Coffeemaker suggestions for regular coffee or espresso (No pod machines)

LastingChanges
LastingChanges Posts: 390 Member
edited November 25 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi I am looking for a coffee machine. I prefer espressos/americanos but regular coffee is fine too. Will consider any price range. The reviews online are so mixed so not sure which one to get.

I alternate between decaf and caffeine or mixed. I think decaf requires a good machine so that it tastes good. I don't like how the pod coffees taste, any suggestions?

Replies

  • VykkDraygoVPR
    VykkDraygoVPR Posts: 465 Member
    Well, first step is to get a grinder, if you don't already have one. Coffee maker doesn't matter much if you don't use good quality fresh beans.

    As far as "machines," I usually use a French press. I also have a Mr. Coffee espresso machine, but I pretty much only use it when I am looking to add booze to my coffee. I use my French press to make cold brew, so I don't have to fuss about it in the morning. Just pour it in my travel mug, and go.
  • LastingChanges
    LastingChanges Posts: 390 Member
    Well, first step is to get a grinder, if you don't already have one. Coffee maker doesn't matter much if you don't use good quality fresh beans.

    As far as "machines," I usually use a French press. I also have a Mr. Coffee espresso machine, but I pretty much only use it when I am looking to add booze to my coffee. I use my French press to make cold brew, so I don't have to fuss about it in the morning. Just pour it in my travel mug, and go.

    Thanks any grinder suggestions? Which one do you use?
  • WBB55
    WBB55 Posts: 4,131 Member
    Stovetop stainless steel moka pot for espresso and a french press for coffee and cold brew coffee. One of these to grind the beans. And the modified lower bearing from here if you are really picky about the consistency of your grind for your french press.

    Less fuss than pour over. But just as nerdy.
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    Well, first step is to get a grinder, if you don't already have one. Coffee maker doesn't matter much if you don't use good quality fresh beans.

    As far as "machines," I usually use a French press. I also have a Mr. Coffee espresso machine, but I pretty much only use it when I am looking to add booze to my coffee. I use my French press to make cold brew, so I don't have to fuss about it in the morning. Just pour it in my travel mug, and go.

    Thanks any grinder suggestions? Which one do you use?

    Krupps makes good grinders, reasonably priced.

    I'm also a fan of the French Press--simple and cheap!
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I have a Bodum stainless steel french press. It's great.
  • choppie70
    choppie70 Posts: 544 Member
    Cannot live without my french press! I love strong coffee and have never had a good cup of coffee from a machine that takes pods.
  • LastingChanges
    LastingChanges Posts: 390 Member
    Thanks all you've been very helpful. Looks like french press is the way to go. Might try the moka pot as well.
  • WBB55
    WBB55 Posts: 4,131 Member
    Thanks all you've been very helpful. Looks like french press is the way to go. Might try the moka pot as well.

    if you buy the Moka, make sure to follow direction closely. Steam builds up and can do what steam does.
  • VykkDraygoVPR
    VykkDraygoVPR Posts: 465 Member
    Well, first step is to get a grinder, if you don't already have one. Coffee maker doesn't matter much if you don't use good quality fresh beans.

    As far as "machines," I usually use a French press. I also have a Mr. Coffee espresso machine, but I pretty much only use it when I am looking to add booze to my coffee. I use my French press to make cold brew, so I don't have to fuss about it in the morning. Just pour it in my travel mug, and go.

    Thanks any grinder suggestions? Which one do you use?

    I have a Mr. Coffee automatic burr mill. My ex-wife got the mill and espresso machine for me. I actually prefer having more control over the grind, but the mill is nice for speed. I've found the setting that I like, so I just have to press the button, and it grinds away while I'm prepping everything else.

    If you want hot coffee, you may want a kettle. Just more convenient than using a pot. :)

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I just love my Hamilton Beach The Scoop 2-Way Brewing Coffee Maker.

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-2-Way-Brewer-Coffeemaker-Black-Stainless-Steel/16503575

    Single-serve side brew basket comes with a mesh filter to hold ground coffee or pre-packaged soft pods.

    k2-_1f179c6a-8f08-4bd5-8c2c-95aa53127331.v1.jpg
  • questionfear
    questionfear Posts: 527 Member
    WBB55 wrote: »
    Stovetop stainless steel moka pot for espresso and a french press for coffee and cold brew coffee. One of these to grind the beans. And the modified lower bearing from here if you are really picky about the consistency of your grind for your french press.

    Less fuss than pour over. But just as nerdy.

    I second this. We have both, and honestly Mrs QF drinks a whole Moka pot herself most mornings. She loves it, and it's easy once you know how to use it.

    We also have a french press for weekends/regular coffee/company.

    Added bonus: no need for filters, and you don't clutter your counter with another appliance.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    I have a Bodum stainless steel french press. It's great.

    Mine's glass, but always use my french press.
  • angerelle
    angerelle Posts: 175 Member
    I've been thinking about getting an Aeropress, anyone got any thoughts on them?
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    I have a Bodum stainless steel french press. It's great.

    Mine's glass, but always use my french press.

    I have a glass one too. My husband always saw me wrapping a towel around it to keep the coffee warm so he surprised me with a stainless steel insulated one :)
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    If you like espresso or an Americano, I swear by my Bialetti. It's simple to use, makes delicious coffee, and it will last forever (as in, my kids will fight over it when I'm dead). If I want a "latte," I heat milk in my coffee mug before pouring the espresso in. I don't always go through the process of foaming the milk, sometimes I just need my coffee as I run out the door.
  • hamlet1222
    hamlet1222 Posts: 459 Member
    My Italian friends would use nothing other than a stove-top moka at home. I've tried various myself, but always came back to the stove-top
  • Kimegatron
    Kimegatron Posts: 772 Member
    We have a Mr. Coffee espresso maker. It works pretty well but it's tiny.
  • msujack
    msujack Posts: 84 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    I just love my Hamilton Beach The Scoop 2-Way Brewing Coffee Maker.

