How to choose a coffee maker (coffee machine), selection tips and reviews

The difference between coffee makers and coffee machines lies in the degree of human involvement in the coffee preparation process. When working with a coffee maker, it is necessary to perform a number of actions (dosing coffee, pouring it into the coffee maker, unloading waste). Using the coffee machine is much easier - just select the desired drink and configure the appropriate settings.

Coffee makers are cheaper, more compact and quieter, and also provide the ability to control the coffee brewing process and change the taste of drinks. But coffee machines do not require special skills, allow you to prepare more types of coffee drinks and have wide functionality, in particular they can grind beans.

It is believed that coffee machines make tastier coffee by passing steam through the ground beans (coffee makers work on a different principle - passing water through the beans).

Coffee makers are most often used in everyday life, and more efficient coffee machines are used in restaurants, large offices, and bars (although there are also household models).

Espresso coffee maker
Read also: Miracle tea from birch chaga: 7 recipes for your health
Drip coffee maker
For Turkish coffee
Geyser coffee maker

Type

Drip (filtration) coffee makers - the operating principle of these devices is that water heated to 95°C enters the ground coffee, and then flows drop by drop through the filter into a special tank. These models are suitable for home use.

Advantages of drip coffee makers: ease of use and maintenance, relatively low price, the ability to prepare several servings of coffee and heat it up. The drip model allows you to make tea.

Disadvantages: the quality and taste of coffee leave much to be desired, significant consumption of ground raw materials, the need for washing after each use, periodic filter replacement is required.

Important: you can often hear that the quality of coffee is affected by the shape of the flask into which it flows. You shouldn’t believe this, as this is a publicity stunt that raises the price of coffee makers.

Capsule coffee makers (French press) are universal machines that can be used to prepare coffee, tea or cocoa. The principle of operation is that boiling water is poured into coffee or tea, and then unnecessary sediment is filtered out using a press.

Advantages of capsule coffee makers: low cost of the device, versatility, stable drink quality, compactness, ease of use.

Disadvantages: high price of capsules, low taste of the resulting coffee due to the limited selection of capsules.

Geyser (steam) coffee makers - the operating principle of these models is that steam passes several times through ground coffee located on a special filter.

Advantages of geyser coffee makers: compact size, the ability to get stronger coffee than using a drip or capsule model.

Disadvantages: it is necessary to regularly change gaskets and filters, as well as clean the safety valve; you cannot adjust the volume and strength of the drink.

Important: for this model, you should buy coarsely ground coffee, because fine grinds clog the filter. Also pay attention to the volume of the flask. Italian coffee makers often indicate the number of mugs they can hold, but remember that Italians drink coffee from small containers.

Espresso coffee makers (carob) - the principle of operation of these devices is that hot water under pressure passes through the coffee.

Advantages of espresso coffee makers: high quality of the drink, minimal coffee consumption per mug, the ability to get different coffee drinks, including espresso Italiano, cappuccino, latte.

Disadvantages: high cost, the need for special grinding of coffee, suitable only for this model, skills in tamping ground raw materials are required, 1-2 cups can be prepared in one working cycle, difficulty in washing.

Electric Turks (for Turkish coffee) - resemble regular Turks in appearance and are equipped with a heating element, which is located at the bottom of the device.

Advantages: mobility, ability to brew Turkish coffee when there is no gas stove nearby, no capsules or filters needed. You can also brew tea in electric Turks.

Disadvantages: the taste of coffee is weak compared to a drink prepared in a regular Turk; special care is required (abrasive and acid-containing products are not suitable).

Combined – combine the functions of a drip coffee maker and an espresso carob. Often this model allows you to prepare coffee in capsules or pods. Disadvantage: high cost, lower reliability. Recommended for connoisseurs of coffee drinks.

Complete refusal of the coffee machine to work

The reasons for the complete failure of equipment to work are unpredictable. Of course, you can systematize the sources of malfunctions by identifying a dozen main problems. However, any specialist will say that the root of evil lies in improper operation . These are lack of care, pouring hard water, low-quality grain and incorrect grinding. I will give the most common reasons leading to the fact that the functioning of the device stops.

Ubiquitous scale

The device may refuse to operate if the user does not periodically decalcify.

As a result, we can come to the following:

scale on the boiler;
scale on the water tank;
scale of the infuser.

Solution: cleaning. This process must be carried out competently, with the participation of professional means. Each brand recommends using a specific powder. But the principle of application is generally the same. The product is dissolved in liquid and poured into a water tank. The coffee machine is heating up. The steam valve opens and the flow is turned on. All the solution must pass through the boiler and tube. The device is turned on and left for half an hour. Next, the tank is washed and clean water is pumped through the system. It is better to drain the first portion of espresso.

Problems with the coffee grinder

The absence of coffee in the cup may indicate that the mill is broken. When the unit refuses to work, the machine stops brewing coffee.

The reasons for this are:

grain has been poured into the ground coffee compartment;
using low-quality grain - this can lead to melting of the coffee grinder parts;
hit by a foreign object - any pebble can block the millstones;
Water entered the unit causing electrical problems.

Solution : make sure there are no foreign objects in the module. If they are present, they are removed. If the millstones are damaged, they are replaced with new ones. The electrics will be reprogrammed. The last two steps are carried out at the service center.

A couple more important little things

A lot of serious breakdowns occur due to self-repair, which leads to an increase in problems. If the coffee machine was operated at low temperatures, the hydraulic adapter may be damaged by frost . There are options with regular use of hard water, which causes leaks in the thermoblock. A lot of problems arise from not replacing the filter, as I already mentioned.

If the coffee machine does not prepare drinks and does not respond to commands, the red indicator is on or flashing on the display , the source of the problem may be the following:

an overfilled waste pulp compartment - it should be simply cleaned;
lack of water in the tank - check for leaks. Add liquid;
sugar or ground coffee is poured into the bean compartment - I also talked about this.

All these reasons cause the device to block. If eliminating them does not lead to normal operation, a full diagnosis is required at a service center.

Control system failure

Electronic module failures are most common when coffee equipment refuses to work. The basis of this thing is a printed circuit board on which control elements for each component of the coffee machine are located. In the event of a breakdown, most often it is enough to carry out repairs, but sometimes a complete replacement is required.

