Which coffee maker is better to choose and buy

Do you like natural aromatic coffee, but do not always have time to stand at the stove above the Turk? The coffee machine will free you from worries and in a few minutes will prepare your favorite invigorating drink. Modern units are multifunctional and easy to use: just pour coffee and set the desired program. However, such devices are not cheap, and therefore, before buying, you should understand in detail which coffee machine you need. We will talk about the main characteristics and features of coffee machines.

Types of coffee machines

A machine in which ground coffee is refilled in a removable tank (horn) and a portion of coffee is prepared under the influence of hot water. Some models have a tube for creating milk froth.

- There is no way to adjust the strength of the coffee.

The device is similar to carob, instead of tablets, capsules with ground coffee are used.

+ Great performance (up to 50 cups per day). It does not require special care. The strength and composition of the drink is determined by the manufacturer of the capsules.

- Coffee capsules are much more expensive than ground coffee. Each manufacturer produces its own capsules, which are not suitable for other brands of coffee machines.

He makes coffee by passing small portions of hot water through a filter with ground coffee into a special tank. Modern models have the function of grinding coffee.

+ Simplicity and reliability of the design. Maintains the set temperature of the finished drink (heating).

- In the process of preparation, the true taste and aroma of coffee is lost.

Automatic coffee machine - the best choice for true coffee lovers

A universal device that produces a tasty and aromatic drink from any raw material: whole beans or ground coffee.

+ Versatility. High cooking speed - no more than 30 s per 1 cup. The ability to adjust the strength of the coffee. Can prepare different types of coffee: cappuccino, mocha, latte, etc.

- More than other coffee machines in size and weight, more expensive in value.

The main criteria for choosing an automatic coffee machine

Millstone for grinding coffee

Steel - strong and reliable. Under heavy load, they overheat and can give the coffee a burnt aftertaste. High noise level.

Ceramic - maximize the taste and aroma of coffee, work much quieter. Fragile, it is necessary to ensure that foreign objects do not get along with coffee beans.

Boiler - well suited for making large quantities of coffee. Scale quickly appears, which significantly affects the taste of coffee, regular maintenance is necessary.
The fuser is the best choice for a home coffee machine. Prepares a serving of coffee faster. Low power consumption.

High-capacity coffee machines cook faster, but at the same time, the taste of the drink is reduced. For home use, an optimal coffee machine with a capacity of 1000-1500 kW.

For home use, a model with a capacity of up to 30 cups is suitable. It is worth paying attention to coffee machines with the possibility of simultaneous preparation of 2 cups of coffee.

The removable brewing mechanism must be periodically removed and cleaned manually.
The fixed brewing mechanism automatically determines the degree of contamination and gives a signal that cleaning is necessary. After turning on the cleaning function, it independently cleans all internal parts. Convenient to operate, but more expensive. You must use special tablets to clean the coffee machines.

Cappuccino maker

Without a cappuccino machine, a coffee machine cannot make cappuccino, latte and mocha.

Automatic - fully automates the process of preparing a drink. It is only necessary to pour milk into a special container. In the top models, you can adjust the degree of airiness and the height of the foam. Significantly increases the cost of the coffee machine.
Manual - requires a certain skill and skill.

Additional functions

Adjusting the degree of grinding of coffee beans - determines the taste of the drink.
Water filter - serves to purify tap water.
The strength of the drink - controls the saturation of coffee.
Drink temperature - select the optimal temperature for the finished drink for you.
Serving Size - setting the volume of the finished drink.
Descaling - significantly extends the life of the coffee machine.
Additional boiler - speeds up the process of whipping milk.
Cup warmer is a feature for true coffee lovers.
Internal memory - allows you to save the recipe for making a favorite drink for each family member in the memory of the coffee machine. To activate the desired mode, you just need to select your name in the list.

Drip coffee makers

First of all, it is worth noting that drip coffee makers are usually used to make the simplest black coffee. To understand the approximate device structure, it is necessary to consider the algorithm for preparing the drink:

First of all, clean, drinking water should be poured into the tank,
Next, pour coffee into a special container. The amount of powder depends on how many cups you want to prepare,
After all the preparations, you just need to click on the button that starts the process,
The heating element provokes boiling water and the formation of steam,
Steam condenses on special tubes,
The resulting condensate enters the container with coffee and flows through it into a pre-prepared cup.

