Nespresso or Keurig Individual Drink Machine
The Nespresso and Keurig machines serve the same function but are just different brands. With both, you insert a small cartridge, pictured in the photos above, into the designated spot in the machine, close it, fill the reservoir with water and then push a button and the machine makes you a perfect individual cup of coffee in a matter of just a minute or two. The machines come with varying abilities, so some may only make espressos but with others you can choose from an espresso, small or large cup of coffee depending on your needs in the moment. Additionally, there are countless varieties of cartridges you can buy ranging from normal everyday Green Mountain Coffee Roasters French Roast to special Dunkin' Donuts brand or caramel flavored cartridges. On the down side, the cartridges are relatively expensive and create excessive waste, but these machines are definitely a fun, luxurious and trendy thing to have.
Classic Drip Machine
These are probably the most common way to make coffee. Drip machines are found in many homes as well as restaurants and almost every diner in America. The general idea is to put coffee and water in the proper places and with the touch of a button, an entire pot of your every day coffee in brewed. This is definitely one of the most cost-effective methods, but also one of the less fancy methods.
French Press
I remember growing up my grandmother always had a french press. I always thought it was cheap and weird, but now, after learning more, I have my own as well. The picture above gives about the most detailed instructions you could need to use a french press. The important things about using one is the grind or the coffee and the length of the brewing. French presses work best with a coarsely ground coffee to get the fullest flavor and minimize grounds that make it into the actual coffee you drink. Mastering the art of french pressing is definitely a feat, but once you learn to do it correctly, some argue it produces the best and most pure cup of coffee. Since it's completely in your power when to sink the plunger, you can make it as strong or as weak as you want, just be careful not to make it too watery or over brew it, which has the potential to make it gritty and bitter!
"Pour Over" Filters
These are probably the most simple method in existence. Just put the coffee in the cone shaped filter, and pour boiling water over it into a cup (or pitcher like on the left). This method is kind of like a mixture between a drip machine and a french press. Its like a drip machine in that it brews the coffee by letting boiling water slowly percolate through more finely ground beans, but like a french press in that it's completely manual. This method is perfect for when you're on the go and need a quick, single cup of coffee without the luxury of a Keurig or Nespresso machine.
