How to choose the right coffee maker for your home and a review of the best models
For true coffee connoisseurs, preparing a drink is a real ritual, a sacred rite that requires a lot of time and the right atmosphere. Coffee makers and coffee machines speed up the process, make it simple and convenient. The use of devices greatly simplifies the life of lovers of an invigorating drink. Let's see how to choose a practical coffee maker for your home to prepare the type of coffee you want without extra effort.
Design, principle of operation and selection criteria
Unlike coffee machines - large in size and complex in design, coffee makers are miniature and easier to use and maintain. Several important features of all types of coffee makers:
- most use pre-ground coffee;
- devices are small, easy to clean;
- a limited set of recipes for each model (for some - 1);
- cooking mode - semi-automatic or manual.
These properties offer low prices for coffee makers, which are quite affordable for the most part.
To make an informed choice and get something that suits your needs and tastes, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of coffee makers produced.
french press
The French press is the simplest device that true coffee connoisseurs ignore at home, but, for want of anything better, are ready to use it in field conditions.
The cylindrical glass container is equipped with a plunger with a filter element and a lid. Pour ground coffee, pour boiling water over it and cover with a lid. When the plunger is lowered, the sediment remains at the bottom.
The advantages of the press include independence from the power supply and the possibility of preparing herbal infusions (including tea). The disadvantages are obvious - the taste is only vaguely similar to coffee, the drink cools quickly.
Electrical visit
Making coffee in an electric turret is not much different from the usual brewing method. At the exit - a classic drink with a thickening. Gourmets will appreciate how the coffee taste changes slightly with each sip.
Preparation is simple - ground coffee and spices of your choice are poured into the container, water of any temperature is poured. The heating elements heat the water to a boil.
Those who like to control the cooking can buy a non-automatic shut-off model. For those who make coffee on the way to work, it is better to choose a device that will turn off the electricity in time.
The undoubted advantages are the taste close to ordinary Turkish coffee, the absence of consumables (filters). Disadvantages - only one type of drink.
Reference: in electric turks you can boil water for tea or instant coffee, these devices serve for many years.
type of geyser
Steam or geyser coffee makers were invented more than a century ago and have not lost their relevance. The device and the principle of operation are simple:
- water is heated in the lower compartment;
- in the form of steam, it rises to the middle compartment, where the ground coffee is placed;
- Passing through the coffee powder, the vapor is saturated with flavor and turns into coffee in the upper container.
The device is simple, the quality of the drink is high. Disadvantages - washing or replacing the filter, regular disassembly and cleaning of the entire device, the need to control the cooking process.
In geyser coffee makers, a certain portion of the drink is prepared; with a decrease in volume, the quality of the coffee decreases. The manufacturer also regulates how the grain should be ground.
Type of drop
Simple and affordable drip models are suitable for offices and large families. The principle of obtaining a drink is simple - water seeps through a layer of ground coffee into a small stream, is saturated with taste and drips into a heated container.
The advantages of the models are a large volume of finished drink, no grinding requirements. Disadvantages - they work slowly, the portion is too large for home use, regular replacement of the filter element. Coffee quality is poor.
The low power of the device allows a low rate of passage of water through the coffee powder and an increase in the strength of the finished drink.
Carob
Carob models in price and complexity are close to coffee machines. Coffee is poured into a special horn and pressed. The heater turns water into steam and passes it under high pressure through the coffee tablet, so that the steam particles are saturated with aroma and taste.
Such coffee makers are complemented by a lot of additional functions - a coffee grinder, a timer, an outlet for 2 cups, an anti-drip system. For this reason, the device becomes more complex, increases in size and becomes more expensive.
Advantages - the brewing process is simplified and accelerated, the coffee is of high quality, you can make cappuccino, other varieties, get 1-2 cups of drink.
The metal horn prolongs the life of the device.
Disadvantages - purchase and replacement of consumables; in the absence of an integrated coffee grinder, a special grind is necessary. Poured coffee should be tamped.
Capsule
In capsule models, coffee is placed in special containers, which are purchased ready-made. To use them, you must be able to buy these capsules.
Such coffee makers are easy to use, do not require participation in preparing a drink and cleaning the filter parts. Disadvantages - the high price of the device and capsules, some coffee lovers find it difficult to find capsules.
Combined
These models combine the functions of filter coffee makers and espresso machines. Due to this, it is possible to prepare the required amount of drink in the selected way. The integrated grinder grinds the grain.
You can make Americano and espresso, use ground and whole bean coffee, add milk and other ingredients. The disadvantages include the complexity of the design, due to this, the maintenance of the device is not easy, and the price is high.
Review of popular manufacturers
Coffee makers are produced by most companies that produce small kitchen appliances. Let's highlight the most reliable companies.
De’Longhi
The Italian company has become famous for the production of quality coffee makers and coffee machines. The first De'Longhi products were launched at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, the company has grown steadily, absorbing small producers and increasing the range.
Krups
A German brand known to coffee lovers all over the world. Produces products for the kitchen, consumer electronics. German quality is complemented by elegant design and ease of use.
Bosch
One of the oldest German companies, known since 1886. Produces large and small air conditioning units for the home. The company's factories and service centers are located in many countries.
