Most people like to start their day with a cold or hot cup of coffee as it gives a certain level of energy spike helping you work or study without feeling a bit drowsy. Whether you like yours to be sweet or bitter, finding the right coffee maker that suits your taste buds and lifestyle will allow you to sip on a cup that is just perfect for you. Here are the five basic types of coffee makers you should know.
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French Press Coffee Maker
A French press coffee maker, which is also known as a cafetière, has a plunge and filter as its primary parts. When used for brewing, it is filled with coffee beans and water which is then pressed manually using the plunger allowing the coffee to drip through the mesh filter. Though operating this type of coffee maker is much more hands-on, the result is always a strong and flavourful cup of coffee due to the natural aromatic oils from the coffee beans and minute coffee grounds that pass through the filter. Moreover, a cafetière gives you full control of the process thus allowing you to brew a perfect cup that suits your taste.
Aeropress Coffee Maker
This brewing device is quite similar to a French press, as it also uses the immersion method (soaking coffee powder in hot water before pressing them down with a plunger). However, an Aeropress coffee maker uses a thin filter paper instead of a metal mesh thus letting zero coffee grounds and oils pass through. It is perfect for people who like a cleaner-tasting coffee that is less bitter. Besides, its compact size, typically weighing about 200 grams, makes it travel-friendly.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
If you are looking for something less manual, then you may want to opt for the automatic drip. In this brewer, the coffee beans are soaked in water and the machine starts heating the two ingredients thus absorbing the essence from the cafe beans so that they can automatically drip through the filter paper. Given that this type of coffee maker can even brew more than 10 cups, it is practical for preparing coffee for large groups or caffeine addicts who usually consume more quantities.
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Pour Over Coffee Maker
While the aforementioned automatic drip coffee maker is super convenient to use, many coffee aficionados who are strongly particular about the taste will prefer the pour-over ones. This is simply, because, in the later version in which you get to pour the water through the funnel, you get all the control in the preparation process, unlike the automatic one which is preset. Also, the coffee from the automatic drip can taste a bit sour because water can be heated only up to a certain temperature but with a pour-over coffee maker, you boil the water in advance in a separate kettle allowing you to opt for your desired heat or coldness, which will have an impact on the taste of your drink.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Perfect for preparing a cold cup during summer, cold brew coffee makers will take you nearly 20 hours to prepare the decoction but it is totally worth it. Coffee powder is placed in room temperature water for the powder to steep in it for a while and the resulting beverage is strained into a carafe. The decoction from these coffee makers boasts such strong flavours because when the coffee grounds soak in water for such a long time, the drip will have all the aromatic oils and flavours from the cafe powder.
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