About failures of coffee machine controls

If such a problem occurs, the device begins to flash all indicators and does not respond to switching on. The display may show strange characters. The equipment incorrectly performs or does not perform the required commands at all.

When restoring the system, proceed as follows:

replacement of connectors;
resoldering burnt parts on the board;
installation of new parts;
restoration of burnt paths;
System firmware is essentially a software replacement.

Breakdowns can occur for several reasons. The main one is a short circuit . This can cause overheating of temperature sensors, leaks, damage to the control unit, and a short circuit can also short-circuit the boiler. The source of the problem is high air humidity, water getting into the coffee machine, and voltage surges. Not all models are equipped with a transformer that prevents malfunctions, which, by the way, should be taken into account when choosing. The second point is unstable network voltage.

There is no power in the coffee machine - what to do?

Solving the problem: in any case, the device must undergo diagnostics to identify the true cause of the problem. You can, of course, ring the system yourself, but without proper experience in repairing it, this will not give anything. Let's go to the service. I recommend that all activities be carried out in an official center or with a very good specialist, otherwise instead of a coffee machine you will receive its corpse, because the problem is serious.

Type of espresso coffee maker

Rozhkovaya – involves the user’s participation in the process of making coffee. The advantage is ample opportunities to obtain a drink with unique taste. The downside is that it requires skills. Carob coffee makers are chosen by professional baristas and experienced coffee lovers who like to prepare their own drink.

Automatic – prepares the drink independently. The user just needs to pour milk, add coffee and give the appropriate command. Advantages: ease of use, stable quality of the finished drink. Disadvantages: high cost, you cannot get coffee that has the original taste.

What temperature should the coffee be from the coffee maker?

There is an opinion that too hot water extracts excessive bitterness from the grain. And if it’s not hot enough, it extracts more acids. In addition, there is a risk of obtaining an under-extracted drink. Therefore, everyone who is serious about making coffee carefully monitors the water temperature: they buy thermometers and a kettle indicating the water temperature, and warm up the funnel before brewing.

However, there are studies that refute the critical importance of temperature: if drinks have the same extraction and strength, there will be no difference in taste at different brewing temperatures.

SCA published an interview with a professor who participated in this study. We share with you the translation of the article.

“If you control the strength and yield of the extraction, water temperature does not play a significant role”

Experts studied the taste of filter coffee prepared at different brewing temperatures, but the same TDS and extraction level. The main goal of the study is to better understand how these parameters affect the taste of coffee.

For this purpose, experts prepared the same roasted coffee in nine different positions. They followed the Coffee Brewing Control Chart. Brewing took place at three different water temperatures - 87 °C, 90 °C and 93 °C. This resulted in 27 coffee samples. A panel of trained experts blindly rated their taste.

Overall, the results showed a clear dependence of flavor on TDS and extraction level. At the same time, the dependence on brewing temperature was insignificant.

It turned out that when the target TDS and extraction level are achieved, the taste is practically independent of the brewing temperature

Peter Giuliano, SCA chief scientist and executive director of the Coffee Science Foundation, interviewed one of the researchers, Professor William Ristenpart, director of the UC Davis Coffee Center. William answered all questions and shared his opinion on the results of the study.

— You claim that the brewing temperature at a fixed strength and extraction has little effect on the taste of filter coffee. Isn't this contrary to what most coffee experts think? Do we understand correctly that temperature is not important?

— No, the temperature of the water definitely affects the rate of extraction of coffee components. But our research shows that only the final strength of the drink and the level of extraction are really important. If these indicators are the same for two different versions of the drink, it does not matter what temperature the water was. Even professional tasters don't feel the difference.

Filter

Filter – can be disposable or permanent. Disposable ones are more hygienic, but increase the cost of maintaining the coffee maker.

Paper is an environmentally friendly material that perfectly cleans coffee from sediment and harmful substances (cofestol, kofeol). This filter is cheap and easy to use and does not require maintenance. Minus - it is disposable.

Nylon – designed for 60 brews. In terms of price and service life, this option occupies an intermediate place between disposable paper and durable metal and “gold” filters.

“Golden” is an improved version of the nylon filter (coated with titanium nitride), which will last much longer. Cons: costs much more than nylon, requires periodic cleaning.

Metal – reusable filter. Disadvantages: needs washing after each use, gives coffee a peculiar taste that not everyone will like. Allows you to brew coffee “Indian style”.

How to choose a coffee maker

Some people like coffee, some don't. This material is for those who are partial to an invigorating drink. Here we will try to answer the question “How to choose a coffee maker?” We'll tell you what you should decide on before going to the store, and what to check with the store. So that you can easily prepare your favorite coffee at home.

Historical reference

Since 1800, when the coffee maker was reputedly invented, a lot of water has passed under the bridge, as they say. Drank a lot of coffee. We have the French priest De Bellois to thank for the coffee maker. He gave the world a drip coffee maker - water seeped into it drop by drop through a special filter filled with ground coffee. Actually, the operating principle of drip coffee makers has not changed even now (details below). In 1827, the first geyser coffee makers appeared, in which coffee was prepared by repeatedly passing hot water and steam through it. In 1840, a vacuum coffee maker appeared, in which water, having poured over a layer of coffee, under the influence of vacuum returned back to the supply tank, taking with it the taste and aroma of ground coffee beans. However, such coffee makers are not widely used. The first compression-type coffee maker, where an aromatic drink was prepared by passing high-pressure steam through a layer of ground coffee, appeared in 1855.

Of course, “ancient” coffee makers had many disadvantages. Many of them were simply dangerous - they exploded during operation. There were problems with the quality of the resulting drink - not all coffee makers could provide good extraction of flavoring and aromatic substances from coffee beans. Many coffee makers (for example, compression ones) were at first very large in size, required constant refilling with coal, spread clouds of steam around them... Another huge problem was that for a long time it was not possible to find the optimal combination of the time for making the drink with the amount of coffee used, with steam pressure and temperature heating it. Empirically, after hard and lengthy experiments, it was found that the adequate temperature for preparing espresso is a temperature in the range from 86 to 93 ° C. The pressure level should be 5-9 bar (the so-called “royal range”).

