With the amount of money Americans spend at coffee shops each year, it's no surprise that at-home machines are rising to meet the demand—providing gourmet flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen for less. Whether you're looking for a coffee machine because you want to limit spending on specialty lattes, because you're moving out on your own or just because you're ready for an upgrade, read on to learn how to choose a coffee maker that suits your needs, taste and lifestyle.

Your first step is to decide whether you want a manual or automated device. How involved do you want to be in the process? You may only want to push a button for a quick beverage you can then take with you in a travel mug. Simple single cup and drip coffee machines call for minimal prep. Espresso machines, though they typically require grinding fresh beans, do the brewing work for you. Perhaps you enjoy fully customizing the taste of your coffee through the brewing process and don't mind spending a little extra time to get it just right. For those who want to savor the experience or charm guests, a manual device might be the way to go. If you're a coffee connoisseur, these manual methods—from pour over to French press—allow you to customize brew strength and roast, as well as work with home-ground or store-ground beans. You can ensure even extraction of the coffee grounds by controlling the flow of hot water and adjusting the brew time and water temperature just the way you like it. Some of these methods also require a few essential tools for a quality gourmet cup: a gooseneck kettle, paper filters, food scale, grinder, thermometer and timer help you get the ratios, temperature and timing right.

Drip coffee makers are classic industry standards for a reason: they have the reputation of making a mellow cup of joe with no frills. With this type of appliance, you can customize the experience though your bean type—choosing between light, medium and dark roasts, in addition to decaf brews (or mix decaf and caffeinated grounds for a low-caffeine option). Drip coffee machines boast another advantage: the time-saving ability to use store-bought ground coffee. Though they do require measuring into the filter and adding water to the reservoir, the process is nowhere near as precise as manual methods, and is simple enough that it can be done while half-asleep and under-caffeinated, or the night before. Prefer the taste of freshly ground whole beans? Some drip coffee machines even offer integrated grinding. With the touch of a button, they automate the process by measuring and grinding a just-right amount of coffee beans, pouring them into the filter and brewing a pot of coffee.

Regarding size, drip coffee machines usually brew a traditional pot-full—ideal for a family of coffee drinkers or for entertaining. Typically served in a mug, this variety provides 70-185 milligrams of caffeine per serving, depending on the bean type, brew setting and size. Customize the taste by adding your favorite sweetener and creamer. Or, enjoy a strong brew over ice in the summer for a cooler option. Many of these coffee makers are also equipped with a hot pad to keep extra coffee warm in between servings (or for family members with staggered wake-up times). Alternatively, some appliances offer thermal carafes that keep your java hot without adding additional heat, which can burn the coffee if left unattended too long.