| The drip coffee maker was first introduced by the | | | | There are single serve coffee makers, 2 cup |
| Mr. Coffee company in the early 1970's and continues | | | | brewers, 10 cup systems and commercial sized drip |
| to be a popular brand of machines even though there | | | | coffee machines that will brew for a whole crowd at |
| has followed a plethora of coffee brewing options. | | | | one time. Pod coffee makers have become |
| Mr. Coffee was the prototype of subsequent | | | | extremely popular since they allow a single serving of |
| automatic drip machines that provide a wide array of | | | | coffee to be brewed without adding coffee, |
| features and options that meet the particular whims | | | | changing the filter or wasting coffee. These machines |
| of just about all coffee lovers. Today, choosing the | | | | operate by holding water in a tank and sending only |
| best drip coffee maker generally depends on | | | | enough water through the brewing system to make |
| personal preferences by consumers that are usually | | | | one cup. Pods are manufactured to fit various |
| dictated by machine features, brewing capacity, and | | | | brewers and are vacuum packed only to be opened |
| price. | | | | by the automated brewing system after the pod is |
| Typical Features | | | | properly placed in the unit. Pod coffee systems are |
| All drip machines are made with heating elements | | | | especially preferred by gourmet lovers since various |
| both for heating water for dripping and an element | | | | pod flavors can be purchased to be enjoyed at any |
| for warming the carafe after it is filled with fresh | | | | time. |
| coffee. Brew baskets are also a common feature | | | | Price |
| among coffee brewing equipment. Baskets usually | | | | There are many price variations depending on what |
| require either a generic filter or special filter to strain | | | | drip coffee unit is chosen. A simple, basic unit can |
| the coffee as it drips through to the carafe below. | | | | easily be purchased for under $10 while a high end |
| Some machines are built with a special feature that | | | | pod coffee machine can cost upwards of $400. Of |
| does not require consumers to purchase disposable | | | | course, there are moderately priced pod systems as |
| filters, but filter the coffee through a stainless steel | | | | well, but generally the more expensive, the more |
| or plastic grid system. A spray element is also | | | | features are included. However, price is not a |
| necessary to spew heated water onto the dry | | | | deterrent for anyone who wants the best drip |
| grinds. | | | | coffee maker for their own particular needs since a |
| Optional features include such things as timers to | | | | good coffee maker need not cost a lot in order to |
| automatically start brewing, built-in coffee grinding | | | | effectively brew good tasting coffee. |
| systems, and water filtration systems. High end drip | | | | There are many online sales and discounts for quality |
| coffee systems are more likely to offer these extra | | | | drip coffee makers if you take time to shop around |
| features than a basic drip machine. | | | | for the best deals. When choosing the best drip |
| Brewing Capacity | | | | coffee maker for your needs, be sure to compare |
| There are any number of systems that allow for | | | | features, capacity and prices before making your final |
| various amounts of cups to be brewed rather quickly. | | | | decision. |
