One of the greatest gastronomic discoveries of all time is coffee. We could delve into much more detail on how coffee helped civilization progress beyond the era of kings and servants, but that is best left for a documentary on coffee. Worldwide, our love affair with coffee is so unbreakable that it has led to the creation of literally thousands and thousands of types of brewing techniques, developments, and products.

To condense these into a short list is by no means meant to diminish the diversity and endless creativity of coffee brewing methods. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the most popular types of coffee makers. This selection encompasses a unique brewing method and equipment, with a few options focusing on specific devices.

You may have heard of several of these types of coffee makers, but it’s likely that only the most avid coffee enthusiasts have experimented with all of them. The purpose of this guide is to serve as an introductory overview of each. For more detailed information, our blog offers comprehensive how-tos, guides, and more on purchasing or renting coffee makers.

Ultimately, this guide hopes to introduce you to one or two new methods and styles of brewing that you might not have encountered before. We aim to spark your interest in brewing coffee, hoping that by the end of this guide, you will share the same enthusiasm for coffee as we do here at Spresco.

Popular Types of Coffee Makers

It’s challenging to distill the vast array of methods and equipment used to brew coffee into a short list, but we have managed to highlight the most popular coffee makers.

The Espresso Machine

This machine is the titan of coffee brewing; enormous sums of money and research have been poured into the development and manufacturing of espresso machines over the past 40 years. Espresso is the epitome of rapid, complete extraction, offering a powerful burst of flavor that encapsulates the very essence of coffee. Modern espresso, achieved through 9 bar pressure, or 135 psi, utilizes a range of technological innovations. The most common method in home use today involves the vibratory pump, which operates a diaphragm that expands and contracts at high speeds to push water through the coffee at high pressures. In commercial settings like restaurants and cafes, they often favor rotary pumps, which offer greater consistency in pressure and reliability.

Espresso machines vary greatly in type and functionality, categorized into manual, semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic.

Manual machines require user intervention to manually pump water, although they typically handle heating automatically.
Semi-automatic machines automate water pressure and heating, leaving the user to manage the duration of the extraction.
Automatic machines control both the pressure and the timing of the brew, automating the entire process to deliver precise volumes of espresso.
Super-automatic machines are comprehensive, integrating grinding, tamping, and cleaning functionalities, streamlining the espresso brewing process into a single-button press.

Bean-to-Cup Machines

Of course, this is our pride and joy. Super-automatics, more frequently referred to as bean-to-cup machines, thanks to popular coffee vloggers, are a recent invention but now moving into maturity. Super-automatics, or bean-to-cup machines, revolutionized the market following their introduction in the 90s. These machines, which have evolved significantly since their inception, now feature advanced capabilities such as producing both hot and iced brews. The finest models, like Jura Giga X8, emphasize improvements in coffee dosage, water temperature control, and overall quality. Despite their high cost, they represent the pinnacle of convenience and quality in home coffee brewing.

That’s why Spresco makes this sensational type of coffee maker accessible with flexible rental options. We believe that today’s world calls for convenience in a cup while you get life done. And that doesn’t mean losing out on quality, as bean to cup coffee makers are designed to consistently produce the best-tasting cup of joe every time. Contact us today to find out more about renting coffee makers for your business or home.

Pour Over Coffee

A method involving pouring water over coffee grounds contained in a filter. The Chemex, designed in the 1940s, is celebrated not only for its functionality but also for its place in mid-century modern design as a beautiful, vase-like icon. The resurgence of pour-over coffee can be attributed to its craft appeal and affordability.

Percolator Coffee

A traditional immersion brewing technique that has been cherished for decades! To make coffee in a percolator, it all starts by filling the reservoir with cold, preferably filtered, water. A paper filter is then placed in the percolator to eliminate any residual tastes. Coarsely ground coffee is added to the basket. This type of coffee maker usually produces strong coffee, so adjust the amount of grounds according to your taste preference. Avoid finely ground coffee, which can become muddy. Percolators have their fans and critics. Some people love the pleasant aroma and nostalgic sound of percolating coffee, while others find it produces a bitter cup. With proper timing and attention, you can achieve a wonderful coffee experience with a percolator. Learn more about coffee from our experts!

The Moka Pot

Popular in mid-20th-century America and still beloved in Italy and France, the Moka Pot is a stovetop coffee maker that uses steam pressure to pass water through coffee grounds. Often referred to as a stovetop espresso maker, it encapsulates a brewing style cherished by many European households. It is not recommended for newbies, as without a watchful eye, it can explode.

Drip Coffee

Designed for simplicity, auto-drip coffee makers automate the brewing process by heating water and dispersing it evenly over coffee grounds. These machines can handle various brewing volumes and have evolved to include numerous additional features for enhanced convenience. It makes a good work horse in a small office, but may not suit larger businesses with 15+ employees bound to queue for their coffee.

French Press Coffee

The French press is celebrated for its elegant simplicity and the rich, immersive coffee experience it provides. Often seen on TV and in films as a symbol of leisurely, refined coffee drinking, it allows for a direct interaction with the brewing process, though it requires some coffee making techniques to prevent over-extraction if coffee is left to sit. While there are no disposable bits to repurchase and they can brew up to 6–8 cups at a time in the biggest sizes, the downside is that coffee continues to brew even after you have pressed it down.

Conclusion

This guide is intended to deepen your understanding and appreciation of coffee through an exploration of various types of coffee makers. We encourage you to explore and try new ways of enjoying the tasty and timeless cup of joy that is coffee. But enjoying coffee is not limited to a hobby at home. Spresco makes amazing coffee accessible to your office with easy coffee machine rentals that come with expert support and flexible options tailored to your needs. Explore our range of types of coffee makers, and we guarantee you’ll be impressed.