Advantages and disadvantages

Drip coffee makers are very popular among buyers. This is due to the following advantages of this device:

Budget cost
Simplicity of design and operation,
Quick brewing of the finished drink,
The ability to add not only coffee to the drip filter, but also any other products that can be brewed,
Multifunctional devices can not only make a drink, but also grind the grains before starting the brewing process.

Also, these devices have a number of disadvantages, which also need to pay attention:

Not the highest quality coffee,
The inability to make coffee other than Americano,
The need to constantly wash all the parts involved in the work so that the drink does not get bitter,
Sufficiently high consumption of coffee powder,
The need to regularly change filters,
There is no way to make coffee with foam or make milk foam.

Drip apparatus

At the back of the coffee machine is a water tank. It is connected to the heating module using a special tube, through which water is supplied to it. The heater itself is located at the bottom of the apparatus, along with a reservoir for collecting coffee.

When the water boils, steam forms. It rises through the system of tubes to the upper part of the apparatus, while cooling with a container of cold water. Due to this, the steam condenses at the outlet, and drops with a temperature of 95-98 degrees are formed.

This condensate passes through a filter with ground coffee, acquiring its taste and aroma along the way. The resulting solution flows into a special flask, which is heated during the operation of the machine.

Horns

There are two types of carob coffee makers:

Compression,
With a discharge pump.

The first option has a simpler design, consisting of a water tank, a heating element, a valve for bleeding steam with increasing pressure.

The steam obtained by heating the liquid is fed upward at a pressure of about 3 Bar. At the same time, it cools and after that it falls onto coffee in the horn filter. Passing through it, water flows into a flask, which can be heated using an additional heater.

Often, such devices also have a device for creating milk foam. It is built into the tank with heated water. A tube with a faucet and a special nozzle at the end lowered into milk is displayed on the body of the device.

Models with a discharge pump can supply water to a container with a heating element under a pressure of 9-17 Bar. Such devices are considered more modern, since in them the liquid heats up faster due to the passage through a spiral heater. This allows you to significantly speed up the heating and, accordingly, reduce the time for making coffee.

Drip coffee maker

In this machine you can brew the simplest black Americano. You can only adjust the strength of the drink:

When you add less water and more powder, you get strong coffee,
If you change the proportions - you get a less strong drink.

Since the temperature of the drops is quite high, some varieties of coffee beans may not fully reveal their taste. Also, often at the bottom of a cup of a drink brewed with a drip coffee machine, an unpleasant residue remains, which impairs the taste of the drink.

Coffee maker

Using a high-quality model of a carob coffee maker, you can make a real espresso that will have high foam on the surface. However, it is worth remembering that such a quality and tasty drink can not be brewed in every device. Often, coffee from a drip and carob coffee machine is not much different from each other.

The advantage of this model is the ability to heat and froth milk to make cappuccino or latte. Also, carob machines practically do not leave coffee sediment.

Ground coffee consumption

For any type of coffee machine, ground coffee powder must be used. The grinding quality can have a significant impact on the taste of the drink. If the grains are ground too coarse, an insufficiently saturated coffee will result. And when the grinding is too small, the filters get clogged.

Depending on the technology of making coffee, the consumption of carob devices is much lower. To make a strong drink in a drip coffee maker, you need more powder.

Interesting! Both options can be equipped with a device for grinding coffee beans. However, the price of such models will be much higher.

Drip coffee machine

Despite the fact that only one type of coffee can be prepared in a drip machine, manufacturers have added several functions that increase the capabilities of these devices:

The function of delaying the launch for a while,
The ability to independently adjust the fortress,
Built-in coffee grinder,

Horn coffee machine

The functionality of the carob models is more expanded due to the presence of a cappuccino machine for whipping milk or cream. This fixture allows you to make several coffee options, in addition to standard espresso or americano.

Also, these devices are equipped with other functions:

Changes in the strength of the drink
Fluid temperature adjustment,
Heated cups.

Dimensions

Drip devices typically take up less space due to their design. Horn models are more overall.

It is also worth noting that compression coffee makers require more free space than models with a pressure pump. The dimensions of the device mainly depend on the complexity of the device and the availability of additional functions. The more complex the design, the larger the size of the coffee maker.

