What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine?
The main distinguishing feature of the coffee machine is its autonomy. The drink is prepared automatically; the machine is capable of measuring the amount of coffee (beans or ground), water, and grinding the beans independently.
The microprocessor that controls the coffee machine regulates the strength and volume of the drink. Software settings allow you to choose coffee for every taste: latte, cappuccino, Americano, etc. The required volume and temperature can also be set with one touch.
Cross-section of a coffee machine.
Many coffee machines are equipped with self-cleaning and self-diagnosis functions, which significantly extends the life of the device. Modern models provide remote control and individual settings: the machine remembers several favorite recipes.
Coffee makers are mechanical devices in which the coffee preparation process requires human intervention. To brew a drink, you need to measure the required amount of grains or powder, pour water, and pour into cups. Coffee makers cannot prepare different types of drinks; they usually produce one type of coffee. However, many users are satisfied with this option, because it gives room for imagination. People are often attracted by the compact size and cost of a coffee maker.
What types of coffee machines are there?
There are several varieties available, each with its own characteristics:
- carob. Available equipment with a semi-automatic control type that even a beginner can understand. Carob technology is more classified as coffee makers. It is called so because it is equipped with a holder horn where ground coffee is placed. Next, a button is pressed and the machine pours the drink into the cup. Often the body of carob coffee machines is made of metal. There are also plastic cases, but this material affects the taste of the finished coffee;
- capsule It is called so because it works from capsule containers in which ground coffee is already poured. During the preparation of the drink, the capsule is pierced and hot water flows through the hole. The price of capsules is high, especially for the original ones. And yet, this type of coffee machine is in demand, as it minimizes human participation;
- pod. Similar to capsule coffee, only instead of plastic capsules, pods are loaded - bags of compressed coffee. The advantage is faster preparation of the drink;
- espresso machine. This coffee machine is also compared to a combination of a carob coffee machine and a coffee grinder. Coffee beans are poured inside the equipment, they are ground and placed in a holder. The built-in coffee grinder allows you to prepare different types of coffee, but this will require skill;
- automatic coffee machine. The procedure for preparing a drink in such machines is fully automated. Only the strength and volume are selected. Large, expensive, but performing their duties quickly and efficiently.
To choose the right device, it is not enough to know only the existing types. There are a number of criteria to consider.
Turka (Cezva)
Description. The name Cezva comes from the Turkish word Cezve, which means “hot coal”. Turka is a conical vessel with thick walls, wide at the base and tapering at the top. The container can be steel or ceramic, but the best option is considered to be a copper cezve. Copper products look aesthetically pleasing and retain heat well. The special long handle allows you to prepare coffee without the risk of getting burned.
Turk.
Manufacturers offer not only regular cezves, but also electric ones. This pot is convenient for brewing coffee in an office where there is no source of open fire, but there are lovers of oriental coffee. But you still have to monitor the cooking process, because otherwise the liquid will run away. Cezves with a timer help solve this problem.
Electric Turk.
Operating principle and features . To prepare the drink, pour ground coffee into a container, add sugar or salt, and spices, depending on the recipe. The finest coffee grinds are used in cezves. But making Turkish coffee requires a certain level of skill. Since the Turkish drink can escape, it is necessary to control the optimal temperature.
What kind of coffee can you get ? The Turk makes excellent Turkish or Arabic coffee.
Who is it suitable for ? Turks are usually used by people who prefer the traditional method of making coffee and have certain skills in how to prepare this coffee.
Pros of Turki (Cezva)
- Compact dimensions;
- Low cost;
- Possibility of adding spices when preparing a drink;
- Versatile (suitable for heating other liquids).
Cons of Turki (Cezva)
- The need to track cooking time;
- Sediment in a cup.
Non-electric coffee makers
There are a huge number of types of coffee makers that do not operate on electricity. However, in all cases, the main inconvenience is that you have to actively monitor the coffee. There is much less opportunity to leave the coffee to prepare and go about your business.
