Geyser coffee maker: principle of operation, how to use, pros, cons

You can prepare coffee using one of several appliances - from an ordinary Turkish coffee machine to a large coffee machine. But not everyone likes the Turk because of the large amount of grounds, and the coffee machine is very bulky and expensive. A drip coffee maker is not much cheaper, and not everyone likes the drink prepared in it. For many coffee lovers, a geyser coffee maker can be an excellent solution, the operating principle of which we will consider in more detail.

What is a geyser coffee maker

A geyser-type coffee maker (moka) is a device that prepares rich coffee using hot steam. It has a relatively compact size and a simple operating principle. It began to be used in the first half of the 19th century. The process of creating the device was quite lengthy. Therefore, its authorship is attributed to different people. Some of them created the original version, others made it more perfect. The author of the idea was Louis-Bernard Babot, the Frenchman Jacques-Augustin Gandet, Samuel Parker from England, and the Italian Alfonso Bialetti worked on the design of the device.

The device got its name because the process of preparing a drink in it resembles the eruption of a geyser.

Geysernya coffee maker consists of 3 parts:

Water containers located below. It usually has an octagonal shape
Filter funnels into which ground coffee is poured
A container in which a ready-to-drink drink is collected.

A rubber gasket is installed in the upper part of the device, at the point of contact between the two tanks. It does not allow the finished drink to leak into the lower part from the upper part. Inside the water container there is a stainless metal tube through which water rises from the bottom to the top during the preparation of a coffee drink.

The lower part of the coffee maker is made of aluminum, stainless steel or ceramic. The last option is the most effective in terms of design, but is also vulnerable to mechanical stress. The reservoir for ready-made coffee, in addition to aluminum and steel, can be made of glass or plastic. This allows you to visually control the process of preparing the drink.

The best geyser coffee makers

These coffee makers are selected based on user ratings, build quality, etc.

For any slabs

Products suitable for all types of stoves:

Lagostina. Works on any stovetop, even ceramic surfaces. You can brew 150 ml of coffee at a time. The main body material is aluminum, which does not change the taste of the drink. The valve is nickel plated, so high humidity does not lead to corrosion. The extended spout makes pouring coffee into mugs easy. The handle is made of thermally insulated plastic, so a person will not get burned.
Rondell RDS-499. This is a large 300 ml model with a 2-layer metal body with a protective non-stick coating. The thick walls of the main bowl retain heat for a long time. The lid opens automatically when you press the handle. Thanks to the smooth bottom, the coffee maker works on any surface except induction.

Electric models

Electric models:

Rommelsbacher EKO 376/G. This is the leader in the coffee maker ratings, with an unusual and modern design. The lower bowl is made of thick steel, and the upper bowl is made of heat-resistant glass. The maximum volume reaches 350 ml, which is equivalent to 6 mugs of espresso. The country of manufacture is China, but some parts are supplied from Germany.
DeLonghi EMK 9 Alicia. The appearance and design of the product corresponds to the classic moka, however, this coffee maker is distinguished by a transparent top flask. Heater power - 450 W. The control consists of 1 power button, because Most of the work is done by artificial intelligence. The tank volume reaches 350 ml. There are several variations of the product in different sizes.

The best budget coffee makers

Coffee makers were selected depending on the price-quality ratio:

Bialetti Mukka Express. Sold for 3-4 thousand rubles. Works on any cooking surface except induction. The body and flasks are made of aluminum. Durable materials and compactness allow you to take the device to work or on a hike. Using 1 button you can set the mode for preparing cappuccino or coffee with milk. The set includes a special measuring cup.
Bialetti Rainbow. You can find it in stores for 3,500 rubles. The company logo is located on the front of the structure. The handle does not heat up because... made of materials that conduct heat poorly. The body is covered with colored enamel.

For gas stoves

Suitable for gas stoves:

Rondell RDA-399. This is a spacious coffee maker designed for 450 ml of liquid. The coating protects the metal from flames and simplifies maintenance. The upper part is equipped with a lid that moves away when pressed. However, the model has a short spout, which means you need to be careful when pouring the drink.
Lagostina. Costs 2,500 rubles and is made of aluminum. The factory is located in China.

For electric stoves

For electrical surfaces you can buy:

Bialetti Moka Timer 3. Bowls are made of standard aluminum alloy. They are designed for 3 40 ml espresso mugs. The design is complemented by a timer that will automatically start brewing the drink at the selected time.
DeLonghi Ariete 1344. The set includes 2 parts: an electric geyser and a cappuccino maker. The coffee maker is designed for 4 mugs. The power of the heating element is 500 W. In this case, the second element can be used as a teapot.

