Coffee Maker or Coffee Brewer
You actually brew a pot of coffee because it takes longer and their is a process involved, you make a cup of instant coffee.
Manufacturers today try to get you to buy higher priced coffee brewers by adding more and more features that look cool but really are not necessary. These addons include custom brewing, coffee grinders and steel carafes built right into the machine, they are now becoming a standard feature. In reality though the difference in flavor does not warrant a 100 dollar difference in price. Flavor is governed on how much escapes through the top of the coffee pot while it sits. That's why your first cup which is normally poured as soon as it is brewed is better than the second cup. Flavor escapes immediately after and during brewing. Using a carafe does help but there is no substitute for a fresh cup of coffee. That is why French presses are becoming more popular.
You'll find manual-drip systems, coffee presses, percolators that brew individual cups or a whole pot full. These do have a lot to do with flavor. Percolated coffee is the best but takes longer to brew. Consumers buy more automatic-drip coffeemakers than these styles because they are faster. Black and Decker and Mr coffee are the two most popular brands made.
Coffeemakers come in all sizes from single-cup models to 12 cup and even larger urns for parties. At the low end are the single switch brewing and a plain metal hotplate. More expensive models have programmable timers, thermal carafes, water filters and possibly frothing capabilities. Most models make a pretty good cup of coffee. High priced coffee makers only have more features with nicer colors
Size of your coffee maker is dependant on how much coffee you like to drink. If you normally only have one cup of coffee before heading out in the morning a single cup machine or a two cup coffee maker is enough. You'll will use less coffee and waste less in the long run. Pod or the type that hold travel mugs are an option if you want just one cup at a time.
Most consumers buy two sizes of coffee makers, one or two cup machines (a coffee press makes the best cup) and a larger 12 cup machine for when having company. As with any kitchen accessory you should co-ordinate the color with the rest of your countertop appliances including accents.