Photo: ru.wikipedia.org
The main types of such coffee makers are classic Turk, French press, and geyser. There are also methods such as pour over and Chemex (their principle is similar to the principle of operation of a drip coffee maker - boiling water is “poured” through a filter with coffee). The geyser coffee maker deserves interest. It has a rather unusual operating principle: this “coffee pot” has two bowls. The lower one is for water, the upper one is for the finished drink. Between them is a container for ground coffee. When heated, the water evaporates, and through the tube, the steam, passing through the coffee, enters the upper container. Such models, by the way, are not only “classic” - for cooking on the stove, but also electric.
Maxim Matveev
Society
French press
Description. A French press is a glass-shaped container made of glass, ceramic or metal. The device is used to produce tea, coffee, and herbal infusions.
French press.
Operating principle and features . To get an aromatic drink, pour ground coffee into the bottom of a heated flask and pour in hot water. The top of the French press is tightly closed with a lid with a built-in pusher, at the end of which a stainless steel filter is attached. It is best to use a mixture of coarse and medium grind coffee.
A tightly closed lid maintains a high temperature, allowing the drink to brew quickly. The filter is slowly moved down the flask, thereby filtering out the grounds from the drink. The sediment is pressed against the filter, and the drink is poured into a heated bowl.
Making coffee.
Prepared coffee in a French press.
What kind of coffee can you get ? Filter coffee.
Who is it suitable for ? The drink prepared in a French coffee maker will be appreciated by coffee lovers with a rich taste. The aroma of refined varieties is revealed especially well.
pros
- Convenient control of cooking time;
- No over-extraction due to sub-boiling temperature;
- Rich aroma.
Minuses
- The need to heat the flask;
- Fast cooling of coffee.
Purover
Description . The method of brewing coffee with hot water through a special filter attracts many with its regularity and aesthetic appearance, reminiscent of a tea ceremony.
There are several types of pour over, the most common include:
Hario. The equipment is a funnel with one hole in the bottom, onto which a paper, fabric or metal mesh filter is placed.
Hario pourover.
Kalita. To prepare coffee, a funnel with a ribbed surface and three holes in the flat bottom is used. Corrugated paper is placed in the funnel. The water is retained a little in the vessel, so the coffee is brewed better and more aromatic.
Kalita pourover.
Operating principle and features . Hot water is poured onto the filter with medium-ground coffee poured in a uniform spiral motion. To prevent the process from happening too quickly, choose a kettle with a long, thin spout.
What kind of coffee can you get ? Slowly pouring hot water over the ground coffee produces rich, filtered coffee.
Who is it suitable for ? The preparation method is suitable for lovers of filtered coffee for one cup.
Pros of pour over
- Aesthetics of the brewing process;
- Minimum equipment (filter and kettle with water);
- Strong aromatic drink.
Disadvantages of pour over
- Longer brewing time than other methods.
Chemex
Description . A simple-looking but effective device for brewing coffee was invented by the American chemist Schlumbom. In 1941, this passionate fan of the drink was looking for an opportunity to prepare coffee right at his workplace, in the laboratory. The scientist placed a glass funnel on the flask and connected them using a strip of leather.
Then the chemist began to improve the device. The flask had a spout that made pouring the drink easier and also allowed air to escape. A small protrusion made on the flask accurately indicated half the volume of the vessel. The two parts were connected by a special wooden clamp with leather strapping. Today, plastic is often used instead of leather.
Chemex.
Operating principle and features . The brewing method of a Chemex is similar to a pour-over. The filter, which fits tightly to the walls, prevents prolonged contact between water and ground coffee. The cooking process seems very simple at first glance, but it has its own subtleties. To brew in a Chemex, you need to use only freshly roasted and ground beans. Recommended proportions are 30g of coffee per 540 ml of hot water. If you deviate from these rules, you will have to select the degree of grinding.
Before cooking, a filter is inserted into the funnel, which must be opened so that one side, which has three layers, faces the spout. Boiled water should be cooled to 95°C or allowed to boil just until it bubbles.
When grinding coffee, you need to make sure that it does not turn out too thin. The consistency should resemble sea salt.
