machines - Combine single-serve and carafe brewing in one unit for flexibility; good if household preferences vary.
- Automatic espresso machines - Include built-in grinder, steam wand or auto milk frother, and higher pump pressure; suited for lattes and cappuccinos at home.
- Hybrid hot-and-iced brewers - Offer specialty features like brew-over-ice and temperature control for cold drinks.
Features and specs to look for - and where to buy
Key specs to compare:
Online - Great for price comparisons, reading many reviews, and finding free shipping or discounts. Verify seller ratings, warranty terms, and return policy. Retail stores - Useful to see size and finish in person; bring measurements to ensure fit. Consider buying from outlets that offer easy returns or extended protection plans if you plan heavy use.
- Reservoir capacity - Look for larger removable reservoirs if you brew multiple single cups without refilling; common sizes in the field are about 56 oz to 75 oz and shared reservoirs near 72 oz for combo units.
- Brew sizes and speed - Check available cup sizes and single-cup brew time; some single-serve brewers can brew in around 90 seconds.
- Strength and temperature control - Adjustable strength and extra-hot options matter if you like bold or hot coffee.
- Filter type - Metal mesh filters let oils through for fuller flavor while paper filters capture more sediment; charcoal or water filters reduce taste issues from hard water.
- Espresso specs - For espresso-style shots, look for a high-pressure pump and features like double-boiler or simultaneous steam and brew to speed milk drinks.
- Milk frothing and grinder - Built-in grinders and auto frothers make cafe-style drinks easier but raise cost and maintenance.
- Cleaning and maintenance - Auto-clean or self-clean cycles, descaling reminders, and dishwasher-safe parts save time.
- Carafe material and anti-drip - Thermal carafes keep coffee hot longer; anti-drip and pause-and-pour let you serve mid-brew.
Online - Great for price comparisons, reading many reviews, and finding free shipping or discounts. Verify seller ratings, warranty terms, and return policy. Retail stores - Useful to see size and finish in person; bring measurements to ensure fit. Consider buying from outlets that offer easy returns or extended protection plans if you plan heavy use.
Common mistakes and quick expert tips
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Buying a unit too small or too large for daily use.
- Overpaying for features you will rarely use, or underestimating maintenance needs on complex machines.
- Ignoring reservoir access and removable parts that make cleaning difficult.
- Assuming pods are always cheaper; long-term cost of pods can be higher.
- Match capacity to routine - pick a 12-cup carafe for households that drink several cups, or a large removable-reservoir single-serve if everyone wants custom cups.
- Prefer removable reservoirs and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning.
- If you want cafe-style drinks, prioritize a machine with an integrated grinder and reliable milk frother or a steam system that can steam while brewing.
- Look for programmable timers, strength and temperature controls, and pause-and-pour for daily convenience.
- Compare total cost of ownership: machine price plus filters, pods, descaling supplies, and electricity.
Final Thoughts
Decide first on capacity and brew style, then pick features that reduce daily friction like removable reservoirs and self-cleaning. For simple mornings choose a drip or single-serve unit; for versatility choose a combo; for home barista drinks invest in an automatic espresso machine with grinder and frother. Buy from a seller with clear returns and warranty, and prioritize easy maintenance to keep your coffee tasting great.
