I've done a couple of semi-reviews on coffee makers, but nothing like I had intended when I started writing about them in the first place. Unlike the Netbook Virtual Reviews I'll soon be starting, I really can't think of a legitimate way to rate coffee makers.

What kinds of coffee makers?

That's a good question. The most common type you see nowadays is the automatic drip coffee maker, but it's not the only kind.

Although not seen in quite the same quantities, coffee percolator is still sold. Somehow I doubt you'll find them still made of glass.

There are some other types, but I can't name them at the moment. Some are for home use and some are for commercial use, like the kind used by Starbucks and Seattle's Best.

Coffee Maker Selection Factors

This is why I don't think I can rate them. Some people prefer the 12-cup coffee makers while others prefer 4-cup coffee makers. Still others prefer the single cup coffee makers like those made by Keurig.

Some coffee makers use paper filters and some have permanent, metal filters. Obviously, the ones with the permanent filters should be more expensive, right? Not necessarily so.

The coffee pot itself, or the carafe, could be made of glass or some other material. You would assume those made of glass would be cheaper, but that's not necessarily true either.

Pricing is a factor that doesn't seem to follow any standards. I've seen cheaply made coffee makers sell for more than well built coffee makers. Is it the brand name, reputation or some other facet that dictates the prices? I guess I won't know until I look at quite a few.

The best way?

I guess the best thing I can do is describe what I'm seeing and then try to relay my thoughts about it and whether I think it would be a good buy or not. In my opinion, a good coffee maker shouldn't be a major investment but it shouldn't be so cheap that it doesn't last.

Of course, it also depends on location. Some people get stuck with limited choices and I think I'm one of them.

• The DeLonghi DCF212T Coffee Maker
• The Coffee Percolator, An Old-Fashioned Coffee Maker
• Mr. Coffee – The First Automatic Drip Coffee Maker for Home Use
• How I Plan to Save Money by Buying a Coffee Maker
• The Cuisinart DCC-1150 Coffee Maker