topic Re: Coffemaker dilemma in Home

Coffemaker dilemma

Judaline — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:54:12 GMT

Mine died and I bought two different ones to replace it and took both back. Awful. Maybe I'm asking too much?

I would like first to have good tasting coffee. And I want one that is simple to operate. On/Off would be fine with me. I don't need a clock since every appliance in my kitchen has a clock. I don't need to program it. Or self-clean it. 10-12 cups is good. I love those retro ones that fit the bill. And in colors, too!! But given my recent history I'm too afraid the coffe won't be good and I'll be returning another one. Any great ones out there that I can count on and that are simple to run with great coffee?

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

Janey2 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:04:16 GMT

I wish I could help you. I have been looking for a coffeemaker too. I have returned a couple. I do not need any bells and whistles. I had a really cheap one that lasted years, and made really good coffee. It is discontinued. I might try a cheap Mr. Coffee maker. I tried a few expensive machines and they made terrible coffee.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

4kitties — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:09:46 GMT

We used to have a Mr Coffee and when it died about 6 years or so ago I decided to try a Cuisinart. I liked the cone shaped coffee filter holder as opposed to the flat holder in the Mr Coffee.

We have been very happy with the Cuisinart ever since. I think the coffee tastes better. Our model is one of the less expensive ones, I think it was about $50 or so. I keep it descaled regularly and it is still going strong!

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

cjm61 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:51:46 GMT

@Judaline

We had, and still have, several different coffee makers. In all honesty, it's the kind of coffee we use that makes the difference, not the coffee maker so much.

If you happen to find one with a clock it really is no biggie. The clock doesn't change the coffee, it's mainly to preset should you want your coffee already brewed when you wake up.

Basically, I can't recommend a specific coffee maker but if you find the right coffee beans, it will make a world of difference.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

amyb — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:15:30 GMT

I too was disappointed with one I got last year, still haven't replaced.

I had visited a friend who had a 20 y.o. Cuisinart, with a glass coffee pot. She made Maxwell House coffee in it everyday. Coffee tasted delicious, came out hot, stayed hot, as the pot stayed on until you turned it off.

So, I asked for a Cuisinart for Christmas last year. BF did thorough research, bought what he thought was the best one on Amazon. Unfortunately...they made it with a thermal, stainless steel pot that is "supposed" to keep the coffee hot, as the machine turns off after it brews. The coffee does not stay hot enough. Also, though I'm never sure I do the measurements right...doesn't taste the best. I've used both Dunkin and a local shop's gourmet coffee in it. The Dunkin not great. The local one better. But neither come out hot enough or stay hot.

I'd recommend only go for a glass pot and a machine that stays on until you shut it off.

I don't think they make 'em like they used to. The 20 y.o. ones are better than the "fancy" choices now. Too many "bells whistles" you don't need. Actually, I'm finding that to be true about a lot of things lately!

I've been making instant Folgers for the most part.

At some point I'll see about replacing it.

Bought a Nespresso for BF for Christmas this year...wonderful espresso. Easy machine. But not a replacement for your basic regular daily coffee.

Let us know if you find a great one!

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

I am still oxox — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:19:58 GMT

Love my Small single cup Keruig we bought last year, it is perfect for our needs I get what I want and so does my husband

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

fthunt — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:27:21 GMT

A stainless steel percolator - Presco

When one wears out........I buy another.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

Marceil — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:32:30 GMT

Been there. Bought a good old basic MrCoffee and not looking back.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

ciao_bella — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:39:27 GMT

@cjm61 wrote:
@Judaline

We had, and still have, several different coffee makers. In all honesty, it's the kind of coffee we use that makes the difference, not the coffee maker so much.

If you happen to find one without a clock it really is no biggie. The clock doesn't change the coffee, it's mainly to preset should you want your coffee already brewed when you wake up.

Basically, I can't recommend a specific coffee maker but if you find the right coffee beans, it will make a world of difference.

@cjm61 I agree with you, and on the internet those big companies that do the taste tests on many different coffees seem to agree. For me personally, Peets, and Starbucks have the best taste. I'm not a light roast fan. If I'm going to drink coffee, I want it rich and on the bold/stronger side, though not bitter or burnt tasting. If you Google the Best and Worst tasting coffees, many will be listed in order of best to worst or worst to best.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

cjm61 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:44:07 GMT

@ciao_bella Oh yes, I agree. Why go for a light roast.

We love the Starbucks and Peets as well, and the bolder coffee's. I'm afraid my husband and I have become somewhat coffee snobs. When we are in Kauai we go to the Kauai Coffee plantation and they have the best freshest coffee. So good.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

skatting44 — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:50:26 GMT

Your post reminded me that I have 3 old coffee makers stored in my basement , that I need to donate . Held on to the the old fashion ones just in case my Keurig failed . Which it never did . I did buy a Nespresso abt 2 yrs ago which so far is great for convenience and coffee taste . All 4 of my coffee makers still work .