To remove any possible papery taste, you should first pour water into the filter before pouring in the coffee, which should then be thrown away. After this, powder is poured onto the bottom of the filter and smoothed with light shaking.
In order for the coffee to reveal its full aroma, you must first spill a little water on a layer of powder to remove carbon dioxide. This process is also called flowering. After waiting 30 seconds, you can pour out the remaining water with careful spiral movements.
To ensure high-quality pouring of filter coffee, you should choose a kettle with a long narrow spout. This makes it much easier to regulate the water flow. When spilling, you need to turn the device to remove coffee from the walls of the filter. All that remains is to remove the filter and shake the coffee maker a little so that the coffee is saturated with oxygen.
The process of making coffee in a Chemex
What kind of coffee can you get ? The taste and aroma of the drink resembles espresso.
Who is it suitable for ? Coffee brewed in a Chemex will be appreciated by lovers of a strong drink without bitterness.
Pros of Chemex
- Availability of use;
- Compactness;
- Excellent taste of the resulting coffee;
- Convenient cleaning.
Cons of Chemex
- Cooking time is too long (about 5 minutes).
Geyser coffee maker
Description. Geyser-type coffee makers appeared almost a hundred years ago. The Italian Bialetti designed an unusual device back in 1933. At the same time, the entrepreneur founded the production of coffee pots of this type. They can be made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Traditional geyser coffee makers, which can be heated on gas stoves, have an octagonal shape. The device consists of three elements:
- lower container into which water is poured;
- the middle perforated one, where ground coffee is placed;
- the top one, where the finished drink is poured.
On sale you can find electric models that do not require the use of open flame. A heating element is built into the bottom of the lower part of the device.
Electric geyser coffee maker.
Operating principle and features.
Water is poured into the lower vessel, which is equipped with a valve, at a level slightly below the valve. The middle part is filled with ground medium-ground coffee beans. The powder layer is not heavily compacted so that the filtration pores do not become clogged. The top is then screwed on and the coffee maker is placed on the fire. During the boiling process, water passes through the powder and collects as finished coffee at the top of the coffee maker.
The process of making coffee in a geyser coffee maker
What kind of coffee can you get ? The coffee maker prepares one type of coffee, although recently manufacturers tried to introduce a geyser that makes cappuccino, but the foam is not stable. The drink is strong, does not contain sediment, and tastes like espresso.
Who is it suitable for ? For those who love the deep and rich taste of coffee.
Pros of a geyser coffee maker
- Ease of use;
- Acceptable price;
- Coffee does not flood the stove and does not burn;
- No sediment in the drink;
- Compactness;
- High quality coffee;
- No scale is formed;
- Wide range of coffee makers.
Disadvantages of a geyser coffee maker
- One drink recipe;
- You have to prepare the same number of servings;
- Lack of indication of product readiness;
- Cannot be washed in the dishwasher;
- The model should be selected according to the type of slab.
AeroPress coffee maker
Description. This simple coffee brewer consists of two cylinders, one of which is slightly smaller in diameter. A metal mesh is attached to the end of the main glass, onto which a paper filter is placed.
The device appeared only in the 21st century, but is already popular among coffee connoisseurs. It was developed by the American engineer A. Adler. The main goal of creating a new type of coffee maker was to quickly prepare one serving of drink.
Operating principle and features . To prepare the drink, take boiled water, cooled to approximately 80°C. The filter is placed in the cap and screwed to the main flask, which is placed above the mug. Finely ground coffee is poured into the container through a funnel.
First, one-third of the water is poured onto the powder so that the coffee “blooms,” that is, it gets wet and releases carbon dioxide. Then add the rest of the water and stir for 10 seconds. A second one is inserted into the main flask and, gently pressing it, the drink is pressed into the cup. The recommended dose of coffee for one cup of espresso is two teaspoons.
The process of making coffee in an AeroPress coffee maker
What kind of coffee can you get ? In addition to the main types of coffee - espresso and Americano - you can prepare cold coffee in a press. But this will take about one minute instead of 10 seconds.
Who is it suitable for ? The coffee maker is suitable for those who prefer strong, quick brew coffee. The device does not take up much space, you can take it with you to the office or out of town.
