We've Tested More Than 100 Coffee Makers to Find the Best of the Best
12) How we test coffee makers
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The Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been testing coffee makers for decades, and we've brewed over 1,000 cups to find the best ones. When we test coffee makers, we assess them for performance, ease of use and taste.
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To determine the best overall coffee makers, we brew at least two full pots of coffee in each machine and record the brew time, the brew temperature and how well the coffee keeps warm over a two-hour time span.
We also pay attention to consistency, as we do when we test espresso machines and single-serve coffee makers. As part of our brew tests, we also conduct a sensory test and get as many people as possible to taste the results and share their tasting notes.
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In addition to performance, we assess ease of use by scoring several factors, including the usefulness of the user guide and how easy it is to use the controls, access the water tank and brew basket, read the markings on the tank and carafe, clean the carafe and more.
17) Does the coffee maker really make a difference in flavor?
Yes, coffee makers can affect the flavor of the coffee. Different brewing methods such as drip coffee, espresso, cold brew, French press and more require different coffee and espresso makers to make them properly. These methods of brewing use different grind sizes, water temperature, pressure and contact time with the grinds, all of which influence the coffee's taste.
This is why some prefer the bold taste of cold brew or a concentrated shot of espresso, among other types of coffee. Just keep in mind that the coffee bean itself will impact the coffee flavor, and some beans are better suited for certain methods than others. If you've only tried one brewing method, you may have to experiment to find the best one for you.
