First of all, we have to be precise about one thing: there's no such thing as "the best coffee makers". It's up to you(well, you and your taste buds) to decide how you like your coffee brewed.

Drip Coffee Makers

When it comes to drip coffee makers, The Coffee Kid recommends the manual drip coffee maker, nominating favorite brands like Hario, Melitta or Chemex.

Melitta CM-10/6 Manual 10 Cup Coffee Maker The original Melitta coffeemaker still brews the best cup of coffee. To use the 10 cup coffee maker, measure and scoop your grinds into the filter holder that sits atop the glass carafe. Pour hot water through and your coffee will drip right into the carafe. Lid included to cover carafe opening while pouring. Uses #6 paper filters Model: CM106

For the automatic drip type, the most commonly used brands appear to be: Braun, Black & Decker, Bosch, Briel, Bunn, Capresso, Cuisinart, DeLonghi, Hamilton Beach, Krups, Melitta, Michael Graves, Mr. Coffee, Oster, Proctor-Silex and Philips.

DeLonghi DC55TCW Twenty Four Seven 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker White Brushed stainless steel doublewall thermal carafe 24-hour programmable timer with brew auto shut-off Swing-away filter basket with permanent gold tone filter Aroma switch Shower head design Water level indicator Pause and serve function Cord storage Non-stick plate

Choosing a drip coffee maker is really a matter of personal taste. Some prefer anything that's less automatic, as they believe automation means more convenience in the detriment of flavor. 1 - 4 cups drip coffee makers are considered small sized. Anything over 10 cups is big. The main problem that could turn up with your drip coffee device is its capacity to get water hot enough. If the brewing process takes place at less than 195-205°F, the coffee will be underextracted but you may like it this way. If not, KitchenAid Four Cup Auto, based on two heating elements, seems to be a good choice.
see details on drip coffee makers...

The most common percolator brands

The early days of the percolators are set back in the 1950's. If you're after stove tops, take a look at the Bialetti Amerikanas.

Bialetti Amerikana 6-Cup Stovetop Percolator The Bialetti "Amerikana" stovetop percolator is the Italian interpretation of the American stovetop espresso maker. With the percolator, you control the amount of time your coffee brews, which determines how strong or mild your coffee will taste.

If looking for something more automatic, Farberware is the leading brand, and seems to be followed by DeLonghi.

DeLonghi DP12ST Retro 12-Cup Electric Percolator W/Detachable Base Adjustable thermostat lets you choose coffee that s light, strong, or anything in between Cordless operation with detachable base makes serving simple, whether entertaining guests or enjoying fresh-brewed coffee on your own. Simply return pot to the base to maintain ideal temperature Glass lid allows you to safely monitor the brewing process Adjustable keep warm function lets you choose the ideal temperature for enjoying your coffee. Stainless steel basket and body are designed and built to last Power and Ready indicator lights remind you when unit is on and let you know when coffee is ready to drink. Attractive retro design adds charm as well as function to any kitchen Voltage - 120V

Other names to consider are Presto, Melitta, West Bend, Kenmore, Cuisinart.
see details on the percolator...

Vacuum Coffee Makers

Although a few companies continue to produce vacuum coffee makers, some of the traditional pots still sell big on e-bay or at the antique stores. Vacuum pots were the most popular coffee makers in the early days of the 20^th century (the 30's, the 40's, the 50's). If you want one of these, look for brand-names like Silex, Westinghouse, Farberware, Cory, General Electric, Nicro, Kent, Sunbeam etc. Silex was the first company to introduce the manual vacuum pot in North America, in the 1920's.

Apart from the oldies, vacuum brands that are still produced today are: Cona (in England), Hario (in Japan), Hellem (in France), Yama Glass (in Taiwan) and Bodum with its "Santos" model.
see details on vacuum pots...

Bodum Electric Santos with 24 Hr. Programmable Timer Coffee Maker

Bodum Electric Santos with 24 Hr. Programmable Timer Coffee Maker. The Bodum Santos Vacuum Coffee maker has been one of our most popular products, now the great taste and fun of the Santos has been combined with modern convenience in the Electric Santos. The Electric Santos features an entirely closed brewing process where no aroma escape and where the relation between temperature and time has been perfected. A high-tech stainless heating system designed especially for the Santos heats water to just the right temperature. The reusable, easily cleaned micron nylon filter ensures no flavor is lost. The Electric Santos also features a stay-cool good grip handle and lid for easy one-hand pouring. The Santos churns out delicious coffee at the speedy rate of 12 cups in 8 minutes and features a timer so you can wake up to freshly brewed coffee. Also features a 2 hour keep warm setting. Made of clear, heat resistant polycarbonate, easy to care for, and allows you to watch the incredible brewing process. The water magically rises up into the brewing chamber through the funnel tube to mix with the coffee. The coffee then gets sucked down through the filter and into the carafe. Winner of a 2001 Gold Award as one of the best designs in the US.
Size: 48 oz., 1.5 Liter
Materials: Heat resistant polycarbonate
Cleaning and Care: Hand wash with mild cleanser
Manufacturer No.: 3000-10US

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