Types of coffee machines for home and professional use

Coffee has long been a favorite drink for millions of people around the world. What can I say, many of us cannot imagine starting a productive working day without a cup of invigorating coffee in the morning. Over time, we all come to appreciate the aesthetics and flavor balance of natural coffee. When you are tired of instant ersatz and ground coffee poured with boiling water, you need to learn how to prepare this drink correctly. It's time to buy a coffee maker or choose a coffee machine. Now we’ll find out which one is better.

What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine:

• automation - preparing a drink in coffee makers requires human participation in key stages - adding coffee, pouring water, adjusting the temperature, sometimes monitoring the preparation of the drink. Coffee preparation in a coffee machine occurs autonomously. It is enough to fill the containers with water, milk and coffee beans once. Then you just need to press the button and the drink is ready;
• cost - a coffee machine is a complex electronic device, so its price is higher than the price of a coffee maker;
• size - as a rule, coffee machines take up much more space in the kitchen than coffee makers.

Examples of models and their prices

Buying a coffee machine is an expensive proposition. Therefore, before you decide on it, think about whether you really need it? Or is it better to get by with a more budget-friendly coffee maker? Weigh the pros and cons.

If you are unshakable in your decision, then it’s time to make a rating of devices from different price segments that enjoy the trust of buyers in 2022. Look first at these two models.

Krups Quattro Force EA82F810 is a compact device from France. Can prepare 6 types of coffee, including with milk. Equipped with a stainless steel coffee grinder and various indicators characterizing the status of the device. It is very easy to care for: it is equipped with a self-cleaning system using a tablet. Moreover, a signal will be sent that it is time to wash, i.e. the owner will not have to monitor this.

The assistant will cost 36 thousand rubles.

De Longhi ECAM350.75.S – prepares one cup in just 13 seconds! Ideal for true connoisseurs: 13 grinding levels, 7 programs, professional preparation of cappuccino, latte and latte macchiato, strength adjustment.

The built-in memory for saving a personal recipe deserves special attention. The energy saving mode and self-shut-off system will help you save on electricity bills. Cleaning of the device is fully automated.

Cost – 70 thousand rubles.

And here are these 5 models:

1. Nespresso Essenza mini C30 Silver capsule coffee machine for RUB 4,990.
2. Capsule coffee machine Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo XS KP1A0810 for RUB 3,990.
3. Coffee machine DeLonghi ECAM 22.110.SB for RUB 24,590.
4. Coffee machine Siemens EQ.3 s100 (TI301209RW) for RUB 34,990.
5. Philips EP3243/70 Series 3200 LatteGo coffee machine for RUB 44,990.

Which is better: a coffee maker or a coffee machine?

If you have already decided that you definitely need a separate device for making coffee, a dilemma arises - what to choose. Let us briefly summarize the similarities and differences between coffee makers and coffee machines.

Coffee makers:

• compact dimensions;
• relatively low price;
• tasty and aromatic drink.

— you can prepare only one version of the drink;

- you need to directly participate in the preparation.

Coffee machines

• human participation is minimal;
• a wide variety of drinks;
• the coffee turns out very tasty and aromatic;
• automatic coffee machines grind the beans themselves.

- high price;

- large dimensions.

What to choose depends on your coffee habits. If you don't expect to drink coffee several times a day, then you should buy a coffee maker. Geyser, drip or electric turk - it's up to you. With a coffee maker you will save money and space in the kitchen. If you are not the only one in your family who loves coffee, then a coffee machine can provide everyone in the household with an aromatic drink.

Types

When choosing a device for preparing coffee drinks at home, it is important to consider that there are several different types of coffee makers , with which it is easy to brew aromatic coffee for the whole family.

Drip

Among all electrical appliances for brewing coffee, drip coffee makers are considered the simplest and most affordable . The device consists of a non-removable water reservoir, a filter with a funnel for crushed grains, a boiler for heating the liquid and a separate container for the finished drink. Modern models also have an auto-shut-off function, a delayed start timer, and power-on indicators.

For your information! Drip-type devices may have a reusable filter that needs to be cleaned after each brewing, however, if desired, you can purchase disposable ones - they are disposed of immediately after brewing.

Operating principle The drip coffee maker works on the following principle :

1. From the reservoir located at the rear of the device, water moves to the boiler.
2. After entering the boiler, the liquid begins to heat up and rises up the tube .
3. Seeping through the filter with ground coffee, the liquid enters the container for the prepared drink.
4. The brewing process is considered complete once all the water has passed through the filter and is in the tank..

Advantages:

• simplicity and ease of use;
• the ability to cook several servings at the same time;
• pleasant taste of the finished drink;
• reliability and safety of the design;
• large range of models;
• reasonable price.

Flaws:

• You can only prepare espresso or Americano;
• the drink is not strong enough;
• the need for regular cleaning and replacement of filters;
• high consumption of coffee.

