Geyser coffee makers first appeared in the homeland of coffee in Italy. Stovetop cookers have been used all over the world for a long time. This type of coffee maker is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most common. The electric version was released for sale only in the 2000s. Now in the market they have gained an advantage over simple models. Compared to classics, electric geyser coffee makers have a larger bowl volume and high operating speed. A standard coffee maker required a gas or electric stove. Later, models for induction hobs appeared. The electrogeyser is used in any place where access to the network is provided. They differ in functionality.
How to prepare coffee
The device consists of 2 tanks. In the middle between them there is a pocket with ground coffee powder, fenced with a filter on both sides. The principle of operation is based on the properties of communicating vessels. The lower container is filled with water. Coffee is placed in the middle, tightly, but not “to the eyeballs,” to allow water to circulate freely between the particles.
The coffee maker is installed on a heater (electric heating source). Gradually the water in the lower container boils. The vapor pressure lifts some of the water through the tube and into the middle compartment. Seeps through the ground coffee, collecting all the valuable substances. Next, the liquid overflows the container and rises to the upper reservoir. It pours out there like a fountain (geyser), which is why the coffee maker is called a geyser.
Simple models do not have a heater, so you have to better monitor the heating temperature. Having the ability to plug the device into the network added speed to the coffee brewing process. It is now possible to get a fragrant and strong drink in one or two minutes.
Particular attention is paid to the size of the granules. Powder that is too fine is not suitable for a geyser coffee maker; it will quickly clog the filter and make coffee impossible. It is better to choose a coarse or medium grind.
The taste of the drink is more rich than from a drip coffee maker. But not as strong a product as their espresso coffee makers.
The device is universal, suitable for brewing mountain teas and herbal drinks. In this case, tea, not coffee, is placed in the middle part of the coffee maker.
What types of geyser coffee makers are there?
Alfonso Bialetti's classic Moka Express was created from cheap, easy-to-use aluminum. But over almost a hundred years since the “birth” of the coffee maker, manufacturing companies have released a number of lines made from different materials. They differ:
By material
Metal.
The most commonly used materials in production are steel and aluminum. Aluminum coffee makers of traditional design are affordable, lightweight, durable and do not oxidize, but they have a big disadvantage: they cannot be used with induction cookers. Stainless steel coffee makers are suitable for all cooking surfaces.
Ceramic.
As a rule, the upper reservoir of the coffee maker, in which the finished coffee is collected, is ceramic, but the lower one still remains metal. The ceramic handle does not heat up, and the material itself allows you to keep the drink hot longer than metal. The second advantage of ceramics is its beautiful and modern appearance.
Heat-resistant glass.
The top container made of heat-resistant glass is more of a design move than a truly innovative solution. Thanks to the transparent walls, you can watch the tank fill with coffee and not miss the moment when over-extraction begins. The downside of glass and ceramics is that they are quite fragile and can break if dropped.
According to the operating principle
Based on their operating principle, all geyser coffee makers are divided into traditional ones, heated on a stove, and electric ones. Traditional (slab) ones are good for their price and because they do not depend on the source of electricity. They don’t even need a gas stove (while camping, for example, you can make coffee right on the fire).
Electric Moki
appeared not so long ago, but have already won the love of customers. Their disadvantages: higher cost and the need to connect to the network. Pros: a large number of functions that make the user's life easier.
An electric coffee maker can be programmed to turn on at a specific time (waking up in the morning to the aroma of ready-made coffee is priceless!). The device turns off immediately after preparing the drink, which avoids overextraction. Some models (for example De'Longhi EMK 9 Alicia) keep coffee warm for 30 minutes.
The difference between an electric moka and a drip coffee maker and a capsule coffee machine
Essentially, the operating principle of a geyser, a drip coffee maker, and any home capsule coffee machine is the same: water passes through the coffee, and the result is an aromatic, invigorating drink. But the taste will be different in all three cases. And that's why:
- In a drip coffee maker, water passes through a nylon or paper filter with ground coffee, literally “drop by drop,” quite slowly. The coffee is quite rich in caffeine, but at the same time watery in taste and not very hot.
