The range of devices designed for making coffee is quite large. One such unit is a drip coffee maker. You can brew a fragrant, strong coffee drink in it. True, to achieve an ideal result, you should understand the principle of operation of this device, approach its choice responsibly and learn the intricacies of use.
Device structure
The device of the drip coffee maker is simple. Among its main elements:
- container for cold water. As a rule, it is placed in the back and cannot be removed;
- a boiler in which the liquid is heated directly;
- a heating element;
- a filter and funnel designed for crushed beans;
- reservoir for the prepared drink. It is a coffee pot or flask. In some models, this capacity is cups.
What is a drip coffee maker, how does it work?
Drip coffee maker diagram
The design of drip coffee makers is the most primitive among other electrical appliances for brewing coffee. There is a heater combined with a stove on which the coffee pot stands, a water tank (usually at the back, filled from above), and a compartment for putting coffee (usually above the coffee pot, filled from above). Actually, that's all. Well, plus a small control board, which is largely absent in simple models with a single on/off button.
Water from the tank enters the heater, heats up and, in the form of a water-steam mixture, rises by gravity through the tube into the compartment with coffee, where the steam condenses and flows in drops into the coffee, where, seeping through it under natural pressure, without any pressure, it flows into the coffee pot . A simple drip coffee maker does not have any pumps or complex valves.
After all the water has flowed into the coffee pot, the heater, which is combined with the coffee pot heating plate, continues to work, preventing the coffee in the jug from cooling down. But the operating temperature of the heater is selected so that it does not burn out without water supply, this is one of the reasons why the heating plate always works weakly, and initially not very hot coffee (coffee is not brewed with boiling water in principle) cools down even when the heating is operating.
Principle of operation
The operating principle of a drip coffee maker is as follows:
- From the reservoir located at the rear, the liquid moves into the boiler.
- Once in the tank, the water heats up and then begins to rise up the tube.
- Through the crushed coffee beans, the liquid seeps drop by drop into the lower container.
- The drink is considered ready when all the water passes through the filter.
When using a drip coffee maker, coffee grounds do not fall into the cup. It remains in the filter.
The stand on which the finished drink is placed is often equipped with a heating function. Due to this, the coffee stays hot for a long time.
How to use a drip coffee maker correctly
It’s not for nothing that drip coffee makers are called the most reliable and simplest among coffee machines. Making coffee in them is incredibly easy. You only need to do a few steps:
- Connect the device to the network.
- Pour water into the container.
- Pour ground coffee beans into the filter at the rate of one teaspoon for every 100 ml of water.
- Press the power button.
- Wait until all the liquid seeps into the lower container.
- Turn off the unit.
- Pour the finished drink into a cup.
How to use a geyser coffee maker
In geyser coffee makers, the drink is prepared using steam pressure. They got their name for their resemblance to geysers in appearance and operating principle.
Many people continue to use geyser-type coffee makers to this day, and they appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.
Current geyser coffee makers are made mainly of stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics and can be powered either from the mains or heated on the hob. Therefore, among the manufacturers are well-known and popular dishware brands (BergHOFF, Vinzer) and reputable brands of household appliances (DeLonghi, Bialetti, Con Brio).
The design of such coffee makers is quite simple: two containers; Water is poured into the lower one, and the finished drink goes into the upper one. Between them there is a funnel-shaped filter into which ground coffee is poured.
In the photo: disassembled cups, coffee grinder and geyser coffee maker
During the heating process, water from the lower container rises in the form of steam to the upper part, passing through the layer of coffee in the filter. The drink is ready when the entire volume of water poured into the coffee maker is in the container at the top.
To use the coffee maker correctly and brew yourself a cup of aromatic drink, you need to do the following:
- Disassemble the coffee maker by separating the containers from each other and removing the filter.
- Pour cold water into the lower part, focusing on the level on the marks indicating the required volumes of liquid.
- Pour ground coffee into the filter to the brim. Do not compact the powder in an attempt to make the coffee stronger; water will not pass through too dense a layer.
