On the main), "Drip coffee makers", they are filtration - the most affordable appliances on the coffee equipment market. The choice of a real "state employee". Therefore, many people buy them, almost without looking. And then they get very disappointed very quickly. Numerous opposite cases are also familiar to me. The man did not even look in the direction of drip coffee makers, he thought, they say, yes, for that kind of money, it would definitely not make me normal coffee, but in the end it turned out that it was the drip coffee maker / coffee machine that was the ideal solution for him.

In order to understand who filter coffee makers are suitable for, and who are contraindicated, we first study their device, because all conclusions logically follow from the method of preparing the drink.

What is a drip coffee maker, how it works

Drip coffee maker diagram

The device of drip coffee makers is the most primitive among other electrical appliances for brewing coffee. There is a heater combined with the stove on which the coffee pot stands, a water tank (usually at the back, filled from the top), a compartment for placing coffee (usually above the coffee pot, filled from the top). 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 a tube into the coffee compartment, where the steam condenses and drips into the coffee, where, seeping through it under natural pressure, without any pressurization, flows into the coffee pot ... A simple drip coffee maker does not have any pumps, 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 flowing, 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 heating is working.

Who is it for

First, you need to clearly understand that a drip coffee maker prepares only one type of drink - filtered coffee. It is neither, nor, let alone espresso. And all sorts, too, by.

The drip coffee maker prepares one type of coffee - filtered, it can also be called a real "Americano".

Therefore, those who are disappointed after the purchase usually expect to get something noticeably stronger than from a French press or by pouring ground coffee in a cup with boiling water from a kettle. And in fact, such equipment is simply not intended for brewing a drink of at least a geyser level of saturation.

But this is exactly the original recipe for making the "correct" Americano. It is not for nothing that in America, both North and South, it is extremely difficult to find coffee different from filtered coffee. That is, if you are a fan of this particular type of coffee drink, then your choice is a drip coffee maker. If you drink only Americano, then buy or, then dilute the drink with hot water, shoot the sparrows with a cannon. Taking into account the fact that drip coffee makers start from 1-2 thousand rubles.

What determines the taste, and in which coffee maker the coffee is tastier

Typical drip coffee maker

With the filtration method of brewing, it is extremely difficult to somehow influence the taste of coffee with technical tricks. What and how much coffee you put in the filter, this is what you get at the exit. Therefore, in 95% of drip coffee makers, the taste will be the same, provided that the same coffee is used in the same quantities and the same volume of water spill.

It is clear that manufacturers often try to apply some kind of textbook marketing and declare something “revolutionary” like “AromaSwirl” or “golden filter”, but in 99% of cases this is nothing more than marketing and does not affect taste.

The opposite is more common, manufacturers, due to their "genius" or economy, make a small or crooked compartment for ground coffee, or they incorrectly place the water outlet (supply) pipe for coffee above this compartment. The error may be in a very close or off-center position, or there may be one too narrow hole in the tip of the feed nozzle. As a result, water enters the filter with coffee unevenly over the area and it turns out that part of the coffee is simply not used - "tinted water" is obtained.

According to my observations, only a “Chinese” brand of a “second grade” of dubious origin (examples:,) can sin with this, I have not seen such flaws in any eminent manufacturer.

If everything is fine with the coffee maker, it is without the above "findings", then for an exemplary result it is necessary to use the appropriate coffee and the correct grinding. As usual, no one canceled fresh roasting and grinding immediately before preparing the drink, this significantly improves the taste. Grinding, as well as the amount of coffee and water, you can adjust the taste, strength, saturation.

The finer the grinding, the more coffee and the less water spill, the richer and stronger the drink will be. The coarser the grind, less coffee in the cup and more water spill, the more watery and lighter.

Keep in mind that all drip coffee makers (at least the ones I know) will spill all the water poured into the tank through the coffee poured until they are manually turned off.