- In capsule coffee machines, water passes through the capsule with the finished ground coffee under fairly high pressure, which makes the drink look like “coffee shop coffee.” The coffee comes out with foam, rich and aromatic, but quite expensive in terms of cost (although the original capsules can always be replaced with equally worthy analogues).
- Geyser-type coffee makers make a strong, caffeine-rich drink with a bright, dense taste, but the coffee will be devoid of the foam that many people love.
Advantages
Advantages of a geyser coffee maker in comparison with other types:
- The device turns off automatically after filling. If he has prepared the required portion of the drink, the liquid will not overflow. You need to take care of a regular geyser coffee maker yourself.
- Nice price compared to a coffee machine.
- The taste of the coffee is rich, one of the best results in the budget segment of coffee makers.
- Multifunctional, not just for coffee.
- There are devices with an automatic heating system. The drink is left for a short time, it retains its temperature.
- Takes up little space.
- Easy to operate, convenient.
- Cooks quickly in minutes.
- The finished drink has no grounds.
- The ability to calculate the number of cups, choose a device according to the requirements (for a family for 3-6 cups, for an office a larger volume for 12-18 cups).
- Some models are portable and can be used without power, using a battery charge.
But not everything is so rosy, there are some disadvantages.
Flaws
Not everything about the characteristics of an electric coffee maker is smooth:
- It is not possible to make very strong coffee, as a coffee machine prepares, since the device regulates the amount of ground powder in the middle tank;
- no built-in coffee grinder;
- the lower reservoir must be filled completely, this is not convenient if you only need to make 1 cup;
- It is impossible to make milk froth.
To choose a geyser coffee maker of this type, you need to focus on the technical characteristics.
Rating of geyser coffee makers
The queen of mochas is, of course, the classic octagonal Bialetti made of aluminum. Also producing geysers are the companies Alessi, Pulcina, CHIC, GAT, GSI Outdoor, Inox, Koopman, Monix, Morosina, Pedrini, Rondell, Top Moka Vetta, Vigano, Winner, Lagostina, etc.
According to Yandex.Market, the most popular geyser coffee makers for October 2022 were the electric model ENDEVER Costa-1020 and its “younger sister” ENDEVER Costa-1010. The famous Bialetti Moka Express 1162, designed for 3 servings, took an honorable third place.
What to look for when choosing
Nuances that you need to pay attention to when choosing a device:
- Material. The body can be aluminum or stainless steel. Often you come across top tanks made of plastic and glass. Grilamid (one of the more expensive options) is sometimes used. The inside of the lower stainless steel tank is covered with ceramics. It is preferable if the top is made of glass or aluminum; such a device will last longer and will not release toxic substances into the finished drink when exposed to temperatures. The rest of the body of the best models is made of stainless steel or grilamid.
- Automatic shutdown. Not everyone has it; you will have to track the most inexpensive copies yourself. You need to focus on the average price range if this function matters.
- Power. Average and best geyser coffee makers have 300-1000 W. The higher the power rating, the faster the device works. The average preparation time for an energy drink is 5-10 minutes.
- Heating element. This is an additional feature that will help you take a calm shower in the morning while the coffee is preparing. It will not have time to cool down and you can enjoy a hot drink later. On some models the time is selected, on others it is set automatically (up to 30 minutes). The only negative: after prolonged heating, the tart aroma of a freshly brewed drink is lost.
- Delayed start function. With its help, cooking is delayed for a certain time. Water and ground powder are loaded in advance and prepared when needed.
The devices require special care.
What are geysers?
Geyser coffee makers for gas stoves differ in volume, overall design and material of manufacture.
The most famous are the Italian-made Bialetti.
Slightly less popular are the products of other Italian brands - Pezzetti and Pedrini, which offer a large assortment of excellent geysers.
Many products are made in China, for example, the Vitesse brand produces its own version of a geyser coffee machine with a recognizable design.
European manufacturers are also present in this market; for example, the popular Czech company Tescona offers about a dozen models of such coffee makers.