Basic recommendations for choosing a device

There are several tips, following which the buyer will be able to quickly determine the choice of a suitable device:

A drip coffee machine is worth buying to make a lot of black coffee at once,
Horn models are suitable for lovers of variety. They can boil and espresso, and cappuccino, and other types of drink,
Pay attention to the power of the device. The optimal power value for instant coffee is 800-1000 watts.

How a drip coffee machine works

For an adequate assessment of the equipment, you need to understand its technology. Most often, the drip coffee machine is designed to make standard black coffee. She prepares it as follows:

Pre-filtered water is poured, or special clean water purchased in a store into a container specially designed for this.
Coffee is placed in another container reserved for this.
The valve closes and the start button is pressed.
The temperature of the water rises, which leads to the appearance of steam.
The condensate received from the steam settles in pipelines specially created for this.
Drops of condensate seep through the tank in which the coffee is poured, and then go outside the coffee machine, dripping into a pre-prepared cup.

The drip coffee machine is called so because of the principle of operation. Droplets of condensation slowly accumulate in your cup, passing through the coffee must.

How does a carob type coffee machine

In a coffee machine of this type, coffee is brewed in a completely different way. Unlike a drip coffee machine, steam passes through the coffee mixture in the carob, and its condensate settles in the cup.

This technology has certain advantages:

No precipitate forms in the finished beverage.
The aroma of coffee beans is transmitted one hundred percent.
The cooking process is much faster than in other types of coffee makers.
Material for cooking is consumed much more economically.

It is worth paying attention that the finished drink is covered with fragrant foam, highly appreciated by coffee lovers.

How to choose a drip coffee machine

A drip coffee maker is considered the most common among users and relatively inexpensive. We present some recommendations:

The power of the coffee machine depends on its size. Depending on the power, the drink is obtained in varying degrees of strength. The more powerful the device, the stronger the drink. For lovers of strong coffee, it is recommended to choose a device with a capacity above 800 watts.
Each manufacturer has its own type of coffee machine. It is more important to pay attention to the material from which the bowl for the finished drink is made. Safe for health is a bowl made of glass. Certain manufacturers equip the cups with a thermos function, which is important for long-term preservation of high temperature and freshness of the drink.
It is very important that the water is filtered. In the absence of purchased spring water or a special water treatment device, you should choose a coffee machine with an integrated water filter.
Most models are equipped with a “stop drop” function. This function is designed to stop or start the coffee maker at any time.

Special attention should be paid to filters. Disposable paper filters, their repeated use can be harmful to your health. Nylon - can be used several times until they become clogged, and then be sure to change to new ones. Metal - they are used endlessly, but at the same time they pass part of the sediment.

How to choose a carob type coffee machine

The differences between the carob type and the drop type, we have already understood. For a person who is going to purchase a carob for the first time, we cite the following factors:

According to the principle of action, carob types are divided into two categories. The specifics of the first is as follows: boiling water under high pressure seeps through the coffee mass. The second category is based on the fact that steam passes through the coffee mass, not water.
The system of the first category is called pump-action. It costs more than steam, but the taste of the drink at the outlet of the pump is much brighter. It is important to understand that one horn is only enough for a couple of cups of coffee at a time. If you plan to brew more cups at a time, it is recommended to purchase models with a large number of horns.The highest quality horn is made of metal, its filter is also metal. Such coffee makers make the most delicious coffee.
Due to the fact that one horn is not able to serve more than two cups, the volume of water containers is not the most important factor when choosing an apparatus.
For those who like cappuccino and latte more, you should pay attention to the presence of an element for whipping milk.
Built-in coffee brewing function with pads.

Differences of drip coffee makers

In most cases, drip coffee makers are similar in design. But there are also differences by which you can choose the most suitable for yourself. These coffee machines have the following features:

The limiter protecting a container for drink from transfusion.
The ability to move containers for a drink.
Maintain a constant coffee temperature. Only works when the coffee machine is on.
Electronic dispenser that helps to properly share the relationship of the drink with water.
Setting that allows you to control the degree of strength of the coffee output.
A scale showing the amount of coffee made.
Built-in timer that allows you to make coffee at any convenient time.
Function that controls the number of coffee cups.
Thermostat that alerts you to coffee temperature.
Integrated coffee grinder for whole grain product.

