The geyser coffee maker, or moka, is most popular in European and Latin American homes. In our country, this device is just appearing, although acquiring it is no longer difficult. Many people still believe that coffee brewed in a Turk is the most delicious. However, a geyser coffee maker can easily compete with this opinion.
Advantages of a geyser coffee maker
Geyser coffee makers are small, designed for preparing one serving of coffee, and designed for a company of several people. They are made from steel or aluminum.
Comparing the moka with other devices for making coffee, users and experts identified a number of advantages:
- Making coffee does not require any special skills, everything happens by itself. There is no need to control the process of preparing the drink; you can calmly go about your business;
- you don’t have to worry about missing the coffee preparation time, as the device will notify you of this with a hissing sound, which indicates that all the water in the tank has evaporated;
- coffee from a geyser coffee maker has a denser consistency and richer taste;
- If you compare moka with electric coffee machines, the first option will be much cheaper.
- unlike Turkish coffee, coffee cannot “escape” in a geyser coffee maker;
- Due to the well-thought-out design of the moka, there are no characteristic grains in a cup of ready-made coffee.
To brew coffee in a geyser coffee maker you need to follow these simple steps:
- Water is poured into the lower container of the geyser coffee maker.
- Pre-ground coffee is poured into the filter.
- After this, the device is placed on the stove or connected to the mains, depending on the model of the device.
- When the water boils, its steam will rise into the strainer with ground coffee.
- Passing through the coffee, the steam cools and rises with water through the tube into a container for the finished drink.
- The top tube begins to bubble, as if a volcano is erupting.
A little history
In Italy, moka is considered a symbol of the nation. And although it was invented back in 1833, it took a whole century before it was launched into industry until the Italian Alfonso Bialetti filed a patent, which was called “Moka Express”. The design was made in the form of a strict octagon.
Geyser coffee maker
The aluminum moka was equipped with a comfortable bakelite handle to prevent burns from heating on the gas. This device quickly became popular all over the world because it turned out to be easier to use and much cheaper than coffee machines.
Today, geysers are made from different materials and come in different sizes. You can purchase moka in sizes ranging from one to eighteen miniature cups.
What bean grinding is suitable for a geyser coffee maker?
Grind freshness
Firstly, it is worth noting that it is better to take high-quality coffee beans. Secondly, to obtain a tasty drink, the grind must be fresh. If you don’t have a coffee grinder at home, you can purchase already ground coffee using the services of a coffee shop. Raw materials should not be stored for too long, otherwise the drink will no longer be so tasty.
Grinding degree
Medium grind coffee is considered the most optimal for geyser coffee makers, since the drink in this case is thick and aromatic.
This grinding of coffee for a geyser coffee maker was not chosen by chance; its fraction should be like cane sugar. Even though a fine grind makes the coffee stronger, it can clog the moka filter.
How to grind yourself?
The most well-known way to grind coffee is to use a coffee grinder. If this device is not at hand, you should use other methods:
- blender. A blender is often offered with a grinder, which can be used to achieve a medium grind of coffee.
- meat grinder. Both manual and electric meat grinders are suitable. Rinse its parts thoroughly first to remove any remaining odors from other products. To achieve a fine grind, pass the beans several times.
- spice grinder. Since this device is designed for grinding spices, it can only grind a small batch of coffee beans, literally enough for one cup of drink. As with a meat grinder, grinding is done repeatedly; only in this case can the desired grinding of the coffee beans be achieved.
- manual methods. This is a hammer, rolling pin, mortar and pestle. Grinding coffee to the desired state will be more difficult and will take some time.
How to choose?
Many brands produce geyser coffee makers, from the legendary Bialetti company to new and still little-known ones. To choose the right one from all the variety, you need to take into account only two factors: size and material.
The size, or more precisely, the volume of geysers is traditionally indicated in espresso cups. If you want to prepare small portions, then 1-2 cup coffee makers are for you. Those who like large mugs should buy a coffee maker with a capacity of six cups. For a large family or company, there are models for twelve and even eighteen cups!