There are literally a few household drip coffee machines on the market that have a built-in grinder and grind the beans just before brewing. These are exactly automatic drip coffee machines, they do everything with one click, and are even equipped with timers for preparing coffee at a specific time. For example, (an excellent machine, with adjustable grinding degree, it's a pity to find it almost impossible to find on sale) and (the coffee grinder, of course, is weak and the quality is lame, but it is controlled from the phone). But in general, for the price / quality, I would advise you to take a closer look at:

The rest of the drip coffee makers are "hand-held" machines that require self-preparation of the grain and putting it into a filter (disposable or reusable paper). These drip coffee makers all look the same and differ mainly in the design and quality of the materials used, the brand. But there are also rare additional functions. About them below.

What filters for drip coffee makers are there and which is better, reusable or disposable?

The coffee in the drip coffee maker must be poured into the filter. There can be two options:

• The coffee maker comes with a reusable filter included
• The coffee maker does not come with a reusable filter included

In both cases, 99% of coffee makers can use disposable paper filters. They just need to be bought separately (they cost an average of 2.5 rubles per piece). There are several standard sizes of filters: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, the breakdown is coarse in cups. But there are two common formats: # 2 and # 4. The first is smaller - suitable for coffee makers in the region of 600-900 ml, the second is usually for coffee makers from a liter.

Disposable filters can be thrown away with used coffee, taken out, thrown away, nothing needs to be washed. In addition, they can use the minimum grind, which can "slip" through the reusable ones. Plus, disposable ones are guaranteed not to give off flavors to the drink, which is especially important for coffee makers of dubious quality. Therefore, even with a reusable one, many prefer disposables for their ease of use.

Disposable filters come in several types according to the material used:

• Untreated, clean brown filter paper without bleach is probably the best option.
• White paper bleached with chlorine or oxygen bleach.
• Bamboo fiber filters are extremely uncommon and relatively expensive, and most importantly, pointless.

By the way, disposable paper filters for drip coffee makers were invented by Melitta Benz - the founder of Melitta - in Germany in 1908. This does not mean that the filters for Melitta drip coffee makers are of the highest quality and correct, but the fact remains.

Reusable ones need to be washed after each preparation under running water, and soaked in citric acid every couple of months to remove deposits and coffee oil. But there are no consumables - no need to spend money, buy.

Reusable filters are essentially of two types:

• Nylon... The standard option, it must be cleaned carefully, wears out over time and can break through.
• "Gold" - the same nylon, but covered with a thin layer of titanium nitride. Easier to clean and lasts longer, comes with more expensive coffee makers.

As a rule, it is extremely difficult to buy a filter separately. If initially he did not rely on this model, it is practically impossible. So you need to consider the type of filter before purchasing a coffee maker.

In general, due to the fact that in 95% of drip coffee makers, coffee should be obtained the same, the choice can be made in appearance, price and availability in stores. Yes, there are, of course, a couple of objective parameters: the volume, the type of filter used (is there a reusable one in the kit), the presence of additional functions, the most common: auto shutdown after some time and a timer for the start of cooking.

The most important nuance is that frank "Chinese meat", which is expected to take at a price, and, therefore, savings on something, can surprise you, for example, with a falling coffee compartment or a taste of plastic in the final drink due to the use of the most shameful plastic ...

As with other equipment, you can take proven equipment, paying a little more, you can play a lottery with quality materials. There are "Chinese" with relatively decent plastic, the smell of which is washed out during the first few preparations (by the way, a couple of blank preparations must be done for the most expensive coffee maker), with reliable heaters and water tanks not running on the 3rd day.

But no one, and even me, will give you a 100% guarantee. The quality of the products of such brands dances from batch to batch, and someone gets a device that will work for 10 years, and after the first use, someone will take it to the store. Below I will give some examples with explanations from different price / quality groups.

1. Compact drip coffee makers of small volume, with tanks from 600 to 900 ml:

• More expensive, better quality: Philips HD7434 (volume 900 ml, included nylon reusable filter,

Many people like to start their day with a cup of coffee. When choosing between instant and real ground coffee, it is better to give preference to the second option. It is this kind of coffee that really invigorates and gives strength for the whole day. But for this kind of coffee you need a special coffee maker. She will help you prepare various types of coffee specialties.

There are geyser, capsule, drip, carob and French press coffee makers. Modern coffee makers are distinguished by their ease of use. There are a huge number of different models. Therefore, you can easily find the perfect option for yourself.