What is a carob coffee maker?

The horn coffee maker got its name due to the presence of a special nest in the form of a horn in which ground coffee beans are laid for further coffee preparation. The device is designed to make classic espresso with a dense foam on the surface.

There are two main types of carob devices: steam (boiler) and pump-action. In steam coffee makers, the liquid is placed in an airtight compartment and heated until steam forms. After the steam passes through the coffee powder, the drink will be ready to drink.

In a pump-action model, water quickly heats up to 90-100 degrees, and then passes through coffee using a pump. The technology allows you to save all the nutrients and get the most intense flavor.

What is a drip coffee maker?

The drip coffee maker is a electrical device with heater, wherein hot water passes through the filter with coffee and enters the tank.

Making a tasty drink in a drip apparatus is quite simple: cold water is poured into the tank, and ground coffee is placed in the cone filter.

After turning on the device, the process of vaporization begins and the steam that appears condenses in the compartment of the device housing located above the filter.

At a temperature of 90 degrees, drops flow through coffee and flow into a flask. At the end of this process, freshly brewed coffee can be poured into cups.

Advantages and disadvantages of carob models

Carob coffee makers are in great demand among coffee connoisseurs, as such machines have many advantages. The main advantages of the device are:

increased efficiency - the process of preparing a drink takes only 30 seconds,
the ability to control the water level and liquid temperature,
the presence of steam valves and auto-off functions - this helps to extend the life of the device and ensures safe operation,
removable drip tray,
lack of coffee grounds in the prepared drink,
bifurcated nozzle for simultaneous filling of two cups,
maintaining the temperature of the finished coffee,
heating cups and milk,
the ability to prepare several options for a drink,
tamper for tamping ground coffee,
the formation of a gentle creamy foam with the help of a cappuccino machine,
minimum consumption of coffee beans.

Despite the large number of advantages, carob models also have disadvantages:

big size,
lack of a built-in coffee grinder,
the need for compaction of ground grains in the horn.

Advantages and disadvantages of drip models

Drip coffee makers have several advantages over using other coffee machines. Among them:

simplicity and ease of maintenance,
design reliability
affordable price,
availability of stands for heating,
light weight and size,
silent work
lack of complex mechanisms,
function for heating the finished drink,
a large volume of a glass flask,
the ability to make tea or make cocoa.

Drip type devices are not without flaws, which must be considered before buying. The disadvantages of such devices include the following points:

high consumption of ground coffee,
insufficient strength of the drink,
additional material costs for the purchase of filters,
the need to clean the device after each use.

Principle of Operation and Design

The drip coffee maker consists of a coffee pot and a heating element connected to the stove. There is also a water tank, a coffee filter and a control panel equipped with one or more buttons.

The device operates by a filtration method: the water poured into the tank moves to the heating element, as a result of which it becomes hot and goes through the pipe to the compartment with ground coffee. Steam is generated in the compartment, which turns into condensate, passes through the coffee powder and gradually flows into the container. After liquid gets into the coffee pot, a heating element is started that maintains the temperature of the prepared beverage.

Coffee grounds do not fall into the cups - they remain in the filter. Nylon filters are designed for long-term use. Usually they are enough for 60 brews. Paper filters are suitable for single use only: they are thrown away immediately after making coffee.

Instead of standard filters, horns made of plastic or metal are involved in the carob coffee maker. Ground coffee beans are laid in the horn, through which the steam necessary for making the drink passes.

Unlike a drip device, a carob type coffee maker has a more complex operating principle and includes not only a heating boiler and a water tank, but also such elements as:

holder (horn),
a pan for cups with a mesh surface and a drip tray installed,
hot water tap
steam lever
steam pipe
pump and boiler pressure gauge,
cappuccino machine
light indication
power and strait buttons.

The taste of the finished coffee

The taste of coffee made in different coffee makers is significantly different. With a carob coffee maker, you can make a strong and fragrant espresso, latte or cappuccino without coffee grounds. At the same time, a stable foam appears on the surface of the drink, which is considered a sign of high-quality, properly brewed coffee.

If there is little powder or it is not sufficiently compacted, water will quickly pass through the coffee and will not have time to enrich its taste. When ground coffee beans are too tightly packed, the drink may turn out to be too strong and bitter.

