The Basics: Coffee Makers

With the multitude of coffee makers on the market, selecting the right model (or models) to suit your particular needs can be quite a challenge. You can narrow the choices considerably, however, if you first select the type and size of coffee maker you need.

Automatic-drip coffee makers offer a wealth of choices in terms of specialty features. These units consist of a power base, with water reservoir, filter holder, carafe and built-in warming plate or carafe stand. Optional features include permanent gold-tone or screen filters, which replace the standard disposable paper filters; digital clocks with timers to preset the start of coffee making; automatic shut-off; and a pause-to-serve function, which lets you halt brewing long enough to pour a cup of coffee.

The newest and most attractive offerings in this category include water filtration systems that remove chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants from drinking water before brewing; flavor systems that can adjust the strength of the coffee--from mild to robust--to suit your taste; and combination machines that can grind coffee beans just prior to brewing for the freshest possible taste.

The newest trend in the automatic-drip coffee maker category is the brew-through carafe. These units feature an insulated carafe, which can be removed for serving yet still retain heat and flavor.

Larger machines can make up to 12 cups but can usually be set for smaller servings. Personal-size machines make up to four cups at a time and save counter space. Single-cup machines are available, which, in many cases, brew directly into a travel mug for convenient on-the-road coffee consumption. All automatic-drip coffee makers require periodic cleaning or decalcifying to remove mineral deposits. This is accomplished by brewing a cycle with a special cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and water.

Automatic-drip coffee makers range in price from approximately $20 for a small capacity, basic unit to $200 for a full-size, top-of-the-line model, loaded with specialty features.

Coffee makers usually carry 1- or 2-year warranties. Higher-end units are backed by slightly longer warranties.

How to Shop

Coffee makers come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. Before you go shopping, consider how often you will use the machine, how many cups you routinely brew and which specialty features you will find most useful.

Controls: Some automatic-drip coffee makers feature a single "on" button. Others have sophisticated touchpad controls with digital clock readouts. Still others have separate switches for setting the number of cups (when a smaller batch is desired), preferred strength of the brewed coffee, and automatic brewing start time.