Advantages of the AeroPress coffee maker
- It is possible to prepare espresso and Americano;
- Ease of use;
- Ease of care;
- Cooking speed;
- Portability.
Cons of the AeroPress coffee maker
- Requires force;
- All elements must be cleaned after use.
Drip coffee maker (filtration, Americano)
Description. This reliable and simple device has been used by coffee lovers for over 200 years. The year of creation of the drip coffee maker is considered to be 1800, when the French Archbishop de Bellois connected two containers placed on top of each other. A filter bag containing ground coffee was placed between the vessels. Hot water was poured into a vessel installed on top; the bottom one was intended to drain the finished drink. The water seeped through the bag in droplets, and the coffee fell into the lower cup. Thus, without boiling, a delicious aromatic drink was obtained.
Over time, the design has improved, and today drip coffee makers are powered. But the principle of operation remains the same.
Operating principle and features . The heated water, boiling, rises upward, where it condenses and reaches the desired temperature (85-95°C), then drops dropwise onto the brewing filter with coffee powder. The finished drink is poured into a placed bowl. Good quality is achieved by slowly passing water through the powder. Coffee can be served immediately after filling the receiver container.
To prepare the drink, take two teaspoons of ground coffee per 100 g of water, which is poured into a special container. After turning on the device, you do not need to monitor it, unless you are afraid that the prepared coffee will cool down. However, many models have heating and auto-off options, so you can safely do other things.
In addition to these functions, drip coffee makers are equipped with power indicators, timers and reusable filters. However, such filters must be washed thoroughly after each use. Using disposable ones is much easier, but more expensive.
Drip coffee maker device.
What kind of coffee can you get ? Drip coffee makers are often called “Americano”, since it was the Americans who loved this type of device the most. In addition, the drink prepared in the device tastes similar to an Americano from a coffee machine. The strength of coffee depends on the proportions of liquid and powder used.
Who is it suitable for ? Drip coffee makers are chosen by people who do not like to waste time on the brewing process.
Pros of a drip coffee maker
- Easy controls;
- Consistent coffee quality;
- Ease of use (no need for constant presence);
- Low cost (1700-2000 rubles);
- Large selection of shapes, sizes and volumes.
Cons of a drip coffee maker
- One type of coffee;
- Additional costs (descaling, purchasing disposable filters);
- Average drink quality.
Filtration type coffee machine (drip)
This type of coffee machine is very popular both here and in other countries. This type of coffee maker was invented back in the 18th century in Paris. As you can easily guess from the name, the principle of coffee preparation is directly related to filtration. The device is divided into two tanks: for cold water and for the finished drink. Water passes through the heating circuit, turning into steam, then, after condensation, water at a temperature of 86° to 97°C enters the coffee filter and slowly passes through it, absorbing all the taste and aromatic qualities of the beans. The finished drink flows into a specially heated tank.
Some technologically advanced coffee machine models have a drip-stop function. Such devices have a more complex technical basis and design, so you should be more careful during operation.
There are different types of filters for drip coffee makers:
- Nylon (regular reusable filter, medium filtration, approximately 50 brews).
- Nylon with “gold” plating (lasts longer, is easier to clean, but costs more).
- Disposable paper filter. Some devices in the high price segment include filters against harmful impurities (scale, chlorine, nitrate).
The container of the device itself can be made of plastic, glass or a special thermal material that retains heat for a long time. The narrow neck helps preserve the aroma if the drink is planned to be transported.
The presence of other technological advantages (cord compartment, heated stainless steel tank, etc.) will vary depending on the price, and here the buyer is free to choose which features he needs and which he can do without.
Pros:
- Very convenient to use.
- You can prepare a large portion of an invigorating drink of one strength at a time.
- Heating the flask will keep the coffee hot for a long time.
- This type of coffee machine has an affordable price.
- Dimensions convenient for transportation.
Flaws:
- Due to the design features, the prepared coffee quickly loses its aroma.
- It is impossible to make coffee with foam in a drip coffee machine.
- In addition to grains, you will have to buy filters.
