Drip, Filter, Plunger or Combination Coffee Makers?
If after reading Step 1 you decide that you prefer non-espresso, the next step is to choose the brewing method to suit you (drip, filter, percolator, French press, etc.). Don’t know the difference? Read on…
On this page…
1. Intro
2. French Press
3. Drip/Filter Makers
4. Combo Drip/Esp.
5. Percolators
6. Vacuum Makers
7. Pod Makers
8. Links
Coffee Search…
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Let's start with a couple of things you should consider:
1. How many cups you need to make at once…
many drip machines cater for 6 to 10 cups. Problem is, when you only need to make 1 or 2 cups, these machines won't reach a temperature high enough for good coffee extraction in the short time that it takes to brew 2 cups. This results in an under-extracted, weak brew. So, if you only make 1 or 2 cups at a time, we recommend a French press (see below) as opposed to a drip machine. Alternatively, look for drip machines that have a 1-4 cup setting. This setting will mean the machine will be at the proper temperature before the brew cycle begins.
2. A quality grinder…
is essential for good non-espresso coffee, especially considering most coffee makers do not have a built-in- grinder. You will often find that even a built-in grinder is not good enough to produce the best coffee. The best grinders are cone or burr grinders (as opposed to blade grinders) because they produce grounds of a consistent size. See our article on coffee grinders for more information.
3. User fussiness…
if you are particularly fussy about your coffee, you may find that a French press (plunger) gives you more control over the final cup. Because you are in control of the when the brewing process starts and stops, there is less chance of over or under extraction. Also, unlike drip or filter methods, the hot water comes into contact with every grain of coffee for an equal amount of time. So as long as you stop brewing at the right time, your coffee will be full flavored and aromatic. It should be expected that the French press will produce a cloudier cup than drip or filter methods due to the filter being unable to remove the finer particles of coffee. This can be improved by using quality burr or cone style coffee grinders (as opposed to inferior blade style grinders) and choosing a coarse grind setting. See our article on how to use the French Press for more information.
Now, here's a look at the different types of coffee maker that are currently available. Follow the links for extra detail:
1. French Press / Plunger Style Coffee Makers
The French press, also known as the plunger, press pot, or Bodum is ideal when you need to make just a few cups at a time. When properly used, the French press can produce wonderful, rich, full-flavored coffee. To use a standard press pot, you simply need to spoon in freshly ground coffee, fill to the desired level with boiled water, then leave a few minutes to brew. Once brewed, plunge the filter down through the pot to press the grounds away from the liquid and serve. Read our article on how to use the French Press for more detailed information on brewing the perfect press pot.
Remember, when using a French press, you will need to invest in a quality coffee grinder for the best results.
* Need more info? - see our French Press article for tips on how to use, plus recommended buys.
2. Drip / Filter Coffee Makers
When you drink more than one cup at a time, or you are catering for a group, an automatic drip coffee maker will serve you well. These machines will brew a 6-12 cup pot in 4-8 minutes. To use, you simply fill the tank with water, place medium ground coffee into the filter, turn the machine on and leave for 4-8 minutes before serving. Read our article on how to brew great coffee using Drip Coffee Makers.
When buying, you should make sure the brewing time and water temperature is listed on the specifications. Correct temperature is between 195°F (90°C) and 205°F (97°C) and brewing time should be under 8 minutes, but depends on the capacity.
Optional features available on some of drip / filter coffee machines include a 1-4 cup-setting, user-controlled temperature (settable thermostat), automatic timers and milk steamers/frothers. You can read more detailed info on these options in the following article:
* Need more info? - see our Drip Coffee Makers article for tips on how to use, plus recommended buys.
3. Combination Drip / Espresso
These nifty machines allow you prepare regular coffee and espresso coffee as your mood dictates. A good machine has separate controls and water tanks for each function, enabling you to make espresso and drip coffee simultaneously, or separately as you need. Most of these machines come with timer and pause functions.
* Need more info? - see our Combination Espresso Machines article for tips on how to use, plus recommended buys.
4. The Percolator
Although using a percolator is not the best way to make coffee, it is often the method used for 'campfire' coffee. The main problem with percolators in that the boiling water can both scald the coffee and cause over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste. You will get the best results if the water is only allowed to 'perk' (i.e. pass through the coffee) once. To do this you will need to remove the heat source after the first brewing cycle. If you allow the water to perk more than once, your coffee will become muddy, bitter and stale.
That said, people accustomed to percolators often prefer the dark, strong taste of percolator coffee to that of drip coffee makers.
* Need more info? - see our Percolators article for tips on how to use, plus recommended buys.
5. Vacuum Coffee Makers
Vacuum coffee makers make for great entertainment as well as great coffee. Looking a lot like a science experiment, these machines tend to be favored by coffee buffs, and those of us who enjoy the quirkier things in life.
Your main concern when buying a vacuum coffee maker will be to choose between the manual stovetop style and the automatic electric style. Also, there are various sizes and types of filters to choose from.
* Need more info? - see our Vacuum Coffee Makers article for tips on how to use, plus recommended buys.
6. Pod Coffee Makers
The ultimate in coffee convenience, pod coffee makers are usually single-serve machines. They make a consistent coffee due to perfectly measured grounds, water, brewing time and temperature.
* Need more info? - see our Pod Coffee Makers buying guide.
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