The year when coffee really, as they say, “went to the masses” can, perhaps, be considered the year 1901. It was this year, on November 18, that the Italian engineer Luigi Bezzera showed the world his invention - an espresso machine. In general, it was a rather large boiler. Water was boiling in the lower part, and conditions were created for steam under pressure in the upper part. There was also (and this can be called the main innovation) a special coffee group with a holder (a special container with a filter, from English to hold - to hold, store) for coffee, located on the boiler. Here, opening the valve with a lever, the barista (now a specialist in making coffee, and then just a person working behind the bar) poured hot water. Then it was necessary to lower the lever to close the water supply valve. Next, you should open the steam supply valve to the coffee “tablet” in the holder. Steam under pressure pushed water through the coffee, it took with it most of the flavor and aroma content of the ground coffee, and, passing through the filter part of the holder, it ended up in the cup - the finished drink.

Further, technologies developed and improved and, as a result, today the user has access to various methods of making coffee using various types of coffee makers. Below we will tell you in more detail about the coffee makers currently presented in stores. Let us note what you should pay attention to when purchasing them.

Drip coffee makers

The most common type of coffee maker today is the drip coffee maker. These are affordable and easy-to-use models, which, however, can provide the user with decent quality coffee. The principle of operation, as already noted, has not changed since the 19th century - hot water is passed through ground coffee placed in the filter segment of the coffee maker without any pressure. Since ground coffee in a drip coffee maker is not compacted, a “tablet” is not created from it, hot water (heated in the boiler) passes through it simply according to physical laws - due to the force of its own gravity. Water flows, one might say, drop by drop - hence the name of coffee makers. Please note that the drip coffee maker only prepares “American” coffee (Americano, regular coffee). Fans of espresso and drinks based on it should pay attention to carob-type coffee makers or automatic coffee machines (see below).

Despite the simplicity of a drip coffee maker, there are some aspects to consider when purchasing one. Let's start with power. If you like strong coffee, you can buy a less powerful coffee maker (700-800 W). It will take more time to prepare the drink, but the drink will be stronger. It's simple - with less power, brewing takes longer, because the water heats up more slowly and, therefore, interacts with the ground beans longer. And if so, it means the drink will be strong. Unfortunately, in filtration models this often means that it is also quite bitter. It is better to buy a coffee maker with a power of at least 1000 W. In this case, however, you will need a little more ground coffee beans (especially if you want a stronger drink), despite the fact that the “output” of the finished drink will be the same as in a less powerful unit.

There are also models of drip coffee makers in stores that automatically control the strength of the finished coffee. The coffee maker, depending on how many cups of coffee you need to get as a result of its operation, controls the process of heating water and passing it through coffee powder - to obtain a drink of the strength selected by the user. Such models are usually a little more expensive than “regular” ones.

The flask for ready-made coffee in drip coffee makers is most often glass. Modern coffee makers often have a heating element under the flask to keep the coffee hot for some time (usually about 30 minutes). There are also models with metal flasks. Such flasks, as a rule, are themselves capable of keeping coffee hot for a long time - thermos flasks. The flask must have a comfortable handle, protected from excessive heat, so that the user can conveniently and safely pour coffee into a cup. Flasks come in different sizes (volume). From small, for 5 cups, to quite voluminous - for 10-15 cups. The maximum volume of the flask (in liters) for the finished drink in a household drip coffee maker is now 2 liters. There are models only with portioned coffee preparation (volume 0.2, 0.3 l) - in these, the coffee usually goes directly into the cup (or cups) supplied with the coffee maker.

Another important point is the filter of the drip coffee maker. Filters are paper - disposable. They are sold in household appliance stores in packs of 100 pieces (cost 100-250 rubles). Their main advantage is that after use, such a filter with “used” coffee is simply thrown away - there is no need for cleaning. But there is a need for additional expenses. A nylon filter is often included with the coffee maker. Manufacturers usually indicate that it is enough for 60 coffee brewing cycles. But with proper careful care, such a filter lasts much longer. The so-called “golden” filter is the same nylon filter, only with a special coating - a layer of titanium nitride, which further increases the service life of the filter.

It is important that a drip coffee maker has an anti-drip system. Sounds like an oxymoron. But this refers to the moment when the user takes the coffee flask to pour coffee into cups. At this moment, for example, if the coffee is still being prepared, the drink supply valve should be blocked - the flow of coffee should be suspended (naturally, it is advisable to quickly return the flask so that the coffee compartment does not overflow with water).

Important points when choosing a drip coffee maker are also: the presence of a holder for the coffee filter compartment (so that it can be simply moved to the side, if necessary, without removing it from the coffee maker), the ability to program the time to turn off and turn on the coffee maker. Note that household drip coffee makers are most often capable of working only with pre-ground coffee. But there are models with a built-in coffee grinder and automatic supply of freshly ground coffee to the filter compartment. The cost of household drip coffee makers varies from 350-400 rubles* (very small, for a cup of coffee) to 10-12 thousand rubles. On average, a high-quality drip coffee maker with a flask for 10-12 cups will now cost 1.5-3 thousand rubles. The most famous brands: Bosch, Philips, Scarlet, Tefal, Moulinex, Melitta, Russel Hobbs, Bodum.

Geyser coffee makers

You don't have to go to Kamchatka to see geysers. You can have your own small geyser at home - a geyser coffee maker. True, you won’t see any geyser in your kitchen. It “bubbles” inside the coffee maker. But know that the principle of operation makes it possible to call these devices distant relatives of the majestic Kamchatka or some other geysers.

Geyser coffee makers consist of a metal vessel and special separators that separate water and ground coffee from each other. Cold water is poured into the lower compartment. It boils, rises and passes through the filter with ground coffee. Extraction of flavoring substances from coffee into water occurs. The finished drink accumulates in the upper compartment of the vessel. There are also models of geyser coffee makers in which coffee is brewed using steam. When water boils, steam passes through a special tube through the coffee and then condenses in the upper compartment. The process of passing water or steam through coffee can be repeated several times, for a brighter taste of the drink and better strength. Preparing coffee using such devices takes about five minutes. There are electric geyser coffee makers, and there are those that are simply placed on the stove to make coffee. Unfortunately, the fact that the water in a geyser coffee maker must boil does not have a positive effect on the taste of the finished drink.

