TOP 10 WAYS TO MAKE COFFEE:
For many people, coffee isn't just a pick-me-up. Coffee is LIFE! There are many ways to enjoy your cup of Joe, and many different methods of making that cup of liquid happiness. I am going to provide you with 10 different ways to make coffee. The numbered order is this list isn't from best to worst. It is just 10 ways to make coffee, while each one will feature both pros and cons.I will give you my final verdict at the end. I have used every single one of these methods myself to make cups of coffee at home. I highly recommend that you try these out for yourself, and have fun!
I don't own any of these photos, and were used via search for free coffee images.
1. Drip Coffee Maker:
The most recognized way to make coffee is the Drip Coffee Maker. No doubt you have seen this machine in your office, dorms, and in your home. These machines run from very cheap to crazy expensive! You don't need to spend big bucks to get a great cup of coffee. These require filters that are purchased for a cheap price, and you can use any kind of ground coffee that you wish. You might have a machine that wants a specific kind of grind, so you will need to pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends. Pros: This is a very easy, and cost effective way to make coffee. One of the things that I love most about the Drip Coffee Maker is how the coffee stays warm as long as the machine is on, and you have the cradle on the heater. The cons are, they can break easy (but cost effective to replace) and I have heard people complain that the strength of the coffee isn't as strong as they would like it. I think this is a personal preference, and you can buy a stronger coffee if you feel it's too weak for your taste buds.
2: French Press Coffee Maker:
This is a very easy way to make a cup of coffee. However, there is a very important trick to it or you may find the glass shattering. While you are heating your water, make sure to fill up the Press with warm water. That way, if you pour the hot water into the maker, it won't go from cold to hot, quickly. I went through 2 before I was told to do this, and now I have had the same one for years. I really prefer a cup of coffee made by French Press verse a Drip Machine because the coffee is a lot stronger and it seems more smooth. The Pros are it is easy to use, good tasting coffee, and the price per cup of coffee is fairly cheap. There is also relatively no waste since there isn't any filters and you can use the coffee grounds as compost. The Cons: There is no warmer if you have any coffee left over. The French Press can be very expensive, even some of the cheaper versions could be more expensive than a Drip Machine. You also run more of a risk of getting grounds in your coffee.
3. Instant Nescafe:
I know, this is so cheesy, but this is something that we grew up with and the commercials made it seem so elegant. I had to include this on my list! This is very simple to use, and you don't need anything but hot water, a cup, and a package of your choice of Nescafe. The pros is, this is very easy to make and there are many fun flavors to choose from. The cons, you get what you pay for. It may not be the best tasting product, but it is fun to try out once in awhile. 
4. Instant Coffee:
Along the same lines is instant coffee. This is not typically flavored but comes in regular and decaf. Like the Nescafe, all you need is hot water, a cup, and the instant coffee to make a cup. Instant coffee can be affordable, and this is something that many people on the go choose to travel with. Many times, companies have individual packets already measured out per cup so all you have to do is dump and stir. The Pros: This is very easy to use, and it is nice to travel with. The Cons: You risk getting grounds left in your cup that you end up drinking, the taste may not be as good as other ways to make coffee, and the packets can be more expensive than a bag of coffee.
5. Keurig Maker:
Keurig Coffee Makers are still fairly new and have exploded on the coffee scene. Instead of using a filter or just grounds, you have to purchase K Cups. K Cups have coffee inside them, measured out and perfectly ground to get the best result. You use one K Cup per cup of coffee that you want, and there are several size sections on the machine. This is starting to replace many of the Drip Coffee machines in offices and in the home. People equate this to home coffee tasting closer to what you can purchase at a coffee house. The Pros: The coffee is very good, and the machine is very simple to use. You have options of size and you can choose the strength of the cup of coffee you are making by the press of a button. Cons: The machine is expensive, the K Cups are not cheap either. You need to purchase the correct kind of cups to fit into your machine. You get more coffee out of a drip machine than you do a K Cup. The waste is awful for the environment. These little cups are now all over landfills! It is also common that if you find this machine replacing the drip machine in offices, they will charge you per cup to recoup some of their money lost on the expensive cups of coffee.
6. Mr Coffee:
This Mr. Coffee is a bit different than an everyday drip machine. This has a milk wand and this also requires no filter. You can make a very strong cup of coffee and have steamed milk just like at a coffeehouse, except at home. You can use any type of ground coffee that you enjoy, although espresso roast is recommended. This is also very simple to use, just make sure you have enough water to make your coffee, and to fuel your steamer. The Pros: Very easy to use, and this is a professional tasting cup of coffee. This is a lot cheaper than using K Cups, and there is hardly any waste since there are no filters used. This machine is also a excellent value for the price. Cons, It can be difficult to get the hang of using at first, and it doesn't make a lot of coffee at once.
7. Pour Over Coffee:
This is a step up from instant coffee. For this, you need a filter inside of a funnel, hot water, and a cup. You pour coffee over the grounds and let it let it seep for at least 3 minutes. The stronger you want the coffee, the longer you need to let it steep. This is a process so it can take several long minutes to get a cup. Pros: The coffee is fairly good, however, I recommend doing a lighter or blonde blend using this method. I have found that a darker roast tastes weaker when you pour over. This is a easy way to get coffee if you don't have a machine. Cons: This is a process, and you need to monitor the process because you may need to push more water through. It is messy and it is much easier to burn yourself using this process.
8. Coffee Tea Bag:
Another way to make a cup of coffee if you don't have a machine readily available is to make your own coffee, tea bag. Simply get a filter and scoop your desired amount of coffee in the middle. Tie up the filter like a tea bag, with a string, and place into hot water just like you would a tea bag. Let the coffee steep in the hot water for at least 3 minutes, or longer depending on your taste levels. Pros: Easy to do, and a simple fix if you don't have a machine handy. Cons: This can be messy, and the coffee could be weak.
9: Ice Cube Coffee:
This is a popular way to enjoy left over coffee from any of the methods listed above. All you do is take your coffee and pour into a ice cube maker. Freeze the coffee until they are cubes. Place several into a cup of milk, or even a cup of coffee. When the ice melts, you will get a nice drink instead of a watered down coffee. Pros: A nice way to make sure you aren't wasting any coffee. Your coffee drink will not be weak, and this is a simple, fun, summer drink. Con: You have to wait for the cubes to freeze.
10: Professional Coffee System:
If you have several thousands of dollars laying around, and you really love coffee, why don't you invest in a professional machine? I have used these many times during my coffee career and it is one of the best ways to get that cup of coffee you have been dreaming about. There are no filters in this process, but every single machine is different. Pros: Excellent coffee, the cost per cup is not high to make. Cons: Outrageously expensive for the average home, repairing could cost almost as much as the machine. It can be very difficult to learn how to operate.
What is my final verdict? My personal favorite is Mr. Coffee. This is very inexpensive way to get a great cup of coffee, with little waste. While I like how a drip machine makes more coffee at once, and has the burner, Mr. Coffee makes a stronger, smoother cup of coffee overall. I have personally used each of these ways to make coffee and while I like the K Cups, I can't get behind the high cost, and the pure waste. Any cup of coffee can be good, but it's even better when you make it at home. Use some trial and error to find what works best for you. I don't recommend buying the professional system unless you are running a shop, but there are many fine ways to make your favorite cup of Joe every single day!
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