Types of coffee makers

Espresso or espresso machine prepare coffee with the assistance of steam. It is necessary to put water in a special vessel and let it boil, then steam is formed, which is driven through a horn with pressed coffee. Rozhkovy coffee machines are divided into two main types. Some have a pressure in the range of 4 bar. Coffee is brewed very slowly in them. Therefore, the coffee is rich and very strong.

Another type of espresso coffee maker has pressures up to 15 bar. They brew coffee much faster. And the coffee turns out to be soft and retains all its properties.

• Grinding. For this type of coffee maker, only a certain type of grind is suitable.

• Coffee horn. Better to choose a coffee maker with a metal horn. This will help the coffee to warm up better, and the taste will be much softer and richer. If the cone is plastic, the coffee will turn out sour and watery.

• Protective system. Good coffee makers should have a special sensor that turns off the machine after the temperature rises and overheats. Also, the coffee maker should not turn on in the absence of water.

• The presence of a double nozzle. This is a useful detail that allows you to brew coffee in two mugs at once.

• The presence of a pallet. Must prevent water leakage.

• The ability to stop the coffee preparation process.

Geyser coffee makers look like simple porcelain coffee pots. They are divided into electrical and non-electrical. But the principle of coffee makers is the same. They consist of a steel tank, divided into two compartments, in which water is separated from the coffee in a special way.

During the preparation process, boiling water rises through a special tube and penetrates the coffee. After that, she again falls into the lower section. In some models, the cycle may be repeated. But it is better for a drink if this cycle is repeated only once.

When choosing this type of coffee maker, you should pay attention to:

• Dimensions. The coffee maker can brew as many cups at a time as it is designed for. No more, no less.

• The handle should only be made of special material that does not heat up.

• Water filling level. An indispensable function for monitoring the liquid in the coffee maker.

• Cap. Like the handle, it should be made of non-heating material and have a simple opening design.

Drip coffee makers stand out among others in that they brew coffee without the pressure of steam and boiling water. In such a coffee maker, liquid flows in small droplets through the coffee.

When choosing this type of coffee maker, you should pay attention to:

• Power. For strong coffee, you need to take coffee makers of low power, and for weak coffee, vice versa.

• The size and type of the flask. Usually the bulb is made of glass or plastic. The handle must be made of a special material that does not conduct heat. The size of the flask depends on the number of people who will drink coffee.

• Filter. When choosing a filter, you need to build on your wishes. There are 3 main types of filters: disposable, "gold" (long-term use) and nylon (can be used up to 60 times)

• Protective mechanism. Should prevent coffee leaks if the flask is pulled out of the coffee maker during coffee brewing.

• Heating option to keep coffee hot longer.

• Setting the coffee strength. You can independently select the desired coffee strength by setting the time or by choosing a special program.

Is one of the simplest types of coffee makers. You don't need to have any special knowledge to make coffee in it. Simply place the coffee capsule in the coffee maker. Subsequently, the capsule is pierced and spilled with water.

Despite the ease of use, this coffee maker has some disadvantages. For example, now special capsules can be found of any type and for every taste, but it is difficult to find the best option for yourself. It is impossible to brew coffee from regular ground coffee in such a coffee maker.

Includes a glass cylindrical reservoir and a special piston with a steel filter at the bottom. To make coffee, you need to fill in ground beans and pour boiling water over them. Then you need to let the drink brew well. Before pouring the coffee, the plunger must be pushed down to prevent coffee particles from entering the mug.

The French press does not require any special care. And thanks to its compact size and light weight, you can always take this coffee maker with you. At the same time, it does not have any additional functions such as a timer or automatic heating. And the strength of the drink will have to be selected independently.

How to choose a coffee maker for home

To find the optimal coffee maker, you must first decide on its type. For home use, it is better to opt for a carob coffee machine. It is fully automated and quickly brews various coffee drinks.

However, over time, coffee oils will build up on the parts of the coffee maker, which can negatively affect the taste of the coffee. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the design, which can be disassembled and easily washed.

You can choose a coffee maker based on your preferences. In this case, pay attention to the brand and manufacturers. They must have positive reviews and a solid reputation in the home appliance market.

