After rigorously testing 33 coffeemakers last December, Consumer Reports concluded that “they all made decent coffee,” says Bob Karpel, testing-division program leader. So evaluating yours, he says, isn’t a matter of “Is it good?” but rather, “Is it good for your needs?” Does it have the features you require, like a timer if you like waking up to the aroma from a brewing pot, or settings for multiple strengths if your family members’ tastes vary? More important is exactly how you like your coffee. Strong and full-bodied? Try a French press, suggests Kenneth Davids, founder of the Coffee Review (www.coffeereview.com) and author of three books about coffee, including Espresso: Ultimate Coffee (St. Martin’s Griffin, $11 at www.amazon.com). If you like a light-bodied, delicate-tasting cup, Davids suggests trying a machine (such as the Toddy brand) that uses the cold-water concentrate method. Proper brewing temperature is the key to extracting the most flavor, says Mark Prince, founder of CoffeeGeek (www.coffeegeek.com). You can test it with a cooking thermometer — the ideal is 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, and “by the time the coffee hits the carafe, it should be at least 180,” he says. A simpler indicator: “If you pour your first cup and you can drink it right away, it’s too cold.” For best heat retention, Davids suggests a thermal-flask style rather than a pot on a hot plate, because the flavor of “coffee left standing on a hot plate deteriorates rapidly.” One sign a maker is shot: If the coffee suddenly starts to have a plasticky or metallic taste. In that case, brew some water, let it cool, then drink it. If the water tastes fine, change your brand of coffee. If it tastes off, it may be time for a new coffeemaker.