Coffee makers.

[Purple Poppy]

I am thinking of buying a coffee maker and need to know what to go for. I think it would need to be a grinder, and not too expensive, but as it's a present, not too cheap either. It's more a question of reliable makes, I suppose. Any one have any suggestions or recommendations? I looked for a site that reviews and compares all types and brands, but there doesn't seem to be one. The reviews I came across seem to be for one particular model.
Here's hoping someone, a coffee drinker preferably can give me a few clues! I don't drink coffee, so I am at a loss!

[Inver]

Are you a member of Which mag....they would have recommendations.

[Purple Poppy]

We were up until a month ago! But cancelled! I don't want to take out a trial again, although I probably could as it's a different computer. I'll think on it. Thanks for reminding me anyway, Diane :)

[Icecream]

I don't know about grinders. We have a senseo machine, that takes coffee pods. They do gorgeous coffees.

[Purple Poppy]

Thanks Emma. I'll have a look :)

[Sarahrob]

I used to have a machine that I was given when at uni, but it was quite temperamental and I could rarely be bothered to clean it and faff about pulling it to bits and putting it back together. A shame, as the coffee from it was gorgeous.

I've ended up giving it away and getting myself a Senseo. It's not the same as fresh ground coffee, but it only takes a minute (literally!) and there is minimal cleaning to be done on it. Oh yes, and it was only £20 in Makro.
Happy days!

What sort are you looking for - a straight filter-type machine or one that will do all your fancy bits as well?

[NiceguyEddie]

I love coffee. We have a Bialatti (http://www.cotswoldco.com/uk-info/kitchen/food_preparation/tools_and_utensils/stove-top_espresso_makers/f162.html?isource=CAW5Z). They are pretty inexpensive and you make the coffee on the stove top. They make the best coffee you will taste anywhere & are a design classic.

We splashed out a tiny bit on a Dualit (http://www.barmey.co.uk/ssl/aspcart/productview.asp?product_id=101988&source=froogle)grinder. It has the advantage of having a proper milling mechanism as opposed to a spinning metal bit, so the coffee gets ground to the right grade.