Geyser coffee makers are sold in Russian stores, although this method of preparing coffee cannot be called particularly widespread (that’s why the range of coffee makers is narrow). When purchasing, you should consider the size of the geyser coffee maker (capacity). After all, if the coffee maker is designed for 6 cups, then you will have to brew exactly that much each time - due to the design features. But there are models on sale that allow you to choose the desired number of cups (for example, 3 or 6). The power of the device is directly dependent on the volume. The power of a geyser electric coffee maker can be from 450 to 1000 W. You should not buy a large, but low-power coffee maker. It would be good if the device had a number of additional functions: automatic shutdown after making coffee, maintaining the temperature of the finished coffee, a timer, an autonomous heating base with the ability to rotate the coffee maker 360º (like modern electric kettles), an operating indicator light, and a strength regulator. In Russia, mainly electric geyser coffee makers De'Longhi and Bialetti are now available. Cost - 3-5 thousand rubles.

Coffee makers for Turkish coffee

There are electric coffee makers for making Turkish (Oriental) coffee. These are simple devices that replace traditional Turks, cezves (suddenly there is no way to cook on the stove, but we love this kind of coffee). Typically, an “oriental” coffee maker consists of a brewing vessel (metal or plastic), which is installed on a special “base”. It is desirable that the latter be capable of rotating the cooking vessel 360°. Although there are models without a “base”. The heating element in the cooking vessel is hidden. The volume of the cooking vessel is usually from 0.25 to 0.4 l. Power - 500-1000 W. It is worth understanding that the more powerful the coffee maker, the faster the coffee will be ready - it will rise. Users of the most powerful models (800, 1000 W) often complain that the coffee is prepared too quickly - you don’t have time to keep track of it, and it “runs away”. Unfortunately, these coffee makers cannot yet control the degree of coffee readiness and turn off on time. It is desirable for such a coffee maker to have a light indicator for turning on. Main brands available: Sinbo, Ves, Saturn. The cost is about 1 thousand rubles.

Espresso coffee makers

Along with drip coffee makers, espresso coffee makers are now the most common in everyday life. There are two types of espresso coffee makers: steam and pump. In a steam coffee maker, this is what happens: water is poured into the boiler, it boils there in about two minutes, turns into steam, which, when it reaches the desired pressure (4-5 bar, depending on the model), passes through a filter with compacted coffee - removable metal (not plastic!) filter horn. True, the water boils during the preparation of the drink - just like in a geyser coffee maker. And this is wrong - the taste of the coffee suffers.

In pump-action models, according to KEDEM.RU, espresso coffee is obtained “more correctly.” Here the water does not need to boil. It heats up to approximately 90°C. Then, under the pressure created by the pump, it is passed through a coffee “tablet” in a filter horn. Store salespeople usually convince gullible customers that 15 bar is the “most correct” pressure for making espresso. And that it is under this pressure that coffee is prepared in a coffee maker from one manufacturer or another. This is wrong. Preparation usually takes place at a pressure of no higher than 5-7 bar, depending on the model of coffee maker. Manufacturers, of course, indicate a pressure of 14-15 bar in the characteristics of their devices, but these are the maximum capabilities of the pump, which are simply not required in the process of making coffee (and not every coffee maker can withstand such pressure - the horn can break).

Espresso coffee makers, both steam and pump, are often capable of producing milk foam - for cappuccino or other coffee-milk drinks. This is done using a special steam pipe - a cappuccino maker. In most “regular” models of espresso coffee makers, to do this, you need to place a mug of milk under the cappuccino maker, heat and steam the milk, and then spoon the milk foam into the finished coffee. Agree - not very convenient. So, as a rule, the owners of such coffee makers prepare “manual cappuccino” once or twice, and then happily “forget” about this possibility. But there are also espresso coffee makers with the ability to automatically prepare cappuccino (milk foam is served directly into the cup - from a special milk container with an integrated cappuccino maker). Such models are naturally more expensive than “regular” ones. There are also espresso coffee makers with the ability to prepare coffee not only in the traditional way (ground coffee is compacted in a horn, etc.), but also in pods (coffee is pressed in paper filter packs).

When purchasing an espresso coffee maker, it is also worth considering the presence of a removable tray for collecting coffee drips. The coffee horn must be metal (usually stainless steel). It’s good if the horn has a double nozzle - you can prepare two cups of espresso at the same time. Heating coffee cups (espresso should be poured into slightly warmed cups) is a nice additional option that is found on some espresso coffee makers. The presence of a built-in tamper (coffee compactor in the horn) is welcome. It must be possible to quickly cancel coffee preparation (even if the process has already started). It is also desirable that the coffee maker does not turn on if there is no water in the appropriate container (it is better if the container is removable), and turns off if it overheats. Please also note that when using an espresso coffee maker, you will need coffee of a certain grind - especially for espresso. If you want to grind coffee at home, you will have to buy a coffee grinder with the ability to set the degree of grinding (with different degrees).

Capsule coffee makers

Capsule coffee makers are called coffee makers for the lazy. The fact is that to make coffee, the user only needs to put a coffee capsule in a special compartment of the coffee maker, close this compartment and press a button to start the coffee preparation process. Most often, the capsules contain pressed coffee - during the preparation process, the coffee capsule is pierced with a special hollow needle. Through this needle (there may be several of them), water heated to the desired temperature is supplied to the coffee under pressure. Water takes away the flavoring substances from the ground coffee and enters the cup - the drink is ready. The spent capsule is thrown into a special container of the coffee maker. Some models use capsules in which the coffee is not compressed (for example, T-discs for Bosch Tassimo capsule coffee machines). The technology for preparing the drink in such models differs slightly from the “classic capsule” one, but in general the principle of operation of capsule models is the same.

Note that many capsule coffee makers can also prepare coffee and milk drinks. There are “milk” capsules with powdered or concentrated milk, but there are also models of capsule coffee makers equipped with a special milk container with an integrated cappuccino maker. Capsule coffee makers are also capable of preparing tea and drinks based on various herbs (capsules with appropriate filling).

