Drip coffee maker: Make full pots of coffee easily and quickly with a drip coffee maker and ground coffee beans. In most cases, drip coffee makers distribute water evenly over ground beans to produce coffee with intense flavor.

Vacuum-style coffee maker: Vacuum-style coffeemakers have a vintage in feel, using two stacked glass containers. Some versions include modern technology, such as a timer.

Pod coffee maker: Consider a new, convenient pod coffee maker that forces hot water through a pod of ground coffee beans at high pressure. Typically you get a single serving of coffee in each pod and each cup takes only a short time to brew.

Percolator: Make coffee the old-fashioned way with a percolator. Some percolator models are programmable, cordless, or offer other useful features.

Stovetop coffee maker: Consider a stovetop style coffee maker to brew for yourself or just two coffee drinkers. Some consider its style and shape more elegant.

French press: A French press allows coffee and water to steep together in one container. Then a press filters the grounds from the coffee. The French press is a quick way to make a cup or two of freshly-brewed coffee.

Glass carafes: Glass carafes, widely used in electric coffee makers, make it easy to see when coffee is ready or running low. A hot plate or other heating unit keeps the coffee warm. Some models come with adjustable heating units so you can specify the temperature of your brew.

Thermal carafes: Thermal carafes keep your java hotter longer without burning your coffee. They do not use a burner, which makes them portable.

Dual brewing: A dual brewing station, also called a double-pot system, lets you make two pots of coffee at once. It makes a good option for people who want to make regular and decaf or two different types of coffee simultaneously.

Coffee pot size: Keep in mind how many cups you want to brew. If you expect to brew small batches, look for flavor-enhancing features for small pots or pod coffee makers. Single-serve coffee makers are available, as are 4-cup, 5-cup, 8-cup, 10-cup, and 12-cup models.

Built-in grinder: Consider the coffee you'll use. Buy a machine with a built-in grinder if you plan to buy fresh coffee beans and grind them with each pot.

Programmable: Select a programmable coffee maker if you like the idea of having your coffee ready when you wake up.