It is important to focus on the amount of coffee that you usually prepare at one time. Due to its design, the geyser will not be able to prepare half the volume for which it is designed: the coffee will turn out watery and tasteless.
The material of your coffee maker will depend on your stove. For owners of gas and electric stoves, most models made of aluminum or stainless steel are suitable. If your stove is induction, then you should pay attention to special models made of ferromagnetic or stainless steel. Or you can purchase a steel disc adapter for an induction cooker and choose any coffee maker.
Type of coffee and degree of roasting of beans
Roasting beans and the type of coffee directly affect the quality of the drink, its strength and aroma.
There are 4 types of roasting:
- weak;
- average;
- strong;
- highest degree (dark).
They all have their own taste characteristics:
- Weak – has a light brown color. The taste has a sourness that goes well with milk. Contains a high degree of caffeine. Roasting occurs at a temperature of 200 degrees.
- Medium roast – turns brown. The taste is more intense, a balance of bitterness and sourness. Contains a medium percentage of caffeine and is roasted at 215 degrees.
- Strong – the color of this coffee is dark brown. Not so sour, stronger. With caramel notes. Its caffeine content is low. Roasting temperature – 230°C.
- Dark or highest degree of roasting - the beans become black. The drink is bitter and goes well with cream. Its caffeine content is very low. Roasting temperature – 245°C.
Note! Light or medium roasted beans are best suited for a geyser coffee maker.
The main varieties of coffee are Arabica and Robusta.
- Arabica beans are oblong with a line in the middle in the shape of the letter S. The taste of the drink is soft and multifaceted, with a characteristic sourness, but without bitterness. For this reason, most people prefer Arabica. But due to the difficulties in growing such coffee, it costs more.
- Robusta is a less refined variety. It contains more caffeine and the drink has a bitter taste. It is easier to grow the plant, as it is less susceptible to pests and diseases. Capable of growing even in harsh conditions. Due to these conditions, Robusta is cheaper than capricious Arabica. The grains of this variety are more rounded with a straight stripe in the middle and a light shade.
The main coffee producing countries are Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam and Indonesia. One country cannot be called the best supplier of coffee beans, since everyone has their own preferences. But these states still have leading varieties.
Cooking recipes
The traditional recipe for cooking in a geyser coffee maker includes only two main ingredients: water and high-quality ground beans .
This option will be appreciated by espresso lovers, however, people who like to try interesting combinations, complementing the classic drink with various syrups or creams, should prepare coffee using new recipes .
- freshly brewed black coffee – 80 ml;
- Irish whiskey – 40 ml;
- whipped cream – 30 ml;
- cane sugar – 1 tsp.
Pour the coffee prepared in the coffee maker into a preheated tall glass, add sugar and warm whiskey. Stir the contents of the glass and carefully pour the whipped cream over the blade of the knife.
- ground coffee - 2 tsp;
- water – 1 glass;
- sugar - to taste;
- milk – 70 ml;
- cinnamon - a pinch.
Brew coffee as usual and pour it into a glass or cup, adding sugar. In a separate container, beat the milk with a blender with a whipping attachment, a mixer, or using a French press. Pour the delicate foam into the glass and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Mochaccino.
- espresso – 50 ml;
- warm milk – 100 ml;
- chocolate topping – 50 ml;
- whipped cream – 1-2 tbsp.
Pour chocolate topping and milk alternately into a glass glass. Then carefully add espresso along the blade of a knife and decorate the drink with whipped cream.
Recommended coffee brands
The brand of coffee is also important, since there are brands that have long been able to earn respect due to the quality of their products. It is worth considering the most popular manufacturers, whose coffee is ideally suited for preparation in a geyser coffee maker.
Jardin
This brand is considered the most popular not only in our country, but throughout the world. The technology for preparing raw materials includes double roasting of beans in a protected environment.