The inconvenience is that the user is deprived of choice: he drinks only those drinks that the capsule manufacturer offers him. Only those varieties and types of coffee that the manufacturer deems necessary to bring to the market in a particular country. No experiments - after all, each capsule coffee maker only works with its own type of capsules. Capsules from other manufacturers will not work. In addition, “capsule coffee” turns out to be quite expensive compared to regular ground or grain coffee - a serving of coffee costs the user significantly more (a pack of 16 coffee capsules costs at least 300 rubles).

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a capsule coffee maker. It is advisable that the power of the capsule coffee maker be at least 1000-1200 W (the coffee preparation time depends on the power level). The pressure of the pump (which is also present here) should be at its maximum value not lower than 15 bar. There are models with pressure up to 19 bar. But remember that this is the maximum pump; in reality, coffee preparation in capsule models usually occurs at a pressure of 5-8 bar. There are, however, models with a pump pressure of about 4 bar - this is explained by slightly modified coffee preparation technology (Bosch Tassimo line). The volume of the container for clean water is preferably at least a liter. Then you won't have to add water to it too often. It's good if the container is removable. There are models with a water filter built into the container. The capsule coffee maker should automatically turn off some time after preparing coffee. Also pay attention to the self-cleaning modes of the drip coffee maker.

The main brands of capsule coffee makers available in Russia and have proven themselves: Nespresso Krups, Krups Dolce Gusto, Nespresso De'Longhi, Bosch Tassimo, Cremesso. Cost - from 4 thousand rubles.

Combination coffee makers

Combination coffee makers include models that allow the user to prepare espresso and Americano. That is, it is a symbiosis of an espresso coffee maker with a drip coffee maker. This coffee maker will appeal to lovers of both coffee preparation options. Combination coffee makers take up less space (than two separate devices), but require care for each segment. Adequate Longhi, Jura, Melitta, Bosch.

* — All prices in the material are indicated based on the results of monitoring of Russian online stores. As of April 2013. Depending on the region, the cost of equipment may vary.

Daniil Golovin

Installation

Desktop - free-standing devices that can be rearranged if necessary. Tabletop models are the most common.

Built-in – installed in a kitchen cabinet. Such coffee makers fit perfectly into the kitchen interior and do not take up extra space. Disadvantages: high cost, difficult installation.

Portable/car – compact devices powered by a car cigarette lighter (12 V). Such coffee makers are ideal for tourist trips, hunting and fishing. Recommended for drivers and travelers.

Important: Buy a portable/car coffee maker with a case. This accessory will protect the device from damage and extend its service life. A coffee maker with a suitcase is often equipped with useful accessories - cups and a napkin.

Call the master

If your knowledge is not enough to repair the device or all the measures taken have not helped to eliminate the problem, it is recommended to entrust the search for the cause of the malfunction and its elimination to a specialist. Qualified technicians will diagnose the device and replace failed components and assemblies. In this case, original parts and consumables will be used. At the service center you can also order preventive cleaning, removal of dirt, and descaling. This will prevent serious malfunctions in the operation of the coffee machine.

Volume

This characteristic is used to judge the number of servings of coffee that the coffee maker prepares in one operating cycle. On average, the volume of the water tank is 0.75-1.5 liters. For semi-professional models this parameter is higher – from 2 liters. It is worth remembering that the larger the volume, the higher the cost and size of the coffee maker. A medium-sized machine is easier to clean and easier to use.

Recommended tank volume parameters for coffee makers/coffee machines:

up to 1 l – for home;
1-2 l – for the office;
2 liters or more – for catering establishments.

Power

This parameter determines the speed of preparation of coffee drinks. In different devices it is 330-1800 W or more. Power should be considered depending on the type of device:

drip – 330-1200 W;
capsule – 800-1500 W;
geyser – 450-1000 W;
horn –850-1850 W;
electric Turks – 500-1000 W;
coffee machines - 1000-1700 W or more.

Power is especially important for espresso coffee makers because these devices operate under pressure. Thus, a device with a power of 850-1000 W allows you to prepare a drink in a couple of minutes, and a model with 1000-1850 W will cope with its task in 30-40 seconds.

Important: contrary to popular belief, the power of the coffee maker does not affect the strength of the finished drink. In fact, the strength of the coffee is determined by the number of ground beans used.

Why do you need steam in a coffee machine?

Using steam, you can obtain milk foam of the required consistency. Depending on the parameters of humidity, temperature and steam pressure, the foam can turn out glossy, elastic or strong. The steam temperature range is from 110 to 130 degrees. The parameters of temperature and steam pressure are directly related.

High pressure ensures the formation of dry steam. The milk will whip quickly, the foam will be dry and matte. Low pressure will produce moist steam and the milk will froth slowly. In this case the foam will be glossy. With high steam humidity, the milk will take a long time to whip, the foam will be glossy, with a lot of water. This foam quickly settles and the drink tastes watery. With low steam humidity, the milk will whip quickly, the foam will be dry and matte, and the drink will have a rich taste. The ideal option is obtained when the water in the whipped milk does not settle down very quickly.

Coffee used

Beans are the original state of coffee, in which all the richness of taste and aroma is preserved. Coffee makers for beans are equipped with a coffee grinder and allow you to choose the type of beans to grind and their quantity. This option is appreciated by coffee gourmets, but it is also the most difficult to prepare.

Ground – powdered coffee obtained by grinding beans. In the ground substance, a significant part of the taste is lost. Most coffee makers support working with ground coffee. This solution is characterized by an optimal balance between taste and complexity of preparation.

Many coffee makers are designed to use beans and ground coffee.

Capsules are ground coffee packed in a capsule. The weight of the capsule is 7-9 g. This form of release simplifies the preparation of the drink: the user is required to install the capsule in the device and turn on the desired program. The capsules are only suitable for capsule coffee makers.

Pods are ground coffee packed in a paper filter. The weight of one bag is 7-9 g. Coffee in pods is just as easy to prepare as capsule coffee. Similar to the previous version, the pods are compatible only with special pod coffee makers. It is argued that pod coffee is not inferior in taste to capsule coffee, but is cheaper.

Important: the capsule and pod form of release does not allow the user to control the process of preparing the drink and influence its taste. There is also the problem of compatibility of capsules and coffee makers from different manufacturers.

Pump and boiler pressure

A pressure gauge is installed on the pump, which controls the pressure in the brewing group. It should correspond to 9 bar. The water in the boiler plays the role of a coolant. The pressure in the tank reaches 15 bar. The pressure sensor signals about overheating of the coolant. A similar sensor is installed on the pump.

