Now it has become fashionable to prepare “proper” espresso. Professional baristas or “experts”, having watched enough training videos on brewing coffee, will unanimously repeat that the ideal espresso should be one to two. This means that you put 15 grams of ground coffee in the cone, and the output should be 30 grams of real, proper espresso. But the main thing to remember is that only professionals will understand the difference and feel the berry notes. Our editors have prepared a rating of carob coffee makers in 2022, based on the opinions of experts and reviews of real customers. The best carob coffee maker — Lelit PL41EM in terms of price/quality ratio. This is a semi-professional model. We strictly do not recommend buying it for beginners; it is better to get your hands on simpler models first. Second place The carob coffee maker with cappuccino maker - Gaggia Classic - took over. It already belongs to the household class, but is the best household coffee maker for advanced users. Third place — Gaggia Viva Style, can be safely recommended for home use. Fifth place occupied by the compact De'Longhi ECP 33.21, ideal for beginners up to 10,000 rubles, there is a pre-wetting function. For your dacha, you can choose the VITEK VT-1519 coffee maker - inexpensive and easy to use. Alternatively, check out the best automatic coffee machines for home.
Which carob coffee maker really deserves to be called good, and which models are best avoided? A reliable source of information is reviews of coffee lovers, you just need to read them on specialized resources, in thematic communities of social networks, forums.
Experience suggests that OEM devices, which are represented by a simply incredible number of brands, are not worth recommending for purchase. Many models are 100% identical to each other, with the exception of the manufacturer's logo. It is they who, as a rule, disappoint with non-working temperature sensors, build quality, fragility, non-compliance with the declared characteristics, for example, the pump pressure turns out to be so low that the prepared drink is not even close to classic espresso.
Be sure to look at the rating of coffee grinders for making coffee in a carob coffee maker.
Taking into account the above, it is better to focus on varieties of coffee makers from famous companies like Philips. The overpayment, in comparison with OEM, will be only 2-3 thousand, but the quality will be many times higher. When studying specific models, the main attention should be paid not to the design and control features, but to the basic “stuffing”. It is identical for both expensive and budget equipment; it is a combination of a pump, a working group and a heating module.
Rating of the best carob coffee makers 2021-2022
Place | Name | Price | Rating |
The best carob coffee makers by price/quality for 2021-2022 | |||
1 | Gaggia Classic | Find out the price | 4.9 / 5 |
2 | Kitfort KT-703 | Find out the price | 4.8 / 5 |
3 | VITEK VT-1517 BN | Find out the price | 4.7 / 5 |
4 | De'Longhi Dedica EC 685 | Find out the price | 4.6 / 5 |
The best carob coffee makers with cappuccino maker | |||
1 | Polaris PCM 1535E Adore Cappuccino | Find out the price | 4.9 / 5 |
2 | De'Longhi EC 850 M | Find out the price | 4.8 / 5 |
3 | VITEK VT-1514 | Find out the price | 4.7 / 5 |
4 | Kitfort KT-743 | Find out the price | 4.6 / 5 |
The best carob coffee makers with adjustable coffee temperature | |||
1 | De'Longhi La Specialista EC9335 | Find out the price | 4.9 / 5 |
2 | Rancilio Silvia V6 2022 Edition | Find out the price | 4.8 / 5 |
3 | Smeg ECF01 | Find out the price | 4.7 / 5 |
The best carob coffee makers with automatic shutoff | |||
1 | BRAYER BR1101 | Find out the price | 4.9 / 5 |
2 | Oursson EM1500 | Find out the price | 4.8 / 5 |
3 | De'Longhi ECP 33.21 | Find out the price | 4.7 / 5 |
The best carob coffee makers under 10000 | |||
1 | Kitfort KT-702 | Find out the price | 4.9 / 5 |
2 | De'Longhi ECP 31.21 | Find out the price | 4.8 / 5 |
3 | VIXTER ECM-1150 | Find out the price | 4.7 / 5 |
The best inexpensive carob coffee makers | |||
1 | Kitfort KT-706 | Find out the price | 4.9 / 5 |
2 | Kelli KL-1490 | Find out the price | 4.8 / 5 |
3 | ARESA AR-1601 (CM-111E)) | Find out the price | 4.7 / 5 |
Types of coffee makers for home
Espresso coffee makers brew a drink from ground beans under high pressure; a special design allows them to pour coffee raw materials into the coffee maker's horn. There are several types of these household appliances:
- A pump-action coffee maker, which uses a vibration pump, is reliable in operation and economical to maintain. Only the use of such a pump ensures uneven pressure; its rotary type analog rotates the impeller, scooping and supplying water through a hydraulic circuit at a constant speed, due to which the pressure is constant and has a positive effect on the taste of the coffee product. The second version of pumps is more expensive; they are professional. But a coffee machine with a vibration pump is suitable for home use for those who prefer strong expresso.
