Coffee makers and coffee

AgronAlum

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Jul 12, 2014
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I make coffee for the wife in a Ninja which has been a great coffee maker. I rarely drink it (big Celsius guy) but when I do it does well. We usually have regular Folgers on hand.
 

matclone

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Nov 13, 2016
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I have a Bonavita electric coffee maker, electric grinder, and usually buy Starbucks coffee beans at the grocery--although there are other good options there. Brewing it at home is way less expensive and less stressful than going to a coffee shop.

A good source of info on all things coffee.
 

madguy30

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Nov 15, 2011
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Regular coffee maker. Mr. Coffee.

Kirkland medium roast.

2.5 lbs for $14 and it's really good to me.

Otherwise I usually get breakfast blends/medium roasts.
 

Cy4Lifer

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Dec 21, 2010
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Another vote for the Ninja. It’s been one of the best and easiest coffee makers that we’ve ever had. Folgers, store brand, or local coffee roaster’s brands are good for us!
 
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cyclonedave25

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Jul 10, 2007
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Pardon my ignorance, but can somebody tell me if a more expensive coffee maker (drip) is better than a cheap one? Don’t they just both put hot water over the coffee and drip into the carafe? Like will a $100 coffee maker have better tasting coffee than my $20 coffee maker, while using the same coffee?
What are the features that make it more expensive? Im willing to upgrade if it makes a difference, but I’m not sold on the price difference for a simple drip machine.
 

ripvdub

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Mar 20, 2006
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Iowa
Only cold brew. I either use a cold brew pot my wife got me, but i prefer using large cold brew tea bags from Amazon. The bags filter out better.
 

mkadl

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Mar 17, 2006
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Cornfield
I want a quiet coffemaker. My wife can hear anything. I just want black coffee. Just want it so I can barely see through it. The flavor of coffee doesn't matter. Kinda like my taste in beer. I like variety.
 

Big Daddy Kang

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Mar 20, 2021
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The cheapest Mr Coffee maker I can find.
I have 2 kinds of coffee at my place, Folger’s Gourmet Supreme and McCafe Premium Roast.
My taste in coffee is extremely cheap.
I second this. Mr. Coffee is the best of the cheap coffee makers. ASs far as mass market/grocery store coffee brands: Chock Full of Nuts.
 

85clone

Active Member
Jan 2, 2010
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What kind of coffee maker do you have and what kind of coffee do you brew? If I’m getting something at a coffee shop, it’s typically an americano as I like espresso. My wife is a caramel latte type drinker. We have a coffee maker at home that does a 12 cup pot and a single k-cup serving that seems to be on our last legs and I’m thinking that there might be a good espresso and coffee maker option out there but don’t know what’s available. Any input would be appreciated!
Every method has its place but a great discussion for those looking for alternatives. This is like asking if you like Busch Light or craft beer. Both have their place.
That said, we use Chemex or an Aeropress. Takes a little time but both brewers are inexpensive. We like to support local roasters and can find Verena Street (Dubuque) beans at Hy-Vee often on sale. We’ve saved so much money over the years by brewing our own quality coffee vs. going to Starbucks or a coffee shop on a daily basis.
We had both burr grinders and simple blade grinders and I can’t honestly tell a difference, but do grind your own. That’s the biggest key in my opinion.
Coffee seems to be a balance of preferences (ease, taste, cost, fun)
When visiting family and friends, we’ll drink what they are making. If it’s Folgers through a Mr. Coffee, that’s just fine. If they offer a Busch Light on a hot day, it’s also awesome as long as we’re enjoying it with friends and family.
 

herbicide

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Mar 23, 2006
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IMHO if you don't want to make the jump to proper espresso, get yourself a Moka pot and decent (not espresso grade) grinder like the OXO.

Moka pots are slightly more work than drip coffee, but IMO only 2nd to espresso for flavor and quality. Our household tried everything and settled on the Moka before I went espresso gonzo during COVID.
 

baller21

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Mar 15, 2009
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Had a Ninja several years ago until it gave us the 5 beeps of death, got a replacement and several months later it did the same thing. Will never buy another Ninja again. Been using a Bunn since then with zero problems.

For coffee we usually grab the big container of Dunkin from Costco or whatever Aldi has. If I’m feeling fancy I’ll use a little Chobani creamer mixed with hwc, heated and frothed.
 

Entropy

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Oct 27, 2008
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Cedar Rapids, IA
The most important components are the water, grinder, and beans. The grinder should be a conical burr steel type, such as a Timemore C2 ($55 on amazon). For beans, look at local nice coffee shops, not Starbucks. The filter can be a cheap V60 plastic filter, you’ll need paper V60 filters as well.
Timemore is a great grinder for the money.

For brewing I use an Aeropress with a reusable metal filter (they also make paper). I like the Aeropress for being able to control variables like water temperature and brew strength.

I prefer Sumatra beans, and try to find them from local spots.