The optimal indicator, which ensures a rich coffee drink, is 8-9 bar. Some professional devices can provide a pressure of 15-20 bar.

Technical indicators of the coffee maker that affect the taste

The quality of extraction (the process of extracting useful substances from raw materials) is directly influenced by the main and auxiliary characteristics of the equipment:

temperature;
time of processing;
water volume;
pressure.

Lack of extraction time or its excess will have an equally bad effect on the quality of the drink. In the first case, the raw materials will not have time to give the water a taste; in the second, the finished drink will acquire an unpleasant bitterness.

If the brewing temperature is below 90 °C, the taste of the coffee will be weak, above 93 °C it will be bitter. In the boiler, the water heats up to +120 °C, since it is under high pressure. The larger the tank volume, the longer it holds the temperature.

Pressure affects both the speed of preparation of the drink and its saturation. Too high an indicator will prevent the water from taking all the beneficial substances from the ground coffee beans. Low pressure will also not allow the liquid to do this, but for a different reason: even at a very high temperature for 30 seconds, low pressure does not contribute to the extraction of essential oils from the grains.

Auxiliary settings are included in the model programs. To get to them, you need to open the menu and select the parameters of the machine or drinks.

Additional functions

Fast steam - the ability to almost instantly get steam for frothing milk. Without this feature, the coffee machine takes some time to heat the water to a boil and turn it into steam.

Automatic shutdown – the ability of the device to switch itself off after 3-4 hours of continuous operation. Especially useful for those who often forget to turn off electrical appliances.

Coffee temperature adjustment – you can set the desired temperature for making coffee. For expresso coffee makers, the best option is 90-95 ° C.

Adjusting the coffee strength – allows you to select the preferred strength of the drink. It is carried out by adjusting various parameters: water temperature, the number of grains per serving, due to a special brewing system.

Adjusting the volume of portions is done by changing the amount of hot water. Customizable depending on preference: from a large cup to a small coffee cup. It should be remembered that large amounts of strong coffee are harmful to health.

Water level indicator - allows you to ensure that there is always enough water in the tank. Some models have a scale indicating the number of spoons that need to be poured for a given water level.

Grinding degree adjustment – allows you to select the time required for water to pass through the coffee tablet. Depending on this parameter, the preparation time of the drink changes, which affects its taste. Grinding too fine gives a burnt taste, too coarse - sour. The optimal time is 25 seconds (plus or minus 3 seconds).

Water hardness adjustment – allows you to control the water hardness, which affects the formation of scale in the boiler.

Many coffee makers have 4 water hardness settings:

Mode 1 – up to 3 mg/l;
Mode 2 – 3-3.5 mg/l;
Mode 3 – 3.5-4 mg/l;
Mode 4 – 4-4.5 mg/l.

Hot water supply – allows you to prepare tea or other hot drink. This feature is provided in espresso coffee makers. Water is supplied from a special tap or steam outlet. Temperature – 90 °C (sometimes adjustable).

Simultaneous preparation of two cups - useful if the device is used by several people. To brew two cups at the same time, the coffee maker must have two taps dispensing coffee. Some espresso coffee makers and combination devices boast this option.

Strength control – allows you to control the strength of your coffee. There are two modes: “soft” and “strong” coffee.

Pre-wetting – Before preparation, the ground coffee is wetted to improve the taste and aroma of the drink.

Automatic descaling (decalcification) – the coffee maker automatically cleans itself of scale, which shortens its service life.

Remote control – allows you to give commands to the coffee maker at a distance using smartphones or tablets that have a special application. Control is carried out via wireless interfaces Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Reason for lack of steam

To obtain an elastic, finely dispersed foam, a powerful steam pressure is required. If steam is not generated, you will not be able to prepare a high-quality drink. There may be several reasons for the lack of steam. Sometimes it’s a simple lack of water in the tank. In some cases, the problem can be solved on your own, in others, professional advice and assistance from a specialist is required.

Steam generator system clogged

The performance of the steam generator system largely depends on the quality of the water used. Untreated water contains various impurities that can settle on the heating element and tubes of the device. Usually the solid precipitate consists of calcium salts. The higher the hardness - the percentage of salt content - in the water and the more often the coffee machine is used, the faster scale forms.

Blockage in the milk pipe

It is important to understand that only milk with a fat content of at least 2.5-3.5 percent can be used to form foam. It is better if it is pasteurized and chilled. It will not work to froth milk made from powder or boiled. If the flow of milk into the cappuccino maker is disrupted, steam will not be released. Therefore, if there is no steam, it is necessary to check the connection between the cappuccino maker and the milk tank. If the steam holes are clogged, the milk will also not froth. You can remove grease residue by carefully cleaning the holes with a toothpick. Then you need to check the operation of the cappuccino maker again.

Problems with the temperature sensor

A temperature sensor or thermostat helps monitor the correct temperature of water and steam for brewing coffee. It regulates the voltage supply to the heating element. Its failure will cause improper heating of the element that provides the desired temperature. You can check the temperature sensor with a tester. You also need to make sure that all contacts are secure. If the temperature sensor malfunctions, it must be replaced with a new one.

Vapor block failure

The steam block, like any metal product, is susceptible to corrosion. The appearance of fistulas and holes in it will cause the steam supply to stop. Lack of steam can also be caused by problems with the atmospheric valve on the boiler. The operating steam pressure in the device is 1.2 - 1.4 bar and is achieved at a temperature of 120-130 degrees. If the valve is faulty, a situation may arise when the air in the boiler cools and the pressure there drops to a value below atmospheric. In this case, a “rarefaction” effect will occur - the boiling point of water drops below 100 degrees.

The required operating steam pressure can be obtained already at 80-85 degrees. Therefore, the pressure gauge will show the correct pressure of 1.2-1.4 bar, but the steam from the nozzle will be weak or not at all. In this situation, you need to turn off the coffee machine and let it cool. You can speed up the process by turning on the steam lever and the spill button. Then you need to turn on the machine, simultaneously turning on the steam lever to equalize the pressure. Also, the reason for the lack of steam may be a burnt-out heating element on the steam block or a lack of voltage supply to it from the electronics unit. A failed heating element must be replaced; it cannot be repaired. If there is no voltage at the contacts of the heating element, all elements of the circuit must be checked.

