Thursday, 8 January 2009

Black & Decker DCM675BF 5-Cup Drip Coffee Programmable Maker with Permanent Filter

BandD 5C Program CoffeeMaker, Permanent Filter
Customer Review: Great but needs more heat!
For the price and the features, I don't think you can beat this little guy. My only complaint is that the coffee is not as hot as I'd like it to be, even as soon as it's done brewing. It's not hot, more like warm to very warm. Other than that, it's a great little unit. Just the right size, and very user friendly.
Customer Review: Amazing little brewer for cheap! Able to "Potless-Brew!"
Just right for a quick "Single" cup of coffee. I brew directly into the cup so I don't need (or want) the mid-brewing auto-shutoff for pouring during brewing. On units that have temporary brew-stopping device will not brew directly into a mug or cup. Reason is the little spring-loaded shut-off valve is always on "off" when the pot is removed. So, this unit is just great for a pot-less brewing directly into your mug. Great for the one or two people who want decaf when you're brewing a pot of regular. Linens-n-Things has it for $19.95 less 20% if you get their coupons in local flyers. I paid $16.00, amazing. I don't like permanent filters because they retain the coffee oil after brewing and that oil film eventually turns rancid unless you wash the basket after each brewing with detergent to remove the oil. Does anyone know who makes a 4-cup round paper filter for use? I am using a #2 cone filter but it fits sloppily. Suggestions?


The primary purpose for which the water heater was invented is, as the name implies, to heat water. Much like the transfer of heat from the sun unto an exposed piece of metal, or boiling water by a stove, the ring boiler or other similar appliances, the water heater works with similar principle.

Many sources of energy exist but natural gas is preferred in the case of water heaters. Propane is a highly volatile gas that imitates the combustion properties of natural gas, while electricity generated sufficiently can power anything, hence both are options with which to run a water heater if one were to run out of natural gas. The water heater draws on more energy than is commercially wise to produce with electricity, much less propane.

Heat taken from the water heaters burner warms the water in the tank to the intended temperature. By installing a valve on a wall, the amount of gas getting into the heater can be controlled, hence regulating the heat that gets into the water. Fuel taken into the water heater can be regulated by a thermostat located inside the tank directly in contact with the water so as to be able to detect the variations in temperature and perform its function by relaying this information to the gas valve.

Do not infuse too much fuel into the heater because the spark needed to ignite it can result in an explosion. Water heaters may have been designed after the order of a gas grill if one were to base ones conclusions on the similarity of their spark ignition systems. The vent rids the water heater of toxic emissions created at the burner to maintain an improved performance.

The efficiency of the water heater is guaranteed by sending out emissions through a pipe called the PVC which is an indispensable component of the vent. Gone are the days when a vent has to wait patiently for the burnt out gas fumes to find their way independently fro and through the PVC pipe now that fans are now there to help. The fact that another pipe supplies cold water to the water heating system is not to be overlooked.

Interestingly, you will find that the purpose of the network of pipes and faucets in a gas powered water heater is to bring the heated water to the appliances at the conclusion of the heating process in the tank. There is also another type of header -- the one without a tank. Hot water is produced by cycling it through a series of burners in the absence of tank, and then sent through the pipe network to an appliance such as a dishwasher.

Tankless water heaters work in a special way that is almost entirely different from the way a normal heater works. Hot water can be gotten continuously and at any time at all due to the water that cycles continuously through the burners of a tankless heater.

Get a tankless heater if you want to spend less on fuel while getting an infinite supply of hot water.

Heating starts after the water valve opens to let out water, resulting in a longer period of waiting for the water to heat up. You cannot store water in a heater that does not have a tank for storage. Any manufacturers manual of a heater without a tank will reveal that it heats water and, without holding or storing it, it directs it towards the water valve that lets the water out to its final application.

