Coffee has invaded our lives not so long ago.But during this time it has found a huge number of fans all over the world. Although today there are many people who prefer traditional tea, juices or milk to strong coffee. Nevertheless, in almost every home the morning begins with brewing a cup of coffee. True gourmets continue to brew coffee in cezves over an open fire or even in hot sand. Fans of all kinds of devices start coffee machines. But most prefer the golden mean and brew coffee in a coffee maker. And at the moment, coffee makers remain the most popular product among lovers of natural coffee. How to choose a coffee maker for your home? The question is by no means idle, because the number of types and brands of this household appliance is so great that it can be very problematic to understand them. However, not everything is so hopeless. In fact, choosing a coffee maker can be easy if you know the operating principle of its various types. So, we offer you a short educational program.
Coffee press
This is probably the simplest one today.a device for brewing coffee. Of course, this is not a household appliance, but you can call it a coffee maker, although coffee is not cooked in it, but brewed. It is even easier to operate a coffee press than a cezve (Turkish coffee pot). This device for brewing coffee is also called a French press or a piston coffee maker. It is a cylindrical glass tank (wide flask) with a mesh piston. Ground coffee is poured into the container, which is then filled with boiling water. After a few minutes, the piston is carefully lowered and the coffee is poured without the grounds. In fact, this piston serves as a kind of filter, leaving ground coffee beans at the bottom. The process itself is in many ways similar to the so-called "secretary-style" brewing of coffee, when it is simply poured into a cup and filled with boiling water. The advantage of this device is the ease and speed of brewing coffee. In addition, it can successfully replace a traditional coffee maker where there is no electricity or stove (for example, outdoors). As an office coffee maker, a French press is also quite acceptable. Its main disadvantages are the inability to make cappuccino or espresso, as well as the complete lack of automation of the brewing process. But a coffee press can also be used to brew loose tea and herbs.
Geyser coffee maker
One of the very first models of coffee makers.Initially, geyser coffee makers were not electric, and the drink was prepared by placing the device on the stove. They did not have a heating element, which is supplied with modern models of coffee makers. However, this is perhaps the only difference. Otherwise, the new generation of geyser coffee makers work the same way as their predecessors. Such a coffee maker consists of two or three sections. Water is poured into one of them, then a vertical tube is inserted into it, onto which a container for ground coffee is put. When heated, the water rises along the tube and splashes onto the coffee. Coffee brewed with boiling water (geyser) is collected in a special container. In some models, boiling water passes through the coffee several times, and in some only once. On average, the process of brewing a drink in a geyser coffee maker takes five to seven minutes. On the one hand, this is good (because it is fast), but on the other, not so much. The fact is that it is impossible to brew a truly strong and aromatic drink in a geyser coffee maker. However, its undeniable advantage is its simple design and the presence of parts that do not wear out too quickly. This means that such a coffee maker will last quite a long time without significant breakdowns and without loss of quality. The power of geyser coffee makers varies from four hundred to a thousand watts and directly depends on the volume: the larger the volume, the more powerful the coffee maker. Its volume can be designed to prepare one serving, and even eighteen. When choosing, you should also pay attention to additional functions:
- light indicator;
- drink strength regulator;
- auto power off;
- delayed inclusion;
- thermostat regulator.
Drip coffee machine
These are the coffee makers that are most common.in our homes. And the reason for this is their low cost, which can undoubtedly be attributed to the advantages of this unit. Coffee is prepared in them by filtering. Water poured into the tank is heated almost to boiling, and then begins to flow drop by drop onto ground coffee poured into a special filter mesh. After passing through the coffee, the water flows into the coffee pot or directly into the cup. The duration of the process depends on the amount of coffee you are going to make. The more water you pour into the coffee maker, the longer it will fill the container, because it flows into it literally drop by drop. The power of drip coffee makers also depends on the volume. However, lovers of strong coffee should choose low-power drip coffee makers. The fact is that the lower the power, the longer the coffee will brew and, therefore, will be stronger. And the minimum power of such units is about eight hundred watts. When choosing a similar model, pay attention to the presence of an anti-drip system in it, which blocks the operation of the unit when the coffee pot is removed from it. This allows you to pour yourself a cup of coffee before the entire process is complete. And also choose a coffee maker depending on the filter it is equipped with. Nylon filters are designed for about sixty brews. Nylon filters with a titanium coating last longer, but are also more expensive. Such filters must be washed after each brewing, and replaced over time. Disposable paper filters are very easy to use; after use, they are thrown in the trash.
Horn coffee maker
Designed for making espresso coffee andcappuccino. The drink in such a coffee maker is prepared under the influence of high-pressure steam. This unit received its name due to the presence of a special horn made of metal or plastic. It is into this horn that ground coffee is poured. Horn coffee makers are currently considered the most optimal in terms of price and quality. Of course, they are more expensive than geyser and drip coffee makers, but they have many more options for making coffee. Horn coffee makers come in two classes: Pump-Espresso and Steam-Espresso. The latter belong to the junior class, are cheaper and brew coffee under low pressure. In such coffee makers, water is poured into a sealed container, where after boiling, a special valve opens. Passing through it, the water brews coffee and flows into a cup placed under the horn. Pump-Espresso class pump coffee makers are distinguished not only by their higher price, but also by the quality of the prepared drink. In them, the water is heated to a higher temperature, and the pressure is powerful (fifteen bars). When choosing a horn coffee maker, focus primarily on its class and other characteristics:
- pressure power;
- model of the capuchin;
- material horn (metal are considered better);
- volume.
Capsule coffee makers
These coffee makers are designed for brewingpressed coffee in capsules. Such capsules are first pierced in three places, and then loaded into the coffee maker. Under the influence of a powerful jet, the coffee in the capsule is mixed, and then water is supplied to the chamber with coffee powder, which is supplied under pressure. Due to the tightness of the plastic or metal capsule, the aroma and taste of coffee are perfectly preserved. In addition, you can froth milk for cappuccino in capsule coffee makers. The disadvantage of such models is the limited choice of coffee varieties for brewing, since you can only use what the coffee capsule manufacturers offer. You will no longer be able to prepare freshly ground or coffee mix in a capsule coffee maker. And the cost of such a unit is quite high.
Coffee machines
The most modern and most expensive type of coffee maker.The coffee making process is fully automated here. And there are so many models of this know-how that they can be dedicated to a separate article. Let us just note that they are usually designed to make large quantities of coffee and are usually used in coffee shops, restaurants, bars and offices. However, coffee machines are also purchased for home use. It is believed that the coffee made in them is the most delicious. But this statement is highly controversial. Many will never refuse the opportunity to brew freshly ground coffee the old-fashioned way, using a cezve, and someone will prefer to buy a coffee maker or even a coffee machine. How to choose a coffee maker for your home depends only on your preferences and ideas about the real taste of coffee, as well as your financial capabilities. And there is plenty to choose from today! So the most important thing is to decide on the type of coffee maker, which we tried to help you figure out. Good luck with your choice and enjoy your shopping! We recommend reading:
