How a geyser coffee maker works - operating principle

Are you tired of the coffee machine, buying a good coffee machine is too expensive, but do you want something new? We recommend that you take a look at the humble worker of the coffee front – the geyser coffee maker. How to use, which models are better and what is the operating principle of this device, which is more like a metal coffee pot? We have collected everything you need to know about the geyser coffee maker in one article.

Geyser coffee makers: Bialetti and something else

Until recently, we said “geyser coffee maker” and meant Bialetti. This name has long become a household name for the device. This is because the first patent for such a device was received by the Italian entrepreneur Bialetti. He set up production and soon flooded all of Europe with his coffee makers. In everyday life they were called by the name of the manufacturer.

Today, geyser coffee makers are made by many other companies. De'Longhi, BergHOFF and Rondell, Tescoma and Travola, as well as numerous Chinese clones produce geysers of various sizes and designs.

The hexagon-shaped coffee maker is produced only by the Italian company Bialetti. The shape is patented, so from other manufacturers you will see more streamlined contours, or, in extreme cases, slightly outlined edges. Of course, there are fakes on the market, but that, as they say, is a completely different story.

Features of operation

The horn machine will significantly save its owner’s time: an invigorating drink is prepared in half a minute. Even if you add time to set up the device (warm it up, pour in and tamp the coffee, add water), the process will take a maximum of 5 minutes. The geyser device should only stand on fire for 5-8 minutes (depending on the volume). Preliminary preparation (pour in coffee, pour water, assemble) also takes time. Both varieties require care and maintenance. For each serving of the drink, you need to refill the coffee, and after preparation, remove the cake and wash the filter. In carob devices with a large reservoir, you can fill several portions of water at once. You should not leave it for more than a day: espresso tastes better in fresh water.

If you are preparing several servings in a row, then a carob coffee maker is safer: the filter has a plastic handle (horn) that does not heat up during operation of the device. In the geyser, all the parts are metal, so you should unwind it with a potholder.

Both devices make it easy to keep the kitchen clean: no coffee spills or splashes. In a geyser, the finished drink is in the upper closed bowl and does not run away, like from a Turk. The horn device has a removable tray for collecting drops.

Theory: operating principle

The operating principle is the same for any geyser coffee maker.
Water is poured into the lower part of the device. Then screw on the filter, where the ground coffee is poured. The filter has a “leg” and looks like a funnel, the long spout of which descends into the water and reaches almost to the bottom. The top of the filter, filled with coffee, is covered with another removable filter plate. The design of the coffee maker is completed. It is simply screwed to the base with the filter installed. The housing also has a tube leading from the filter into a hollow container. What happens after you place the Italian coffee pot on the stove?

• The water heats up and begins to turn into steam.
• The steam expands and pushes out the remaining water.
• The liquid, “pushed” by the steam, seeks a way out and gradually moves up the tube, which, as we remember, leads straight to the filter with ground coffee.
• The bottom plate of the filter cuts the water so that it is distributed evenly throughout the entire thickness of the ground coffee powder.
• Hot water flows slowly through the ground coffee. Why slow? Because she has to overcome not only a layer of ground grains, but also the force of gravity. The expansion of hot steam helps her in this. We can say that we are observing a curious effect in a geyser coffee maker, when one law of physics helps to cope with the action of another.
• But let's leave physics and get back to our coffee. After the water has seeped through the coffee, it is filtered by the top plate and again enters the tube, but this time in the upper reservoir. He continues his journey along it.
• Having reached the end, the water, enriched with the taste and aroma of coffee beans, but filtered from sediment, is poured from the tube into the hollow container of the coffee pot. This process is slightly reminiscent of a volcanic eruption or the operation of a hot geyser, which is what the coffee maker owes its name. As soon as all the water goes up the tube, the coffee is ready.

This model is called “geyser” only in our country. In all corners of the world it is more often called “moko”, “Bialetti” or “Italian coffee pot”.

Material of manufacture

Geyser coffee makers for gas stoves are made of aluminum or stainless steel. The former are thicker, while the latter can also be suitable for induction cookers.

The handles of the geyser coffee maker are a weak point for many models. Therefore, carefully examine the place where the handle is attached to the body. The handle of the coffee maker should not be metal, otherwise it will get very hot. It is better if it is made of bakelite or other material that insulates heat.

The second bottleneck in a geyser coffee maker is the O-ring, which is located between the filter and the top of the coffee maker. It is usually made of rubber or silicone and needs to be replaced after a certain time.

If your geyser coffee maker begins to emit steam and splashes, this is a signal that the sealing ring has become unusable.

The price ranges from 1200-1500 rubles for a small-volume model for 2-4 servings. The larger the coffee maker, the more expensive it is. Italian equipment for 12-16 servings costs from 3500-4000 rubles.

Aluminum coffee maker

Aluminum products require slightly more complex maintenance. It is not dishwasher safe and requires multiple checks for compatibility with the electric stove. Since it needs to be washed by hand, it is important to make sure it is completely dry to avoid corrosion.

And although the service life is shorter than its stainless steel counterparts, you will still be provided with excellent coffee for many years to come.

Stainless steel

This material is non-porous, non-corrosive and highly durable. If you choose stainless steel products, they will last a lifetime. However, such devices are usually more expensive than aluminum ones, which fail after about ten years.

Geyser coffee makers made of stainless steel can be washed in the dishwasher. However, we do not recommend this to avoid shortening their service life. In addition, they are easier to wash by hand than aluminum ones, and they will not lose their appearance from a few accidental drops of water.

Stainless steel does not require special care. If you don't mind a little extra effort and want to save money, go with aluminum. They are both durable and work well when handled correctly.

Some manufacturers make geyser coffee makers from glass.

What do we get for our money?

In conventional appliances, water flows through the coffee from top to bottom, and the force of gravity speeds up the process. The water may pass through the ground beans too quickly, causing the extraction to not take place as well as desired, resulting in a watery drink in your cup. This is impossible in a geyser. The liquid rises from bottom to top, extraction proceeds slowly and evenly, and as a result of all the tricks you will get a noteworthy result without much effort on your part.

Strong coffee? Yes!

One of the names of the device is “espresso coffee maker”. According to the recommended recipe, 240-250 ml of water requires 24-25 g of ground coffee, that is, five teaspoons. The final yield is 200 ml of drink. Your coffee will be very strong and it is recommended to drink it in tiny portions, just like espresso.

Flavored coffee? Yes!

The smell will be excellent, don’t be surprised if children and household members gather to smell it, with whom you will have to share the result.

Discriminating taste? No.

Exposure to hot water will not benefit elite single varieties. Their delicate and delicate bouquets are revealed mainly by alternative brewing methods. The geyser technology will “burn” the coffee, the beans will lose a significant part of their bouquet, and you will not feel any of the promised “berry aftertaste” or “subtle wine notes.” Therefore, the best choice for a geyser coffee maker is espresso mixes. With them you will get a good and rich nutty chocolate taste.

Additional functions

Geyser-type coffee makers with the simplest operating principle are designed, first of all, for preparing a tasty and high-quality drink. However, in some more advanced models, manufacturers offer an additional set of functions that significantly facilitate the operation process.

Among them:

1. Availability of a sound notification when the process is completed.
2. Light indication confirming or refuting the operation of the device.
3. A timer with which you can independently set the time for automatic switching on of the device.
4. Automatic shut-off when the drink is ready and a warming function that allows you to maintain the temperature of the coffee.

Practice: how to brew coffee in a geyser coffee maker?

You don't need any special skills or talent. A geyser is a democratic thing, so you can do without dancing with tambourines.

So what do we do?

• If the device is new, then we disassemble it, wash it and wipe it.
• Take the bottom part and pour in cold water, preferably bottled or filtered. Don't try to get more by increasing your water intake. Excess will escape through the steam release valve.
• Place the filter on the bottom and add coffee. Use a medium grind, slightly smaller than for abs. Fine coffee powder forms a suspension in the finished drink.
• There is no need to tamp the coffee in the geyser! A thick “tablet” is needed in a coffee machine, but in a geyser it only gets in the way - the water makes its way through with difficulty, it does not have time to wet the entire thickness of the coffee, extraction is difficult, and the finished drink turns out cloudy and tasteless.
• After pouring the coffee, attach the upper part of the device.
• We put it on fire and wait for the result.
• If you are interested, you can put a coffee pot with the lid open and watch how your coffee pretends to be a geyser. But do not open the lid while cooking - you may burn your hands with the steam.
• Once all the water has risen, the coffee is ready. You will understand this without even looking inside, you will simply hear that the hissing and gurgling sounds have stopped. This will mean that there is nothing left to boil in the geyser coffee maker.
• Remove the geyser from the heat and pour into cups. You are amazing and so is your coffee!

Recommendations for use

It is important to follow the operating rules in order to brew wonderful coffee and avoid premature breakdown of the device. Carefully monitor the temperature of your gas or electric stove. As soon as you hear that the drink begins to leak into the upper compartment (this can easily be guessed after a few days of operation), turn off the burner, and in the case of an electric stove, it is better to remove the device from it altogether.