Vitek
The leader of the Russian household appliances and electronics market is VITEK, registered in 70 countries. Products are distinguished by a decent level of quality and a low price; most of the equipment is allocated to budget and middle price ranges. Assembly plants - in China.
Jura
World-renowned Swiss company for the production of high-end coffee machines. Representative offices in the main countries of the world. Jura was the first to manufacture the latest popular espresso coffee machines. They produce appliances for making coffee for the home and professional class.
Saeco
Italian company for the production of coffee machines - coffee machines, coffee makers. It specializes in the manufacture of household appliances.
Siemens
The company mainly produces large household appliances, the production of mobile phones, popular in Russia, has been stopped.Joins the Bosch group of companies.
NIVONA
Manufacturer of coffee makers, on the market since 2005. The products are in the middle and high price range. NIVONA factories produce coffee machines of other German brands (including Bosch).
How to choose the right one according to the type of favorite drink
Most coffee makers only succeed in making certain types of coffee particularly flavorful. Therefore, when choosing, they are guided not only by price and design, but also by the ability of the device to prepare your favorite type of drink.
The French press is bought by those who do not care what they drink - coffee or tea, and there are no special requirements for the taste of the drink. The essentials are quick and free, and most people have an electric kettle handy for boiling water.
Cappuccino
Carob or combined models will help to prepare cappuccino, they are equipped with a cappuccino maker. The drink comes out of excellent quality, it is brewed 1 or 2 cups at a time, depending on the model. Models with a coffee grinder are more expensive, but the need to grind to the required consistency is excluded.
American
The popular Americano is dispensed by drip coffee makers. To keep the coffee hot, choose a model with long duration heating of the collector bowl. Those who do not want to grind the beans themselves should pay attention to models with a coffee grinder.
Espresso
The most convenient way to prepare espresso is the espresso machine. The process takes 1-2 minutes.
Strong and rich coffee
Stronger coffee lovers prefer to use the geyser coffee maker. The drink is aromatic and rich. If you do not want to regularly disassemble and wash the device, and the coffee grounds do not cause any protests, buy an electric turkey.
The diversity
Manufacturers are constantly supplementing coffee makers of all types with new options, increasing the number of types of beverages brewed. Capsule designs offer the most creative freedom - you can experiment with additives, cooking methods and times.
Other Selection Features
Some additional details on the choice of coffee makers that facilitate the preparation of a drink and the operation of the device:
- Built-in grinders make it easy to make a regular drink. By spending the money on a more expensive model, you'll get rid of the need to grind and pour the coffee yourself.
- The power of the machine determines how quickly the drink is prepared. Too short contact of the ground bean with water or steam will reduce the strength of the coffee. Choose a power no higher than 800 watts if you like a stronger drink.
- If family members don't eat breakfast and lunch together, a heated coffee maker is a good choice.
- For filter coffee makers, the anti-drip function, which protects against leaks, does not interfere.
- Metal, nylon or gold filters pass fine particles but reduce the cost of disposable filter papers.
If you do not have the time and inclination to take care of the device, opt for a capsule coffee maker. This option is most popular with men.
Ranking of the best models
The rating presents various types of coffee makers that are especially in demand among lovers of Russian drinks.
Bosch TKA 6001/6003
Practical filter coffee maker with 1.44 liter glass. The volume of the drink is enough for a family of 3-4 people.Ground coffee is used, there is no automatic shutdown and cup warmers. The minimum of functions determines the low price - 1500-2500 rubles.
Krups KP 2201/2205/2208/2209 Dolce Gusto
The device is aimed at those who appreciate a fragrant drink and do not have time to prepare. Capsule model with a capacity of 1.5 kilowatts, does not require washing, cleaning filters. The design is great, it brews up to 20 varieties of coffee. Dolce Gusto replacement capsules are sold in large supermarkets, there is no difficulty in buying.
Price - from 9 thousand rubles.
Delonghi EMK 9 Alicia
Geyser model for lovers of strong drinks. Automatic switch-off, bowl volume - 0.4 liters (3 cups), ground coffee is used. The device is simple to use, easily removable. The cost is about 7,000 rubles.
Rules of maintenance and operation
Like any electrical appliance, a coffee maker needs to be maintained and maintained. Failure to follow the recommendations may not harm the device, but the taste of the drink will certainly worsen.
Rules of operation :
- Read the appliance's use and care instructions before use.
- Filtered, boiled or bottled water is poured into the device.
- Coffee grounds are washed and removed after brewing.
- Clean the filter elements after each use. Disposable items are replaced, metal, nylon, "golds" are washed and dried.
- The coffee hopper is washed regularly, residual particles alter the taste of the new batch.
- All parts of the device are washed at the time prescribed by the regulations and dried.
- The unused device is disconnected from the network.
Poor quality water alters the taste of the drink and clogs the heating elements with limescale deposits. Clogged filters spoil the taste and prevent finished coffee from accumulating in the container.
Important: prepare the coffee according to the recipes recommended in the instructions, do not put other ingredients in the ground bean dispenser.
A large assortment of coffee makers does not make it easy for many, but complicates the choice. Before buying, you should first familiarize yourself with the characteristics and capabilities of each type of device. This will make it easier to select the desired model. A compact coffee maker will brew your favorite type of beverage quickly and won't take up much space in a small kitchen.