Volume
It can range from 150 to 1000 ml. The volume of a geyser coffee maker is measured by the number of servings, each of which is 65-70 ml. So, a 6-serve coffee maker means that it can brew approximately 400 ml of coffee.
The design can be classic, octagonal, or it can have modern smooth lines.
There is no data on how this factor affects the operation of the coffee maker and the taste of the drink. So in most cases, design is a matter of personal taste.
Cup size
It is important to remember that the volumes of geyser coffee makers are based on espresso servings in demitasse, and not in standard American mugs. So a 6-cup machine will give you approximately two cups of espresso.
Product Features
This is a classic device for making coffee similar to espresso. It operates under steam pressure, like an espresso machine, but usually in the 2-3 bar range rather than 9-15 bar.
How to care for your coffee maker?
Like any device for preparing food, the electric geyser needs to be thoroughly treated to remove dirt. After the device has done its job, it is necessary to free it from the remnants of ground coffee. After this, thoroughly rinse all containers and filters. Care rules:
- It is advisable not to use chemical dishwashing detergents. The best option for cleaning: soda solution 2:1. Chemicals settle on the walls of tanks or get stuck in the filter. This will spoil the taste of the finished drink for a long time.
- Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure that the device has cooled down. Warm or hot coffee makers do not need to be washed, this will ruin the coating and harm the heating device.
- At the end, you need to wipe the coffee maker dry with a towel to avoid excess liquid getting into the coffee during preparation.
The TOP geyser coffee makers include devices from famous brands.
How to determine if the coffee in a geyser coffee maker is ready?
By a characteristic hissing sound, indicating that drops of water are evaporating in the lower tank. In some models, the coffee process makes a rather loud sound.
What happens if you leave the geyser coffee maker too long?
The coffee will be more bitter and there will be an unpleasant aftertaste due to overheating. But coffee won't run away. This is simply impossible with a geyser coffee maker.
Is it possible to observe the brewing process by opening the lid of the coffee maker?
This is possible with moderate heat, because with high heat, coffee splashes can burn you.
The finished coffee can be immediately poured into cups or the geyser coffee maker can be used as a coffee pot for serving breakfast.
What to do with the coffee maker when the coffee is drunk?
Carefully disassemble the device. Dispose of used coffee. It should be soft and pliable.
If the coffee tablet is baked and hard, this is a sign that there is too much powder.
Next time, add a little less coffee and repeat: no need to compact. Rinse all parts of the coffee maker under running warm water. If you decide to give it a serious wash, use only non-abrasive products to ensure that the surface of the coffee maker is not damaged. A damaged protective layer of aluminum will add a metallic taste to the drink. Let the coffee maker dry. It cannot be collected until next use. Geyser coffee makers can be washed in the dishwasher.
Ease of preparation
In terms of ease of preparing the drink, cezve (aka Turka) wins. There are only three steps: add coffee, add water and place the vessel on low heat, checking from time to time so that the coffee does not boil and run off onto the freshly washed stove.
A geyser coffee maker (moka) has a more complex structure: you need to pour coffee into one compartment, pour water into the second, connect them to each other and only then put it on fire. But the advantage of moka is that you will definitely hear when the drink in it is ready: it will begin to “snort”. True, there is a risk that by that time the coffee may already be over-extracted.
What is the result?
Connoisseurs of this drink and experimenters are better off choosing Turk. Here you can adjust the taste, strength, and add seasonings yourself.
If coffee is just an invigorating drink in the morning and there is little time to prepare it, then a geyser coffee maker will come to the rescue. In addition, you can brew herbs or teas in the container. In this case, the coffee maker acts as a kettle.
Informative: Which kettle is better: electric or regular - comparison of 2 kitchen appliances
What to choose in the end, everyone will decide for themselves. After all, the main thing is not the method of preparing coffee, but its amazing taste and incredible aroma.
Types of coffee makers
The very first geyser coffee makers were made of aluminum. Now on store shelves there are models made of stainless steel or two different materials. Typically the lower part is made of a more durable material, while the upper part can be made of glass or ceramic. The originality and attractiveness of the design does not reduce the functional qualities of the device.