- You can prepare only black coffee, without adding milk or cream.
Tip: It is best to grind the grains immediately before cooking. For this type of device, a medium grind is best.
Carob coffee maker (holder)
Description . The most common types of coffee makers - carob - have several names. Sometimes they are called by the type of drink they prepare - espresso. Horn or holder devices are called because of the design in which coffee is poured into a special horn. This is a small ladle with a long handle, equipped with a metal mesh filter.
The primacy in the invention of carob devices is disputed by many, but still the Italian Bezzera is considered the founder of brewing coffee under pressure. The engineer forced water under pressure through ground coffee, pressed into a tablet. The Italian sought to speed up the brewing process, hence the name - espresso (fast). In addition to the speed of preparation, the new type of drink had a rich taste without the bitterness typical of coffee.
All devices with a horn are divided into two main types:
- pump-action;
- pumpless (steam).
Externally, both models are similar, but the principle of operation and the quality of the resulting drink are significantly different.
In pump models, coffee is prepared under steam pressure produced by a vibration pump. In household devices, pressures of up to 15 bar are used. This is more than enough to prepare high-quality espresso. The water in these models is at the ideal temperature for efficient extraction and preservation of flavor and aroma. Pump coffee makers served as the basis for the creation of coffee machines that are equipped with many functions and modes.
Device of a carob coffee maker.
Pumpless brewers brew a drink by simply running hot water through a horn. At the same time, the water is practically boiling. It is impossible to prepare truly delicious espresso in steam models.
Operating principle and features . Preparing the coffee maker for operation consists of placing ground coffee in a horn and installing it on the device. However, if you simply pour in the powder, you won’t get tasty coffee; the water will quickly seep through the contents of the horn and will not have time to extract the necessary substances. Proper tempering, or compaction of the powder in a carob basket, is necessary. The compacted coffee should resemble a dense tablet with a smooth surface. A little ground coffee, up to 12 g, is placed in the cone.
What kind of coffee can you get ? The main type of coffee that can be obtained from a carob coffee maker is espresso. Many carob-type devices, both pump and steam, are equipped with a cappuccino maker, a special element for frothing milk. You can use it to brew coffee and milk drinks – latte, cappuccino, etc.
Who is it suitable for ? The coffee maker will be indispensable for those who prefer espresso-based drinks - macchiato, cappuccino, Viennese, latte.
Pros of a carob coffee maker
- High-quality drink at the end;
- Cooking speed (30sec – 2min);
- Numerous additional options;
- A wide variety of coffee makers, both in form and functionality.
Cons of a carob coffee maker
- High cost (especially for pump-action);
- Requires a lot of space for installation;
- Subject to regular descaling;
- Management skills required.
Types of coffee makers
Coffee makers today come in several different types, each of which has its own operating principle. They differ not only in the method of preparing coffee, but also in the taste of the resulting drink, size, cost and durability.
Rozhkova
The operating principle of a carob coffee maker is as follows:
- Ground coffee is poured into a special container in the machine.
- The water in the tank heats up and turns into steam.
- Steam is forced through the ground beans under high pressure.
- The treated steam enters the chamber, where it condenses in the form of a coffee drink.
- Condensed coffee can be poured into cups.
A carob coffee maker is characterized by fast preparation.
The main advantage of this type of device is the high quality of the resulting drink. Among all coffee makers, this type is capable of preparing the strongest and richest coffee due to its high pressure. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the relatively large dimensions, as well as the high cost compared to other types of coffee makers.
The simplest and most inexpensive carob coffee makers can only prepare espresso. More expensive models are equipped with additional functions and can make a cappuccino or latte for you.
Drip
Drip (or filter) coffee makers are some of the most affordable coffee makers on the market. Their operating principle is as follows:
- Water from the tank (usually located at the back) flows to the heater.
- After heating to high temperatures, it rises in a state of steam through the tube and falls into a container with ground coffee.
- In the container, the steam condenses and seeps drop by drop through the thickness of the ground grain.
- Then the finished coffee drink goes into the last container, from which the user can pour coffee into cups.
A drip coffee maker may look like a kettle.
