Does a More Expensive Coffee Maker Make Better Coffee?

There is a wide range of coffee makers out there. You may wonder if there's much of a difference between brands and their products. Taste, flavor, and finish are essential for coffee drinkers, and investing in a high-quality coffee maker can be crucial. So does a more expensive coffee maker make better coffee? 

A more expensive coffee maker does make better coffee. Unlike the cheaper varieties, expensive coffee makers come packed with extra features that simplify the brewing process to suit different preferences. Costlier coffee makers are mostly durable and often come with lengthy warranties.   

This article will explore why expensive coffee makers make better coffee and if purchasing a more expensive coffee maker is a good investment. I'll also provide some pro tips on improving your coffee's overall taste. Let's get started. 

Do Certain Coffee Makers Make Better Coffee?

As expected, expensive coffee makers make better coffee and tend to cost more than their cheaper counterparts. The overall cost of a coffee maker depends on features and the type of coffee you're looking to brew. 

Different types of coffee makers you could be considering for your next purchase include:

• Drip Coffee Maker
• Espresso Machine
• Pod Coffee Maker
• Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• French Press 

The type of machine you choose for the coffee you are trying to make will impact how good the coffee is. Therefore, sticking with a coffee maker that best fits the coffee you want to brew is best.

For example, you don't want to purchase a drip machine if your goal is to brew espresso.

Likewise, you want to avoid purchasing the best espresso machine if you are trying to make cold brew coffee. While some machines can do both, they usually cost more, which is not ideal if you're working on a tight budget. 

Once you narrow down what type of coffee machine you are most interested in, you can then begin to compare the different brands available to find the best coffee makers that best fit your price range.

What Coffee Maker Produces the Best Coffee?

Nothing compares to that first cup of coffee, which explains why ardent coffee lovers go the extra mile to find the best devices for a great cup of coffee. 

Let's take a closer look at the different types of coffee makers, their unique functions, and price estimates. 

Drip Coffee Maker

One of the best but most expensive drip coffee makers on the market is a Technivorm Moccamaster.

The Technivorm Moccamaster 79112 KBT Coffee Brewer (available on Amazon.com) is highly rated due to its filtration system and ability to yield superior taste. 

This advanced coffee maker achieves top-drawer results by using a combination of the following:

• Precise brewing temperature
• First-rate built-in coffee grinder 
• Excellent filtration system

That built-in coffee grinder is a game changer with the Technivorm Moccamaster since brewing freshly ground coffee yields a much better taste than pre-ground coffee.

You also do not have to worry about having a separate coffee grinder at home. You can ensure the ground beans are fresh, which is an essential feature for many.

Consider a Bonavita coffee maker if you're looking for a coffee maker that produces the best drip coffee but is considerably cheaper than the Technivorm Moccamaster. 

The Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker (available on Amazon.com) is widely viewed as one of the best drip coffee maker by numerous coffee drinkers. It includes a thermal carafe, which is nice if you want to keep your coffee warm. 

Although slightly less expensive than the Technivorm Moccamaster, the Bonavita automatic drip coffee makers are much more expensive than other coffee makers.

The Bonavita makes some of the best-tasting coffee using the following features:

• Accurate brewing temperature
• Pre-infusion mode for coffee grounds

Espresso Machine

If espresso is more of your style, consider a Nespresso, as it is one of the best products. The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine (available on Amazon.com) will deliver a smooth, full-bodied, and strong coffee taste.

The great thing about a Nespresso coffee machine is that it's a very versatile coffee maker; you can make a small traditional espresso or a full cup of coffee with their Vertuo line coffee machine.

Surprisingly, the full cup of coffee will mirror the same espresso flavor regardless. 

Nespresso makes fantastic-tasting espresso and coffee using a combination of the following:

• Accurate temperature and flow of hot water
• Unique coffee capsules for even rotation
• Precise infusion time

Nespresso is one of the most expensive espresso machines on the market, ranging from the $200s up to the $500s depending on the type of model you choose.

However, it is well worth the money, and they're built to last for decades.

Pod Coffee Maker

Pod coffee makers are an excellent choice if you're looking for the best coffee machine for single-serve cups. 