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

tampalady — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:56:43 GMT

I just replace my Mr. Coffee and yes the coffee brand makes a big difference. We only buy Columbian which is strong and usually Folgers. I found Peets is too strong for me but my husband likes it. Just have too play around till you find the one that you love.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

amyb — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:23:43 GMT

I just did a quick Amazon search and saved this one to my "list" to really review later.

Cuisinart Coffee Maker, 14-cup glass carafe, fully automatic for brew strength control, and 1-4 cup setting, stainless steel. DCC-3200P1

At first glance this looks good, and improvement over mine...hotter, better, glass pot, doesn't automatically turn off.

Mine was $100 also...wished I'd returned it within my time to do so, but lesson learned.

Footnote...I really do have to find the booklet for mine and make sure it's not just on "0" time to turn off, as I see the new one here has a 0-4 hr. turn off time. Maybe mine does too, and I just need to set it differently.

I have a habit of never reading the instruction booklets until I really need too...

While I agree, the quality of the coffee is important...I also think a coffee maker can make a difference, especially how hot it comes out and stays, is important.

I noticed Amazon still carries the Farberware electric purcolator type I also still own, but am not currently using. That stayed hot enough. But I always found the grounds got in the coffee. And no matter how great a coffee I used, still was just ok in that...seemed on the bitter side.

Stainless steel perk pot on the stove is great, and I've had that type too. Still some of the best coffee I've made at home. Just don't currently own one.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:17:12 GMT

We have a Mr Coffee - with a thermal carafe- 10-12 cups...I do not like the glass carafe that come with some coffee makers, to easy to break.

We always unplug the pot after we are done with coffee so a clock means nothing to me, nor do we like any extras on the appliance.

This pot is probably 10 years old- we make coffee daily and sometimes 2x a day, it gets a lot of use.

When it dies hopefully we can replace it with the same model.

We drink to much coffee to have a single serve coffee pot.

I agree with the poster that mentioned it's the coffee not the pot the makes the difference in the coffee. If someone thinks differently I'd like to know what pot makes a difference in taste.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

cindyNC — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:21:52 GMT

@Judaline We ended up purchasing a new unused version of our old coffee maker on ebay.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

Judaline — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:45:11 GMT

I ended up with a Krups-no bells and whistles at all and it has the stay hot for 2 hour thing. A must for me. I already have the coffee we drink. Seven Hills Columbian Decaf and Seven Hills Organic Sumatra. We mix them both equally. And if this new machine changes the taste, it's history.

Thanks for your help. Wish me luck. (the third time's a charm)! My last one was $200 and this one is $46.00 I don't know where they get these prices.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

Solar Is My Name — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:24:59 GMT

For 8 months we've been happy to use the CUISINART BREW-CENTRAL 14 CUP COFFEEMAKER. It uses #4 cone filters (Melita filters are the cheapest on AMZ that I've found.)

I use dark ground coffee so use only 6 tablespoons of coffee for water up to the 10 line on the maker side (not on the carafe).

We like it. I just wished that it didn't brew quite so hot. But if I put my filled mug on the deck for a few minutes the temperature of my morning java is fine.

Enjoy!

-Solar

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

SaveTheTurtles — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:33:10 GMT

I have a Cuisinart that I have been happy with. Gave up on Keurig a few years ago, tired of fighting with it to work right.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

Bookplate — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:15:14 GMT

I swear by my Bialetti Moka pot. It is stovetop, not electric, and makes the best-tasting almost-espresso coffee in less than 5 minutes. I do have a Keurig and a Nespresso generic for emergencies, but nothing beats the Moka for taste. I use only Lavazza and Illy coffees in it.

Re: Coffemaker dilemma

gardenman — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:51:52 GMT

In general, there are four types of coffee makers. There are pods, drip, percolators, and pour-over types. The general consensus among coffee snobs is that the pour-over types produce the absolute best coffee. But they're also the most labor intensive. You have to heat a lot of water to precisely the right temperature, then use some of that water to preheat/prewet the filter/apparatus. Then slowly wet the coffee grounds and allow them to start to absorb the water then slowly pour in the remainder of the water taking care to distribute it evenly over the grounds to get your ideal cup of coffee.

The pods are the fastest/easiest option. Nearly instant coffee with everything done for you. You just slip in a pod, press a button, wait a minute or two and you've got a cup of coffee. It's also the more expensive option and doesn't yield the best-flavored coffee.

If your coffee can't be too hot, then a percolator is for you. It'll produce the hottest coffee of the four major options. Flavor-wise, eh, maybe not the best, but if you want your coffee hot, a percolator is your target.

Drip coffee makers are the overall compromise. Not too hard, not too involved. The flavor is okay. The temperature is okay. They tend to be fairly inexpensive. And they make a lot of coffee at once. Or they can.

What you buy largely comes down to what you want in a cup of coffee. If you just want one cup at a time and want it fast and easy with minimal effort, a pod maker might be ideal. If you want scalding hot coffee, a percolator is for you. If you want the absolute best flavor and don't mind taking five to ten minutes to make a cup of coffee, then the pour-over types are for you. If you come down somewhere in the middle of all of that, then a drip maker is probably best.