The main advantage of such a device is its low price and availability. It is also worth noting the simplicity of the mechanism.
In the event of a breakdown, repairs will not be expensive, and in some cases it will not be a pity to throw away the broken equipment and purchase a new one instead.
However, a cheap unit also has disadvantages:
- drip coffee makers prepare only Americano;
- cooking without pressure cannot produce a strong enough drink;
- There is no way to customize the preparation or diversify the drinks.
Geysernaya
Geyser coffee makers are an affordable and simple unit that can make really strong coffee.
Geyser coffee makers are also called “bialetti”. Most of the devices available on the market are manufactured by Bialetti, founded by the inventor of this device. Therefore, the name has already become a household name.
Operating principle of a geyser coffee maker:
- The water in the lower container boils and turns into steam.
- The steam presses on the water, causing it to rise through the “geyser”.
- After the “geyser”, water under pressure passes through the coffee filter.
- The finished coffee drink is collected in the upper tank.
A geyser coffee maker is the best option for those who love strong coffee.
Among the advantages of a geyser coffee maker it is worth noting:
- reliability of the design;
- simplicity of the mechanism;
- affordable price coupled with high quality and strength of the drink.
The device also has a drawback. A geyser coffee maker is designed for a certain volume of finished drink. This means that if your device is designed to make three cups of coffee, then even if you only want to drink one, you will have to make three. Otherwise, the drink will turn out watery and weak.
Video: operation of a geyser coffee maker
Capsule
The capsule coffee maker prepares the drink as follows:
- The capsule placed in the device is pierced by the machine.
- Water from the tank is heated to high temperatures (usually about 90 degrees) and pumped through a narrow tube.
- Heated water under pressure passes through a capsule with ground coffee and is poured into a cup as a finished drink.
Capsule coffee makers are strikingly different from each other in appearance
Capsule coffee makers are often mistakenly called coffee machines. This definition is incorrect because an important aspect of the coffee machine is the ability to regulate and customize the preparation of the drink using the control panel. A capsule coffee maker does not provide the user with such an opportunity.
Among the advantages of the capsule apparatus:
- speed of work;
- ease of use;
- high quality of the resulting drink;
- relatively low price.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the strong connection to consumables, namely capsules. Their cost is often greatly inflated, and therefore using a capsule coffee maker can be quite expensive. If you and your household often treat yourself to coffee drinks, then a capsule coffee maker will not be the best choice from a financial point of view.
Electric Turk
The electric turk is strikingly different from all the previously discussed types of coffee makers. She has a fundamentally different approach to making coffee. She does not pass water through a coffee filter, but brews the drink in a container where ground beans and water are mixed.
The choice of electric Turks is not yet very large due to the relative novelty of this device
The operating principle is the same as that of an electric kettle:
- Coffee, spices and sugar to taste are poured into the container.
- The mixture is poured with cold water and the apparatus is turned on.
- The electric turk begins to heat the water, brewing coffee.
Among the advantages, it is worth noting compactness, accessibility and ease of use. Among the disadvantages is the presence of suspension in the finished drink. Of course, an electric turk can only prepare Turkish coffee.
Nowadays there are devices on the market with and without automatic shutdown. If you want to buy an electric turk to spend as little time as possible making coffee, choose a model with auto shut-off. Otherwise, you will have to monitor the process in order to turn off the device in time before it boils.
Video: a brief overview of different types of coffee makers
Pod coffee maker
Description. Pod devices for brewing coffee appeared relatively recently. Drink lovers appreciated the speed of preparation and the excellent taste of the resulting coffee.
A pod type coffee maker resembles a regular carob coffee maker in design and appearance. The difference is that it is not ground coffee that is placed in the filter, but a ready-made bag of pressed powder. These single-serve quick brew bags are called pods. To preserve the aroma, each tablet is carefully packaged and can remain fresh and strong for a long time.
Putting pods into the coffee maker.
Typically, coffee maker manufacturers produce special pods for their machines. Some manufacturers offer separate filters for pods. This creates a multifunctional device in which you can brew powder and tablets.
