You may think that choosing a coffee maker is a trifling matter. But in fact, you can trite tangled in varieties of such devices. As a result, the machine will begin to prepare instead of, perhaps, the espresso of your choice, a completely different type of coffee. Not to mention the fact that some models are not capable of preparing a tasty and fragrant drink. That's why you need to read this article. She will introduce you to the varieties of coffee machines and talk about the merits of such machines.
The main differences of coffee makers
Drip Coffee Makers
Simple and cheap option. Heated stand, glass or plastic bowl with water level scale. Pour water into a special container and pour ground coffee and wait for the finished product to drip into the tank. Typically, drip coffee makers have little power. For a large family, it is problematic - you have to re-make coffee
Pros: low price; ease of preparation.
Minuses: requires constant cleaning of the coffee tank; the drink goes, to put it mildly, “on a threesome”; need frequent filter replacement.
Capsule Coffee Makers
Devices of approximately the same class. For making coffee, special capsules are used, which are simply put in a special compartment and press a lever or a button, after which hot water flows. Under pressure, it passes through the capsule, and you get a cup of hot coffee.
Pros: low price; full non-volatility; If you compare with a drip coffee maker, the taste of coffee, of course, better.
Minuses: capsules are not sold everywhere and are quite expensive.
Geyser coffee makers
This is a higher category. Geyser coffee makers are divided into two types:
- Electric;
- Without heating element.
In the second case, it is necessary to heat up on the stove (most conveniently, on a glass-ceramic hob).
The design of the coffee maker is two compartments separated by a special filter. The bottom is filled with water, coffee is put into the filter. Boil up, the water rises in the form of steam, passes through the coffee and is collected in the upper compartment.
In the assortment of any manufacturer there are models of different capacity and capacity of the bowl. From these indicators depends on how many cups of coffee you can make at a time.
Pros: the drink turns out saturated and fragrant.
Minuses: need to monitor the degree of grinding of coffee: small filter clogs, which have quite often changed.
French Press
The simplest machine. It is designed in the form of a flask with a lid and a piston. Preparing a drink elementary: fall asleep coffee, pour hot water and lower the piston. Wait a few minutes and pour the coffee into cups.
Pros: no "problems" - no electricity is required, no additional accessories and consumables are needed. An indispensable thing in field conditions and travel.
Minuses: the taste of the drink - the output is usually obtained the taste of instant coffee with a light aroma of natural.
Espresso maker
This is almost a professional unit. Coffee is prepared using hot steam that passes through the ground beans, the result is given through a special horn.
There are devices with a capacity of up to 4 bar, there are also quite impressive models - up to 15 bar. In the first case, the coffee preparation time is delayed up to 5 minutes, as a result of this preparation, the drink loses most of its aroma, but it acquires an additional fortress. The best option for an invigorating morning.
The second option gives the finished drink quickly enough, while the taste, aroma and strength are not lost.But the price for all this is appropriate.
Pros: fully automated process for obtaining a cup of aromatic coffee; You can make cappuccino and other types of coffee with milk; Some models have two or more nozzles, for the simultaneous preparation of several cups of coffee.
Minuses: cost; the need for annual prevention and frequent cleaning of the water tank; relatively rapid wear of components.
Combined coffee makers
This is a symbiosis of drip coffee maker and espresso. Such devices have two independent compartments, a coffee compartment and a water tank. Coffee is made by simply pressing a button.
Pros: simultaneous preparation of the beverage in two different ways; the quality of the coffee obtained is beyond praise, provided, of course, that you will not save on the coffee itself, but will begin to use only high-quality beans for grinding.
Minuses: quite high cost.
Main selection criteria
Power
From this indicator depends on the speed of making coffee and its strength. If the coffee maker has a small capacity, then the preparation time of the beverage can take up to five minutes, while it will turn out to be thicker. If the device is able to produce from 1000 W, then the coffee will be prepared in half a minute.
Maximum power in geyser and capsule coffee makers - 1 kWh; in drip devices - up to 1.3 kW * h. Are in the lead on power of the espresso coffee maker - 1,7 kW * h.
Pressure
The second important indicator, which also affects the taste of coffee and its preparation. In drip coffee makers there is no pressure at all. Geyser machines are already equipped with a pump with a pressure of up to 4 bar, but the coffee is brewed for quite some time. Espresso coffee machines provide pressure of 15 to 20 bar and fast cooking.
Volume
The volume depends on what the maximum number of coffee servings you can make. Typically, filter coffee makers are equipped with a capacity of up to one and a half liters. Espresso coffee makers for the home can simultaneously prepare only two servings of the drink, more powerful models are already equipped with a water tank of up to 2 liters.
Filters
The material of manufacture of the filter directly affects its cost. The most inexpensive - disposable paper. Medium price category - nylon filters, which are designed for the preparation of 60-70 cups of coffee. The most expensive - titanium filters. They have no expiration date, do not require replacement during the entire life of the coffee maker.
