Coffee makers

[javasaurus]

When buying a coffee maker, don't just buy for price, size, or name-brand (though they can all influence your decision). Make sure it turns itself off automatically, and make sure it's easy to clean. The pot I have at work will stay on until doomsday if I forget about it, and on two occasions I've driven all the way back to work to turn it off. The pot I have at home has lots of nooks and crannies where the hot water drips down into the grinds, making it difficult to clean thoroughly. If you're the impatient sort, you also need to have the no-dribble stopper thingy when you remove the carafe while the dripping is still happening.

A water level on the outside of the pot is nice, but not required, as is a clock (though most with auto-turn-off have a clock anyway).

Of course, there are many better ways to make coffee. Some people really adore the French press, and I know that I prefer percolated coffee. I wonder, can you sun-brew coffee like you can tea? And it's better to have your drip coffee go into a thermos rather than a carafe on a hot-plate. And always grind your own beans just before use!

Comments

[dawntreader]

we have gotten in the habit of turning it off after we pour the first cup, or just making half-pots that only MAKE two cups at a time. but yeah, our next coffee pot will have autmatic shut-off, no matter WHAT the other fancy whizbangs are that come with it.

[queenmaggie.livejournal.com]

Our newest pot is a 'grind it for you' with an insulated pot: the parts all go into the dishwasher (top rack) and there's no heat pad, so it never gets that burnt taste... I absolutely love it!