There are different versions around and this depends on the features and the price of the appliance. Homes don't need the fancy stuff but cafes that serve it all day long have to get the kind that can make hot or cold to serve the customers.
Those who will use this at home can choose either plastic or stainless steel. The size chosen will determine the number of cups it can produce before water has to be replenished. Some coffee machines have a shatterproof glass carafe while others don't.
The very expensive ones have timers and frothing systems but those who don't need this can settle for the regular kind that has a warming plate at the bottom and a filter.
Before choosing which one to buy, the customer should check out the different brands at the appliance store. The prices of these appliances shouldn't be that far apart so the best thing to do will be to stick to a trusted brand.
It is advisable to check if the coffee machine has a warranty so there won't be any problems returning it or having it repaired should it breakdown. If it is going to be used for the office, perhaps everyone in the department can chip in a few bucks. After all, every one will be getting a cup at some point during the day.
Proper care must be given to the machine in order for it to last for a few years. You should clean it after each use by washing the carafe, throwing the filter away and replacing it with a new one.
The coffee drinkers should only use fresh ground coffee for the machine. This will ensure that it is always of good quality for everyone to drink. This should be replaced with a new one every 10 days because its taste will change due to its exposure to the air.
One way to save is by only putting in the amount that you use for the day or the week. Throwing away the excess is like burning money that could be used for other expenses.
How To Brew Coffee
Here are some Do's that people should remember. Coffee machines need to be stored in a clean and dry place when they aren't in use. When they are brought out, it has to be placed a few feet away from other appliances to ensure maximum freshness at all times.
Before making a cup, it would be a good idea to check how many will be drinking. This will prevent wastage that often happens when this isn't properly calculated. A good indicator will be a tablespoon per cup.
If the coffee will be brewing for 30 minutes to an hour, it is best to use a thermal carafe. This will ensure that the flavor stays the same as though it was just made.
The decanter should be cleaned on a daily basis. One way to make the job easier will be to throw away the old filters and grounds immediately since this could affect the taste when a new batch is prepared the following day.
Lastly, the rest of the coffee maker must be cleaned at least once a week. You should dismantle each part and clean them using water, a washcloth and some vinegar if there are any hard stains.
The don'ts for brewing coffee are the following; You must never mix old coffee with new. This dilutes the taste which affects the flavor in the new pot.
Most machines have timers that will keep the coffee warm. The user shouldn't turn it on again to reheat below a temperature of 175 degrees because this will also affect the flavoring. Although it is still safe to drink, the individual must never serve coffee after the freshness date.
Coffee maker owners should never wash away the decanter or pot with just water alone. This should be done with soap because acids and other organic elements may affect the overall taste of the new batch. People who know the do's and don'ts will have a better chance of enjoying the rich taste of coffee as though it was purchased from the store. Guests will be able to tell the difference if such practices aren't being done at home.