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-2-Way-Brewer-Coffeemaker-Black-Stainless-Steel/16503575

    Single-serve side brew basket comes with a mesh filter to hold ground coffee or pre-packaged soft pods.

    k2-_1f179c6a-8f08-4bd5-8c2c-95aa53127331.v1.jpg

    The exact model I have had for 3 years! Great flexibility for the coffee needs of the morning.
  • cmtigger
    cmtigger Posts: 1,450 Member
    I use a keurig for everyday, but for treats it is a stovetop Italian brewer. It makes an espresso like coffee that is just wonderful. And they come in many sizes. And if your stove is gas or propane, they work when the power is out.
  • fifimcd
    fifimcd Posts: 10 Member
    angerelle wrote: »
    I've been thinking about getting an Aeropress, anyone got any thoughts on them?

    I love my aeropress. Cheap as, but a brilliant cup of coffee every time (long as the beans are good anyhow). I like the inverted method of using it.

    People can get very nerdy about them - Google aeropress world championships ;)
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    angerelle wrote: »
    I've been thinking about getting an Aeropress, anyone got any thoughts on them?

    As I read this I'm drinking coffee made with my aeropress. I love the aeropress and have retired all other coffee makers since I got it. Small, quick, easy to clean, and easy to get great coffee.

    It's small enough that I take it with me on vacations and camping trips. Cheap enough that I think I'm going to buy another one to keep with my camping gear.
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    I got a great deal on EBay. Brand new espresso machine for 25 bucks.

    Also I have a Keurig and never buy Kcups. I use my own coffee(s) in the reusable filters.
  • LastingChanges
    LastingChanges Posts: 390 Member
    Hey, so I can't figure out how to make coffee with the moka pot, it comes out way too bitter and I like to drink my coffee black. Please let me know how you guys make it?
    I purchased this instead of the moka pot because I liked that it is is stainless steel, but I am assuming it is the same thing as moka.
    www1.macys.com/shop/product/primula-stainless-steel-6-cup-stovetop-espresso-maker?ID=500243&CategoryID=24734#BVRRContainer
    I am also grinding my coffee right before with this
    www1.macys.com/shop/product/cuisinart-dbm-8-supreme-grind-automatic-burr-mill-coffee-grinder?ID=439980&CategoryID=24732#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D5%26slotId%3D2%26kws%3Dcuisineart%20grinder

    Any ideas on what setting I should grind it to with this ?

    Thanks :)
  • LastingChanges
    LastingChanges Posts: 390 Member
    edited October 2015
    If you like espresso or an Americano, I swear by my Bialetti. It's simple to use, makes delicious coffee, and it will last forever (as in, my kids will fight over it when I'm dead). If I want a "latte," I heat milk in my coffee mug before pouring the espresso in. I don't always go through the process of foaming the milk, sometimes I just need my coffee as I run out the door.

    How do you make your americano with the Bialetti? I keep playing with it and it's coming out too bitter.
  • Nachise
    Nachise Posts: 395 Member
    I have a Capresso MT600 coffeemaker with the thermal carafe. The carafe keeps the coffee reasonably hot for hours. We also have a Capresso Infinity burr grinder. Totally pleased with both.
  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
    Something easy to clean is probably most important. Coffee makers develop resin which is sticky, very difficult to remove and gets in every nook and cranny. It eventually goes rancid and combined with coffee makers being a warm, wet, and dark place, they become hospitable environments for mold.

    Mold could be managed with bleach, but I don't feel comfortable putting any amount of bleach in a machine that makes something I drink.

    I buy cheap drip makers, try to manage the resin buildup with regular cleaning, and prevent mold as best I can short of using bleach by leaving the water reservoir open and wiping it dry when not in use. Then replace the machine every year or 2.

    Coffeemakers are pretty disgusting, and only get worse over time, no way would I put down anything close to a Benjamin on a coffeemaker.
  • frankiesgirlie
    frankiesgirlie Posts: 669 Member
    Hi I am looking for a coffee machine. I prefer espressos/americanos but regular coffee is fine too. Will consider any price range. The reviews online are so mixed so not sure which one to get.

    I alternate between decaf and caffeine or mixed. I think decaf requires a good machine so that it tastes good. I don't like how the pod coffees taste, any suggestions?

    My husbands Italian and I have and use the exact moka pot his Mom used for years...we did get a nice surprise recently when I picked up a DeLonghi combo coffee/espresso machine from a thrift store recently. We had very little expectations for it but he said the espresso is surprising good and has good head (creama).
  • ekruska802
    ekruska802 Posts: 79 Member
    We have a Technivorm Moccamaster. It was expensive, but it's magical. We make sure to keep it clean and use filtered water because we have very hard water that causes buildup. I thought it was kind of an extravagant purchase, but it's been very worth it.
  • penguinparty510
    penguinparty510 Posts: 12 Member
    It sounds like you have more than enough suggestions, but if it's just one fresh cup of coffee that I'm after, a basic pour over cannot be beat, IMO. You don't need a fancy Chemex, just a plastic or ceramic holder for your coffee, and a pack of filters.
    I prefer the pour over to the French press, because I don't care for the grounds that tend to get into my coffee from the press. But of course it's a matter of personal taste!
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