What About Drip CoffeeMakers?

Drip coffeemakers are widely used coffeemakers in the U.S. They're simple to operate and, unlike stoves and refrigerators, economical to own. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, which makes it easy for you to find one that's ideal for your kitchen.

There are a lot of coffeemakers sold per year, roughly in the neighborhood of 14 million. In fact, of all kitchen appliances, the coffeemaker is about the only appliance you will often find more than one of in a kitchen.

Probably the most famous coffeemaker is good old Mr. Coffee, which was introduced in 1972 and was actually the first drip coffeemaker. Other coffeemakers are made by companies such as Hamilton Beach, Black and Decker, Cuisinart, Proctor-Silex, and Braun, to name a few.

Drip coffeemakers can be found in a lot of households and offices. They operate by dripping hot water into a filtered reservoir containing ground coffee.  The coffee drips into a carafe that sits on a heating element to keep the coffee hot.

There are different types of filters you can find for these machines: paper and permanent.

Paper filters, as well as some permanent plastic filters, can sometimes affect the taste of coffee. Plastic permanent filters are not as durable as metal filters. With metal filters, you may need to use a coarser coffee bean grind, and with paper filters a finer grind can be used.

Drip Coffeemakers come with an assortment of features. From basic coffeemakers to high-end models that can not only brew your coffee at a pre-set time, but also grind the beans as well. Basic coffeemakers feature a filter basket, water reservoir, and warming plate to keep the coffee hot. Most machines have filter reservoirs that can be positioned away from the main unit to make changing the filter easier.

Often you can find extra functions and features such as a button to pause the brewing, digital read-out panel, timer with a programmable function, and timed shut-off. More advanced coffeemakers will contain nice-to-have features such as a bean grinder, settings to adjust the flavor, and water filter.

Coffeemakers also come in various capacities. There are single-cup coffeemakers as well as coffeemakers that range from a 4-cup capacity up to a 12-cup capacity.

Here are some frequently asked questions about drip coffeemakers:

Question: What temperature should I brew my coffee?

Answer: 200 degrees is the optimal brewing temperature, according to many coffee experts.  Unfortunately, many restaurants aren't allowed to brew their coffee that hot because of a potential liability should a customer accidently spatter coffee and become seriously scalded.

Question: What factors may affect the taste quality of coffee?

Answer: There are several factors that can influence the taste of coffee. The quality of the beans, the equipment (such as filter, cleanliness, material, etc.), the water quality, the freshness of the coffee beans, and how long ago the beans were ground.

Question: What's the best procedure for cleaning the coffeemaker?

Answer: Ideally, you should clean your coffeemaker at least one time per week. If you use dish detergent, make sure you rinse all the soap off completely. Another method is to mix one part vinegar to 3 parts water and put through a brewing cycle once or twice, followed by a third cycle of plain water. The advantage of this method is that it will remove hard water buildup and other deposits.

Question: Are drip coffeemakers designed for Espresso beans?

Answer: Yes.

Question: The term "cup of Joe" is a popular term. Where did it come from?

No one knows for sure. One theory is that it refers to Admiral Josephus Daniels, who had forbidden alcohol on his ships; so the most drank beverage was coffee, therefore the term "cup of Joe". Another theory is that the term "Joe" is an old slang for the common man - as in "he's a good ol' Joe" - and so coffee was the common man's coffee.

Question: Is there a coffeemaker that balances quality, durability, and affordability?

Answer: There is an abundance of coffeemakers on the market today ranging in a diversity of sizes and functions. Some are top quality and can be expensive, and others are inexpensive and may last a year or two with normal use. Generally, the more features a coffeemaker has, the more expensive it will be.  However, keep in mind that an expensive coffeemaker doesn't necessarily mean it will be a durable, quality machine. There are a few sturdy, inexpensive quality coffeemakers such as the Hamilton Beach 43254 that don't have all the bells and whistles of more expensive machines, but they do a great job at making a fine cup of Joe.