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Some of us (myself included), need a cup of coffee every morning to kick-start our day. Included in that group are some (myself still included) who do not have the funds to keep up with the demands of a daily Starbucks habit. It was this combination of factors that led me to invest in a way to brew coffee at home, in my case a French press. But there's a wide variety of options out there for those who've decided to start brewing for themselves, and which route one takes depends on their taste preferences, the time they're able to commit to making your coffee, even the aesthetic of their kitchen.
Below I've rounded up most of the variations of at-home coffee makers you're likely to find and attempted to explain how they work and who they're best suited for. If you find the one right for you, a one time investment could save you a ton of money that otherwise would've gone straight to the Siren.
A Coffee Cone Drip
What is is: The cone drip is a method of brewing that will involve some effort and concentration on the part of the brewer, but the reward is well worth it. It’s still fairly easy to use; just place a filter in the cone, place the cone over your coffee pot, and scoop your grounds into the cone. Then create a small divot in the center of the grounds to begin your pour. When your water is to temperature, start pouring in the divot and once it’s soaked, proceed to continue a steady pour in circles around it.
With a cone drip, home baristas have a bit of control over the flavor and strength of their coffee, depending on the speed of your pour.
Who it's for: The budding barista hoping to keep the process simple.
Tanors Ceramic Coffee Dripper, $10.99, available at Amazon.
An Electric Drip Brewer (Standard Coffee Maker)
What is is: This is your standard coffee maker, nothing super special about it other than it makes pretty good coffee with fairly little effort on your part. It’s a solid place to start if you are a former Starbucks addict that’s new to the home-coffee game. For those who have no desire to be engaged with the brewing of their morning mug, this is probably the way to go.
Who it's for: Anyone who is much more concerned with getting a cup of coffee in their hand than personalizing its taste.
Cuisinart 12-Cup Programmable Thermal Brewer, $82.99, available at Amazon.
A Single-Serve Machine
What is is: Single-serve coffee machines changed the way we all made coffee at the office. After taking over workplaces across the country, fights that formerly began with “You kill it, you refill it.” ceased to exist with everyone now able to make their own perfect personal portion. That said, there is nothing involved or exciting about making your cup this way, rather the focus is on the convenience and ease of use, which is unmatched by any other brewing method on this list.
Who it's for: Those searching for the path of least resistance between themselves and a cup of coffee.
Nespresso VertuoLine Coffee and Espresso Maker, $249, available at Amazon.
A Chemex Glass Drip Brew
What is is: The Chemex coffee maker is such a feat in both design and function that it holds a place in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The hourglass flask operates in the same way as a standard cone drip with one key difference: Its filters are proprietary, and made of a slightly thicker paper than your standard drip filter. This design removes the majority of the oils in the coffee grounds and creates a different flavor than other cone drips. Beyond creating great coffee, it is a beautiful addition to your kitchen. It’s also the preferred coffee-making method of both James Bond and Don Draper, so having one would put you in good company.
Who it's for: The people who want their kitchenware to be as beautiful as it is functional.
Chemex 3-Cup Classic Series Glass Coffeemaker, $47.95, available at Amazon.
A French Press
What is is: The French press is my preferred coffee-brewing system. It is simple and takes up little space, and it makes coffee just the way I like it. Scoop your grinds into the press and pour your hot water slowly over the grounds. Then, stir with an up-and-down motion until there is no longer a cake layer of grounds sitting atop the mixture. Let the coffee steep for about four minutes before pushing down the plunger, and you’re finally ready to enjoy your fresh brew. With a press, it is important to use slightly coarser ground than you would for a drip system in order to get optimal results. This is because with a French press your grounds remain submerged for an extended period of time, and coarser grinds are more permeable.
Who it's for: People who enjoy making their own coffee, but are limited on kitchen space.
Bodum Chambord 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker, $30.72, available at Amazon.
An AeroPress
What is is: You can think of the AeroPress coffee maker as a more aggressive take on the French press. Using finely ground coffee, you fill the AeroPress and then pour over your hot water. After stirring for just ten seconds, your coffee is ready to be pressed through its paper filter to your cup. The result is a coffee that’s more bitter than most and has roughly the same strength as espresso. If you’re preferred coffee is “as bold as humanly possible,” this is the home brewer for you.
Who it's for: The caffeine fiend.
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker, $27.74, available at Amazon.
A Vacuum Maker
What is is: Using a vacuum coffee maker is as close to a science experiment as you’re going to get in your kitchen before 10 a.m. Although not as complex as the coffee brewed on "Breaking Bad," it is still a bit of a marvel to watch, especially when you consider the fact that human beings taught themselves how to make coffee this way before they developed a cost-effective disposable filter.
Your vacuum maker consists of two glass chambers, which are connected through their centers by a tube. The bottom chamber is filled with water while the one on top holds your grounds. Once the vacuum maker is placed over heat, the expanding water vapor forces water up the tube where begins brewing your coffee. After a few minutes, you can remove the source of heat Once the pressure within the vacuum has readjusted, your coffee will come rushing back down to the bottom chamber, ready to pour.
Who it's for: The owner of a modern kitchen, or anyone who's interest in science is matched only by their interest in coffee.
KitchenAid Siphon Coffee Brewer, $199, available at Amazon.
A Percolator
What is is: Percolators use the same method of water pressure as vacuum makers do, but whereas vacuum makers disperse their water from the bottom of the upper chamber to fully mix with the grounds (as with the French press), a percolator shoots water all the way to the top of the upper chamber and allows the water to filter through the grounds (like the drip filters described above). The result is that some of the coffee gets double-brewed, creating an aroma unmatched by the other coffee makers listed. There are electric models like the one pictured here, as well as more lofi versions that can sit over an open flame, making them the perfect accompaniment for campers, tailgaters, and festival attendees.
Who it's for: Coffee drinkers at the campground.
Presto 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker, $37.52, available at Amazon.
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator, $19.53, available at Amazon.
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