- Canonical carob coffee makers for home are a compromise option for lovers of Americano; their final product is similar to their geyser counterparts. The drink obtained from them does not differ in strength. The pressure in them can reach up to 9 bar.
- The lever coffee maker belongs to the premium segment and is used by professional baristas. In these home espresso drinks, the pressure is regulated by pressing on a mechanical lever. Thanks to such a special horn for a coffee machine, precise tuning of the process of obtaining an aromatic product is ensured, but it requires the experience and skills of a barista. Lever coffee makers have little automation, which is why they are not in demand.
- Boiler coffee makers are a budget option for a decent coffee machine for the home, which only produces espresso. They operate at low pressure, it can range from 2 to 4 bar, when the water in the metal boiler boils, it enters the coffee maker through the valve.
An important element by which you can determine the best carob-type coffee makers is the heating element. Each type of coffee machine has its own. The quality of the product will depend on it and the pressure of the unit, which is why temperature stability is so important. If the coffee maker does not heat the liquid to the required temperature, then decent coffee will not be produced, despite the experience and professionalism of those using it.
Carob-type coffee makers in the economy segment are equipped with a flow-through thermoblock or a small boiler, but their more expensive analogues already come with a larger boiler or have a heat exchanger built into it.
The pros and cons of each of the heating elements used will help you decide on the choice of coffee maker:
- A large boiler can provide a sufficient amount of water at a certain temperature, and after preparing one cup there will be no additional heating. But it is worth knowing that it will take some time before preparing the first cup, especially if the espresso maker has not been used for a long time.
- The thermoblock cannot provide a constant temperature; changes are possible when using it, but it is capable of supplying hot water instantly without lengthy preheating.
- The low-volume boiler used in home boiler coffee makers is responsible for dispensing a small amount of water, and even a single cup of espresso will require additional heating.
- A heat exchanger is a whole system consisting of tubes through which water circulates; they are compactly located inside the boiler. It takes a long time to heat up, but the output is water at a stable temperature. The initial portion of water is overheated and will need to be drained; this is called “idle spillage”.
Double-lance coffee machines have two boilers, one of which is used for espresso, and the second for steam.
It is not difficult to choose which coffee maker is best for the home, taking into account the characteristics of their types, but for each type there are several models available, but purchasing one of them depends on the desired drink, the design of the device and its versatility.
How to choose a carob coffee maker in terms of price/quality ratio?
There are several parameters that you need to pay attention to before purchasing a carob coffee maker:
- Pressure . The espresso will be better the higher the pressure. The optimal pressure level is 15 bar.
- The material from which the water tank is made . The best option here is borosilicate glass or fiberglass. Other types of material may give the coffee an off-flavor.
- The material from which the horn is made . It is better if the horn is made of metal. Plastic varieties can give the coffee a sour taste.
- The material from which the body is made . There are the following housing material options: all plastic, all metal and mixed type. A metal coffee maker is more reliable.
- Number of horns . The simple model has one horn. Coffee makers equipped with two horns can prepare two servings of coffee at the same time. The latter option is more suitable for large families or for the office.
- Tank volume . The larger the tank volume, the more portions you can prepare without refilling.
- Additional functions . Using these functions you can greatly improve the taste of your coffee. Additional features include: water level indicator in the tank, auto shut-off, removable drip tray, cup warmer.
