Types of coffee makers

There are several basic types of coffee makers on the market today. These are drip, geyser, espresso coffee makers and coffee machines. They differ in the principle of making coffee, so in each case the taste of the drink will be different.

Drip (filtration)

These devices are the simplest and most convenient for home use. The water in such a coffee maker is heated to the optimum temperature (87 – 95 °C), and then drips into the filter with ground beans. Ready coffee flows into a special container. The slower the water passes, the stronger the drink. The main element of the drip coffee maker is the filter. It can be nylon, paper or the so-called "gold" (nylon filter, which is coated with a layer of titanium nitride). Paper filters are considered the most hygienic. In addition, they are quite cheap - the cost of a package of 100 pcs is only two or three dollars. Their main disadvantage is the fragility and the need for daily replacement. Usually, a nylon filter is already included with the coffee maker. It is designed for an average of 60 brews. But over time, the taste of the drink may deteriorate due to the appearance of a specific aftertaste. "Gold" filters do not have such disadvantages, in addition, they are easier to wash than nylon ones. The only negative is the rather high price ($25 – 40).

Connoisseurs-coffee lovers claim that coffee prepared by the drip method is far from the “real” drink in terms of taste. But, despite this, models of this type, due to ease of use and low price are very popular. The cost of a coffee maker ranges from $15 – 100 and starts from $200 for more expensive models.

Espresso coffee makers (carob)

Such coffee makers are quite expensive, but at the same time they make it possible to get high-quality coffee at home. Their minimum price starts from $ 50 – 100, and the maximum can reach several hundred and even thousands of dollars. The Italian word "espresso" means "under pressure", that is, "under pressure". In such machines, ground grains are exposed not to boiling water, but to water vapor. The water poured into the tank is brought to a boil, turns into steam and is fed under pressure into a cone with ground coffee. So the grains emit the maximum amount of aromatic substances. An espresso machine requires special ground coffee. Some models have a built-in coffee grinder, and this makes it possible to always get fresh coffee of optimal grinding.

Coffee brewed in a carob coffee maker is characterized by a characteristic foam, which is a sign of a quality drink. These devices are also suitable for those who like to enjoy a cup of cappuccino. Espresso machines are equipped with a special device - a cappuccinatore. Through a tube with a nozzle, steam is fed into a container with milk, whipping it to a state of foam. Depending on the principle of operation, espresso coffee makers are divided into Steam-Espresso (steam) and Pump-Espresso (pump). The latter are considered superior because they maintain the optimal temperature for making coffee, while Steam-Espresso brings water to a boil and then it turns into steam. On the other hand, when using a steam coffee maker, the drink is stronger.

Geyser (steam coffee makers)

This type of device consists of two compartments, separated by a filter, on which ground coffee is poured. Water is poured into the lower reservoir, which, when heated, rises and, turning into steam, passes through the coffee layer into the upper reservoir. To avoid clogging the filter, only coarse ground coffee is used for these coffee makers. Geyser coffee makers can be both electric and designed for heating on the stove. Electric power ranges from 450 to 1000 watts. At the same time, more power must correspond to a larger volume. The choice of models is diverse: from one-, three-portion to designed for 10 or more servings. In addition to making coffee, the devices are also used for brewing herbal teas. The average price of geyser coffee makers ranges from $80 -125.

Coffee machines

Coffee machines are the most complex and expensive models of coffee makers. These are fully automated devices. After you have filled in the coffee beans and poured water, the machine itself will complete the cooking process. You can adjust the strength of coffee, the desired number of servings. The preparation of the drink takes only 30 – 40 seconds. However, the use of such a device in household use is hardly advisable. The price of coffee machines can sometimes reach $15 – 18K and they are mainly intended for use in cafes and restaurants.

Choice and features

When choosing a coffee maker, it should be remembered that of the two devices of the same type, the plastic model will cost less. But metal devices make a drink that is more saturated in taste, and besides, they are more durable. You should also pay attention to power. The larger it is, the stronger the finished drink will be.

In addition, there are a number of noteworthy additional features. Most often, the manufacturer offers the following:

  • a timer that allows you to "order" freshly brewed coffee at a convenient time for you;
  • auto-heating - convenient if you did not have time to drink coffee in time and it has already cooled down;
  • measuring scale, with which it is easy to calculate the optimal amount of coffee powder, based on the available volume of water.

Perhaps without additional functions you can easily do without. But when a wide range is presented on the market, and competition forces manufacturers to offer more and more favorable purchase conditions, it makes sense to take a closer look at the offers and choose a multifunctional model for a decent price.