More information can be gathered about Water Heaters by visiting water-heaters-explained.info an accepted website for tips and advice on how to solve your hot water problems.

black and decker blender parts

Black & Decker DCM675BMT 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Carafe, Black/Stainless

Black & Decker 5-Cup Coffermaker. Removable filter basket lifts out of brew compartment for quick, easy filling and cleaning. Easy-to-set digital clock/timer lets you wake up to the rich aroma and flavor of fresh-brewed coffee. Convenient cord storage ke
Customer Review: Daily coffee drinker likes this product
I purchased this machine months ago. I program it each night so that my coffee is ready and waiting for me the next workday. If you leave it on it turns off by itself after two hours. I also have a bigger coffee maker but I use that one only when I have a big group of people in the house, otherwise I only use this one. I've had ZERO problems with it. The coffee it makes is good. What else do you need? You make your coffee, you drink it freshly made, and that's it. I purchased this item in Target on sale, but even not on sale it isn't that expensive, considering it is programmable and the timer features. It's a good product and I recommend it. I don't get the negative reviews. What more do you expect from this little machine?
Customer Review: Don't buy it
Poorly designed, awkward to use. The control panel and water gauge are located on the side, thus requiring you to turn the brewer sideways when using. But what you see might as well have stayd out of sight. You cannot "read" the water gauge unless you hold a flashlight on it; impossible to see the water level, because of the dark colors. The control pad is flimsy and too small for easy touch control. The light indicating power on is so small that you have to bend down to be eye level with that light in order to see it clearly, and that eye level is less than three inches above counter top. You could easily leave the power on without ever noticing it. The stainless caraffe is handsome enough, but of course it has no water level indicator to compensate for the unreadable one on the base. I get irritated every time I make coffee.


There are 32 light fixtures blazing away in an average American
household. These are the lights in your fridge, hallway, workshop, and porch.
Most of these light bulbs are cheap two-for-a-dollar incandescent,
screw-type bulbs. This is remarkable because the incandescent bulbs have
been around for over a century using the same technology. Although these
bulbs still suffice for the lighting needs of the average household,
people have become discriminating and looked for other options. Popular
choices for many households are halogen lights and bulbs. They are
preferred over the incandescent varieties because they emit light that are
of whiter and brighter nature. Also, these halogen lights and bulbs
generally last longer than ordinary incandescent lights.

How do these halogen lights and bulbs differ from the incandescent
lights? Their difference primarily lies on the principles governing their
functions. Incandescent lights work by having electricity flow through a
fine filament of tungsten inside the bulb filled with argon gas. This
action causes the filament to resist the electric flow, which makes the
argon gas heat up. The heat causes the argon gas to glow and emit
light. Miniscule tungsten particles evaporate and accumulate on bulb walls
as soot. As the tungsten burns out, the filament grows weak and
ultimately, burn out. There are key disadvantages to this process. First, the
soot reduces light emission, resulting in duller light output. Second,
the soot weakens the tungsten filament and makes it brittle, hence,
promoting faster burnout. Given these problems, incandescent lights are
best suited for low traffic areas where soft lighting are better
appreciated like the bedrooms.

The function of halogen lights are similar to those of incandescent
bulbs, but with key structural differences. Halogen lights and bulbs are
composed of peanut-sized and pressurized bulbs inside larger outer
shells. The inner bulbs are halogen chambers. The halogen from these bulbs
direct the evaporating tungsten to the filaments. As a result, the
tungsten filament is constantly rebuilt. Decreased outer shell soot
maintains bright light output. The rebuilding of the tungsten filament also
makes the halogen lights last longer. The brighter and whiter light of the
halogen bulbs make them suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways,
living spaces, and work areas.

Because of these qualities, halogen lights and bulbs are preferable in
most situations. There are several benefits from using halogen lights.
Halogen lights are perfect for exacting tasks that require focus like
reading or woodworking. Bright lighting reduces risks of eye strain and
eye problems. Mistakes are also lessened because everything is put
under clearer focus. Halogen lights are also best for display purposes.
Bright light highlights artworks, crystals, and photos perfectly by making
the colors and features stand out vibrantly. Halogen floodlights are
suitable for outdoor lighting because they illuminate places with
brighter light. Generally, halogen bulbs are cheaper than the standard
incandescent because they eliminate the need for frequent replacements.

However, halogen lights and bulbs heat up quickly. As such, they must
be installed in higher places or in built-in recesses. Their bright
lights, while beneficial, must be shaded to prevent eye problems. Halogen
lights and bulbs are not perfect, but with proper installation and
correct use, they can serve homeowners longer and better.

Get informed about latest information on halogen lights and bulbs and lighting fixtures, please visit http://www.halogen-light.net

spacemaker coffee pot

Tuesday, 6 January 2009

Black & Decker DCM675BMT 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Carafe, Black/Stainless

Black & Decker 5-Cup Coffermaker. Removable filter basket lifts out of brew compartment for quick, easy filling and cleaning. Easy-to-set digital clock/timer lets you wake up to the rich aroma and flavor of fresh-brewed coffee. Convenient cord storage ke
Customer Review: Daily coffee drinker likes this product
I purchased this machine months ago. I program it each night so that my coffee is ready and waiting for me the next workday. If you leave it on it turns off by itself after two hours. I also have a bigger coffee maker but I use that one only when I have a big group of people in the house, otherwise I only use this one. I've had ZERO problems with it. The coffee it makes is good. What else do you need? You make your coffee, you drink it freshly made, and that's it. I purchased this item in Target on sale, but even not on sale it isn't that expensive, considering it is programmable and the timer features. It's a good product and I recommend it. I don't get the negative reviews. What more do you expect from this little machine?
Customer Review: Don't buy it
Poorly designed, awkward to use. The control panel and water gauge are located on the side, thus requiring you to turn the brewer sideways when using. But what you see might as well have stayd out of sight. You cannot "read" the water gauge unless you hold a flashlight on it; impossible to see the water level, because of the dark colors. The control pad is flimsy and too small for easy touch control. The light indicating power on is so small that you have to bend down to be eye level with that light in order to see it clearly, and that eye level is less than three inches above counter top. You could easily leave the power on without ever noticing it. The stainless caraffe is handsome enough, but of course it has no water level indicator to compensate for the unreadable one on the base. I get irritated every time I make coffee.


Until fairly recently the only way you could cook rice properly was by using the traditional method of boiling it in a pan. However over the past few years many people have discovered that electric rice cookers are the easiest and simple way to get perfect rice every time. Now there are so many models on the market you really are spoiled for choice. This article will take a look at a few things that need to be borne in mind when choosing the rice cooker for you and finding the right rice cooker for your needs.

The first thing to think about is whether you want a totally automatic rice cooker or what you want to have a manual cooker. The main difference is that a manual version can be used to do things that an automatic version sometimes cannot, such as cooking rice in a certain way so that you get a hard crust on the rice that is needed for certain types of cuisine. Most people will choose the automatic version and this is the one that is the easiest to use.

The next thing you need to consider is whether or not the rice cooker is programmable. If you can program the rice cooker it means you can set the cooker to turn off at a certain time so that the rice is ready when you come home after a hard day at the office. Most rice cookers are programmable in some way or other, so if you want total control it is best to go for one of the more expensive models that give you more programmable options.

The final thing to think about is whether you want your cooker to simply cook rice or whether you wanted to be able to cook other foodstuffs such as vegetables. Some rice cookers have a steaming function which enables them to be used as a vegetable steamer and this can come in really handy when you have different types of cuisine that you want to create.

Take time to look at the various types of rice cooker that are available on today's market and do your research before making a proper choice.

Carl Formby owns and operates fuzzylogicricecookers.com, dedicated to Fuzzy Logic Rice Cookers and the Rinnai Rice Cooker.

