Why You Should Buy a Decent Coffee Maker

With so many appliances on the market, it’s hard to know where you should splurge and where you should save. When it comes to purchasing a coffee maker, always remember the golden rule: Buy a decent model. That’s not to say that you have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a top-end model, but a decent coffee pot is surely worth the effort.

There are two main reasons why you should purchase a decent coffee machine. First, you use a coffee maker on a regular basis, most likely once a day or more. Any appliance that is used regularly deserves more of an investment. Second, the quality of the machine is a direct result of how the coffee will taste, and better quality machines are known for producing flavorful, non-stale cups of joe.

When talking about price, there are many features that will inflate the cost. Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the more expensive machines have updated designs, so expect a few fun colors, contemporary builds and sleek exteriors to choose from. Paying more for a coffee maker will also get you more programmable features. You can expect to have a timer, which is a great option for those who are forgetful in the mornings.

Higher-priced coffee makers also come with pause ‘n serve features, auto shut-off features and possibly even built-in bean grinders that allow you to grind up fresh beans for the best tasting coffee. Not only should you be looking at the physical design and features of the product, but also the carafe. Glass carafes tend to be the cheapest options, and while they look pretty sitting on the shelf, they get dirty and discolor rather quickly. You’ll pay a bit more for stainless steel, but the downfall to steel is that you can’t see how full the coffee pot is.

A more expensive option is an insulated carafe, which is solid on the outside and has insulated layers to keep the coffee warmer for longer. Insulated coffee pots also do not need to sit on a heated plate, preventing the coffee from overheating and having a burnt taste. Higher-priced coffee machines often have water filters built into them, which reduce water impurities such as chlorine and iron. While favorable, these filters do need to be changed and can be pricey to replace.

Your best bet is to stay with a moderately priced coffee machine. There’s no reason to overdo it, but you certainly want a coffee machine that produces great tasting cups of coffee, has an array of programmable features and looks attractive on your countertop.