Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Design
Coffee makers come in different colors, allowing you, the buyer, to choose the look that best compliments your kitchen. The color of the coffee pot should be able to match the rest of the appliances including a brushed aluminum

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Size
It is important to have a coffee pot that is large enough to handle enough cups of coffee for a party as well as the flexibility to handle single cups. Coffee makers in the current market offer single serve sizes in the “Pod” models. These are becoming increasingly popular.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Water Temperature
Another quality of a good coffee maker would be temperature of the water making the coffee. A good cup of coffee is made by the hottest water possible filtering the coffee. True coffee connoisseurs require that coffee be made at a temperature close to 200 degrees.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Programmable timer
A programmable timer allows you to prepare the coffee in the evening and have it ready when you wake up in the morning. A good coffee maker should have a programmable shut off feature so that you can set it to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time each day.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Safety
The pot should snap right into place and snap right out in a satisfying way. It should not wobble. It should not blow steam. If it has an electrical cord, that cord should be insulated, strong and both long and flexible enough to do the job.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Cleaning
The mouth of the coffee pot should be wide enough to get a hand inside to clean any burnt marks. You should be able to remove the filter basket and other parts to easily clean your coffee machine. The warming tray should be accessible and easy to wipe clean. The carafe or pot should be fully capable of being disassembled and cleaned.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Filtration
Some coffee makers have built-in WATER filters to remove minerals and other impurities in your water. Water filters need to be cleaned and replaced, so make sure the one in your coffee maker is easy to access. Some coffee machines offer the option of permanent coffee filters for those who don't want to stock the paper ones.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Automatic pause
Many coffee makers feature an automatic pause that lets you sneak a cup of coffee even if the pot has not yet finished filling. This is very handy if you're the sort who just can't wait!

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Pod Compatibility
Some people prefer to use "pod" coffee makers. A pod is a single-serving container holding coffee grounds; pod coffee makers allow you to brew one cup at a time. The self-contained pods remove the need for cleanup, and allow different members of the family to drink different types or flavors of coffee. This is currently a very popular feature.

Coffee Maker Comparison Tip - Coffee Grinder
Some coffee makers grind whole beans for you (called grind and brew coffee makers). The advantage is added convenience; the disadvantage can be extra cleaning. Decide which is most important to you.