Percolating, or drip coffee makers do their job well, and advancements in filters have largely eliminated the introduction of foreign flavors like metal or paper into the coffee. But it is still hard to beat the bold richness of a properly prepared cup of coffee from a French press.

Also known as a press pot or coffee press, a French press works by using coarsely ground coffee beans and letting them brew in a cylindrical glass jug for several minutes before depressing an affixed plunger to trop the grounds at the bottom of the jug, leaving a beautiful brew for you to enjoy.

Without question, the best coffee makers in the French press arena come from Bodum, a Danish company whose name has become almost synonymous with the French press.

One important thing to remember with a French press: you will need a top notch coffee grinder (or alternatively have your local coffee shop properly grind the beans for you). Like the filtered percolating options on our list of best coffee makers, a French press also requires a specific grind size.

In fact, grind size is even more important with a French press. Too fine a grind and the grounds will easily pass through the wire mesh and find their way into your cup. To large a grind and the richness of the coffee could be affected.

The X1 Espresso Machine is presented in what the manufacturer calls “retro-futuristic” style, and comes in a wide variety of colors. This heavy-duty machine is a bold and commanding presence in any kitchen.

Some of the X1’s features include a wire holder to warm coffee cups waiting to be filled and a gauge for precise temperature control. The X1 works equally well with packaged coffee pods or ground coffee, and can also dispense plain hot water for making tea.

Happy customers describe the X1 as one of the easiest espresso machines to clean, as well as one of the easiest to operate.

Oh, and the coffee’s not bad either. The FrancisFrancis! X1 Espresso Machine produces thick, frothy espresso, and has a superb foamer for those who prefer cappuccino.

The price tag for the X1 is a bit steep, and FrancisFrancis! does make cheaper models of espresso machines. But if you are looking for a top of the line espresso machine, as well as definite conversation starter, then the X1 is one of the very best coffee makers for you.

Keurig is a subsidiary of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and creators of the popular K-Cup single-serve process. A K-Cup is a prepared single serving of coffee packaged in a small plastic cup with a plastic and foil-sealed top. Inside the K-Cup coffee is packed into a small paper filter. K-Cups fit into all Keurig coffee makers, which when activated puncture the foil and plastic K-Cup lid as well as the bottom of the cup and force hot water through the coffee.

K-Cups come in a variety of flavors, and are today produced by a number of different coffee companies for use with this unique addition to our list of best coffee makers. That is very good news for lovers of flavored coffee, as you can easily try one flavor and then another without worrying about wasting half a pot of coffee.

Keurig coffee makers are sleek and modern in design, easy to clean and maintain, and produce a perfect cup of coffee every time, making them literally some of the best coffee makers around, provided you don’t need more than one cup at a time. In addition to being great for home use, this unique function also makes Keurig machines the best coffee makers for offices.