About the Author
Kate Neville
Grind and brew coffee makers are famous for their ability to make coffee that has the best available flavor. That's because this type of coffee machine starts by grinding the beans. That might not seem like a big deal, but it actually makes a difference. Fresh ground coffee is the best and most delicious. Preground beans begin to lose their best flavor right away, especially if not kept cold. That means that in the long run, coffee that sits on the shelf in a bag or a can will be inferior to coffee that's fresh ground.
Of course, you can always maintain a separate coffee grinder to use with your machine. However, that means cleaning two different appliances, as well as giving up the counter space for both. If you'd like to be more efficient about space and effort, a grind and brew coffee maker will make getting fresh ground, full flavored coffee a lot easier. Made by familiar brands like Brewmaster, Farberware, Cuisinart, Kitchenaid, Bunn and Jura, as well as plenty of others, these great machines are easy to find. They're also simple to use, and in many cases, easier to clean than a conventional coffee machine.
The only downside of using a grind and brew coffee maker is that most of these machines grind coffee using blades. For ordinary brewing, this isn't a problem. However, a dedicated coffee grinder uses burrs for this process instead of blades, producing a more even and consistent product. If you would like to make cappuccino, or other specialty coffee drinks, this can be a problem. However, there are some espresso, latte, and cappuccino machines that include a grinder as well, allowing you to make these specialty coffees as part of a one step process.
Most grind and brew coffee makers come with a number of useful features, like easy cleaning, overflow protection, temperature control and auto-shutoff, and even dishwasher safe components. You'll be able to give up using expensive, non eco-friendly filters with some grind and brew coffee makers, since they include their own filter basket. Just dump and rinse it after each pot to keep your machine working at its best. If you'd love to enjoy fresher, richer tasting coffee without a lot of extra hassle, consider getting a grind and brew coffee maker. These machines make your morning coffee easier and a lot more delicious. See which models are available at your local store, or look online for more information.
Published by Kate Neville on July 5, 2008 09:57 PM