Operating principle and features . The main elements of the device are a boiler and a horn with a filter in which the pods are placed. To brew the drink, the pods are placed in the horn and water is poured into the reservoir. Passing through a filter with a tablet, hot water extracts the necessary substances, and the output is a high-quality drink. Roasted ground coffee of several varieties is used in pods to obtain a refined taste.
What kind of coffee can you get ? Espresso.
Who is it suitable for ? A pod coffee machine is also perfect for a home that loves high-quality coffee but doesn’t want to waste time on preparing it, much less on servicing (cleaning, cleaning, rinsing) individual parts of the coffee machine.
Pros of a pod coffee maker
- Ease of use;
- Ease of disposal;
- Constant rich taste;
- No skill requirements.
Cons of a pod coffee maker
- Additional costs for the purchase of expensive pods;
- Regular descaling is necessary;
- Difficulty in purchasing filter bags.
Which coffee makers are suitable
As a matter of fact, all coffee makers and coffee machines, without exception, “work” only with ground beans – with the exception of capsule ones. The only difference between machines for grain and powder is that in the first models the coffee grinder is built-in and is one of the options. In the second case, they either grind the coffee themselves - which is better - or pour ready-made powder into the receiver. In any case, we are talking about ground coffee beans, not instant.
When brewed, ground coffee gives off its aroma and taste to water or steam. Moreover, the higher the water temperature and steam pressure, the more fully the powder releases nutrients.
You may also be interested in information about how drip coffee makers differ from carob coffee makers and which coffee makers are best for home use.
A French press is a cylindrical glass coffee pot with a piston and a strainer. The powder is poured onto the bottom, filled with water, then the piston is slowly lowered down to press the coffee grounds to the bottom.
The video shows the parameters for choosing a coffee maker:
Features of the French Press
- coffee is prepared manually, timers, shutdown, etc. are not provided here;
- the taste of the drink is a cross between a coffee drink from a drip machine and coffee prepared in a Turk;
- This model has the most affordable price and allows you to make coffee in any conditions - as long as there is hot water.
Drip or filtration. The principle of operation is the simplest: water in a container reaches 100 C and drops dropwise onto a filter with powder. Water flows through the coffee layer and accumulates in the receiving flask.
But what are the best geyser electric coffee makers and how to use them, the information at the link will help you understand.
Features of the device:
- The coffee maker is equipped with a glass or plastic receiving vessel. Plastic is cheaper, but over time it provides a specific taste. Rarely, metal tanks are found;
A glass flask is the best way to collect the brewed drink. - filter - can be metal, nylon or paper. The metal one does not need to be changed, but provides some flavor. Nylon is designed for 60 cups, after which it should be replaced, paper is disposable;
- “drop-stop” system – allows you to remove the receiving flask even while making coffee, pour out the resulting drink and install it back. No coffee will be served for about 2 minutes;
- volume - usually 1 liter, but there are also mini and maxi models with a two-liter flask;
- the power of the product affects the speed of preparation of the drink, and not its strength;
- The strength, alas, is not adjustable. In addition, the faster the water passes through the filter, the weaker the coffee.
The product obtained in a drip coffee maker is not called a coffee drink for nothing. This is only an approximation to the taste of real coffee. However, it can be drunk in fairly large quantities, since its effect is weaker than well-brewed tea.
It is worth learning more about how effective the bialetti geyser coffee maker is for induction cookers.
Geyser - manual and electric. Here, the water first turns into steam and then passes through the coffee filter, absorbing the aroma and nutrients. This makes the drink much more tasty. The coffee is ready when all the poured liquid is in the top flask.
Model features
- the volume of the flask may vary, but is usually the standard 1.25 liters;
- It is worth making sure that the power of the device, if it is an electric coffee maker, matches the volume of the drink;
- The device can also be used to produce other drinks - tea, for example;
- The model should be washed after each use, which is not very convenient: there are a lot of parts.
Carob machines - this type of coffee maker supplies steam under pressure, which allows the substances from the ground grain to be extracted more fully and the drink prepared faster. They got their name from the device for coffee powder: in the form of a plastic or metal cone, which is installed in the device to obtain a cup of drink.
