Best →

What are the Different Types of Coffee Makers?

Beth Huston Avatar

Written by:

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

If you’ve been wondering, “What are the different types of coffee makers?” then stick around. We’re about to teach you how to make your morning cup of coffee better by choosing the right appliance. There’s more to your daily brew than just making hot water and using the correct coffee grinder.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The different types of coffee machines will create different coffee flavors. Researching how to make your favorite drink will help you decide which to buy.
  • You’ll need to figure out how much effort you’re willing to put into making your cup of coffee and which coffee maker types will fulfill those time constraints.
  • Each appliance in this article is a popular type of coffee maker. Still, there are countless other options as you move toward more unique, expensive machines.

The best coffee maker fulfills your specific needs, whether you want a concentrated coffee brew or a thermal carafe instead of a glass one. There are all different types of coffee machines, and we’ll explore the most popular options below.

Explaining Different Types of Coffee Makers

Whether you want an automatic coffee maker or you’re considering automatic espresso machines, understanding your own needs comes first. Figure out what type of cold or hot coffee you’d like to brew, and research what methods will work best.

Insider Tip

If you’re interested in learning more about brewing techniques, visit your favorite coffee shop and talk to the coffee lovers there for guidance.

If you’re looking to improve your morning brew, you don’t have to stop at automatic or manual coffee makers. Our article comparing a stainless steel vs. aluminum coffee maker provides another way to upgrade your lifestyle.

French Presses

French Press coffee lovers will tell you that there is no better option out there. These manual coffee makers use a glass carafe to steep pre-ground coffee for around five minutes. Of course, there is a technique to French Press brewing that takes time to perfect. If you’d like to use this method, comparing stainless steel vs. glass French Presses can help you decide which model to buy.

Drip Coffee Makers

Drip coffee makers are the traditional choice for most households. There are manual machines available, but the automatic drip coffee maker is far more popular. For this method, you add ground coffee beans into a brew basket. From there, drip brewers craft flavorful coffee for you using hot water. They also keep your coffee hot using a hot plate. If you like cold brew coffee, look into cold drip brewers.

Pour-Over Coffee Makers

Pour-over coffee has been building in popularity. However, this manual option might be undesirable for coffee enthusiasts who want their morning coffee cup as quickly as possible since it requires a bit of work. This method requires you to pour hot water over finer grounds using a circular motion.

Stovetop Coffee Maker

Although less popular than automatic options, Turkish coffee is still widely in use. Stovetop espresso makers are great for brewing espresso-style coffee. However, they aren’t as strong as a regular espresso machine. There are multiple styles available, and each one can produce espresso-style coffee that coffee drinkers love.

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

There are several different cold brew methods. You can use French Press methods to craft cold brew coffee. Cold brewers use cold water instead of hot and are great for those who prefer iced coffee.

Warning

Avoid using boiling water when making coffee, or you could end up burning the coffee grounds, ruining your brew.

F.A.Q.S

Is it worth buying a Siphon coffee maker?

If you’re trying to make quick cups of coffee in the morning, then no. While the Siphon is undoubtedly an attractive addition to any kitchen, it’s more of a novelty than a solution.


What types of coffee makers are easiest to use?

Drip coffee might seem easy to use, but many coffee drinkers struggle to find the proper coffee grounds to water ratio for a delicious flavor. Popular types of single-serve machines are your best bet if you want to do as little work as possible.


What is the difference between black coffee and true espresso drinks?

Black coffee is plain coffee. While black coffee is viewed as “stronger” by many, this isn’t true. Black coffee is just as strong if you add a dash of milk. Espresso-based drinks are made with an espresso machine and use an entirely different brewing method, resulting in a richer, deeper flavor.


Does my method of brewing coffee make a difference in taste?

Coffee aficionados will all confirm that different types of coffee brewing techniques result in different coffee flavors. To find your favorite flavor of coffee, experiment with different brewing methods.


STAT: In 2020, consumers drank approximately 44.5 billion servings of coffee. (source)

Beth Huston Avatar

Learn More About Coffee Maker