This one is for you coffee fanatics. I have a five-year-old Capresso coffee maker which I really love but it’s finally starting to die. More often than not, the coffee spills all over the kitchen counter before it’s finished. So my question for you guys is: what is the best new drip coffee maker I can buy?
I am generally willing to spend as much as $200 for a good coffee maker. I know it sounds crazy, but that is the fuel that makes the cartoons and the writing possible for me. So I have to have something good and reliable. I would prefer a machine that does not have a heated element to keep the coffee warm.
9 Comments.
Howdy. Have you thought about a French Press? There are lottsa fancy-schmancy ones out there, but you can get a starter one for about $20 or so. Try it, you may like it. Then you can go for the stainless steel jobbies, etc.
Just Google “French Press”, or Amazon it for an idea of what’s available.
I second Will’s comment. I have an espresso maker that is mostly retired, and a mocha in a similar state of idleness. I brew a mean coffee with no other fancy equipment than a filter holder, but ever since I bought a French press, my percolated days are almost over. Go for it, you won’t regret it. It’s good too if you brew small batches along the day to shove you through.
I have two suggestions – the Clever Coffee ripper is an awesome 15 buck device that gives a full-bodied cup, but without the grit and oil or clean up of a french press, it only requires just-off boiling water, but only makes a cup at a time. For making actual pots for all-day drinking, I can’t recommend the Technivorm thermal carafe highly enough. Yesm It is even pricier than your “crazy” $200 – more like $270 street price, but bear with me. It is worlds better and more durable than the so-called higher-end makers. I got sick of buying a $130 Krups or Cuisinart or Braun every 2-3 years only to have it burn out, so did some research. The Technivorm is hand-made in Holland with 1400 watt copper heating elements for true 200 degree brewing temp and they can last for decades. Power consumption is minimal because it is only on for 5 minutes. Best purchase I have made in years. The coffee it makes is so much better (I stopped using cream after 20 years as a result). Cook’s Illustrated took apart a bunch of machines and tested them and reviewed them. I live in Portland and work from home. My home brew is now better than most of these world-class coffee shops.
Above should read “Clever Coffee “Dripper” not “ripper” The “ripper” was taken off the market due to multiple wrongful death lawsuits.
Chemex for sure. They’re about $30.
Oh, BTW, you’re absolutely right about not wanting something with a heating base, like the coffe-makers you Americans love. Coffee should be brewed and drank straightaway (better) or kept in a thermos (tolerable). Constantly reheating it kills its flavor.
I’ve gotta back WillGere & bucephalus and recommend a French press. It’s the most simple, pure and easy way to enjoy your coffee. The glass versions tend to break easily. So, I picked up a stainless steel Bodum about three years ago and haven’t looked back. Rock on Rall!
I registered just to chime in on this (well, also because I think Ted’s cartoons rock and his books are even better!).
I have a Cusinart Grind and Brew. Load the beans add water, set timer. A bit of a PITA to clean but excellent coffee (no commercial affiliation…) The one with the stainless steel vaccume pot meet the critera of no extrinsic heating element.
I also recommend Cuisinart. We have the non-grinder model with the thermal carafe. It makes excellent coffee and has been dependable for over 5 years.