How to choose a coffee maker for the office

When choosing a coffee maker, you should start from the number of employees. She must be able to cope with the required loads (cook not only a lot, but also quickly).

The best option for the office might be a capsule coffee maker. Such a coffee maker can easily and quickly brew a wide variety of coffee drinks. Therefore, each employee will be able to make their own favorite drink.

It is better to choose an image coffee machine in the manager's office or meeting room. In these offices, the coffee maker is not just a device for brewing coffee, but also becomes a stylish piece of furniture.

Top 5 best coffee makers

- modern capsule coffee maker from Nespresso. It differs in its original design, you can even choose the color of the coffee maker of the desired shade. At the same time, she brews excellent coffee. It is enough to put the capsule in the coffee maker and press the necessary button.

The coffee maker is small in size and light in weight. It's very easy to work with her. And the finished drink has a dense foam and optimal temperature. Despite the fact that the car is a little noisy, this is offset by other positive qualities.

- a geyser-type coffee maker with an original design. Differs in ease of use and laconic forms. The fluid reservoir is made of durable glass. This allows you to follow the coffee making process.

The handle is made of durable and thermally insulated plastic. The volume of the coffee maker can be selected from 2 to 6 cups. Various types of heating hobs can be used except induction hobs.

- a modern powerful coffee machine. You can brew not only classic espresso or Americano, but also airy cappuccino and other coffee drinks with milk. It has a lot of useful features. For example, adjusting the grind or serving size. You can brew two cups of coffee at the same time.

The machine has an easy-to-use screen. The coffee maker can automatically remove coffee deposits. The only drawback of this coffee machine is its high price compared to the rest of the machines from this line.

- budget coffee maker for home. The main qualities of this coffee maker are convenience, ease of use and solid construction. This coffee maker can brew one to four cups at a time. It is very easy to care for thanks to the removable design. The coffee maker has a compact size, beautiful design and quiet operation.

This model has very few minor flaws. One of them is a relatively small cord. Because of this, the coffee maker can only be placed directly next to power outlets. And the second drawback is the fragile bowl. Despite all these disadvantages, this coffee maker model is one of the most popular for home use.

5. - drip coffee maker combined with a coffee grinder. A very convenient model that does not require additional costs for purchasing a separate grinder. It has easy controls. In this coffee maker, you can independently adjust the strength of the drink.

This model can brew up to 10 cups of coffee at the same time. In addition, it has a built-in sensor that turns off the coffee maker two hours after work.

Don't forget that whichever model you choose, the coffee machines need to be cleaned!

Happy shopping!

In contact with

Do you love coffee the way I love it? When you hear this incomparable aroma, do you have the feeling as if you are about to carry a cup with a magic drink made from wonderful grains to your lips? Do you know how to make coffee at home? "There is absolutely no time to make coffee in a Turk in the morning!" - business women justify themselves. Maybe, before work, in a hurry, you settle for a quick way and this is an ordinary instant drink? Isn't it time to get used to something more perfect? If you are ready for changes in your life, then I highly recommend that you buy a coffee maker, which will bring you noticeable relief and pleasure from aromatic coffee in the process of making coffee. "That's a great idea!" - I already hear the joyful exclamation of a “coffee-lover”, - “But how to choose a coffee maker for home? Which model should you prefer from such a variety? .. "

Indeed, stores of household appliances and kitchen goods offer a very wide selection of models of all kinds of coffee makers - from simple ones resembling electric kettles to real ultra-modern units. Well, if you are determined to purchase a coffee assistant, I will be happy to help you and tell you which model will be worthy to take pride of place in your kitchen.

Which coffee maker to choose for your favorite coffee

What kind of coffee do you like? Maybe it's an unpretentious classic Americano, or maybe it's a strong espresso or an airy cappuccino? Or are you an ardent fan of rich and aromatic Neapolitan coffee? For each type of coffee there is its own, certain type of coffee makers, and I will now tell you what is their fundamental difference.

The simplest and most popular models: in order to make classic coffee, you just need to pour a certain amount of water into the tank and it will immediately begin to heat up to a temperature of about 90 degrees. Then the hot water will pass through a special filter with coffee, pre-ground from the beans - so your favorite Americano is ready. Such a coffee maker consists of a heated stand and a glass vessel with graduated marks - its device is quite simple.