Coffee strength regulator
The necessary function that allows you to set the degree of strength of coffee depending on your own preferences. In simple models, these are the “Strong Coffee” and “Soft Coffee” modes, more expensive and sophisticated devices have an improved flavor selector, which makes it possible to control the strength of the drink due to the brewing system, changes in water temperature, feed rate or the number of grams of coffee powder per serving .
Cappuccinator
If you like milk-based drinks, you cannot do without this feature. There are models where milk needs to be beaten manually with the help of hot steam. There are fully automatic coffee makers. In the second case, you have to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the device, so that the milk is always fresh, and you cannot adjust the density of the milk froth. The manual method is preferable - however, you will have to practice a little.
Display
The presence of a display, which reflects all service information, is also necessary. You do not miss the moment when you need to change the filter, add water or fall asleep coffee.
Heated cups
Another feature you need. Provides optimal heating of the coffee cups, which improves the taste and aroma of the drink.
Water level indicator
With him it is much easier to ensure that there is always water in the tank. In some models, an additional scale is applied to the scale of the volume of liquid, showing how many tablespoons of ground coffee are required for a given volume of liquid. Convenient: you do not need to do the calculations yourself.
Additional functions
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Many models of coffee machines are equipped with additional features that affect their value. Think about whether you need them in everyday life, or you can do without something. Additionally, manufacturers offer this:
- The presence of a timer delayed inclusion. It is very convenient to program the coffee maker at 7 am and cheer up, barely getting out of bed. But is it worth overpaying for a small, in five minutes, waiting for cooking? You decide.
- The temperature of the drink at the outlet. Someone likes warm coffee, and other people prefer hot. A very useful feature if several people use the coffee maker.
- Auto power off. This feature saves energy.
- Constant heated coffee. Applies to drip coffee makers. In principle, the idea is good, but the taste of coffee affects in a negative direction.
- Non-heating base unit. But it is very important for health - burns are excluded.
- Anti-drip system. Prevents the flow of finished coffee. Conveniently, but the protection works for no more than 5 minutes, after which the coffee begins to flow again.
- Illuminated cooking area. Only needed if you prefer to make coffee in complete darkness.
- Pre-wetting. Before making coffee, it is moistened with hot water, served for a portion, a pause is maintained and only then the cooking process starts. Need this feature or not - you decide. Gourmets say that the taste of the drink becomes more saturated.
The most popular manufacturers of coffee makers
The companies mentioned produce really reliable coffee makers, which usually do not require repairs for several years even with intensive use. Provided, of course, full compliance with the terms of use. The list is sorted "from best to worst."
Guggia
It is to the founder of this company that we owe convenient automatic coffee makers. And, it is logical that Guggia today is the standard of functionality, reliability and quality. Definitely the best coffee maker in the world.
Delonghi
In a line of models all types of coffee makers are presented. Refers to the average price segment. Provides one year warranty, has its own service centers.
Melitta
Budget models leave much to be desired, but you can’t tell about more expensive ones. Everything is precisely verified, calculated and implemented. Excellent quality for big money.
Krups
A larger percentage of all products are just coffee makers. An authoritative German company, which has quality in the first place, and comfort for the consumer in the second. On devices there is a guarantee, and also there is a network of the service centers.
Blazer
It is also quite a reputable company operating in the market for the production of coffee makers for almost a century. The design and assembly of the devices are unique, Blazer uses only its own developments. Models are constantly being improved, different ones are not always vital, but such pleasant little things are added that just the soul is happy - this is caring for the consumer! Perhaps, it is here that the best ratio of quality and price.
Bosch
One of the most famous and loved by consumers of companies. Works since 1886. For such a long time, of course, she perfected the technologies used to perfection. Products are reliable, rarely needs repair. The range of goods - from the budget to the elite segments. Choosing a coffee maker of this brand, you get an elegant design, an excellent set of features and trouble-free operation.
Electrolux
Easy to use, easy to maintain and reliable devices. Price range - from budget to luxury. In this case, any model is made with high quality and has a decent warranty period of operation.
Siemens
Well-known brand, producing appliances for the home. Differs in good quality and reasonable price. If the coffee maker and fails, then it is easy to repair in one of the many service centers of the company.
Saeko
Blazer main competitor.Offers reliable coffee makers with an attractive design and many additional features. Positioned as the best-selling brand, and this is true. Consumers are attracted by the quality, bright design, the presence of a variety of additional features that expand the capabilities of the device and, of course, quite adequate price tag.
Elektra
One of the few companies that is able to deliver the necessary spare parts for the repair of coffee makers or the necessary accessories to any city in the world within two days. Predominantly produces premium coffee machines without using a conveyor belt. Models have an original design that can decorate any kitchen interior.
Clatrinic
A small family business from Germany produces low-end coffee makers. Simple, cheap, no frills. Reliability - “three points”, at cost - “five”.