But what electric coffee grinders are and how to use them are described in great detail in the article at the link.
The video shows a description of the carob coffee maker:
Types of machines
There are 2 main types of machines for the home: boiler and pump.
Boiler rooms - water is heated in a special tank, and then, under a pressure of 5-9 bar, is supplied to a horn with ground coffee. The powder releases caffeine and other nutrients into the liquid. It is believed that such models retain the aroma to a lesser extent than pump-action models.
Features of the boiler coffee maker:
- You can prepare only 1, maximum 2 servings at once - these are the capabilities of the filter;
- As a rule, the horn is made with different metal filters for classic black coffee and espresso with foam - cream coffee;
- The coffee maker may include a strength regulator. This refers to the possible volume that goes into preparing one cup;
- There may be additional options - a cappuccino maker, for example;
- Maintenance of the device is extremely simple: the horn is washed after each preparation, and the remaining parts - a water tank, a tray, as needed. During intensive use, the device itself is cleaned once a month: several cycles of preparing coffee without powder are carried out.
You should also pay attention to what the Bosch electric coffee grinder looks like and how it is used.
Here's a video of what a boiler coffee maker looks like:
Pump-action is the best option for fans of real espresso, cappuccino, latte and other drinks. The principle of operation is the same as that of the boiler, but the steam is supplied to the horn at a pressure of up to 15 bar, which ensures complete extraction of aromatic oils and nutrients from the coffee. But what kind of electric home coffee grinder with millstones there is and how it is used is described in detail here.
A more efficient way to make coffee. which will help preserve the amazing taste of the drink
In addition to all the benefits of the boiler room, the following are added:
- the temperature of the water in the pump reaches 95 C. No matter how small the difference, it has a positive effect on the taste of the coffee;
- The pump device is characterized by the highest cost - this is its main drawback. Therefore, such models, as a rule, have many additional functions: a cappuccino maker, a cup warmer, a built-in coffee grinder, horns with different filters, and even special ones that allow the use of coffee tablets;
- The strength of the coffee is regulated - both due to the amount of water, and due to the intensity of processing, and due to the supply of the required volume of powder;
- The coffee machine has considerable size and weight. This is worth considering.
Capsule coffee makers are preferred for fans of automated preparation. Strictly speaking, the device does not belong to machines for coffee powder, since its “raw materials” are ready-made tablets - capsules. The latter, in addition to their own ground grain, may contain sugar, dry cream, milk powder, and various flavoring additives.
An excellent option for preparing a ready-made delicious drink of any combination.
The remaining characteristics of the models vary widely, so the result can be close to either real espresso or a simple Americano with synthetic milk. The features of the device are:
- Full automation of cooking, which is very convenient when time is short;
- the dimensions of the model are minimal, the weight is low;
- the device does not require cleaning or maintenance;
- Each manufacturer produces “its own” capsules for its car. Tablets are not interchangeable, which ties the consumer to a specific brand;
- The power of the devices can be very different. A good drink is obtained from coffee machines that provide a pressure of 15 bar.
But which manual coffee grinders are best to use, and how the right choice is made, is indicated in great detail here.
Turkish coffee machine - electric turk. Coffee, spices, sugar are poured into the Turk and water is added. Then the flask is placed on a stand and the drink is brewed. It is ready after 2-3 minutes. You can read more about the electric coffee Turk in the article.
Model features:
- the device turns off automatically, so there is no need to ensure that the drink does not escape;
- the device is very small and does not take up space;
- true fans of Turkish coffee rarely use such models.
The video shows how the electric turret works:
An induction coffee maker is actually a regular geyser model, but made of ferromagnetic alloys so that it can be used on an induction stove. It is equipped with special filters and containers for cold, clean water.
Induction coffee maker for ground coffee is only used on induction hob
Different machines and different drinks require different grinding powders. So, Turkish coffee requires the finest grind, while drip coffee requires the coarsest grind. Espresso machines require only special grinding powder - for espresso.
You might be interested in learning how to properly use a manual coffee grinder with ceramic burrs.