The average American consumes 3 cups of coffee a day, making me average in coffee consumption. Yet, I've realized that I love owning a Bodum pour over coffee maker and a 12 cup coffee maker. Which I'm sure makes me unique in a good way.
If you happen to love coffee as I do, then keep on reading!
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Why I own a 12 cup coffee maker
In the morning, I use my 12 cup coffee maker for the convenience of auto programming. And I love waking up to freshly brewed coffee.
I've always owned one, and this is what I know. Let's consider the fact that for most of my life, I've consumed coffee made in a 12 cup coffee maker by Mr. Coffee, and that isn't going to change. However, given my experience with Bodum's pour over, I may give their 12 cup Bistro model a try in the future.
The majority of 12 cup coffee makers fall under the $100 price range, making them inexpensive considering they typically last years. And while there are models that are $100 plus, I don't see the need as my coffee ultimately tastes the same regardless of the fancy $300 coffee machine.
The sole reason I own a 12 cup coffee maker is the convenience it provides. I can preprogram coffee before bed, I have coffee ready in the morning, it smells great when I wake up, and I'm typically in a rush and ready to start my day. I also find it essential that my coffee maker turns off automatically. This is what I need and nothing more and at a price point that makes sense.
I do not need a stainless steel coffee carafe to keep coffee warm for hours, nor do I need a special pot. I make about 6-8 cups for two people, preprogrammed, and it is all gone within an hour of waking up. Nor am I a fan of wasting half a pot of coffee.
I believe this sums up the average coffee drinker and 12-cup coffee maker. And what comes next is likely just as new to you as it was to me.
Why I own a Bodum pour over
I use my pour over coffee maker in the afternoon or evening for the unbelievable taste. When brewing the same coffee, it tastes twice as good as my machine.
I would have never thought of buying a pour over coffee maker myself, which is why I believe writing this makes a lot of sense. I was gifted a double-walled Bodum pour over that can handle 8 cups, which led to the following.
Up to this point, writing this was easy. However, I find myself lost for words to describe the effect this had on my daily life. I'd sum this up as a routine changing, life-changing, and very positive experience overall. I only wish I had found out about this earlier.
Looking at this exact Bodum model now, I see it is only $49.99, which is more than reasonable. And there appear to be a lot of options between the $20 - $50 range.
My afternoon or evening routine is when I use my pour over coffee maker. And while you might think it takes a long time, it doesn't. I find I brew about 6-8 cups in about the same time as waiting for my machine. The tiny downside is that I have to monitor it for a few minutes vs. being completely hands-off. While I'm brewing my afternoon coffee, I set up my 12-cup coffee maker for the morning.
The main reason my routine and life have changed is the taste. While I find it difficult to explain this logically, I find my afternoon coffee is twice as good as my morning coffee. The flavor stands out, the coffee is smooth, and it just sets the tone for my afternoons, which is what my morning coffee does when I wake up, just in a different manner.
What is your favorite coffee?
I'm currently in love with Organic Rainforest Blend from SF Bay Coffee. I buy the 2lb whole bean bag, use it in my 12 cup machine and my Bodum pour over coffee maker. This is the coffee bean I mentioned tastes twice as good in my pour over.
Do you buy ground or whole coffee beans?
I only buy whole coffee beans. A few years back, I watched a documentary about coffee, and it opened my eyes to the downsides of ground coffee. If you enjoy coffee at all, stick with whole beans and pour over coffee whenever possible. The flavor and aroma of ground beans are uplifting.
My exact coffee grinder is the Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill, which suits my needs fine for my Bodrum pour over coffee maker and 12 cup machine on medium or medium-fine.
What are your thoughts on paper coffee filters?
Paper filters are a thing of the past. Permanent stainless steel filters are superior in every way and promote sustainability. You'll also find coffee made without a paper filter is always just a little better. You can't go wrong with this Bodum pour over coffee maker and fitted stainless steel mesh filter.
Here is a quick recap of products I use personally:
- Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker, currently $24.99 with 23,000+ reviews
- Bodum Pour Over 8-Cup Coffee Maker with mesh coffee filter, currently $49.99 with 21,000+ reviews
- Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill, currently $59.95 with 22,000+ reviews
- Organic Rainforest Blend, 2 lb Bag, currently $17.99
Final thoughts
Overall owning a Bodum pour over and 12 cup coffee maker works for me for several reasons. They are both inexpensive and last for years. The 12-cup coffee maker meets my morning coffee requirements for convenience, while the Bodum pour over coffee maker meets my afternoon requirements for taste. If you happen to try this or already use a pour over, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Coffee recommendations
I'm always on the lookout for new coffee to try. If you have a favorite coffee and genuinely love it, please let me know.
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