spacemaker coffee pot

Monday, 5 January 2009

Black & Decker DCM2900 SmartBrew 12 Cup Digital Coffee Maker

Programmable Clock and Timer / Stop & Serve Mode / Easy to Read Water Reservoir Markings / Removable Brew Basket / White
Customer Review: Dribble Carafe
Purchased to replace a Mr. Coffee that finally gave up the ghost. Had comparable features like auto brew timer and auto shut off. Will be replacing it soon with another Mr Coffee. When you pour the first and second cups you can expect to make a mess with the dribble carafe. It is difficult to fill the coffee maker with water without making another mess. I dont know why they added a splash bar across the fill area but it does make filling it with water a challenge. On the positive side the brew timer and suto shut off work well and it makes coffee as you would expect. The big down side is that useability is lacking.
Customer Review: Stay away from this one
I have had this coffee maker for about a month. I thought the longer I had it, the easier it would be to pour coffee into a cup or water into the maker without making a mess on the counter top. I was wrong. I am going to return this one and get one of the 'real' Smartbrew Black & Decker coffee makers. This one is not a 'Smartbrew' model. The Smartbrew models have what B&D calls a Perfect Pour spout. These carafes are a breeze to pour. No dribbles, ever. Why they don't use the nicer carafe on all their models is a mystery to me. I have had a non-programmable B&D Smartbrew coffee maker at my camper for 7 years. It makes way better coffee than this one and the carafe is way better.


All stainless steel burners are not created equal. When comparing burner systems, there are a few key points to look for. Most manufacturers use stainless steel sheet metal to make their burner systems. The downside of sheet metal burners is that they are prone to a process called burn-through. The manufacturer's warranty covers sheet metal burners against rust-through, but does not cover against burn-through. To combat burn-through, select manufacturers use CAST stainless steel burners. The warranty on these burners does cover burn-through as well as rust-through, twisting, warping and any other problems.

Compared side by side it is plain to see by our photos at Gas Grills Now, that where a sheet metal burner is not as thick as a U.S. quarter, a cast stainless steel burner is a full INCH thick. Along with being thicker, note the placement of the burner ports on the side of the burner. On the sheet metal burners, the ports are exposed to grease drippings, and food particles, which can clog the ports and speed up the burn-through process. The cast burner is designed with a protective ridge, so that drippings cannot contact the ports.

There are several choices offered to the consumer: Cast stainless steel, Tube stainless steel, Sheet stainless steel, porcelain, cast iron and chrome burners.

* Stainless Steel: Sheet Metal burners are the least expensive. They are mainly used on grills under $800. A tube burner is better than sheet metal, but is still very thin compared to cast. The tube burner is a great place for high end grill manufactures to cut costs. They are not even as thick as a quarter. As far as I know, all tube burners do not cover burn through.

Cast Stainless Steel is the best. Look at the burner pictures and you will see that the cast is 1/4 inch thick.

Warranty covers burn through!

* Cast Iron: Cast-iron conducts heat better which makes it the preferred cooking surface for many cooks. To protect against the natural rusting process, cast-iron cooking grids have a porcelain finish which requires special maintenance.

* Porcelain: Porcelain enamel is essentially a highly durable glass which, with coloring oxides and other inorganic materials, is fused to metal at extremely high temperatures. Most grids are made of steel rods; some are coated with porcelain to make them rust resistant and easier to clean.

* Chrome: Chromium is a silver-gray, lustrous, brittle, hard metal that can be highly polished. It does Not tarnish in air, but burns when heated, forming the green chromic oxide. It is used in plating other metals because of its hardness and non-tarnishing properties. In alloys with other metals it contributes hardness, strength, and heat resistance. This is quicker to burn through. It takes about 1 to 2 years.

Harold Wagner has over 15 years experience in the barbecue grill industry and regularly attends the annual HPBA shows to keep current with the latest developments. Gas Grills Now is a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association and has been in business since 1981 with an internet presence since 1997. For more information call toll free 1-877-669-4669.

spacemaker coffee maker

Wednesday, 31 December 2008

Black & Decker DDCM200 Dual Personal Coffeemaker, Black and Stainless

2 Pack, 16 OZ, Stainless Steel, Travel Coffeemaker, Mugs, Cone Filter.
Customer Review: Good enough
I just bought this item for $20. I thought since I only drink 1-2 cups a day, this would do and I could share if I had company. The coffee comes out steaming and the flavor is fine. It is easy to use, but the knob on the top does seem flimsy, so I followed someone else's suggestion and am keeping it on 2 cups and run water through to the 2nd cup. The cups are the problem in my opinion. They hold plenty of liquid and keep the coffee fairly warm for the duration, but the lid does not stay on very tight and whether you leave it on or take it off to drink, the lip of the rim is a little too wide and makes it difficult to drink without dribbling. I guess my suggestion would be to make the coffee and then pour into a better cup. Like I said, good enough for my purposes for the money.
Customer Review: Poor Quality
One of the mugs bases broke off within the first month of purchasing this coffee maker. And when I make two cups of coffee one mug only brews half of a cup and the other a full cup. Really strange. I contacted the company to complain to try to get a replacement but they never answered my email. I would skip this one and go for another brand.