Although one of the more popular pod coffee makers you may hear about often is Keurig, other brands beat it when making the best cup of coffee – such as Coffee Maker by Cuisinart.  

A pod coffee maker like Cuisinart is a little less pricey than a Nespresso machine if you are looking for something for a single cup of coffee, but you can still end up paying between $100 to $200 for one. 

A Cuisinart pod coffee maker brews a great-tasting cup of coffee using the following features:

• Convenient programmable settings
• Enhanced filtration with a charcoal filter

It is a beautiful coffee maker option for those who want to brew delicious coffee without overthinking the process of making coffee.  

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If you love cold brew, you should look no further than a Growler Werks coffee maker to whip you the best cups of iced coffee. 

The GrowlerWerks uKeg Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker (available on Amazon.com) is highly rated for cold brew coffee at home. The quality is comparable to good coffee at your local coffee shop.

A couple of unique features for the GrowlerWerks coffee maker, which helps create that great-tasting cup of cold-brewed coffee, include:

• Nitro pressurization system
• Double filtration

You can brew multiple cups of coffee and store some for later, which is excellent if you plan on drinking a cup midday and want to have it readily available in your fridge.

French Press

A highly preferred coffee maker is the French Press, as it makes absolutely some of the best-tasting coffee I have savored with a lovely smooth finish.

The price range for a French Press is similar to a pod coffee maker, about $100 or so, although I have come across some that are higher. 

A French Press like the Fellow Clara Coffee Press Coffee Maker (available on Amazon.com) has several features that help it produce great-tasting coffee, including:

• Excellent temperature control
• Mesh filtration system to bring out the flavor

What Is the Difference Between a Cheap and an Expensive Coffee Machine? 

You'll be able to tell the difference between a cheap and an expensive machine when you use it to make your coffee.

Better tasting coffee truly depends on the quality of the coffee machine, not just the type of coffee beans you use.

Let's explore a few different coffee makers, specific differences between cheap and expensive coffee machines:

Coffee Maker Manufacturer

The first thing that comes to mind is the manufacturer and how a coffee machine is built when considering the quality.

Depending on the parts and labor involved, this can translate to a more expensive coffee machine for the consumer.

Take an espresso machine, for example, which is a bit more complicated to manufacture than a basic coffee machine. The parts for an espresso machine are built by a computer and usually assembled at a factory by hand. 

Factory workers must ensure the temperature and steam pressure are adequately set for an espresso machine and that all is working well by testing it thoroughly. 

Therefore, much labor is involved when manufacturing an espresso machine to ensure it is working at its optimum level and producing great-tasting coffee before handing it down to the consumer.

Quality of Parts for a Coffee Maker

Some coffee maker manufacturers will invest more in quality parts than others. 

You'll know a coffee maker is made to last by observing the primary construction materials. Stainless steel coffee makers tend to last longer than those made primarily of plastic. 

If expensive parts are used to make a coffee maker, you'll typically be offered an attractive warranty due to the device's overall quality.

Multiple Features of a Coffee Maker

Additionally, coffee makers with numerous features may be more expensive. These features often include temperature, cup size, and coffee type options. 

You may find coffee makers with features to produce different or different types of coffee using one machine, such as the Nespresso.

The more options for different types of coffee, the costlier the coffee machine.

Moreover, coffee makers with large capacities tend to cost more than smaller-sized ones that can make one or two cups at a time.

Why Are Some Coffee Makers More Expensive Than Others?

There are several reasons why some coffee makers are more expensive than others. 

As we mentioned, the materials' quality plays a huge role in the overall cost of a coffee machine.

However, it would help if you considered the following factors when determining whether a coffee machine is worth the extra money. 

Brand or Manufacturer's Reputation

Sometimes, the manufacturer's reputation contributes to a coffee maker's overall cost, especially when buying products from established brands. 

If it's a well-known brand with high consumer ratings and has been around for a long time, its prices may be higher since it already has a solid customer base.

Coffee makers from renowned brands are known to last long, which, in itself, is a guarantee that your hard-earned cash will be put to good use. 

Consumer Demand

A coffee maker's popularity and market demand may also affect its overall cost. This usually happens with flagship releases that come packed with advanced, industry-changing features. 