Carob

The carob-type coffee maker is designed for preparing classic espresso and drinks based on it .
The product got its name from the nest that is filled with coffee powder - it is called a holder or horn.

Carob models are often equipped with a cappuccino maker, an auto-shut-off function and a built-in coffee grinder.

Principle of operation

Horn units come in two types: pump and steam. The operating principle of pump devices is based on the passage of boiling water under high pressure through ground coffee . In the second case, steam works instead of hot water.

Advantages:

• quick coffee preparation;
• function for maintaining the temperature of the drink;
• low consumption of ground coffee;
• the drink comes out with a delicate creamy foam;
• additional functionality;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• difficulties in caring for equipment;
• small variability of recipes;
• dimensions;
• high price.

Capsule

A capsule coffee maker is an automated device for preparing coffee packaged in portioned vacuum capsules .
The device is often called a coffee machine, because in order to get a portion of the drink, the user only needs to install the capsule and press the power button .

However, the capsule machine is not a full-fledged coffee machine, since it has limited functionality .

The coffee maker includes a heating module, an electronic unit, a pump, a brewing system for installing and piercing the capsule, and a water dispenser.

Principle of operation

After installing the capsule into the coffee maker, a hollow needle pierces it in several places and passes water heated to 90 degrees under pressure through it . After a minute, the resulting coffee drink enters the cup. After this process, all that remains is to remove the used capsule along with the coffee grounds.

Advantages:

• taste and quality of the finished drink;
• variety of colors and shapes;
• simplicity and speed of preparation;
• ergonomic design;
• ease of maintenance of the device;
• compact size;
• low noise level.

Flaws:

• cost of the device and capsules;
• the impossibility of using capsules of the same type for coffee makers of different brands.

Geyser

In appearance, geyser coffee makers resemble a small teapot consisting of two parts.
At the bottom of the device there is a compartment for water, complemented by a strainer for ground coffee, and at the top there is a reservoir for the finished drink.

Geyser-type coffee makers are divided into two types: gas and electric . To brew coffee in an electrical appliance, you need an outlet, but devices for making a drink using gas can be taken with you into the wild and brewed coffee over a fire.

Additional functions help optimize the coffee preparation process . Among them there is a digital timer, indicator light, auto power off and short circuit protection function.

Principle of operation

The operating principle is the same for any geyser-type coffee maker:

1. Water is poured into the bottom of the device.
2. The filter is filled with coffee and screwed to the device, after which it is covered with another plate.
3. The liquid heats up and gradually turns into steam.
4. Pushed by the steam, the moisture moves through a tube that leads to the coffee filter and slowly passes through it.
5. After the liquid has permeated through the powder, it is filtered by the removable plate and ends up in the top reservoir tube .
6. The liquid, enriched with taste and aroma, is poured from the tube into the coffee pot, from where the drink can be poured into a cup.

Advantages:

• coffee does not escape during the brewing process;
• absence of coffee grounds in the finished drink;
• rich taste of coffee;
• You can brew tea and medicinal herbs in a coffee maker;
• the device does not take up much space in the kitchen;
• low price;
• ease of operation.

Flaws:

• the need to replace the filter and gasket;
• Only coarsely ground coffee is used for brewing;
• risk of getting burned on metal structural elements.

Electric Turks

An electric Turk is designed for quickly brewing a coffee drink without much effort .
The device is similar to a classic cezve, as it has a narrow upper part, a wide base and a comfortable handle.

However, unlike a regular Turk, the electric device consists of a housing with an internal flask for ground coffee, a heating element, a moisture-insulating gasket, a stand with contacts, a power cord and a plug .

The electrical appliance differs from an ordinary Turk in volume. The device is capable of preparing up to 500 ml of aromatic coffee at a time.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of an electric Turk is practically no different from an electric kettle.:

1. The tank, equipped with a heating element, is installed on a stand.
2. The device is connected to the mains, after which a tubular electric heater located at the bottom of the container brings the liquid to a boil.
3. After the cooking process is completed, the Turk turns off automatically or with the help of the user.

Advantages:

• fast coffee preparation process;
• optimal tank volume;
• Ease of use;
• compactness;
• you can take the device with you on a trip or to work;
• simple design;
• modern design;
• price.

Flaws:

• The device must be periodically descaled;
• insufficiently rich taste of the drink;
• Some models do not have an automatic shut-off feature.

Ordinary Turks

Turk is a traditional vessel for making coffee , which can be made of copper, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum or clay.
Cezves made of glass, silver and brass are also on sale. The taste of the finished drink largely depends on the proportions and shape of the product. For uniform heating, the Turk should have a cone shape, a narrow neck and a thick, wide bottom .

Principle of operation

Like any other cookware, the Turk works due to heating and heat transfer . Coffee powder, sugar are poured into the container and cold water is poured. Then the cezve is installed on a gas or induction stove (depending on the material from which the device is made). The drink is brewed for 7-8 minutes and poured into a cup .

