For many of us, coffee isn’t just something we casually drink – it’s a way of life.

Some people consider their morning cup of coffee to be an essential part of their routine and find that without it, the day quickly becomes more frustrating in every possible way.

Some offices need a coffee machine continually running in order to keep up productivity and boost everyone’s mood.

Because coffee is such an essential part of our lives and culture, it stands to reason that the coffee machine we use to brew our morning cup (or afternoon cup or evening cup, let’s be honest) is likewise important. The following will break down a few things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a new coffee maker. Of course, everyone’s tastes are a little different so make sure you like the look of the one that you choose and that it fits in the space you intend on keeping the machine.

Sneak A Cup

If you are a true coffee addict, you probably already know about this feature. Some coffee machines have it, while others don’t. There is something called the sneak-a-cup-feature. This means that the machine has an automatic pause on brewing when the pot is removed from the lower chamber.

This feature is designed specifically for those of us who make, let’s say, six cups of coffee first thing in the morning but don’t want to wait for the whole pot to brew before we have our first cup—those of us who are impatient for that first cup. This feature allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee as soon as there’s enough coffee in the pot. You can then put the pot back, and it will continue to brew the rest. You know if you need this feature or not.

Understand Your Quantity Needs

Depending on where you’re keeping the machine and who will be using it, you can get an idea of how much coffee needs to be brewed at one time. For example, in an office setting, you might easily go through 20 to 40 cups of coffee per day.

Once you have an idea of how much coffee you need to be brewing, you can read up about great coffee machine options that suit your quantity needs. If you go too small, people are going to be making coffee non-stop (which can slow down office productivity). If you go too big, you’ll be wasting coffee, water, and electricity—all of which can end up costing you money.

Do You Need Extra Features?

Some coffee machines are straightforward and sweet. Some offer additional features like a milk steamer or an espresso option. Depending on your needs and those of the other people who will be using the machine, you might want to look for some specific features included.

Understand The Cleaning Standards

Whichever machine you are considering, you’ll want to look up what it takes to clean it. Particularly if the machine is going to be used by several people on a daily basis, it’s easy for germs and bacteria to build up within the machine, as well as things like mold and mildew.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and consider the additional cleaning tasks required because of the machine. You’ll also want to note how hard the water is that you’ll be using in the machine; calcium and other mineral deposits can build up slowly over time, changing your coffee’s flavor and how well your machine runs in the future. If the device is going in an office environment, you might also want to look into additional COVID cleaning measures, at least for the time being.

When choosing a coffee maker, take a moment to decide how you like the ritual of your coffee making experience to go. Some of us love taking the time to grind beans and mix and prepare additional ingredients freshly. Some of us want coffee right this second, and we don’t care how we get it. When reading up reviews on coffee makers online, note reviews that specify how long it takes from walking into the room to having the first sip. Again, you know what you can handle.

If kept in mind, the above considerations should help you find the right coffee machine for your situation. Remember, no one knows how you like your coffee better than you do—listen to your instincts and don’t get something you know you’re not going to love.