- Remove excess dry coffee from the filter rim.
- Replace the filter and attach the top container.
- Place the coffee maker ready for use on the stove or plug it into a power outlet.
- Wait for the hissing sound that accompanies the end of the cooking process.
For geyser coffee makers, it is recommended to use medium or coarse grind coffee.
To make coffee tastier, pour purified natural or filtered water into the coffee maker; Take good quality bean coffee and grind it just before brewing.
Be safe when using the coffee maker: secure the containers tightly together, and do not open the lid until the brewing process is complete.
When using a geyser coffee maker constantly, it is important to disassemble and wash the containers after each use (when they have cooled down), thoroughly clean the filter from coffee grounds, and monitor the condition of the filters and gaskets. Regular care will allow you to use your coffee maker for many years.
We offer a video recommendation for using a geyser coffee maker.
A little secret: there is no need to clean the coffee deposits from the walls of the coffee maker. It is formed from settling oily substances that are part of natural grains and has a good effect on the taste of the drink. And if you are used to using an aluminum coffee maker, then the oily coating will interfere with the characteristic metallic taste.
Types of filters
There are two types of filters for drip coffee makers:
- disposable;
- reusable.
Reusable filters designed for drip coffee makers are included. They are a strainer-funnel. They are made from nylon or plastic. There are also products with spraying applied to nylon. Among the disadvantages of such filters is the need to clean them after each brewing of coffee.
Disposable products are usually made from cellulose. They come in two varieties:
- unprocessed. No bleaching agents are used in production, so they have a brown tint;
- bleached. In modern industry they are bleached with oxygen.
On sale you can find filters for coffee makers made from bamboo fibers.
The filter element along with the coffee grounds are simply thrown away after brewing is complete. There is no need to clean it. This is the main advantage of disposable options.
Some useful tips before making coffee
Before you start using a drip coffee maker, be sure to read the instructions. There are also a few important points to consider:
- use bottled water. In this case, it will be possible to avoid the appearance of scale;
- Store crushed grains in airtight containers. Thanks to this, it will be possible to preserve their original aroma;
- preheat the tank for the finished drink;
- Under no circumstances should you use damaged or broken filters. Such actions will lead to damage to the unit.
The most popular coffee recipes
Making coffee with a drip coffee maker is easy. In such a unit you can brew classic espresso, and use it to create even more sophisticated drinks.
Espresso
The list of products required for making espresso is minimal:
- 9 g ground coffee beans;
- 30 ml water.
The drink is prepared in a drip coffee maker according to the following principle:
- Coffee powder is poured into the filter.
- Water flows into the rear reservoir.
- The device turns on.
- When the liquid moves to the lower reservoir, the finished drink is poured into heated cups.
Latte
When making a latte you will need the following ingredients:
- 50 ml espresso;
- 200 ml milk;
- a pinch of cinnamon;
- 3 g chopped nuts.
Cooking steps:
- Brew espresso coffee in a coffee maker and pour it into a tall glass.
- Beat the milk with a blender or mixer.
- Pour the resulting mixture over the espresso.
- Place milk foam on top.
- Sprinkle the surface with nuts and cinnamon.
Viennese cappuccino
To make cappuccino you will need the following products:
- 50 ml of espresso prepared in a coffee maker;
- 50 ml whipped cream;
- 20 g chocolate.
Cappuccino coffee recipe:
- Heat the milk on the stove and pour into a glass.
- Slowly pour the finished espresso into the same container.
- Place whipped cream on top.
- Decorate the surface with chocolate chips.
Irish coffee drink
The original drink, popular in Ireland, contains the following components:
- 60 ml espresso;
- 20 g sugar;
- 20 ml water;
- 40 ml cream;
- 30 ml whiskey.
An Irish cocktail is prepared as follows:
- Brew espresso in a drip coffee machine.
- Mix water with sugar and bring to a boil.
- Pour the resulting syrup into coffee.
- Add whiskey to the composition.
- Spread whipped cream on the surface.