It is very important to pay attention to the build quality when buying a coffee maker. The coffee maker must be made with high quality, without rattling parts. There should be no foreign, pungent odors. If the device is selected correctly, it will provide its owner with delicious coffee and coffee drinks for a long period of time.
Choice: what to pay attention to?
It is necessary to concentrate on the design and characteristics of the main elements of the device:
- Electronics . The most important function is automatic portion dosing so that the coffee maker does not “pour too much,” but not everyone needs it; the traditional volume of a 30-milliliter cup of espresso is very small. Other electronic features are even less significant;
- Water temperature sensor . As already noted, every little detail is important to coffee connoisseurs; a deviation in the temperature of the water supplied to the horn by even 1-2 degrees is unacceptable for them. A temperature sensor will help ensure this stability. However, its presence will automatically increase the price of the model by several thousand, this must be taken into account;
- Three-way valve . Its task is to relieve pressure in the brewing group immediately after the water flow is turned off. The valve will eliminate unpleasant drops of water from the horn and dry the coffee tablet, making emptying the filter much easier. The valve is rarely found in household solutions; it is mainly typical for models of at least the middle segment;
- Cappuccino maker . The presence of a module that automatically heats and froths milk will be appreciated by fans of cappuccino, flat white and other similar drinks. However, one cannot fail to take into account that its presence seriously increases the price; perhaps it would be more profitable to purchase a separate cappuccino maker, manual or semi-automatic.
- Container for water . You should be guided not only by volume (taking into account the number of family members, the traffic volume of the establishment, if we are talking about commercial use), but by the quality of materials. The most budget versions are equipped with tanks made of cheap plastic; they can worsen the taste of the drink. Advice: it is better that the tank is removable for ease of maintenance;
- Water pump . This module is discussed in detail above, the main requirement is the ability to generate a pressure of 8-9 bar in the cooking chamber. The maximum value, however, does not matter. In fact, all presented coffee makers have the same pump. The main thing is that the pressure is not lower than 8 bar;
- A heating element . Flow-through thermoblocks, storage solutions of various volumes, a heater with a heat exchanger - the options are listed from the most reliable and productive to the simplest. The thermoblock is more productive compared to small boilers; there is no need to constantly wait for the water to heat up, however, the outlet temperature is unstable. Deviations amount to a few degrees, but for true connoisseurs of espresso even they are unacceptable. Beginners don’t have to pay attention to this parameter at all;
- Brewing group . The brewing group is the horn itself and other elements in which the grains interact with water. The best solutions are made entirely of metal, the diameter of the horn is 5.8 centimeters. The presence of an “improver”, a special part in the horn. For example, in Delonghi coffee makers, these are baskets with a double bottom to improve the foam (cream). In other models, this is a valve that is activated only when the required pressure is reached. It will help a beginner, but it will most likely harm a connoisseur who prefers to have 100% control over the cooking process. You cannot influence the presence or absence of an improver; it is either there or it is not;
Which company should you choose?
We can highlight the following brands that produce carob coffee makers and are popular in Russia:
- Vitek – the brand appeared in Russia in 2000. A wide variety of household appliances are offered, including coffee makers. There are more than 20 models of coffee machines. They include budget, mid-price and premium options.
- Wacaco is one of the best manufacturers that produces portable coffee maker models. Most models are designed for making coffee where there is no access to an electrical network. To prepare, you only need hot water and powder.
- Polaris is an organization founded in 1992. The products of this company regularly receive awards and prizes at various exhibitions.
- Endever is a company from Sweden. It develops household and kitchen appliances. Coffee makers of this brand are distinguished by high pressure, high power and energy savings.
- De'Longhi is a company from Italy. She started working in 1902. Manufactures carob and drip coffee makers. The brand's products are regularly included in ratings of the best devices. The advantages of coffee makers of this brand: high speed of preparation, ease of cleaning, aroma and rich taste of drinks.
- Redmond – the company was founded in 2007. Among the coffee makers produced by the company, there are both small models and very large options for preparing 12 cups of coffee at once. Advantages of coffee makers of this brand: cup heating, automatic shut-off, high pressure - up to 12 bar.
- Scarlett is a brand owned by Russia and China. The company offers small household and kitchen appliances. The main advantages of Scarlett products: low noise level, compact size, availability of a high-quality cappuccino maker.