1. Carob coffee maker

It is a little more complicated in the device, but you will have more options for prepared drinks compared to a drip coffee maker. The principle of its operation is as follows: water vapor passes through the ground coffee beans under a rather high pressure - this is how espresso is prepared, black and strong. Instead of filters in a coffee maker of this type, special horns are used, it is in them that the ground coffee is poured (while the ground coffee is needed much less than with the drip method - about thirty percent).

If the cappuccino maker is included with the carob coffee maker, then you can make coffee with milk - a delicate cappuccino.

1. Capsule coffee maker

It is in many ways similar to carob, except that the steam does not pass through the ground coffee, but through special coffee capsules. Such a capsule can be stored for quite a long time, and during preparation you will get a fragrant drink, as if the grains had just been ground.

The big advantage of coffee capsules is that you can buy ready-made capsules with different degrees of roast coffee and different strengths - each time you can prepare a completely different drink!

1. Geyser coffee maker

Another name for this coffee maker is mocha (or mocha), but it has nothing to do with the type of coffee. The principle of operation of a geyser coffee maker is quite simple - hot water, boiling, begins to beat like a geyser, passing through the ground coffee, only not once, as in other coffee makers, but several times. The water is in such a coffee maker at the bottom, and the coffee is at the top, while the drink is very rich in taste.

How to choose a coffee maker for home - what parameters we pay attention to

Drip coffee maker characteristics

Why is the power of the coffee machine so important? - asks an inquisitive reader, - "Does the time it takes to boil water is of great importance?" Yes, this is very important, because the power of your future coffee assistant directly determines the strength of the drink that you will drink later. The lower the power, the slower the water will heat up, and then it will take longer for it to pass through the ground coffee. Imagine how strong and tasty coffee can be prepared if you are in no hurry!

Choosing a coffee maker that will have a power of about 800 watts, you are guaranteed to make five or six cups of your favorite drink, an example of such a coffee maker is the VITEK-1512.

Do you have a big family or do you just love to host a lot of friends? Then for you - a coffee maker with a higher power, from 1000 to 1200 watts, it will help you prepare up to fifteen cups, each of which will take no more than a minute, for example, BOSCH TKA 1410 V or Moulinex FG211510 Inox / Black.

• Function for setting the strength of brewed coffee

Have you chosen a model with exactly this function? Then you can forget about the power and its effect on the strength of your coffee - just adjust the required parameter before brewing, and you can enjoy exactly the coffee you like!

• Coffee jar

It is also called “flask” otherwise, but it seems to me that something in this name reminds of chemical experiments. And we are not going to experiment with you, brewing coffee is akin to a real art, therefore it is a "vessel" (or, in extreme cases, a "reservoir").

- For coffee making, you can find a drip coffee maker with a vessel with a capacity of about a liter, and with it you can easily brew eight cups. If you are not going to limit yourself to one or two cups, pay attention to the container!

- The material for the vessel is glass or special plastic. Ask a consultant if a plastic container can retain the aroma of your drink, because it is no secret that some types of plastic have the ability to lose the smell of the products stored in them, or, even worse, give them their own specific smell. If the consultant mumbles something unintelligible in response to your request to clarify whether the plastic of the coffee vessel is special, food grade, this is a reason to think about purchasing another model, for example, with a glass vessel.

- The "overflow protection" function will help your coffee maker to stop working if the volume of already brewed coffee reaches the volume of the vessel.

- The “drop-stop” mechanism is a very important function that will shut off the flow of coffee droplets, as soon as you take out the vessel in order to pour yourself a cup. As soon as you put the container back in place, the coffee droplets will start dripping again.

- The filter for coffee is a very important parameter, which affects both the quality of the finished coffee and its strength. What filters are there?

• The paper one is disposable, the coffee is brewed, the filter is thrown away.
• Nylon - its manufacturers suggest using it up to eighty times, but I'll tell you a secret - if you rinse it thoroughly, you can use it much longer.
• "Golden" - the name is, of course, conditional, and does not come from the material from which the filter is made, but from the beautiful "golden" color. These filters are made from titanium nitride, have a long service life and, accordingly, high cost.

