There are two different types of coffee, including Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica is used most often because it contains less caffeine than Robusta and has a better taste. Arabica coffee is commonly used in very fine blends of coffee.

• If you are looking to buy roasted beans then there are a greater number of categories which are available to you. You can buy a light roast beans which are acidic and are highly caffeinated beans.
• Medium roast beans are also known as an American roast, these are a little darker and are much more popular. Most of the coffee chains use this type of bean. It's not exactly the best type of coffee in the baristas eyes.
• Dark roast also known as City are only normally seen in specialist coffee shops. These have less caffeine and acid. These cups of coffee are not as bitter, they are often a little sweet. Most espressos will use these types of beans.
• Another type of roasting technique is the French roast. These are very dark brown beans which have sheen to them. You should make sure you're not just buying burnt beans though! You can check this out by smelling the beans.

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There are two basic types of coffee grinders: burr and steel blade. Burr grinders tend to be more expensive, but make a better cup of coffee. Many companies make both types to suit all customers. Braun grinders get good ratings in both categories in coffee grinder reviews.

The burr coffee bean grinder design is the best for most brewing; they consistently get high marks in coffee grinder reviews. The grinding process results in less heat, which results in more flavour. Burr grinders can be adjusted for different degrees of fineness, which allows you to get the consistency you want. Each burr grinder has its own range as far as the different fineness settings, with some better for an espresso machine and others for a traditional drip coffee maker. Check when purchasing to be sure you’re getting the right grinder for your needs.

Blade grinders use steel blades and have electric motors to grind coffee beans. The degree of fineness is determined by how long the machine is left on during the grinding process. More heat results from this process, which results in a loss of aroma and flavour in the finished product. A blade grinder is less expensive and for this reason are most often used in homes.

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There are the very popular filter machines, French press and stovetop espresso coffee makers. There are glass carafe coffee makers, thermal carafe coffee makers, some industrial sizes with two pots that brew at the same time. If you are into espresso did you know that there are three different types of espresso makers to choose from? Steam, pump or piston. How about the coffee maker that makes you one individual cup of coffee?

Then, to complicate it even more there is the decision of what you want the coffee maker to do other than brew coffee!!! Do you want your coffee maker to have a pause so that you can pull the pot out for your first cup before it is finished brewing? Or, do you want your coffee maker to have the coffee ready for you when you get up? Do you want to be able to grind your own beans? If yes, do you want a separate coffee bean grinder or do you want one that is built right into the coffee maker? If you say yes, do you want your coffee maker to figure out just the right amount of ground coffee for the amount of water you choose? How about the strength of coffee? There are machines that let you choose how strong they brew your coffee. Some have built in water filters. Some have auto turn offs. Some allow you to use a permanent filter rather than deal with messy paper filters.

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• Look for an old-fashioned, dependable brand.
• Choose a Dark Roast or Red Label.
• Experiment with Turkish coffee.
• Buy flavorings and spices. 
• Keep trying different instant coffee brands.
• Be prepared to pay more.
• Boil milk instead of adding cold milk. 

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