Equipment

A cappuccino machine is a device for heating and frothing milk or cream. Allows you to prepare cappuccino, latte and other coffee and milk drinks. Presented in two types.

Manual (panarello) - a nozzle that is connected to the steam wand of the coffee maker. Provides steam supply to the milk container (pitcher). Working with panarello requires certain skills, but it opens up many possibilities for creativity in preparing drinks. It is also worth knowing that heavy cream or milk is required to obtain foam.
Automatic - a pump with a tube that is inserted into a container of milk. It works in the opposite way - the milk enters the cappuccino maker, where it mixes with steam and turns into foam. Compared to the manual model, it is easier to use, but more expensive.

Without a coffee grinder - it will cost less than the equivalent with a coffee grinder.

Built-in coffee grinder – allows you to use freshly ground coffee. Some more expensive machines can adjust the degree of grinding. But it is worth remembering that if the coffee grinder breaks down, the entire coffee machine will have to be sent in for repair.

Thermometer – shows the temperature of water, ready-made coffee, milk. It makes it possible to more accurately control the process of preparing the drink, which is important for gourmets and professionals. Some coffee makers are equipped with mechanical thermometers (dial with arrow), which cannot boast of high accuracy, but look original.

A tamper is a tool by which ground coffee is compacted into the horn of an espresso coffee maker. Allows you to correctly form a coffee “tablet”. Ensures high quality of the drink and consistency of its taste from cup to cup. Available in the form of a built-in device or a separate press. The first option is easier to use, and the second is chosen by experienced baristas.

Double walls - maintain the temperature of the heated liquid for a long time (milk - in espresso coffee makers, prepared coffee - in drip coffee makers). In addition, such a coffee maker does not burn your fingers.

Cup warmer – a special stand for warming cups. Allows you to improve the taste of the drink and maintain its temperature.

A removable water container makes working with the coffee maker easier. The user does not need to carry the entire device under the tap or resort to additional tanks to collect water.

Automatic heating plate - allows you to heat the dishes so that the coffee is poured into a warm container to preserve the taste. It also serves to keep the drink from getting cold.

Coffee compartments – there are separate compartments for beans and ground coffee. Convenient if you need to make some new coffee, but the coffee machine is already loaded with other beans. You can grind new coffee separately and put the required dose for preparation in a special compartment.

Pressure gauge - shows the pressure in the boiler. The standard setting for espresso coffee makers is 9 bar.

Separate boilers - one boiler is designed for coffee, the second is used for brewing boiling water (including other hot drinks).

Anti-drip system - prevents ready-made coffee from leaking out of the coffee maker, prevents stains from appearing on the table. This system is also useful when brewing a drink for several people, since in this case you don’t have to wait for all the portions to be prepared, but pour them into cups one by one.

Waste container - if it is not possible to clean the coffee maker every time, it allows you to collect coffee grounds from 15-50 servings, depending on the model.

Timer – allows you to prepare coffee at a specified time. It is relevant if you want to immediately drink ready-made coffee when you get up in the morning or come home from work in the evening.

Connection to water supply is an option typical for professional equipment. To use tap water, your coffee maker must have filters installed. Too dirty water will lead to rapid failure of the coffee maker.

Thermos container – maintains the temperature of the prepared drink for a long time.

Rotating filter holder makes it easy to pour coffee into the basket.

Display – displays information about the current operation of the coffee maker, for example, program, temperature, as well as various messages (out of coffee, cleaning needed).

Backlight – allows you to brew coffee in the dark. Some displays are also backlit.

Cord compartment – makes it easier to store the cable and extends its service life. If the wire is wound incorrectly, it becomes unusable due to damage at the bend points.

Milk reservoir – makes it easier to prepare coffee with milk, since the user does not need to look for a special container. Such a vessel is made of durable materials (metal).

Child lock – locks the coffee maker control panel. As a result, the baby will not be able to turn on the device or change its operating mode.

If there is no pressure in the coffee machine

The essence of the problem can lie anywhere, including manufacturing defects. But don’t worry too much - initially it’s better to check whether the heating is working, the serviceability of the emergency and air valves, the adjustment of the pressure sensor, and the operation of the pressure gauge. However, most often the source is a pump malfunction.

Pump failure

The pump is the most important component of any coffee machine, regardless of its type and brand. This thing creates the required water pressure, which is supplied to the compressed coffee tablet. If it breaks, you won't drink coffee.

As a rule, all cars are equipped with similar pumps; brands’ own designs are much less common - this is mainly a priority for premium-class devices. However, this does not reduce the likelihood of malfunctions, but may complicate repairs.

Often the pumps start emptying water , and when brewing espresso, the liquid barely trickles into the glass. The reason for this lies in the breakage of the spring and clogging with scale. The unit should be cleaned, decalcification of the system should be started with a good tablet, accordingly, the spring needs to be replaced.

Signs of pump failure are as follows:

complete lack of drink flow;
weak coffee supply pressure;
a significant deterioration in the quality of coffee, a complete absence of cream foam is detected. The drink becomes bad if the pressure is below 9 bar.

I note that all this occurs more often in capsule-type coffee machines , these are the statistics. It’s easy to detect a malfunction yourself - you just need to start the coffee brewing process and monitor the intensity of its flow.

Solution : we carry out cleaning and decalcification. If it doesn’t help, we take the device to a service center. Diagnosis required.

Filter clogged

The second aspect that affects the lack of pressure is problems with filters. If you neglected regular cleaning or used low-quality grain or capsules, this will happen quite quickly. If clogged, the system will no longer allow enough drink to pass through.

Solution: to fix the breakdown, just rinse the filter under running water.

Coffee makers with permanent filters

You can use special cleansers.
You should adequately assess your own strengths - the slightest scratches will cause the coffee beans to be retained . Due to this, the coffee machine will clog much more often.

Grind beans too fine

If the machine does not pour coffee well and makes strange noises, this also indicates a clogged filter. The main problem is using too fine a grind . Therefore, the first step should be to check these settings. In general, I would like to note that in any coffee machine you should not use too fine a grind and old, overcooked beans that look more like crackers. This will save you from a lot of problems.

