How to Brew the Best Cup of Coffee

Feb. 19, 2007 —, 2007 -- Americans spend nearly $9 million every year buying their coffee at corner shops and specialty stores. For many people, having the first cup of joe at home could save a lot of money.

Because coffee is only as good as the machine that brews it, Good Housekeeping's executive editor, Judy Coyne, visited "Good Morning America" to reveal the best brewers on the market.

Coyne first laid out the keys to making good coffee:

For best flavor, coffee should brew between 190 degrees and 205 degrees for 90 percent of the time.

A coffeemaker should brew a cup in less than one minute.

The temperature of coffee at the end of brewing and afterward on the hot plate or an insulated carafe should never be below 170 degrees.

The brewer should be electronically safe.

Four of the coffee makers Coyne and Good Housekeeping tested proved to be top performers.

1. Hamilton Beach BrewStation Deluxe -- $80

The BrewStation Deluxe makes 12 cups in 13 minutes, 15 seconds -- just over Good Housekeeping's optimum brewing time. It prepares coffee in an internal chamber, then dispenses coffee on demand into a mug. Spills aren't an issue, and it also makes iced coffee.

2. Mr. Coffee Grind & Brew -- $85

The Grind & Brew makes 12 cups in 11 minutes, 14 seconds. It is best brewer of the four for those who like freshly ground coffee because it has a built-in grinding mechanism. Unlike other grind/brew makers, users can vary the amount of beans used in each batch. The grinding chamber is removable and dishwasher safe.

3. Braun Impressions Design Collection 10 Cup Coffeemaker -- $90

The Braun Impressions brewer makes 10 cups in 9 minutes. It produced the best tasting coffee in the Good Housekeeping tests. Its design is top-notch too. Its stainless steel look is trendy and matches many fridges and stoves. Its stainless steel carafe can be brought to the table to keep the coffee warm and convenient. The brewer kept coffee at the optimum temperature 100 percent of the time, with no overheating.

4. Phillips Senseo Supreme -- $140

The Senseo Supreme makes one to two cups at a time in just 29 seconds. It offers delicious coffee with the kind of froth usually used in cappuccinos, just like a coffee house. It also features an adjustable spout for different-sized mugs and a way to adjust the strength of coffee to taste. The Senseo Supreme kept coffee at perfect temperature during Good Housekeeping's tests. It needs special coffee pods, which cost $3.99 to $4.99 for 16 pods.

Coyne also offered tips on making the perfect cup of coffee.

If your brew is weak or bitter, you may be using too little ground coffee. Try increasing the amount -- up to two tablespoons per cup.

Wait 10 minutes before making a second pot because pouring water into a very hot tank can cause a burst of steam.

Paper filters are better than metal ones. Although reusable filters are less expensive over the long haul, they don't screen out the grounds as well as paper.