The manufacturer produces coffee in bean and ground form. For a geyser coffee maker, we recommend Jardin Espresso di Milano. These are medium grind beans in vacuum packaging. There are coffee beans from three types of Arabica, which have a subtle aroma of honey and chocolate, and there is a bitterness in the taste, which especially attracts espresso lovers.
Egoiste
An equally popular brand that has earned the love of coffee lovers around the world. For a geyser coffee maker, Egoiste Noir would be a good option. Its grains are medium roasted with a characteristic sourness for this type. The drink contains caramel notes and a slight bitterness.
If you are attracted by the pronounced aroma and tart taste of coffee, you can try Egoiste Espresso. It is made from dark roasted beans.
On a note! All Egoiste products are premium class, so the price of the drink is not cheap.
Tchibo
The line represents various types of ground and bean coffee at an affordable price.
Main types of Tchibo coffee:
- Exclusive – its aroma is subtle, close to floral, the taste is balanced.
- Black & White – this type is chosen by lovers of strong coffee. The grains are roasted for a long time, due to which the drink has a characteristic bitter taste.
- Gold Mokka – ground coffee. The aroma is multifaceted, it contains mainly the smell of oriental spices and a velvety taste.
Mauro
Belongs to an Italian premium coffee brand. Coffee gourmets of any age and with any taste preferences have already appreciated Mauro products. Even now, manufacturers do not stop there and continue to introduce new coffee preparation technologies, create new blends, that is, improve their products.
Today, Mauro coffee production is based on slow roasting technology.
Lavazza
The company is a supporter of classic coffee with a rich taste. This Italian coffee consists of 100% Arabica. Raw materials are supplied from Brazil and Central America.
The main advantages of Lavazza coffee include:
- lack of flavors and additives;
- the finished drink has a light creamy foam and rich aroma;
- Lavazza quality is not inferior to other famous brands.
Camardo
This Italian-made coffee has been around for more than half a century. The founder of the brand was the Camardo family, hence the name of the company. For many years now, it has been providing the population with truly high-quality and tasty coffee.
To produce coffee, the company uses the best Arabica and Robusta varieties. They serve as the basis for creating unique blends that are characterized by an ideal balance of taste, strength and aroma. Camardo's products include both bean and ground coffee varieties. But the technology for their production does not stand still, but continues to improve.
Lebo
The coffee is produced in Russia, so it is the most budget-friendly among the brands presented. It is based predominantly on Arabica. Robusta is added only to varieties intended for making espresso.
Coffee beans are purchased from Asia, Africa and South America.
Note! When choosing coffee to prepare in a geyser coffee maker, you can choose Lebo Original. This is a natural medium-roasted premium coffee with a light chocolate aroma.
The finished drink will appeal to supporters of classic coffee, as its taste is considered traditional, without sourness or bitterness.
Another type of this brand is called Extra. It has a soft taste and a subtle, refined aroma reminiscent of chocolate. The taste contains a combination of sourness and bitterness with a characteristic orange flavor. Despite the fine grind, Extra is still suitable for a geyser coffee maker.
Descaling a coffee machine: the better way to descale it
There is a common misconception among coffee lovers that cleaning a coffee maker and descaling it are the same thing. We will dispel these misconceptions and say that cleaning and descaling are two different processes that solve two different problems.
What does it mean to clean a coffee maker?
Coffee is a very oily substance by nature. Over time, coffee oils accumulate inside the machine, creating rancid residue. Even with the best coffee beans or the most advanced coffee machine, it is impossible to brew a good cup of coffee if the coffee maker is dirty. Cleaning coffee equipment removes accumulated residues. Ensures your coffee is always fresh.
There are several components that come into contact with the ground beans and are exposed to the coffee oils. These parts include the coffee pot, brewing chambers, filter baskets, and coffee grinder burrs. They definitely need to be cleaned.
What happens if you don't clean your coffee maker?