About breakdowns of coffee grinders and how to fix them

Solution : Correctly adjust the grind on the coffee grinder.

The appearance of an air lock

Another reason for the lack of pressure in the coffee machine is the formation of an air lock. There is only one solution: you should run hot water through the cappuccino maker. If the malfunction remains, it is worth cleaning the system.

Incorrect pressure sensor adjustment

The switches maintain the pressure in the boiler using resistance coils. The factory settings are such that the machine is calibrated at 1.1-1.3 bar (it may be different for different manufacturers - up to 1.5 bar). If it is necessary to change the factory pressure to the operating pressure, this is done using the adjustment screw. A full turn of the screw clockwise or counterclockwise corresponds to 0.1 atm . The actual pressure is monitored on the pressure gauge.

Solution to the problem:

if the pressure is too high, turn the screw counterclockwise;
if too low - clockwise.

To check the calibration, you should prepare several servings of coffee.

Making espresso

Semi-automatic - involves the use of ground coffee, which is poured manually by the user. After preparing the espresso, the used powder is removed by the barista. He also controls the flow of water.

Automatic – the ability to get espresso without user intervention. This device creates a “tablet” from coffee ground in a built-in coffee grinder. In addition, the coffee maker automatically doses the spill of water.

Making cappuccino

Automatic – the ability to get a cappuccino without user intervention. Milk is poured into the coffee maker, but in this case you must always rinse it. Another option is to feed the milk straight from the pack or bag through a tube into the coffee maker. You must always monitor the freshness of the milk. The automatic method is quite simple and is suitable for novice users.

Manual - milk in a special container is whipped into foam by the user himself with the help of steam that flows through a special tube. After this, the resulting liquid is poured into a cup of espresso. This method is more complicated than the automatic method, but it allows you to better control the temperature of the milk and the texture of the foam. The choice for advanced users and professional baristas.

Automatic or manual – supports both cappuccino preparation modes. A universal option.

Semi-automatic – involves preparing coffee and milk froth separately. The user himself mixes these ingredients by pressing the appropriate button (the foam is fed into the cup of ready-made espresso). This option is much simpler than making cappuccino by hand.

Cleaning the coffee machine

Descaling must be done using a special product. Decalcification of the coffee machine can be performed manually or automatically, depending on the capabilities of the given model. In accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the product must be dissolved in water and poured in small portions through the brewing system of the coffee machine for 30 minutes. In this case, you need to turn the device on and off so that the scale is completely dissolved. Then you need to rinse the coffee machine with a large volume of water. With automatic cleaning, you only need to add a cleaning agent and the device will remove scale on its own. It is also important to rinse the cappuccino maker system after each preparation of drinks. Otherwise, dried milk can only be removed with a special cleaning agent. In automatic cappuccino makers, the product is poured into the milk tank and passed through the system in small portions. The system is then flushed with plenty of water to remove any remaining product. For non-automatic cappuccino makers, the product is diluted in water and the spout of the cappuccino maker is lowered into it. After 10-15 minutes, the remaining milk will be soaked and can be removed with a stream of steam.

Manufacturer

It is not recommended to purchase coffee makers Aurora, Clatronic, Delfa, Hilton, Maestro, Magio, Maxwell, Mystery, Orion, Polaris, Sinbo, Saturn, Scarlett. These are the most budget devices, but also the most unreliable. Some coffee machine models work for a long time, while others break down after a few months of use. Among the main disadvantages are:

poor manufacturing materials - aluminum corrodes and rots, flimsy plastic smells unpleasant when heated;
design features - sometimes standard mugs do not fit, the lower lattices bend;
non-compliance with the stated characteristics - for example, the coffee outlet temperature is lower than specified, the steam pressure is also often lower than stated.

The Vitek brand stands out among other Chinese brands: it most often has high-quality models. It should also be noted drip coffee makers from popular and reliable manufacturers: Moulinex, Philips, Zanussi, Tefal, ProfiCook, Russell Hobbs.

Coffee makers from Kenwood, Ariete, Krups, Zelmer, Rowenta, as well as budget models from Bosch are of good quality. Most of these brands have a small range of coffee equipment, but they are well assembled and have enough power to make coffee at home. The reliability and durability of these coffee machines is also decent, but sometimes there may be defective products.

The best manufacturers of coffee makers are rightfully Delonghi, Gaggia, Saeco (Philips Saeco), Jura, Melitta, Spidem, Nivona, and the Siemens brand can also be included here. This equipment is much more expensive than the rest, and is used for both home and professional use. Many brands have become legendary among coffee lovers and represent the highest quality of coffee drinks. This technology combines innovation, elegant design and reliable performance. Coffee makers are equipped with various additional devices and functions, for example, a built-in coffee grinder. This simplifies the cooking process and makes it as enjoyable as possible. The durability of the product is beyond doubt, and the manufacturers provide excellent service support. Many restaurants and coffee shops around the world are equipped with coffee makers of these brands.

Built-in coffee makers should be included in a separate group. Among them are budget options: AEG, Hotpoint-Ariston, Whirlpool, Electrolux, and premium segment equipment from Miele, Smeg, Gaggenau. Of course, these coffee makers are very stylish and fit perfectly into the interior of the kitchen, but that is why they are significantly more expensive than others. In addition, they are also high-quality and reliable devices.

Coffee machines from SMEG

SMEG coffee machines are distinguished by their stylish design, reliability and wide functionality. Depending on the needs, each buyer will be able to choose a model of a certain power and capacity. The presence of automatic programming, a cappuccino maker, the ability to adjust the strength, temperature, and grinding of coffee, allows you to prepare a drink to suit the taste of every coffee lover. Equipping with options for automatic rinsing, low water level warning, descaling, and a child lock function ensures comfortable and safe use of the device.

Built-in

The built-in SMEG coffee machine models presented in the catalog are available in black, cream, anthracite and gray. In combination with fittings made of stainless steel, brass or copper, the appliances look harmonious in a kitchen decorated in any style. Comfortable lighting with LED lamps, telescopic guides, a Soft Close door smooth closing system, and the presence of a special nozzle for preparing two cups of coffee allow you to use built-in coffee machines not only at home, but also in the office kitchen.