As for metal, stainless steel is superior to aluminum in its properties: it is more durable, does not transmit foreign flavors into the drink, and is easier to clean. An aluminum product will cost less, but will last less, and coffee made in such a coffee maker, especially at the beginning of use, may have a metallic taste.
A regular geyser coffee maker is designed for making coffee on a gas or electric stove. Electric models are also available. They are created on the principle of an electric kettle with a heating base. After finishing work, the coffee maker automatically turns off, so there is no need to constantly monitor its operation.
There are varieties of geyser coffee makers in which you can prepare not only Americano, but also cappuccino or latte. Electrical devices have power-on indicators, a sound signal about the completion of the process, and even a timer, with which you can get a fragrant drink by the set time.
Modern geyser coffee makers are made of high-quality materials and have an attractive design.
What is the best way to brew coffee in a geyser-type coffee maker?
The debate about the best way to brew coffee in a geyser-type coffee machine still continues; many lovers of the invigorating drink have their own recipes, although most often the process is limited to simple manipulations. A geyser coffee maker is used to prepare strong dark espresso. Sometimes it is called "espresso".
What you need:
- Geyser coffee maker
- Coffee
- Plate
It is necessary to understand what a geyser coffee machine consists of. It has three compartments: one for water (A), one for coffee beans (B) and one for the finished product (C).
Bottom water compartment. Typically, it also has a discharge valve. Middle compartment for ground coffee beans. It should not be filled out completely. The top compartment is for ready-made espresso/coffee.
How to make coffee that tastes different from traditional coffee?
The recipe is simple: you can add grated chocolate, a little ginger or other spices to the powder. Unfortunately, the type of device does not involve preparing the drink according to other instructions, so you will have to limit yourself to only flavorings.
A geyser-type coffee maker involves using only medium and coarse grinding powder. It is strongly recommended not to use untreated water (for example, from a tap); it is better to use natural (bottled) water.
You should check whether the rotating parts of the device are tightly tightened (tightness is very important, as pressure builds up in the system).
Coffee Turk device
A coffee Turk is a container of small size and a specific shape, which is widened at the bottom and narrowed at the top. The handle of the device is of considerable length and is made of a material with low thermal conductivity so that it can be held without additional tacks. When creating a handle, wood species are chosen.
The Turks' form pays off. The lower part of the container is intended for pouring the required volume of liquid, the middle part is used to create a coffee stopper when the water boils, and the upper part is a foam collector and is needed to ensure that the foam does not get out of the Turk during brewing.
The plug formed during coffee brewing in the narrow part of the device also prevents ground particles from rising from the bottom and losing aroma. Thanks to this shape of the Turk, the coffee powder settles faster than when preparing the drink in other containers.
The coffee brewing procedure consists of the following:
- heating empty Turks;
- pouring out ground grains;
- heating a container with ground coffee;
- adding sugar or spices;
- heating the device along with its contents;
- filling the Turks with cold water;
- heating the contents of the container without bringing it to a boil.
To create a tasty and rich drink, you need to heat the mixture several times, without bringing it to a boil. Next, you need to wait until the coffee suspension subsides. To speed up this process, you can add some cold water inside. Then the coffee is poured into cups that have been previously doused with boiling water.
How the geyser coffee maker works
The operation of the device is based on the principles of boiling and steam exposure. The preparation process directly involves coffee, water and a hot surface.
Next, the saturated steam, as a result of heating, begins to push water towards the ground coffee in the direction of a special filter. The hot jets aid in the preparation, but the boiling occurs at the end of the overall process when the drink is ready. The number of servings will depend on the volume of the geyser-type coffee machine.
Since a geyser-type coffee maker operates at high temperatures with steam pressure processes, the design also includes protection systems. So, in the lower tank on the side there is a safety valve that allows you to relieve steam pressure in emergency mode. In the latest models, the reset occurs automatically if the pressure exceeds the set values.
Sealing of the device is ensured by gaskets in the threaded connection. The case itself is made on an aluminum base with separate inserts made of heat-resistant plastic.