Advantages:

• exquisite taste of the drink;
• coffee stays hot for a long time;
• strength and reliability;
• pleasant appearance;
• versatility;
• light weight and size;
• ease of care and storage;
• long service life;
• reasonable price.

Flaws:

• the Turk is easy to damage and deform;
• lack of additional functions;
• During the brewing process, the drink may lose some of its taste and aromatic qualities.

Chaldovaya

A pod coffee maker is a device similar to a carob coffee maker .
The holder in the pod unit is only slightly modified, making it much easier to prepare coffee.

Instead of crushed beans, a pod is placed in the coffee maker - a bag of compacted coffee powder to prepare one cup of drink.

Principle of operation

The device works on the principle of a capsule coffee maker. The only difference is that instead of special capsules, compressed coffee in tightly closed packaging is used to prepare the drink .

Advantages:

• preparing a drink without losing its aromatic properties;
• automated brewing process;
• silent operation;
• compactness;
• easy maintenance of the device;
• control of ground coffee consumption.

Flaws:

• high price of coffee pods;
• variety of flavors is limited;
• coffee tablets are difficult to find in stores;
• You can cook only one portion at a time;
• inability to adjust the strength of the drink.

Size

Coffee maker	Coffee machine
Less	More

The most compact ones are capsule and drip coffee makers. Perhaps the best option for studio apartments and other small-sized housing.

Carobs take up more space.

The dimensions of the coffee machine depend on the model, but since it is technologically more complex than a coffee maker (at least due to the built-in coffee grinder and a compartment for storing used coffee), it cannot be called compact. On average, the size of such a device is 25 x 45 x 40 cm. In addition, you need free space on top and on the sides - for pouring grains, adding water, and accessing the waste grounds compartment.

Noise

Coffee makers	Coffee machines
Work quieter	They work louder due to the built-in coffee grinder

The main difference between coffee machines and coffee makers is the presence of a coffee grinder. It makes a lot of noise, so coffee machines in the mid-price segment (the ones most often purchased for home use) are quite loud. Models costing more than 100,000 rubles come with sound insulation.

Coffee makers make less noise because they do not have a coffee grinder. Drip ones are quieter than carob ones.

Drink selection

Automatic coffee machines usually have a wide range of drinks: from espresso to mochaccino. More expensive and professional devices have a larger selection.

As for coffee makers, even cheap models have a cappuccino maker. So, if espresso and cappuccino are enough for you, you can buy a carob coffee maker at a low price and enjoy your favorite drink every morning.

• A drip coffee maker can make Americano, a favorite of many coffee lovers.
• However, such machines cannot produce delicious espresso.
• This is because passing hot water through ground coffee prevents the necessary oils from being extracted from the beans.

Capsule devices are ready to prepare absolutely any type of coffee, which will appeal to some coffee lovers. However, many gourmets mistake capsules for indulgence.

Main

Coffee maker	Coffee machine
Requires human intervention	Fully automatic (except for manual cappuccino maker in some models)

The main difference between a coffee machine and a coffee maker is automation.

The coffee machine itself grinds coffee beans, pours the finished powder into the brewing compartment, measures water, brews coffee and dumps the used grounds into a container. The system is also flushed automatically. Of course, this does not exclude regular maintenance and cleaning of the device.

Electric coffee makers come in drip, geyser, and carob types. And they all brew coffee from pre-ground beans. The taste of the finished drink strongly depends on the freshness of the raw materials: within 15 minutes after grinding, the coffee will lose an impressive part of its aroma. It turns out that it is best to buy a burr coffee grinder to go with your coffee maker and use it immediately before brewing coffee. However, packaged ground coffee from the store will also work. The main thing is that you are satisfied with the result.

There is also a class of devices that brew coffee from ready-made capsules with dry coffee. They are classified as both coffee machines and coffee makers. They cannot grind coffee beans, but are otherwise fully automatic: human intervention is required only to install the capsule. The device brews coffee itself and rinses the internal components.

Notes

1. Coffee maker • Rice cooker • Multicooker • Steamer • Slow cooker • Pressure cooker

   Air Fryer • BBQ • Waffle Iron • Grill • Grill • Toaster • Air Fryer

   Mechanical food processing	Blender • Coffee grinder • Food processor • Mixer • Meat grinder • Juicer
   Water heating and cooling	Boiler • Cooler • Thermopot • Electric kettle
   Refrigeration equipment	Internet refrigerator • Thermos bag • Refrigerator
   Optional equipment	Dishwasher

   Dishes	Glass • Decanter • Collins • Beer mug • Shot glass • Glass • Shot glass • Wine glass • Highball
   Other	Bar counter • Bar stool • Coaster • Geyser • Granitor • Zester • Coffee machine • Ice maker • Beer tower • Rimmer • Swizzle stick • Straw • Narzannik