If the machine is left without cleaning, these residues will have an undesirable effect on the coffee produced:
- Your coffee will become bitter;
- The coffee maker will emit a pungent odor;
- Coffee residue may cause the filter to clog and clog. They can damage the car.
What does it mean to descale a coffee maker?
A cup of coffee is almost 99% water, making it one of the important elements in preparing a good drink. Water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which flow through all parts of the machine. Ultimately accumulate on its heating element in the form of stuck deposits. Descaling a coffee maker is the process of removing mineral deposits.
Water that is considered “hard” is even more dangerous for coffee machines. It contains a higher percentage of these minerals. Since the heating elements in the machine are not visible, it may take months of mineral buildup before you become aware of it.
What happens if you don't descale your coffee maker?
The buildup of mineral deposits can have a negative impact on your coffee machine's boiler. This also affects the quality of the coffee. If the water cannot reach the optimal brewing temperature, it will be impossible to fully extract the aroma from the coffee beans.
A buildup of mineral deposits can clog the water flow. This may cause the machine to stop working or your coffee may not be hot enough.
If you haven't descaled your coffee maker in a while, you're probably drinking coffee that's less flavorful and not quite hot.
Your geyser coffee maker may be faulty.
Products for descaling coffee makers
Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of descaling for coffee machines. These products may include powders, tablets or liquid cleaners. Their production is carried out by companies - well-known manufacturers of household appliances Bosch, Tassimo, Delonghi, Philips and others.
To remove scale, we can recommend several products:
- tablets for coffee machines Bosch TCZ8002N
- tablets for TASSIMO devices
- Delonghi Eco Decalc DLSC500
- DeLonghi SER3013 Cappuccino Maker Cleaner
- Philips Saeco coffee oil cleaning tablets CA6704/10
- Philips Saeco cleaning fluid CA6700/10
These products are designed to remove the toughest deposits from hot water tanks and machine components. This type of cleaning does not damage the equipment. The products allow machines to operate at optimal levels. Simply mix the product with water. Add it to the water tank and then rinse after cleaning. Your machine will get rid of scale and prepare delicious hot coffee. With proper care, you will preserve the health of your favorite unit. And it will guarantee you rich and aromatic coffee every day for a long time.
Nuances of preparation
To brew delicious coffee in a geyser coffee maker, you need to consider several points.
- It is necessary to use a coarse or medium grind size, because fine grinds will impart excessive bitterness and strength to the finished coffee.
- During prolonged heating, ground beans may burn. To avoid this, it is recommended to use fresh boiling water.
- Remove the coffee maker from the gas in a timely manner, otherwise the drink may become watery.
Important! If you grind your own geyser beans, try grinding them to the size of grains of sugar. The degree of grinding greatly affects the coffee, so it is interesting to change it in one direction or another until you get the taste that you like best.
Coffee in a coffee maker
Useful video
From this video you will learn a recipe for making coffee in a geyser coffee maker:
It is not easy to say unequivocally about which coffee is best to choose, because a large assortment of different varieties and types of ground beans does not simplify the task, but only complicates it.
Professionals recommend purchasing natural, medium-ground coffee without flavorings - this is a win-win option that will satisfy the wishes of gourmets and lovers of delicious drinks.
In short, there is no single correct grind for a geyser coffee maker. In most cases, store-bought espresso grinds will work for you. But ideally, it is better to choose a slightly coarser grind:
On the left is Lavazza ground espresso.
On the right is Bialetti branded coffee (the most ideal grind option). Larger is already a bit of an acquired taste. And now more details. The fact is that it is by grinding that you control the strength and consistency of the coffee. Other parameters are strictly fixed - each coffee maker is designed for a certain volume of water (to guarantee the required amount of steam for pressure - see the principle of operation) and for a strictly defined amount of ground coffee in the funnel (otherwise it will turn out tasteless - see more details).
Therefore, choosing the degree of grinding is the only way to influence the cooking process and the final drink. Fine grind → denser coffee tablet → more pressure → richer taste . And vice versa.
