1 of 6

Write now Article Tools

It's possible to buy drip coffeemakers that will grind beans, work on a timer or probably even play the theme from Spider Man. That's not what we're talking about here, though. This is about buying a simple unit that will get you your dose of caffeine without giving you a headache in the process. I've found the two most important factors are long term reliability and having a carafe that pours well.

Unfortunately, it's pretty hard to judge the reliability of an unknown coffeemaker. They tend to become history when the heating coil breaks or a non-replaceable fuse blows. The only guide here is to buy a model that someone you know has owned for a while or buy from a company you feel has good credibility with their small appliances. Otherwise, you'll just have to wing it.

The issue of the carafe is interesting. There's little that's more frustrating than buying a coffeemaker with one of the dreaded "dribble carafes." You try to pour a cup of coffee from one of these and it goes everywhere but in the cup. Owners often feel that the problem is with their coordination, when what they're facing is simply poor design. It should be possible to bring a bottle of water into the store and test how the display model pours before you buy, but I've never actually seen anyone do this. If nothing else, it should make good theater.

If you plan to put your new coffeemaker under a kitchen cabinet or in some other confined area, you might want to measure just how much space you have before you buy. Most coffeemakers fill from the top and have a hinged lid that must be lifted. Trying to wiggle this in and out of a tight space can be pretty annoying, especially if you haven't had your coffee yet.

Coffeemakers that stop flowing when the pot is removed allow you to pour a cup before the entire pot is finished brewing. This is a must for all you impatient types out there who simply can't wait.

Coffee tastes best from a glass carafe. Some people inadvertently have backhanded the carafe into their sink while cleaning, smashing it to pieces. Obtaining a replacement carafe can be more trouble than buying a new coffeemaker and cost nearly as much. If you've obliterated your carafe more than once, you might want to buy a coffeemaker with a plastic one. While the coffee won't taste quite as good, it will taste better than no coffee at all.

Most people replace their coffeemaker right after the old one stops working. Often, they're just not interested in all the fuss and bother involved in shopping around for a new model. They may even buy the first reasonable looking coffeemaker they come across. Surprisingly, this approach is not as shortsighted as it might seem. A basic coffeemaker is both a simple and inexpensive device. While one bought at random may not have exactly the features that you want, it's pretty likely to do a credible job.

Learn more about this author, Neil Wagner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for buying a small drip coffee maker?
We want to hear your view. Write now!