by Marijane Suttor

Created on: August 15, 2007   Last Updated: June 21, 2010

There is nothing like the convenience of brewing coffee at home, but if brewing a large pot of coffee is more than a person needs, then purchasing a small drip coffee maker might be a good purchase. These are a few tips for buying a small drip coffee maker

Space

One reason for buying a small drip coffee maker is to reduce the space that a fullsize coffee maker takes up. if that is a priority, it will be important to select a coffee maker that doesn’t take up too much room on the counter or in the cupboards.  Coffee makers that make individual cups tend to be a little bigger than the 4-cup brewers.

Bells and whistles

If the buyer is looking for a coffeemaker that will allow timing features, various styles of brewing and other features, then 4-cup drip coffee makers tend not have those fancy features.  They tend to be simple on-off switches.  Ones that make individual cups of coffee tend to have a few other features, but most are made instantly without timers.

Type of carafe

The standard 4-cup brewer has a glass carafe, while single cup coffee makers may come with stainless steel to-go cups or no carafe at all.  Those without a carafe or cup brew right into the user’s personal cup.

To-go or to stay home

Another factor in the quest for the perfect small drip coffee maker is whether or not the buyer is aiming to take the coffee along or if it is just for home use.  If it is just for home use, the small 4-cup brewer may be a better purchase.  If the majority of the use will be for making a portable cup of coffee, then the individual brewer is a better purchase.

Filters

Another factor that the buyer should consider is the filter. Some brewers will require a purchased filter, while others will come with a washable filter.  Other coffee makers come with small individual portioned coffee pods. The coffee pods are more expensive, but will reduce mess. 

Cost

If the buyer is looking for an inexpensive cup of coffee, by far the 4-cup brewer is the best decision.  These coffee pots can be purchases for less than $20 usually and use a basic filter and ordinary ground coffee.  The ongoing costs for this type of coffee are less expensive too. Purchasing the individual brewing coffee makers will cost more for the original purchase of the machine as well as the coffee pods that fit the machine.

Clean up

If reducing clean-up is an objective, the individual cup brewers are the best choice.  The glass carafe and filter holder as well as the dumping of grounds makes the 4-cup brewer require more cleaning. The individual cup brewers allow the maker simply to throw the pod away and then simply washing the cup, which may or may not be dishwasher safe.

The good news is that there are many options for purchasing a small drip coffee maker. Select one that meets the buyer’s lifestyle and price range.

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