- A scale on the vessel showing how much water needs to be poured - manufacturers are sometimes so caring! And if your chosen model has indicators for the ratio of water and ground coffee, then it will not be difficult for you to calculate how much coffee you have to pour for the number of cups you need, such indicators are available in the Moulinex BCA1L1, Tefal CM410530 or VITEK VT-1512 models.

Features of the espresso machine

As you already know, this type of coffee maker uses hot steam in the preparation of coffee, so its pressure is a very important parameter. You can logically assume that the higher the steam pressure, the faster the coffee will be prepared, and you would be absolutely right. Simple coffee makers with a capacity of up to 1000 watts have a steam pressure of no more than five bars, a half-liter vessel and prepare a cup of coffee in two minutes. But if the model you have chosen has a power of up to 1800 watts, then it is able to create a steam pressure "more impressive" - \u200b\u200bup to 15 bar. Such powerful coffee makers can have a vessel with a capacity of up to one and a half liters, and it takes only thirty seconds to prepare one cup! Add to this the perfect combination of taste and aroma of your favorite coffee, and maybe you are thinking about purchasing just such a model?

• Milk frother or milk frother

Do you like the soft and delicate taste of cappuccino coffee? Then, just for you, the manufacturers have developed an automatic device - a cappuccinator, which will pour milk from an additional container into your coffee, neatly whipped into foam.

Some models have a built-in milk frothing function - a special mechanism foams air, steam and milk, adding it to the finished coffee.

• Use of pressed briquettes

Many models of coffee makers have the function of using packs of ground pressed coffee, which are also called pods. Such pods are very convenient, as they are covered with special filtered paper and do not pollute the coffee maker at all, and are designed for exactly one preparation.

• Possibility to select different volumes of brewed coffee

This is very convenient - you can independently decide how many cups of coffee you need to prepare, such a function is possessed, for example, by the Rowenta ES 060010 coffee maker.

Capsule coffee machine features

By design, these coffee makers are similar to carob - they can also have cappuccino makers and steam pressure plays an important role in their work. Those distinctive characteristics that we will pay special attention to in the store are determined by the use of special capsules in the preparation of coffee. In the store you can see a large number of different capsules (small sealed cups with colorful lids) - this is a variety of varieties of coffee, moreover, professionally prepared and roasted, using the necessary technologies.

• When purchasing a capsule coffee maker, choose a model with the function of automatic ejection of the used capsule, for this a special compartment is usually provided.
• If this compartment is quite roomy, then you will have to empty it less often, it will also be very convenient if it is removable - cleaning the coffee maker will become simple and convenient.
• To be able to make coffee stronger or weaker, give your preference to the model with the function of adjusting the volume of water per cup.

Features of a geyser coffee maker

I must say that geyser coffee makers can be both electric and those that are heated on a conventional stove. I recommend that you buy an electric model, and that's why - such a coffee maker has very useful automatic functions.

What are the main parameters we need to consider when deciding how to choose a coffee maker for a geyser-type home?

The peculiarity of the geyser coffee maker is that it can only work at maximum load, which means that you need to decide - how much coffee will you make at one time? The larger the volume required, the greater the power must be.

• Shutdown after completion of work (digital timer) - can be either automatic or programmable.
• Warming up ready-made coffee - and you can always drink a hot aromatic cup, regardless of whether you had time to pour it or not.
• Adjusting the strength of the coffee is a guide to how much coffee you need to add in order to get the perfect flavor and aroma.

Of course, the more variety of functions your chosen model has, the higher its price will be. Doesn't it scare you and are you ready to purchase the most modern, technically sophisticated coffee maker? In this case, carefully study the entire range of available features and think - do you need all of them? Perhaps the required minimum will be enough for you?

I wish you in no case to get confused in the store in front of a huge selection of models of coffee makers, so different and so attractive. Manufacturers do not skimp on beautiful designs and bright colors, some models can really decorate your kitchen.

I hope that with the help of these simple tips and tricks you will be able to purchase a coffee maker that will prepare your favorite drink according to all the rules and will delight you in the morning with aromatic coffee - invigorating and bringing a good mood!