Drinking water treatment systems have become quite popular after studies and the media have revealed the various contaminants that still exist even after plants have treated water. The EPA standards may not be enough to verify safe and healthy water which is why methods are used in homes to fully remove threats while keeping the good natural minerals.

Knowing the System

Water purification is the main goal of drinking water treatment systems which involves the removal of contaminants, harmful microorganisms and chemicals from a raw water source. Most water is purified for direct human consumption although there is also water produced for specific purposes with corresponding treatment profiles. Some of the methods include filtration, water softening, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, deionization, ultraviolet light and powdered activated carbon treatment.

Drinking water purification system can remove suspended particles of organic material, parasites, viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, toxic metals like lead and copper and particulate sand. Some processes like reverse osmosis also take away beneficial minerals like magnesium and calcium. Elective purification is also available such as taste in mineral extraction, appearance in iron encapsulation and smell in hydrogen sulphide remediation. Simple procedures like activated carbon filters and boiling may not be sufficient to remove other potentially harmful materials.

Treat the Source

Systems should incorporate processes relative to the source of your water. Ground water is described as water coming from deep ground which may have fallen as rain several years ago. Soil and rock layers filter the ground water naturally before it is pumped to treatment plants. This source has high bacteriological quality and rich in dissolved solids like magnesium, carbonates and calcium. Iron and manganese may have to be reduced to improve the taste and quality.

Upland lakes and reservoirs are found in the headwaters of river systems usually above human habitation and protected by a surrounding zone. Bacteria, protozoa and algae is usually present and the water has low pH. Drinking water treatment systems should focus on adjusting these properties. Rivers, low land reservoirs and canals usually have plenty of bacteria, algae and suspended soils.

About Pre-Treatment

To better understand the right type of drinking water purification system that suits your needs, know how water is treated in purification plants. The pre-treatment process starts with pumping and containment wherein most of the water is pumped from its source or driven into holding tanks and pipes. The materials used for tanks, pumps and pipes should be selected well to prevent contamination. Next is the screening which removes large debris like trash, leaves, etc. Some sources like groundwater may skip this process.

Storage and Conditioning

After screening, the water may be stored in bankside reservoirs for a few days or several months allowing natural biological purification to occur. Storage reservoirs are also advantageous during drought and transitory pollution incidents. Pre-conditioning involves treatment of soda-ash or sodium carbonate to precipitate calcium carbonate for water rich in hardness salts. Pre-chlorination is done to prevent foul organisms from growing.

Other techniques may also be incorporated to take out fine solids, microorganisms, organic materials and inorganic substances. The method selected will depend on the type and quality of water, the costs of treatment as well as the quality standards expected. Ask for a water quality report in your area to assess which properties still need fixing then choose the right drinking water treatment systems that will improve the condition and state.

Do you want to learn more about drinking water treatment systems? Visit Truth About Water Filters - a popular site that provides consumers tips and more.