Features of carob coffee machines
The devices are so called because of the shape of the structural element - a coffee container with a handle, into which the crushed raw materials are poured and compacted. Hot water, brought to the state of steam, passes through a dense layer of ground coffee and enters the cup. Therefore, in addition to the horn itself, in the body of any coffee machine of this type there will be a container for water, a device for heating it and taps for releasing steam. A proper carob coffee maker is equipped with a pump that provides steam pressure.
Thanks to the pressure of steam and liquid, as well as the special design of the horn itself, the output is foam. This distinguishes coffee prepared in a machine from coffee brewed in a turk or drip device. Because of their fast preparation speed, carob machines are called “espresso coffee makers.”
The peculiarity of carob coffee machines is that they require exclusively ground, finely dispersed coffee. The required amount of raw material is poured into a cone and then compacted, forming a so-called coffee tablet. In order to properly tamp coffee, you need a certain skill.
To properly seal the coffee in a cone, a tamper is used - a small round press with a handle. Most manufacturers include a tamper with the device, or resort to a trick - making a measuring spoon with a special flat bottom.
Carob or capsule - what's the difference?
The capsule coffee maker is a modern model that provides maximum ease of preparation and high quality of the drink. Thanks to the variety of capsules, you can prepare cappuccino, latte, macchiato, hot chocolate, and tea. The amount of coffee is clearly dosed, the drink comes out with the same taste. At the same time, the cost of the capsules is quite high, which is another disadvantage.
A carob coffee maker allows you to carefully select the optimal taste due to parameter settings, as well as the ability to put different amounts of ground beans into the carob bowl. This machine allows you to expand the number of coffee varieties, because... any of them in ground form is suitable as a starting ingredient. Special programs make it easy to descale your coffee machine. There is also a cappuccino maker designed for other types of coffee besides espresso.
Useful tips for choosing
A convenient metal tray will help keep your kitchen countertops free from additional stains.
If you delve into all the nuances of carob coffee makers in detail, you can draw some very interesting conclusions.
- It is very important that the machine has a metal tray that will collect drops. This will affect not only the good condition of the countertop, but also the convenience of the owners themselves. There will be no need to wash the table and clear the surface of plaque every time.
- It is imperative to ensure that the machine has built-in overheating protection. If you do not turn off the machine before leaving, it can easily break. Especially when it comes to a plastic case. The automatic switch will be able to independently control the heating level, which is very convenient even for corporate use.
Taking into account your needs and capabilities, as well as following useful recommendations, you can choose a convenient, reliable coffee maker and enjoy the unique coffee taste.
These are the main points that do not concern the equipment of the machine. Everything else is just a matter of taste and needs of the future owner.
Speaking about the advantages and disadvantages of carob-type coffee makers, we should also highlight the manufacturer who produced it. The main problems with these coffee makers are the power. Cheaper analogues will not be able to provide the whole family with their favorite drinks.
If there are lovers of different types of coffee in the family, it is better to buy an expensive coffee maker with many capabilities.
Many people make a number of very common mistakes when choosing this type of coffee maker:
- The owner must understand that the quality of the drink will be compensated by time. At the beginning of dating, it may take about 10 minutes to prepare one cup of coffee. In the future this will be reduced to 2-3 minutes.
- Buy cheap options in a plastic case.
In fact, such machines are not equipped with a special device for controlling heating. This can lead to the system simply burning out and the machine stopping working. Speaking about such machines, we can highlight a worthy alternative with ready-made capsules. The power and quality are enough to quickly make coffee and go about your business.
The TOP 7 best brands will help you make your final decision in choosing a coffee maker that will help you wake up in the morning.
Results and conclusions
Let's summarize, the first thing you need to focus on when choosing carob coffee makers for your home is the type of control, the second is whether it should prepare cappuccino in automatic mode, the third is what the body is made of and don't forget about the presence of a pump. We also recommend taking coffee makers from well-known manufacturers and every day you will delight yourself and your loved ones with excellent espresso and other drinks.
You can check out our rating of carob coffee makers.
Have a pleasant and easy choice, if you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. Best regards, "Classics Coffee"