Coffee is the beverage often known as the fuel of America’s engine of productivity. It’s not only the breakfast drink of choice, it is also the post-dinner favorite for millions, often substituting for sweet, high-calorie desserts. The brewing of coffee has experienced a number of evolutions over the years. Here are just a few of the ways that individuals use to make this favorite drink today.

1 – Drip Coffeemakers

The drip-style coffee maker has been the standard for many decades because it can deliver multiple cups of coffee in a short time with relative consistency of quality. Drip coffee makers are one of the most economical methods of providing your daily breakfast brew.

2 – Keurig K-Cup Brewing Machines

The Keurig coffee machine produces single cups of coffee and other hot beverages, in a way that maximizes efficiency and reduces waste. The machine forces hot water through the K-cup filter under high pressure and through a filter, to produce a high-quality, flavorful cup of coffee.

Some people find the individual cups of coffee too expensive for large-scale use, but these cups are offered at reduced prices by specialized vendors such as 11th Street Coffee.

3 – French Press Coffee Makers

The French press operates by placing coarsely ground coffee into the device and adding hot water. The mixture is allowed to brew for 2 to 4 minutes. Then, the mesh plunger is pressed down to separate the grounds from the liquid. The French press has the advantage of being fully portable for travel.

4 – Traditional Percolator

The traditional percolator that today’s consumers used is making a comeback because it is a simple way to make coffee inexpensively. Percolators are said to brew a hotter, more flavorful brew, but some people believe it removes some of the subtler elements of the coffee. Percolators are available in both stovetop and electric types.

5 –The Aeropress™

Though traditional methods are found to be the best way to make good coffee, it hasn’t stopped the development of new methods for making this important breakfast and after-dinner beverage. The Aeropress™ puts the coffee in contact with the water for less than 30 seconds, using water heated to a specific temperature, and allows the consumer to have a high level of control over the result.

The coffee is steeped in water for only the first 10 to 15 seconds and then is pressed through the device for the next 20 seconds, in much the same fashion as an espresso machine.

These options offer individuals a variety of ways to make coffee throughout the day. Whether you prefer “old school” methods or the most innovative of designs, you can find a coffee maker to help you get the rich, mellowed flavor coffee-drinkers love.

Even if you have a favorite method, you may wish to try out one of the other ways to make coffee to test the differences. Each method offers both advantages and disadvantages you may want to consider.