Drip type device able to make an equally tasty drink, however, when using such a coffee maker it turns out to brew ordinary black coffee without foam.

Difficulty and cooking time

The easiest to use are drip machines, since to get a fragrant drink it’s enough just to load the necessary ingredients into the device and turn it on. The average preparation time for one serving of coffee in such a device is 2 minutes, however, the less power the model has, the longer the brewing process will last.

It’s harder to make a drink in the carob coffee maker, since first you need to carefully fill the holder with ground coffee, tighten the raw materials well, install the horn in the connector and only then turn on the device. Coffee preparation time without preliminary preparation of components is only 20-30 seconds.

A significant advantage of the drip device is the ability to prepare a large volume of the drink at a time.

Functional

The functionality of the carob and drip coffee makers is constantly being improved, which helps to simplify the use of the device.

Key features of drip models are:

anti-drip system, the presence of which prevents the spray of liquid outside the device,
filtration system for the purification of tap water,
automatic heating of the flask to maintain the optimum temperature of the drink for three hours,
timer - the function allows the user to program the time for turning on the device and making a specific drink,
shutdown of heating upon completion of work.

Among the main functional capabilities of carob coffee makers are the following:

automatic shutdown of the device, prolonging the life of the device,
the presence of a display or indicator lights indicating the water level,
high vapor pressure for rich and aromatic coffee,
automatic decalcification - the function provides high-quality self-cleaning of the device from various contaminants.

Ease of use

ANDUsing drip models is much easier. Such devices do not require special care, because nothing but replaceable filters and containers for ready-made coffee is not contaminated in them. After making coffee, the disposable filter should be discarded, and a new one should be installed in its place.

Horns, in turn, are less convenient. In order to clean the device, it must be disassembled and rinsed well. Care is also necessary for accessories that come with the device.

Reviews

Below are some customer reviews. If you have something to say, leave your review in the comments under the article, it will be useful to our readers.

I have been using a drip coffee maker for about three years. The device is inexpensive, convenient, quickly figured out how to use, and the taste is quite fine. The volume is only 0.6 l, so coffee is brewed in a matter of minutes. But there are some nuances that I would like to change: the coffee is not hot, but warm, you often have to change filters and there is no foam on the surface. You also need to use filtered water, otherwise scale will form, which is difficult to get rid of.

Recently acquired a new carob coffee maker. The old one served for almost 6 years and, unfortunately, broke. As a great connoisseur of quality coffee, I can say with confidence that it is impossible to make espresso or latte better than a coffee maker does. Coffee is brewed instantly, it is saturated, with a pronounced aroma and dense creamy foam. Only one minus: at the same time you can prepare only two servings of the drink.

Interesting video

In the video you will see a brief overview of the drip coffee maker Bonavita and its work:

When choosing between a drip and a carob coffee maker, it should be borne in mind that drip machines are much cheaper and are designed for making classic black coffee.

Unlike devices with a filter, carob models are suitable for people who prefer to try new recipes and tastes, because with this device you can enjoy aromatic coffee drinks daily at home.

Cost

Price is one of the main selection criteria. Generally speaking, the cost of carob coffee makers is higher than drip.

Prices for drip coffee makers range from 1,000 to 20,000 rubles. The average cost of a good drip device is 3500 rubles. It is also important to consider that the cost of operating this device is largely dependent on the filter used in it. They are of three types:

Paper. They are cheap, disposable, so they do not require any care, but they will have to be bought often. The price for 1 piece is about 2 rubles.
Nylon Reusable, they can be used up to 60 times, very popular due to their economy.
Gold. This is the most expensive but durable variety, covered with a special protective alloy, but it must be periodically cleaned.

Prices for carob coffee makers - from 2700 to 60 000 rubles. The cost depends on the pressure and additional features of the device.

Thus, a drip coffee maker differs from a carob in that it costs less, but it will be necessary to spend money on filters. Prices for carob models are higher, but they do not require additional consumables other than coffee.

Pros and cons of both types

Carob:

Benefits:

makes coffee in 30 seconds
the drink is strong, with a rich taste and aroma,
able to make espresso and other types of coffee drinks based on it,
low coffee consumption.

Disadvantages:

Takes up a lot of space.
It costs more than a drip.
You can cook no more than two cups at a time.
Requires skills in handling it.

Drip: