Quality coffee makers brew best coffee, testers find

For a lot of people, coffee is a must-have in the morning, but at $3 or more bucks per cup at coffee shops, many budgets struggle to support the need.

Coffee connoisseurs average three cups a day, according to Consumer Reports. So, home coffee makers can help keep the habit in check, as long as it's a quality machine.

In tests, Consumer Reports measured how well coffee makers keep water between 195 and 205 degrees.

A single-serve pod maker keeps it simple and easy. Consumer Reports recommends this Delonghi for $130.

Pods are really convenient but the flavor doesn't compare to other coffee makers," said Consumer Reports Home Editor Paul Hope. "Plus, they get expensive, and they’re less environmentally friendly.”

If you prefer a drip coffee make, the Hamilton Beach is a Consumer Reports Best Buy for $25.

For a budding barista, the $100 iCoffee is an electric version of a French press. Consumer Reports says it’s very easy to use and clean.

Another good option is the Chemex pour-over brewer. The brewer's heavy paper filters are designed to regulate water flow and keep coffee grounds and other undesirable flavors out. 

“Our expert coffee tasters gave coffee brewed in the Chemex high marks for complexity, acidity and overall quality," Hope said.

Consumer Reports said good beans will make a difference, too. For that, testers looked at Ethiopian coffee. The Green Mountain Organic Ethipoian Coffee earned high marks for pod machines, and Trader Joe's Organic Fair Trade Ethiopian coffee topped the list for drip makers.