Coffee Makers

[wpooh888]

So I'm looking for a coffee maker for my wife. Being that I don't drink coffee myself it's rather difficult for me to understand what's better. We currently use a rather cheap $20 Black and Decker coffee maker that uses paper filters so we're looking for a MUCH better machine that delivers better flavour. Is it better to purchase a nice coffee maker or one of those espresso machines that also do coffee ? I noticed on some of the more expensive coffee makers they use "permanent filters". What do espresso machines use when you put the grinds in ? Are they similar types of "permanent filters" ? Or something different ? Basically I'm looking for something that will preserve as much as the flavour as possible.

So here's an example of a regular coffee maker I was looking at that uses permanent filters http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach...coffee+machine

Here's an example of one of those espresso type machines http://www.amazon.com/Delonghi-EC330...keywords=ec330

[revvy]

If your wife is a coffee enthusiast or connoisseur, I would highly suggest you check out the Aeropress - you can order it online or pick it up at Te Aro Coffee Roasters

[Mars2012]

Personally, I would just buy a standard, mid-range coffee maker, ie. whatever Costco is selling in their store. There are many things that influence how coffee tastes, ie water temp, quality/grind of beans, etc. Getting an ultra expensive model doesn't necessarily mean better tasting coffee. I think the individual systems are a scam...you might as well go to a coffee shop...those pods are overpriced, imo. I had to use a French press coffee maker this past weekend while visiting relatives...they sure get a lot of hype, I'll stick with my regular coffee maker.

[jayt90]

+1 for Aeropress. http://www.birdsandbeans.ca/4daction...formerchandise
It is low cost and produces superb coffee, for one or two mugs at a time. Easy clean up too.
The auto coffee makers like the Hamilton Beach or DeLonghi are inconsistent and may be poorly flavored if they can't guarantee a 200F brew temperature.

[bargainista!]

The quality of the beans usually affects the flavour more than the coffee maker does. Does she have a coffee grinder? To get the best flavour you need to grind the beans just before you use them each time.

I would suggest buying beans from a local coffee house which makes coffee that she enjoys, grinding them fresh before each use and see if you can get better flavour out of your $20 machine!

[jayt90]

The quality of the beans usually affects the flavour more than the coffee maker does. Does she have a coffee grinder? To get the best flavour you need to grind the beans just before you use them each time.

I would suggest buying beans from a local coffee house which makes coffee that she enjoys, grinding them fresh before each use and see if you can get better flavour out of your $20 machine!

The $20 machines that I have encountered brew at 165 F or at best 180 F. I wouldn't put good coffee in one.

[0xffff]

If you're looking for best flavours, then the best way would be to get either an Aeropress or french press and learn how to use it properly. They're relatively cheap ($15-$30 for FP, more for the AP) and you can take the money you save over any other brewing solution and buy decent coffee. Ideally, you would buy coarsely ground coffee in small quantities every few days, however it won't be the end of the world if you buy a regularly sized pre-ground bag and took good care of it (e.g. stored airtight in a dark space).

Then if you decide you want to get into it and grind your own beans, you can look at a decent burr grinder ($300+) and go from there.

IMO, no point in buying an actual coffee maker unless you're looking to make espresso or steam milk or all that.

[wpooh888]

Thanks for all the quick reply guys. Seems like alot of positive reviews for the Aeropress. No issues with losing any flavours using paper filters ? Our normal process is that we buy green beans from Merchants of Green. We then roast the beans with a Caffe Rosto roaster. Then every morning I would use a Zassenhaus manual hand grinder and grind a cup of coffee for her.

[mjl_toronto]

Thanks for all the quick reply guys. Seems like alot of positive reviews for the Aeropress. No issues with losing any flavours using paper filters ? Our normal process is that we buy green beans from Merchants of Green. We then roast the beans with a Caffe Rosto roaster. Then every morning I would use a Zassenhaus manual hand grinder and grind a cup of coffee for her.

Paper filters absorb the oils from coffee. Use permanent ones instead.
I've never seen an espresso machine that uses a paper filter.

[0xffff]

Paper filters absorb the oils from coffee. Use permanent ones instead.
I've never seen an espresso machine that uses a paper filter.

Yes, this is true. However, some people "prime" the paper filters by running a poorer quality coffee through it before using it for the high quality coffee you actually want to drink. It's a lot of trouble to go through, however for some people, trouble is what they're looking for in home brewing.

[craigdcan]

For a maker - Technivorm - http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/cata...7_548_608.html http://www.transcendcoffee.com/produ...FbEBQAodzXwAPg

or a cheaper option - http://www.cuisinart.ca/cuisinart_pr...id=66&cat_id=2



French press - Bodum

Espresso - Rancilio Silvia

Stovetop - Bialetti

I'm not familiar with the grinder you are using, but a top quality grinder is essential - Baratza, Rancilio, and several others have reasonably priced offerings.

[jayt90]

I'm not familiar with the grinder you are using, but a top quality grinder is essential - Baratza, Rancilio, and several others have reasonably priced offerings.

Zassenhaus is a well known manual grinder, good for espresso and other grinds.

[Catherine111]

We are using the Keurig Coffee Maker. I hope your wife will also like and enjoy this one.

[jumbojones]

Reunion Island Coffee also has the aeropress and filters, use coupon code "save10" to save $10.

[wpooh888]

Thanks again for all the replies. I think we'll give the Aeropress a try. It's cheap enough that if we don't like it we'll explore other options.