Figuring out which is the best coffee maker will often depend on the factors of size, features, price and brand. This article will set forth some steps on how to help whittle down the myriad of choices to a few.

- Determine the size needed: Taking a good hard look at the people who will use the coffee maker and their coffee drinking habits will be the first step. Is someone an occasional coffee drinker or a hardcore coffee addict? Is the need for coffee constant throughout the day, requiring a larger coffee maker, or is there time to brew a cup when desired? The number of coffee drinkers they coffee maker will service, how much they drink and how often is a key determining factor in buying a new coffee maker.

- Decide on the desired features: From a simple machine that will brew one cup at a time to something that looks more at home in a fancy coffee shop, the range of features can be mind boggling. After determining the size of coffee maker desired, one should take a look at what the either needed or desired feature set. Timers, heat settings, brew settings, and many more are available. It is important to not over-buy, while at the same time not get something that is too basic to fulfill the coffee drinker’s needs.

- Set a price limit: Once the size and features are out of the way, the next factor in choosing a coffee maker is setting a price. While there are serviceable cheaper models available, some will opt for the luxury models. Whatever the budget, it is optimal to set one and then stick to it before walking into the store and being dazzled by the finery on display.

- Choose a brand: No-name or fancy, serviceable or pretentious, researching and choosing a brand or two is a good idea. One doesn’t need to be set on only buying a coffee maker from Brand X and never from Brand Y, but a good knowledge of some of the choices is recommended. Once the brand is narrowed down or chosen the new coffee maker isn’t far away.