You shouldn’t compact the coffee too hard, even if you want to get a rich drink: just lightly press the mass with a teaspoon. Do not let the operating appliance start to “snort”; this can happen during the final stages of cooking. If you do hear such sounds, immediately pour cold water over the lower part of the body. “Snorting” means that too hot steam begins to participate in the work, this affects the quality and flavor notes of the finished drink.

Types of geyser coffee makers

The operating principle of geysers is general, but what are the differences? The main ones are material, design, volume, type of heating needed for the coffee maker.

Material

• Aluminum.
• Steel.
• Combination with glass and plastic.

Even classic Bialetti are now made not only from aluminum, but also from stainless steel, which is suitable for use on induction cookers.

Many manufacturers have models with a transparent top. In such coffee makers it is interesting to watch the preparation process.

Handles and lid holders are usually made of plastic. It is clear that they use plastic that is resistant to heat, for example, Bakelite.

Design

Smooth lines, bright colors and even patterns on the body are all a matter of taste. We love the classic multi-faceted shape of the coffee makers, with the image of a funny man with a big nose - the Bialetti logo. But even famous Italians are experimenting with colors and shapes. So in stores you come across colored geysers, as well as tall or squat models, with a rounded bottom, an unusual lid, and ergonomic handles.

Volume

When you read “6-cup geyser coffee maker” in the description, keep in mind that by cups we mean tiny 40 ml espresso containers, and not cappuccino glasses. To better imagine what awaits you, pay attention to the physical volume in milliliters. A geyser coffee maker for 3 cups will prepare you 120 ml, which for some lovers is just enough for one morning serving.

Heating type

• Geyser coffee makers on gas or for gas stoves are the most common classic geysers made of aluminum.
• An induction cooker geyser coffee maker is made of steel or a combination of materials. In this case, the lower compartment or its bottom is made of steel. Induction panels simply do not react to aluminum. Although the problem can be solved by purchasing a special stand or simply installing your favorite aluminum geyser coffee maker on the bottom of a frying pan with a steel bottom.
• An electric geyser coffee maker is very similar to a regular one, only its heating is autonomous, from a built-in element. There is no need to place this coffee maker on the stove; it is plugged into the mains. The operating principle and method of preparation in this device are exactly the same as in a regular geyser.

Caring for your coffee maker

Thanks to the simple design of the coffee maker, it is easy to care for. After use, you need to wait until it cools completely. Then the device is untwisted, the spent cake is thrown out of the filter and all parts are washed under running water. If the coffee maker is made of aluminum, it is not recommended to wash the top of the container from the film formed by coffee. This coating limits the contact of the finished drink with aluminum and prevents the occurrence of a metallic taste.

The most vulnerable point in a coffee maker is the filter in the top bowl. The gasket may crack or burst over time, reducing the efficiency of the device. To prevent this from happening, you need to carefully clean the filter and seal after each coffee preparation. It is better not to use household chemicals, various gels and powders; only treatment with soda is allowed. If the gasket fails, it must be replaced.

Prices, manufacturers and models

Have you decided to purchase a geyser coffee maker and want to read the ratings and reviews? Commendable foresight, but you are unlikely to find a truly objective rating of geysers. The device is quite simple, the principle of operation of the models is the same. The difference lies in manufacturers, design, material and heating method. The biggest risk is poor quality assembly. The device has several connections and it is important that all parts adhere well to each other. You have a much better chance of getting a reliable and durable device from a well-known brand than being tempted by the record low price of another Chinese masterpiece. Geysers from which manufacturers can claim a place in your heart and kitchen shelf?

Bialetti

We have already published a large review article about Bialetti coffee makers, with a description and comparison of popular models. Let us remind you that many models are made not only in Italy, but also in Hungary, India, China and other countries. If you want to purchase “real Italy”, then be sure to pay attention to the country of manufacture of the model. There is one more hint - Italian Bialetti have a logo: a funny man with a big nose and a hat.

For example, the popular and inexpensive “Junior” model is made at the company’s Chinese production facility. The model name is placed on the case, but there is no coveted logo. It costs less than its Italian counterparts, from 1100 rubles.

The geyser coffee maker of the classic model “Moka Express” has good reviews. Price – from 2200 rubles. You can buy it on the largest Internet platforms, for example, Ozon or OGO. You will also find a large selection of coffee makers in specialized coffee equipment stores: Boffo or Bialshop (the official Bialetti store in Russia).

