DIY Network

Buying a Coffeemaker Carolyn Forte shares tips on buying a coffeemaker. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-114

Guest Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute's home care director, joins host Stephanie Lydecker and shares tips on buying a great coffeemaker. She explains what features to look for and gives tips on buying a single serving coffee brewer.

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	Carolyn shares advice on the different features to look for when purchasing a coffeemaker.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Buying a Coffeemaker

• The first thing to consider is if you need a normal size coffee pot that brews up to 12 cups at a time, or a single serving maker. The larger pots offer many more features, however the single serving pots ensure that you never have to drink the dregs.

• Coffee makers are one of those appliances where the prices vary greatly. It is important to consider how many features you need--some coffee makers are much more sophisticated than others.

• All coffee makers can brew up to 12 cups at a time.

• You can find models where you do not need to change the filter. These models use a gold filter and it needs to be washed, but not replaced like the paper ones (figure A). There are also models that have preprogrammed brewing. Both of these are great, time saving features.

• A high end coffee maker can retail for as much as $225, but has a lot of bells and whistles--like a grinder to grind your own beans (figure B).

• Another convenient feature is the pause and serve feature--it lets you serve a cup of coffee while it is still brewing.

• Because coffee makers generate heat, it is also important to have an automatic shut-off feature. Usually they shut off in two hours or some have adjustable auto-off for up to four hours (figure C).

• A nice feature is a tank that removes for easier filling. And, two other smart features are the easy to use and see eye level controls on the top of the machine, and integrated cord storage--the excess cord is stored inside of the maker, instead of laying out on your counter.

• Of course, design and color also affects the price of coffee pots. Also, remember that the faster the coffee maker brews coffee, the better. The best makers brew at one minute per cup--more expensive units generally do it faster.

• Single serving coffee makers (figure D) are great for people on the go and people who don't really need more than one cup of coffee at a time. They require a lot less work too--when you are ready for a cup, all you need to do is pop in a pod, packet or capsule (or pre-measured ground coffee in its own filter) and press start. In about a minute you will have a steaming cup of coffee. Some even have their own stainless steel travel mugs. But there is a caveat: most models are only compatible with certain brands of coffee pods.

• Other features to look for include models that have a two-cup portion and models that are worth the splurge because they do allow you to use tea and coffee pods from several different manufacturers. There are also ones that have a large water tank so you will need to refill it less often. The other news is that some makers allow you to make cappuccino instead of just plain old coffee.

• The French Press is actually somewhere in between a regular coffee maker and the single serve makers. You do not need to brew a whole pot, but it does allow you to brew several cups at a time. Coffee connoisseurs maintain that French press coffee is actually the best way to experience the drink. While any coffee will work in a French Press, most people prefer a full bodied, dark blend. The process is simple--you measure two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water, place the coffee grinds in the press and pour steaming water over the grinds. Put the lid on the press and let the coffee steep for three to five minutes. Then gently press the plunger down and the mesh filter will push the coffee grounds to the bottom and separate them from the liquid, giving you a perfect cup of coffee. You should be sure to buy a press that has a solid glass base to keep the coffee warm and a rigid steel press to keep the grinds at the bottom, where they belong.

GUESTS :

Carolyn Forte
Home Care Director
Good Housekeeping Institute
E-mail: cforte@hearst.com
Website: www.goodhousekeeping.com