Introduction

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally and there are different ways to produce it. However, all coffee makers use a high amount of electricity to get the job done.

Now, the question arises. Why do coffee dispensing machines consume high quantity of electricity? After all, making a cup of java doesn’t take that much time or effort. In this article, we’ll look at how coffee makers function and why they use so much electricity?

How Does A Coffee Maker Work? 

Contrary to popular belief, the process of making a cup of coffee is pretty simple. The first step is to grind the beans into a fine powder and pass water through them. This process requires the machine to go through a number of different steps. 

1) Measure out coffee grounds in a small compartment of the machine before adding water.
2) Put on the lid with a heated handle (if necessary).
3) Turn on power to boil water.
4) Allow water to boil and pass through coffee grounds into the carafe.
5) Let the coffee drip down through the carafe into your cup. During this step, you need to ensure that there is always a small amount of coffee in your pot, or else it will go bitter.

How Much Electricity Is Consumed for a Single Serving?

One cup of coffee uses between 1.5 and 2 kWh of energy, depending on the type of coffee maker you use. On average, a coffee maker uses about three to four kilowatts for each cup of coffee it makes. The consumption of energy depends on the intensity of the brewed coffee and the usage of the machine. It also depends on how much current capacity is delivered to the coffee maker. 

There are plenty of ways to develop energy-efficient coffee machines. Read on to find out a few simple tips that will help you gain control over your electricity bill for coffee makers.

1) Unplug the Coffee Maker When Not in Use.

This is the best way to conserve energy in the long run and especially for people living in apartments. The appliance itself can also make a lot of noise while in use, which wastes energy and time.

2) Turn the Appliance off After Each Use.

This is an effective habit that most people can adopt. Run the coffee machine until it is empty. Then remove the filter and grounds and allow the machine to drip a couple of times before unplugging it. Many people also clean their coffee maker out after every use, which is even better.

3) Buy An Energy-Efficient Coffee Maker 

There are many different coffee makers on the market, from economy models to high-end Espresso machines. But when it comes to saving energy, mid-range models are a great choice. If you can’t afford to buy a high-end model, consider buying a cheaper one that will cost less to operate. You can also consider using a French press or an American coffee maker instead of an automatic drip coffee maker because they require less electricity.

Type of Energy Efficient Coffee Makers 

1) Drip Coffee Makers

This is a less expensive version of a coffee maker. It strips the water out of the beans and, in turn, makes a stronger version of coffee without much flavor. These machines are great for small households but produce high intensity noise while in operation. However, if you have small children, you may want to get a pod coffee maker instead.

2) Pod Coffee Makers

Pod coffee makers are a great alternative to drip coffee makers because they are more efficient. They extract the liquid from the ground beans and then fill the cup with hot water. These machines can hold about 200-300 pods simultaneously, which is enough for most households. They also produce less noise than drip models.

3) Automatic Drip Coffee Makers

If you want a bit more from your coffee machine, an automatic drip coffee maker is an ideal choice. It extracts and heats the water just like a pod machine. However, it also controls the amount of brew generated. They are ideal for impatient coffee drinkers who want their cup at a specific temperature.

4) Single Serve Coffee Makers

This coffee maker has a stylish look and is popular among customers. It is convenient to use and only delivers one cup at a time, making it an ideal choice for small families. These machines work with low-noise features and are user-friendly. They come in different styles so you can find one that fits your needs.

Top Energy-Efficient Coffee Makers Brands 

1) Mr. Coffee drx5 Coffee Maker ​

Mr. Coffee DRX5 is a user-friendly and economical coffee maker that is suitable for small families. This machine comes with a water reservoir that is easily accessible and there is also a steam wand for making coffee. The machine also offers an option to use cappuccino and latte following your choice of milk type. 

2) Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker

This coffee maker has a classic design and is efficient in delivering coffee. The machine is quiet and compact with several features including an 18-hour timer for brewing, 60-liter water reservoir, brew pause, temperature gauge and separate brew and hot water dispenser.

3) De’Longhi bco120t Combination Coffee Brewer and Espresso Machine

This machine can brew coffee and Espresso at the same time. It features a stainless steel and black exterior and a water inlet filter. There is also a self-priming system that provides high pressure for a perfect cup of coffee.

How to Care For Your Coffee Maker?

Cleaning your coffee maker may seem like a daunting task but it’s actually quite simple and easy. This procedure helps the electrical appliance to function with a longer life span and work efficiently with minimal maintenance issues. Here are some tips for working out different cleaning options.

Cleaning Tips

1) Clean the Screen Filter

Usually found in most drip coffee makers, this is a fine mesh filter that helps screen out any large particles from getting into your machine and ruining the flavor of the coffee. While it’s not necessary to clean this out every time, you can do so after every or every few brews. Simply turn off the machine and allow all of the water and grounds to drain out. Then pop out the filter and clean it with a damp sponge.

2) Clean the Internal Piping of the Machine

This is usually found on either the top or bottom of the coffee maker. Use a soft brush to clear out all of the gunk from inside the tubes which can build up over time. You should also wipe down the interior of the tube with a wet sponge to remove any leftover coffee particles. This can also help prevent your machine from malfunctioning.

3) Clean the Inside of Your Machine

This is ideal when you feel like your machine does not work as efficiently as it used to. Pour your water into the reservoir, close the lid and press the power button. This will involve a detachable filter that should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and then allowed to dry before being replaced. 

4) Clean the Outside of Your Machine

You should use a damp cloth and wipe down the outside of your coffee maker. This will help remove any fingerprints, water spots or other residues that might be present on it. You’ll want to avoid using an abrasive cleaner because it could damage the finish on your machine.

Conclusion

Coffee makers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home. The coffee makers featured in this article are all energy-efficient, which means you can save up to 75% of your energy use without compromising on the quality of your coffee. The most significant features to look for in an energy-efficient coffee maker are durability and ease of use.  

If you’re a big fan of coffee, you might want to consider investing in an Espresso maker to enjoy the best coffee experience that your machine can produce. However, the best advice we can give you is to do your research before buying the best coffee maker.

We hope you find the right coffee maker to save you money & energy. Remember that the best energy-efficient coffee makers are usually the pricier models, but it’s worth it.