Operating principle of a drip coffee maker
To understand how a household electrical appliance works, you need to understand its structure. The design of coffee makers improves every year, the functions are improved, but the process of brewing coffee remains unchanged.
All drip coffee makers are designed and operate on the same principle.
The electrical appliance is equipped with a water tank. The number of prepared servings of the drink without topping up depends on its capacity. When turned on, water from the tank begins to flow into the boiler. When heated by a heating element, it rises through the tube and falls into a container where there is a filter for a drip coffee maker and ground coffee powder is poured. Boiling water does not flow in a stream, but drips, passing through the powdery layer. It is because of this water supply that coffee makers are considered drip type.
The boiling water falling in drops brews the drink. The finished product flows through the filter into a cup or glass flask. All the coffee grounds remain on the mesh, which is then washed. Coffee can be heated from a stand with a built-in heating element on which the flask stands, but this function depends on the model.
Important! For any model, the principle of brewing coffee in a drip coffee maker remains unchanged. Only the additional functions differ: auto shut-off, type of control, presence of a timer, indication.
Top best drip coffee makers
To choose a good coffee maker for your home, you need to study the rating of the best models. The review presents their main characteristics. The TOP included the following devices:
- Redmond SkyCoffee RCM-1508S . Allows you to prepare aromatic, rich coffee. Equipped with a reusable filter. Electronic control. You can start the device from a smartphone.
- Maxwell MW-1650. Convenient, easy to use and reliable. The functionality is limited, but it is sufficient for use at home.
- Bosch TKA 3A031 . Considered one of the best drip coffee makers. It is reliable and easy to use;
- Redmond RCM-1510 . The model is durable, high quality, equipped with a delay timer. The kit includes a reusable metallized filter.
- Philips Daily Mini . Features a stylish design. Characterized by increased strength and reliability.
- Philips HD7459 . The build quality is at a high level. It is possible to delay the start. The only drawback is the high price.
Redmond SkyCoffee RCM-1508S
Maxwell MW-1650
Bosch TKA 3A031
Redmond RCM-1510
Philips HD7459
Philips Daily Mini
Rating of drip coffee makers
The rating will help you choose the right model. It is advisable to rely on user reviews.
Philips HD7767 Grind & Brew
The Philips 1 kW drip coffee maker for ground and bean coffee, excellent for home use, is equipped with a coffee grinder. The container holds 350 g of whole grains. The user sets the degree of grinding independently. The drip-type electrical device is made of high-quality plastic and metal. Glass flask, capacity 1.2 liters. The use of disposable and reusable filters is allowed. The control panel is equipped with a display. After brewing is completed, it automatically turns off.
The drip model with a coffee grinder will appeal to real coffee lovers
Polaris PCM 0210
If you need a cheap and stylish model, the Polaris drip coffee maker is suitable for a married couple. A design feature is the absence of a flask. The hot drink is poured into two cups included in the set. You can only add ground powder. The coffee grinder function is not provided. There is also no auto shut off. Everything is done by hand. The model is equipped with a nylon filter, a comfortable ribbed cup stand, from which drops do not flow onto the tabletop. Due to the lack of heating of the platform, the finished coffee is not very hot.
Stylish drip model pours coffee into two cups at once
Important! The cups are made of ceramics. Volume – 400 ml.
Bosch TKA 3A031/3A034
For home use, a Bosch drip coffee maker with a power of 1.1 kW would be a good choice. Despite the budget price, the entry-level model is capable of automatically turning off when overheated or during idle time. A big plus is the presence of a heated stand. Glass flask. The 1.5 liter capacity is enough for 15 cups of coffee. The disadvantage is the lack of disposable filters in the kit. They will have to be purchased separately. At the first stages of use, the finished drink has a plastic smell.
Budget Bosch drip-type model suitable for home use
REDMOND SkyCoffee M1509S
An expensive but convenient Redmond drip coffee maker is suitable for the office and home. The advantage of the model is the possibility of remote control from a mobile phone by installing a special application. Additional functions include auto shut-off, a 24-hour timer, and an anti-drip system. The power of the device is 1 kW. The 1.5 liter jug is made of glass and is designed for 12-15 cups of coffee.