spacemaker coffee pot

Tuesday, 30 December 2008

Black & Decker DCM2900 SmartBrew 12 Cup Digital Coffee Maker

Programmable Clock and Timer / Stop & Serve Mode / Easy to Read Water Reservoir Markings / Removable Brew Basket / White
Customer Review: Dribble Carafe
Purchased to replace a Mr. Coffee that finally gave up the ghost. Had comparable features like auto brew timer and auto shut off. Will be replacing it soon with another Mr Coffee. When you pour the first and second cups you can expect to make a mess with the dribble carafe. It is difficult to fill the coffee maker with water without making another mess. I dont know why they added a splash bar across the fill area but it does make filling it with water a challenge. On the positive side the brew timer and suto shut off work well and it makes coffee as you would expect. The big down side is that useability is lacking.
Customer Review: Stay away from this one
I have had this coffee maker for about a month. I thought the longer I had it, the easier it would be to pour coffee into a cup or water into the maker without making a mess on the counter top. I was wrong. I am going to return this one and get one of the 'real' Smartbrew Black & Decker coffee makers. This one is not a 'Smartbrew' model. The Smartbrew models have what B&D calls a Perfect Pour spout. These carafes are a breeze to pour. No dribbles, ever. Why they don't use the nicer carafe on all their models is a mystery to me. I have had a non-programmable B&D Smartbrew coffee maker at my camper for 7 years. It makes way better coffee than this one and the carafe is way better.


Finding the right vacuum cleaner supplies is sometimes the hardest tasks of owning a vacuum cleaner. When parts wear out or break, finding the right parts can be a daunting task. Since the parts are essential to the proper operation of a specific vacuum cleaner. Life would be so simple if there were standardized components for vacuum cleaner. If all the tubes were the same and the bags and filters.

Unfortunately, this is not the case and each vacuum manufacturer has specific supplies. The search for the specific part can have you so frustrated that you tear your hair out trying to find the right bag. We are grateful for the bagels vacuum cleaners

Since vacuum cleaners are essential to the proper cleaning of the home, everyone has one. But the number of different components, bags, filters, hoses, etc. can only be found with a specific supplier. There are literally thousands of different types of vacuum cleaners so a good vacuum cleaners supplier is an important resource.

Vacuum cleaners suppliers make finding the right component a lot easier. You can shop for the bag or tube or light bulb from the comfort of your home. You can eliminate the need of driving from one source of vacuum cleaning supplies to another. Just go on line to the hundreds of vacuum cleaners suppliers then and click. You can input the make and model of your vacuum cleaner and get instant satisfaction.

The makes and models of vacuum cleaners are exhaustive. It is important that You write down all the models numbers of the parts that you need before you start your Internet search.

Keeing all the manuals and supply list for applicances in a central location or in a kitchen drawer makes it easy to retain all the components
parts and numbers when you need replacement parts.

There are some questions concerning you vacuum cleaners that you have to know. However, this is the hardest part about ordering from an online source. Once you get all of that information, then the online vacuum cleaner suppliers' questionnaire will walk you through the entire ordering process. Some of the vacuum cleaner suppliers have online help agents or a toll free number that you can call to facilitate the ordering process.

One of the oldest and most reliable vacuum cleaners suppliers online is TotalVac.com, these guys are located in Massachusetts. They have been online for over 10 years and have over 3,700 vacuum cleaner supplies available that can be ordered online. almost anything that the consumer needs in the form of vacuum cleaner supplies is available from the one stop shop.

The ease of ordering is the number one reasons that consumer like using online vacuum cleaner suppliers. Looking for the exact vacuum cleaner bag for an out of date model vacuum is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. You can spend weeks going from store to store to find the exact bag for that old buggy. But look at the bag, write down the model number, put the number in Google and you can have that bag at your front door within a week or less.

Online ordering makes finding the right tools for your needs very convenient. You can shop online and alleviate the "we don't have it" stress. Vacuum cleaners suppliers proliferate on the Internet. When customers need replacement HEPA filters or those dreaded vacuum bags, there is a supplier that can ship the supplies directly to your front door.

For more information on finding the best vacuum cleaner suppliers try visiting http://www.shoppingforvacuumcleaners.com, a popular website that provides vacuum cleaner tips, advice and resources to include information on Dyson, Oreck, Kirby and Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners.

spacemaker coffee maker

Monday, 29 December 2008

Black & Decker DCM2590 SmartBrew 8-Cup Drip Coffeemaker with Thermal Carafe, Black

