Help me choosing a coffee maker

[lordkenmore]

Sunbeam Coffeemaster

I also went through a phase of using one of these... I can't remember my impressions of the coffee. It must have been drinkable, at least, because I wouldn't have continued using it. But I wasn't wowed to the point of "I'll never use anything else again!" Honestly, I think I might have enjoyed my time with percolators more, even though I think the Coffeemaster coffee would be better. One thing to note: I used it "as is" from the thrift store. Thermostat adjustments might have made it work better.

I'm not sure I'll go back to using a Coffeemaster ever, although "never say never." I'd like to use a vacuum pot again...but I'd rather have glass so one can watch the coffee brew. This would be for "relaxed after dinner" coffee, not first thing in the morning.

Although I will the Coffeemaster does look pretty sitting on a shelf... I don't have it on display, but I could see doing that, like I have several old percolators that I've never used that are entirely decoration at this point.

 

[polkanut]

One can never go wrong with a vintage Norelco Dial-A-Brew.  The unit in the photo was found at a church rummage sale about 6-7 years ago for $5.00.  My wife has a standing order that if I see one at a estate/tag sale I'm to buy it.  We have 2 spares already, but she wants to be on the safe side because she loves it so much.

 

[lordkenmore]

Braun

My mother had one of these from the late 80s to early 90s. While we both agreed French press was better, the Braun was a nice, convenient daily driver.

For some reason, I'm thinking it was top rated by CONSUMER REPORTS.

 

[lordkenmore]

Cone filters

From my memories, the paper filters are a bit more expensive. But they are common, and there are ways of saving money (generic filters--very common--or IIRC Target had good prices once on big boxes of filters).

Another option: they make (or used to make) permanent cone filters. These aren't as convenient when its time to clean up, however. My mother had one of these, and she felt the coffee was better, too, although this is probably one of those "your mileage may vary."

 

[passatdoc]

I do very well with a Cuisinart 1150. Hotplate keeps coffee hot (until I pour it into a thermos) and there is a 1-4 cup setting for small jobs. Auto Clean cycle as well, which I use quarterly to descale it.