There are many types of coffee makers and coffee machines. "Expert Prices" included in its rating models for every taste, size and wallet, which in 2017 - 2018 earned the maximum number of positive reviews from buyers. Which coffee maker or coffee machine to give preference to, decide by reading our rating.

What coffee makers and coffee machines are there, and how did we choose the best ones?

Drip coffee maker... A simple and inexpensive flask coffee maker. The principle of operation is that hot water drips down into the filter, passes through the ground grains, taking away their taste and aroma, and enters the flask.

Geyser coffee maker... The principle of operation of a geyser coffee maker is the opposite of a drip one: water rises from the bottom up in the form of a geyser, pouring coffee. Then it also goes into a special flask. As a rule, the volume of a geyser coffee maker is small, the price is also small.

Rozhkovy coffee maker... In this coffee maker the coffee is compressed under pressure (usually 10-15 bar).

Capsule coffee machine... The principle of operation of a capsule coffee machine is similar to that of a carob, but the first uses coffee in special capsules. This has both pros and cons. So, after the capsules, the coffee machine is easier to wash, there are no traces of coffee, but not everyone likes the taste of the drink.

Coffee makers are automatic and semi-automatic. Automatic will do everything - from grinding grains to dosed pouring into a cup for you, semi-automatic need any additional action on your part.

When choosing, we based on customer reviews and the characteristics of coffee makers and coffee machines. The rating includes both models for offices and for home use, including for a small family.

Which manufacturer is the best?

Melitta coffee machines and coffee makers (Germany) have established themselves as reliable and high-quality devices. Basically, the brand produces premium coffee machines, but there are also budget options. The German firm Bosch, a specialist in household appliances, is also considered a good manufacturer of coffee makers. Buyers prefer its budget models. In addition, the rating includes such well-known manufacturers as Panasonic (Japan), Moulinex (France), Krups (Germany), Saeco (Italy).

NB! I'll warn you right away that the material is voluminous and an unprepared reader can be unnecessarily confusing. If you do not want to delve into the intricacies, scroll right through to.

Roof coffee makers, espresso coffee makers (these are all synonyms) are perhaps the largest class of coffee brewing devices. Moreover, it covers the needs of the widest range of users, from beginners who are looking for the most affordable device for making espresso at home, and ending with professionals who buy them purely for commercial purposes.

Let me explain right away that, unlike the phrase "carob coffee maker", the term "carob coffee machine" is not so unambiguous. Because I, for example, believe that a "coffee machine" should be able to grind grain in the process of a single brewing cycle, this is one of the main features of a coffee machine. But no espresso machine can do that. Accordingly, I believe that there can be no carob coffee machines in this terminology at all. But here the problem is, as with capsule ones, the broad masses were led to call professional multi-post coffee makers precisely carob coffee machines. Okay, let's assume that the espresso machine is a professional multi-post espresso machine.

Who are the carob coffee makers for?

Before a more detailed description, I will start with the main idea that the reader should be imbued with:

A normal espresso machine is narrowly specialized in espresso and espresso-based beverages. That is why they are also called espresso coffee makers.

That is, if you clearly realize that you prefer Turkish coffee (from or), from or, for example, (as an option, infusions), then in principle you do not need a carob coffee maker. Attempts to make something close to the above from the "horn" usually resemble dental treatment through the nose.

On the other hand, for espresso and drinks based on it, an espresso machine is a necessary and sufficient equipment. Here I leave out the coffee machines, because literate people are actually trying to bring the process closer to brewing in a classic cone.

What is an espresso machine, types of espresso machines

The main sign of any espresso machine, SUDDENLY, is the presence of a "horn". In simple terms, this is a handle, at the end of which there is a round filter holder, where a coffee tablet is placed.

Initial, home class: filter diameter 50-54 mm.

The first and main parameter by which the carob coffee makers are divided into subclasses and by which it is necessary to choose is the developed pressure and the way to achieve it.

1. Pumpless, they are also boiler coffee makers - they do not have any device that increases the pressure of boiling water. They have a metal boiler with a heating element into which water is poured. When boiling, the steam squeezes the water through the valve into the horn. The pressure in such coffee makers is usually in the region of 2-4 bar, and cannot be higher purely constructively.