Perfect Pour® thermal carafe keeps coffee hot and fresh for hours and has a dripless spout for serving ease. Easy-to-set digital clock/timer lets you wake up to the rich aroma and flavor of fresh-brewed coffee.
Customer Review: Returned it......
Sorry to say... The coffee just didn't taste right. It seemed like every cup of coffee tasted musty. At first I thought maybe the coffee was the problem (old, etc...) but we tried three different brands. I think the problem came down to the coffee maker was not heating up the water hot enough. A recent article stated that the drip water must reach 195 degrees to make good coffee and this coffeemaker sure didn't seem to be getting anywhere near that. Seemed almost lukewarm.
Customer Review: Good coffee
I ordered this as a gift for my son who lives in a college dorm. He tells me it works well, makes good coffee; the only issue he has is that the amount of condensation on top of the carafe causes it to be a bit "drippy," but not excessively so. He is saving money by having the coffee in his room as opposed to buying expensive coffee drinks elsewhere. I would order this product again.


When it comes to buying a coffee maker, one that gets you through the morning, there are so many options that it may drive you crazy. Drifting away from Starbucks and the instant stuff, there are machines that can do the job fairly well. But they must pass through a set of criteria.

Simplicity

With coffee makers, as with most machines, simple is always better. You don't want too many switches and buttons and overcomplicated procedures. All you want is a cup of coffee. A simple machine, one designed and tested to do one simple thing, and be good at it, tends to work better than a complicated one.

Function

You want a coffee maker that does the job all the way through, nothing too much, and nothing left half done. Underachievers that don't extract enough flavor, and overachievers that boil the water too much that your coffee gets too bitter; you don't want them.

Type of Coffee

It pays to know what kind of coffee you love to have from your coffee maker. For most brews, drip coffee makers are all right. For espresso, a dedicated espresso machine is the only one that will do. If you want espresso, but don't want to buy a machine for it, a French press can actually do the trick. Percolators are also good, as they're tried and tested. The coffee you want tells you what kind of coffee maker you need.

Cup Size

See if the coffee maker makes a decent-sized serving at one go. Decent-sized is relative. If your morning wake up ritual needs two cups, then see that your coffee maker can deliver just that. Some coffee machines limit themselves to serving sizes that are precise, but are annoyingly less or more than what some need. Make sure what you buy neither serves too little nor overflows your cup and wastes all that coffee goodness.

Reservoir

A good coffee maker should hold enough water for a decent amount of servings at one time. Make sure it can hold a good amount without the reservoir being too big that it takes over the machine. Bad coffee makers tend to have big reservoirs, and cheap machine parts within, just so that they can pass as coffee makers. Do not fall for this. Scrutinize, and choose wisely.

Value

Everyone wants a bargain, but remember that there's such a thing as a balance between the price and the features. Measure the coffee maker's set of features along with its build and its price. This kind of formula is a good rule of thumb. So this means you'll need to check out the slightly costly items, and visit the reputable shops to get the best "balanced" value. It's not just money at stake here, it's your mornings.

Brand

It may not seem necessary, but buying a coffee maker from a reputable brand is much better than buying some run-in-the-mill counterpart (unless you've done a great deal of research behind some new or unknown brands). A branded machine can beat any brandless contraption anytime. That's another consumer rule of thumb there. More of a guide, not a rule. When it comes to build quality, features, and overall design, brands like Bunn, Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Braun, and so on are the best there is.

Easy-to-Clean

Of course, you have to deal with cleaning issues. You want to maintain your coffee maker's service life. Make sure that the crucial parts are washable so that you do not get coffee sticking to them over time. As long as you can wash the important parts like the pot and the reservoir with soap and water, you're good to go.

Portability

You don't want anything bigger than your counter. If you buy something that can sit snugly at the corner of your kitchen, then you'd want to use it day after day, since it doesn't "intrude" in your kitchen space.

Safety

Make sure that there are no exposed electric parts; that everything is properly insulated. Sometimes there are spills, and you don't want a shock when you clean up the spill. See if the handles are cool to the touch and children who fumble with them and won't get burned.

Coffee makers come in many shapes and sizes. Simplify your search of your best coffee maker by setting your criteria of what you want from your machine before you start looking for your perfect coffee maker.

Yogi Shinde offers coffee maker ratings and reviews on different brands and types of coffee makers. Helping your find the best coffee maker to suit your needs.

spacemaker coffee pot