If the manufacturer makes a limited number of top-quality coffee makers, they're likely to set the price high to make the most of the high demand. 

Ease of Use and Convenience

As a consumer, you may be looking for a coffee maker that'll produce tasty, superior coffee and is also easy to use and a time saver. 

If a coffee machine is easy to use, durable and time-saving, the manufacturer will almost certainly sell it higher than competing products with fewer features. 

What Are Some Cheaper Coffee Maker Alternatives?

In case your budget doesn't allow for purchasing an expensive coffee maker at a higher price, here are several alternatives you can consider and still get a good cup of coffee.

Pour Over Coffee Maker

For drip coffee, you can use a pour-over coffee maker such as the Bodum 11571-109 Pour Over Coffee Maker (available on Amazon.com). 

A pour-over coffee maker can cost approximately $20 to $30, which is very cheap and a great option for the budget conscious.

Using the pour-over coffee method, you will have to wait about 5 minutes before you drink it.

Moka Pot

Another alternative to traditional drip coffee makers is a Moka Pot. For a delicious serving of espresso, consider using a Moka Pot like the Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup (available on Amazon.com).

With a Moka Pot, you make the espresso on your stovetop. This method usually takes about 5 minutes to brew the coffee, but that time can increase depending on the size of the coffee grinds used. 

The taste and intensity of an espresso made with a Moka Pot can also vary depending on who makes the espresso (skill and experience). 

Inexpensive Drip Coffee Machine

Lastly, consider getting a highly rated inexpensive drip coffee machine as a last resort. 

Some cheaper models out there, usually under $100, can brew a great-tasting cup of coffee for you.

The Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker (available on Amazon.com) is a cheaper and popular choice that'll give you the quick coffee fix if you can't afford the costlier options.

Although you can tell it is cheap since it's made of plastic, the Hamilton Beach is a highly rated and superior-performing coffee machine that has some great features, including:

• Programmable with automatic pause
• Swing-out brew basket
• A glass carafe with excellent water temperature control

What Are Some Additional Ways You Can Get That Expensive Coffee Taste?

As explained below, you should explore alternative ways to get that flavorful coffee without purchasing an expensive coffee maker. 

Buy Freshly Ground Coffee

Making sure you use freshly ground coffee beans is essential in better-tasting coffee. 

You can tell the taste and smell difference between pre-ground and freshly ground coffee beans.

Using freshly ground coffee beans improves the overall body and flavor of the coffee you're drinking, regardless of the machine's cost. 

Change Your Coffee Storing Methods

How you store your coffee is vital since it starts to lose flavor once ground up.

Your best bet is to buy whole coffee beans and invest in a coffee grinder, but that may not be the best option when looking to streamline the coffee-making process. 

If you purchase ground coffee, the key to storing it properly to preserve freshness and taste is to keep moisture away. Storing the coffee in a tight-lid container, in a cool place, and away from light is the best way to ensure you preserve its freshness. 

Measure Your Coffee Precisely

Weighing your coffee is also essential to achieve a better taste. 

The easiest way to measure your coffee accurately is to use a food scale, which ensures you use just the right amount for your unique personal preferences. 

If you're looking to make a delicious cup of coffee, it's best to avoid using a spoon to estimate the amount of coffee. 

Change the Type of Water

Using the correct type of water is essential to make that flavorful cup of coffee.

Whether you invest in an expensive coffee maker or not, the type of water you use will affect the taste of your coffee.

Your tap water may be either hard or soft, depending on your geographical location.

And since the chemicals inside tap water will affect the final taste of your coffee, it is important to find out what type of water you have coming out of the faucet.  

If you decide to opt for bottled water in your coffee maker, then filtered or distilled bottled water is recommended. You should avoid using spring or mineral water in your coffee maker.

Conclusion

A more expensive coffee maker will improve the taste of your coffee as compared to cheaper machines. Most costly coffee makers come packed with advanced features that streamline the coffee-making process while enhancing the quality of the output. 

How a coffee maker is manufactured and the quality of its parts also influence its overall cost.

The coffee maker you choose depends on the type of coffee you like to drink. Investing in a more expensive coffee machine will give you that better-tasting cup of coffee you're looking for, but there are cheaper alternatives if you're on a tight budget.

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