For canonical espresso, the water pressure in the brew group should be 8-9 bar. Accordingly, pumpless espresso coffee makers, in principle, cannot make the correct espresso, and are sharpened for brewing something between a strong Americano and the product of a geyser coffee maker.

This type is the only exception to the 'espresso specialty' cappuccino maker rule. I believe that the purchase of such equipment is a serious trade-off that takes place, but it is better to avoid it if possible. Examples of similar devices: Scarlett SC-037 (), Redmond RCM-1502 (), Polaris PCM-4002A ().

This is much more important in terms of improving the result than choosing a higher class coffee maker. On the Russian market at the time of this writing, the most affordable options are and. It is clear that in general it is in the first place, the fresher the roast and the fresher the grind, the better. But in second place is the grind that is correctly selected for the type of grain, which in rotary or pseudo-millstone coffee grinders, in principle, cannot meet the standards of the reference espresso.

And if you "figured out" with the coffee grinder and the grain, then you can really look towards improving / choosing advanced equipment. Moreover, in case of improvement, you can really practice and tighten up your skills in tamping a coffee tablet on your old, home coffee maker, by purchasing a filter for it without an enhancer, that is, with a single bottom. Such filters are sold even for the simplest Delonghi with a 50 mm diameter horn. ...

Actually, the ability to form a coffee tablet along with the correct grinding is a prerequisite when using filters without an enhancer, because in this case it is the coffee tablet that is responsible for creating the necessary pressure in the cooking chamber, without which you will get some kind of dump at the exit. It is with this approach that one can and should be guided by the rule "30 ml of a drink in 20-25 seconds."

In the case of filters with enhancers, double bottom, creating the perfect coffee tablet is no longer so important, although it certainly does have some influence on the process and taste. But the right grind matters on any piece of equipment.

What else can you advise when brewing espresso on any espresso machine, well, to summarize the above:

1. The fresher the grain and its grinding, the better.
2. Correct grinding with a burr grinder is very important.
3. Correct tamping of the coffee pellet using normal metal tempera is extremely important for filters without an enhancer, but in principle is essential for any filter. The best espresso is obtained with filters without an enhancer, but with the proper skill.
4. It is highly advisable to warm up the coffee maker after turning it on for a few minutes, then spill the horn and filter without coffee and reheat.
5. Pour espresso only after the ready indicator comes on (available on all coffee makers).
6. If your coffee maker uses a small storage boiler, limit the one-time delivery to the 60 ml top bar. Pour the next portion after a few minutes of warming up. For coffee makers with a thermoblock, this requirement is irrelevant.

By the way, the process of brewing espresso on a carob home coffee maker can be greatly simplified if you use pods. ...

Results and conclusions

Summing up, I can describe the choice of a carob coffee maker this way.

Beginner class - a small volume boiler in the region of 100-150 ml or a thermoblock, a cone in the form of a valve system or a double bottom filter, optional autodosing or advanced autocappuccinators, without any systems that really improve the final taste or convenience of making espresso such as a three-way valve or a PID controller temperature.

Within this class, the division mostly goes to cheap models from OEM-manufacturers such as Vitek / Polaris, where a low price is achieved by using materials of dubious quality and potential design errors, such as inadequate thermostats, which entail either underheating or overheating of water. These models, I believe, can be taken only in the case of the most severe financial limit or, because their quality and fault tolerance are in direct correlation with the price.

On the other hand, there are more expensive models (sometimes only 1-2 thousand rubles) from trusted brands such as Philips or Delonghi (as well as their subsidiary brands Saeco, Gaggia and Ariete, Krups, Kenwood, respectively) with better materials and assembly, as well as deliberately worked out parameters of components for getting more or less worthy espresso by any beginner. Moreover, each brand, by and large, uses a single platform (well, a couple), which is replicated in different cases and colors and with a minimal difference in control (like here the buttons, and here the twists - oops, got different types of models).

What exactly is the difference between cheap purely Chinese carob coffee makers and their European counterparts.

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The professional / commercial class deserves a separate material ... But you can familiarize yourself with a typical example.