De'Longhi

A well-known manufacturer of equipment presented its version of geyser electric coffee makers. Their body is made of transparent heat-resistant plastic. They have a keep warm function, but there is no signal that the drink is ready. The models differ in volume - for 4, 6 and 9 servings. Price - from 4,200 to 7,000 rubles. You can buy it at the De'Longhi brand store, as well as at Ozon, Oldi, Kofemanych.

Rondell

Rondell geyser coffee makers are produced in China. Cost – from 1800 rubles. As a result of the recall, the steam exhaust valve and the quality of the coating may suffer. It is considered an alternative to Bialetti due to its relatively low price. Thus, the Kortado model, popular due to its large volume for 9 servings, costs about 2,500 rubles, and the Bialetti for 9 servings costs about 3 thousand. Please note that the number of Rondell models on sale is decreasing. We don’t know what this is connected with. You can find geysers of this brand on Ozone or on the company’s official website.

Tescoma

The brand is Czech, production is located in China. They produce coffee makers of modern design, including colored ones. There are options in aluminum and steel. Good reviews about the Paloma model, which is produced in different volumes, from 1 to 6 servings. The price of the smallest one is from 1600 rubles. Can be found on Ozone, Eldorado, on the official website of the manufacturer and on other sites.

Advantages and disadvantages

Main advantages:

1. The richness and aroma of the finished drink.
2. There is no need to constantly monitor the operation of the device (as, for example, in the case of a Turk).
3. Ready-made coffee does not have the so-called “grounds”, since there is no possibility of sediment getting into the upper bowl.
4. Acceptable cost of the device. Even the original Italian-assembled Bialetti Moka Express costs no more than 2-3 thousand rubles. Chinese models, of course, are even cheaper.
5. Compact, allowing you to place the device anywhere.
6. The geyser can be used not only for making coffee, but also for brewing teas and herbal infusions.

Minuses:

1. Limitation to a clearly defined volume - you need to prepare a strictly designated number of cups, no more and no less.
2. It is necessary to carefully monitor the degree of grinding of the powder; it should not be too fine, otherwise the filter may become clogged.
3. The structure of the device can cause certain difficulties when caring for it.
4. It is impossible to get an appetizing foam.
5. The metal part of the coffee maker remains hot for a long time after switching off, so care must be taken when handling the device.
6. If you have an induction hob at home, then the most popular aluminum geyser coffee makers will not work on it. You will have to look for steel coffee pots, for example, Bialetti Venus.

Thus, when choosing a geyser-type coffee maker, you should carefully evaluate all its advantages and disadvantages in order not to be disappointed later either in the set of possible functions, or in the principle of operation, or in the quality of the finished drink.

Geyser coffee maker: our conclusion

1. It works on the principle of lifting water by steam.
2. Prepares real espresso.
3. Does not require barista skills.
4. 1 serving – 40 ml.
5. For 3000 you can buy a real Italian coffee maker.
6. If there is a geyser, then Bialetti is best.
7. If Bialetti, then look for a model with a company logo.

You will find the largest assortment of coveted coffee pots in online stores. In ordinary retail outlets there are rarely more than 2-3 models of geyser coffee makers at the same time.

Taste

Both types of devices prepare the drink without grounds, so you can drink the cup to the bottom.

It is believed that a carob coffee maker is better than a geyser one. Of course, under greater pressure, hot water is able to extract more aromatic substances from the coffee powder, and the drink turns out richer.

Unlike geyser machines, carob machines are capable of preparing classic espresso. The taste of the drink is affected not only by the quality of the coffee bean and water, but also by the density of the coffee tablet and the extraction time. To brew the right espresso, you need to practice.

Some devices are equipped with cappuccino makers for frothing milk, so based on the basic version you can make cappuccino, latte, macchiato and other popular types of cocktails.

Why it might not work

A geyser coffee maker is a fairly simple device, and therefore all malfunctions are usually associated with improper operation. The most common problems include the following:

• When cooking, steam escapes. This happens due to insufficient tightness of the structure, so you just have to tighten the coffee maker tighter;
• Water cannot pass through the filter. The reason here is either using coffee that is too finely ground, or a clogged filter, which must be thoroughly washed after each brew;
• The yield of the drink does not correspond to that stated in the instructions. In this case, you need to carefully monitor the amount of water poured into the tank;
• The drink has a bitter, burnt taste. It may be due to being on the burner for too long or due to poor rinsing after use;
• There was a suspension in the coffee. Either the grind is too fine, or it’s time to replace the filter and gasket.

A geyser coffee maker is the best option for making coffee at home. It is easy to use, and if used correctly, you will get a tasty and aromatic invigorating drink.

The final product is the same everywhere and does not depend on a specific model.