Stylish model suitable for office and home use
Kitfort KT-720
A real coffee machine is the Kitfort KT 720 drip coffee maker, which, after pressing the start button, will do all the work itself. The device is capable of working with ground coffee and whole beans, as it is equipped with a coffee grinder. The degree of grinding, automatic heating of the finished drink for up to 40 minutes and other functions can be conveniently set on the control panel equipped with a digital display. Power 1050 W. The glass flask holds 1.5 liters of drink. The programming function allows you to set the desired switching time.
The coffee maker is capable of grinding beans itself, there is a programming function
Braun PurAroma 7KF 7120
The stylish Braun kf7120 drip coffee maker is equipped with the Opti Brew system, which allows you to prepare the drink at the optimal temperature and time. A stand with a heating function will keep the finished coffee hot for a long time.
On the control panel you can set how many cups of coffee you need to brew
The Braun drip coffee maker only works with coffee powder. There is no grinding function. Convenient control is carried out on the display panel. Regardless of the amount of water poured, the user is given the opportunity to brew not 10 cups of coffee at once, but one or two.
Video review of the Philips coffee maker:
How to choose a drip coffee maker
The choice of a drip type of coffee maker should be made taking into account its functional features. The following points should be taken into account:
- Power. The brewing speed directly depends on it. Lovers of strong espresso should choose a unit with a power of no more than 800 W. If the priority is not strength, but speed of preparation, then these indicators should be higher.
- Volume. As a rule, the capacity of the water tank varies between 1-1.5 liters. Volumetric containers are purchased for offices. For home use, 1 liter is enough. It is not necessary to fill it out completely. Exactly as much liquid is poured in as is needed to prepare the drink.
- Flask . They are round, trapezoidal, and in the form of a thermos. The materials used to make them can be glass and plastic. It is recommended to give preference to glass options. The form is not of fundamental importance.
- Anti-drip system. This feature eliminates the need to wait until the rear reservoir is completely empty. At any time, you can pause the process, pour a portion of the drink and put the tank back in place to continue brewing.
- Overfill protection. The function involves stopping the filling process of the lower reservoir when it is completely filled.
- Automatic dosage . The device itself selects the optimal ratio of grains and water.
- Heating. A special stand ensures that the tank with the finished drink remains at a high temperature.
What determines the taste of brewed coffee?
It is not always possible to brew espresso as tasty as we would like. This is due to the fact that the use of coffee makers has certain features. The taste of the prepared drink is influenced by several factors:
- water. You need to use clean, purified or bottled. The presence of impurities is unacceptable;
- grinding degree The finer the coffee fractions, the stronger the drink;
- dosage. The strength directly depends on the selected proportions of crushed grains and water;
- preheating the dishes. If the finished espresso is poured into a warm container, it fully reveals its taste and aroma qualities.
Pros and cons of units
Electric coffee makers of this type have both disadvantages and advantages. Among the positive aspects are:
- reliability;
- convenient control;
- large range of models;
- many budget options;
- It turns out to make a delicious drink.
Among the disadvantages of such devices:
- it is difficult to get a strong drink;
- high consumption of coffee powder;
- Possibility of preparing only Americano and espresso;
- the need to regularly replace or clean filters.
Drip machines designed for making coffee belong to the group of budget options. They are reliable and easy to use. The main thing is to choose them responsibly and use them in accordance with the instructions. At the same time, the device will last a long time, and the resulting drink will have excellent taste.
Advantages and disadvantages of drip coffee maker
The advantages of the device include:
- Relatively low cost.
- Ease of Management.
- Possibility to prepare many servings of coffee at one time.
- Possibility of heating the coffee pot.
- The grounds are retained by filters.
Despite the positive aspects, there are still certain disadvantages. Namely:
- Additional costs for purchasing filters.
- The need to wash the device after each coffee preparation process.