The best according to experts

Experts prefer the following models:

EndeverCosta 1030. The body consists of light metal with plastic inserts. There is a timer and delayed start function. In addition, the device costs 20% less than competitors with the same set of functions.
HotterHX 445. Country of origin: Great Britain. The jug is made of heat-resistant glass, but the lower part is made of metal. Volume - 400 ml.

Kinds

All geyser-type coffee makers can be divided into the following groups according to the heat source:

Gas . Can be installed not only on a gas stove, but also on any open fire. You can make coffee in it over a fire or stove, which is heated with wood. It does not require connection to an outlet or electrical network.
Electrical. The devices operate from the network. This allows you to quickly prepare coffee at home or in the office.
For induction cookers . Coffee makers made of stainless steel or cast iron can be placed on an induction hob. To make sure. To ensure that it is suitable for such a stove, apply a magnet to the bottom. If it does not fall off, you can install it on an induction device.

Types of geyser coffee makers

There are two types of the device: classical and electric. Unlike the first type, the second device, more modern, appeared in the 2000s. The main difference between electrical equipment and a classic device for making coffee is the presence of a heating element and a control panel. The components of such a device are:

A stand with contacts that are necessary for transmitting voltage. It also has a cord for connecting to the network.
Lower container equipped with a built-in heating element. There is also a filter funnel for ground coffee.
Top coffee cup.

The process of preparing an invigorating drink in an electric coffee maker is as follows:

The lower reservoir is filled with water and crushed coffee beans.
The lower part is connected to the upper.
The device is connected to the network.
The heating element is heating up.
The water begins to boil and seeps into the upper bowl.

Additional options for the electric model include:

delayed start;
sound notification about the readiness of a coffee drink;
heating the coffee for 10-30 minutes;
indexing the degree of saturation of a coffee drink;
adjusting the volume of water.

The list of advantages of an electrical device includes the following characteristics:

there is no need to have a stove;
All you need to do is use a power outlet;
setting the drink preparation time.

Advice! At the dacha, it is better to use an electric coffee maker, since it is not rational to heat the stove with wood to brew one cup of coffee, and a gas stove is not available everywhere.

An electric device for brewing coffee is an excellent option for all occasions.
Electric devices for preparing a strong, invigorating drink are often equipped with two bowls for water and a regulator for the volume of crushed coffee beans. But such devices also have their disadvantages:

strong bitterness in the brewed drink due to overheating of the water in the tank;
filter clogging with finely ground grains;
Difficulty cleaning cups immediately after making coffee.

Based on the material used to make geyser-type coffee makers, there are:

aluminum;
of steel;
combined type (glass and plastic).

There are models on the market made of stainless steel that are suitable for use on induction cookers. There are also variations with a transparent top bowl. For the production of a coffee brewer, exclusively high-temperature-resistant plastic such as Bakelite is used.

On sale there are not only classic, multifaceted devices, but also colored models with different shapes. There are tall devices, low ones, with an original lid and ergonomic handles.

Thanks to the huge range of devices, choosing the right option will not be difficult.

Coffee in a geyser coffee maker, regardless of whether it is a classic type or an electric one, has a pronounced pleasant aroma and rich taste. The main thing is to follow certain recommendations, know how much ground coffee to use, what algorithm of actions to follow.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a geyser coffee maker:

Simple design that does not require special skills or detailed instructions
can be left on the stove while cooking, the coffee will not run away, as is the case with cezve
Easy to prepare: water is poured to a certain volume, the powder is added so that it fills the filter
The finished drink is not bitter and has a richer taste than the one prepared in a Turk. There's no thickness in it
Compact size and cooking over an open fire allow you to take the coffee maker with you on a trip or hike.
The drink does not burn due to the design features of the device
The temperature of the prepared coffee does not decrease for a long time
Takes up little space in the kitchen
The aluminum and steel from which the moka is made are durable, so it will last a long time
There are different models
You can buy a device of the required volume, from one cup to 1 liter of drink
The coffee maker is easy to care for
Low price. Geyser is the most budget coffee maker.

Principle of operation

A geyser-type coffee maker works on the principle of excess steam pressure:

When water boils, steam appears, and due to the fact that the lower container has only one outlet, pressure is created, pushing the liquid to the top.
The water passes into the spout of the funnel and goes higher, through the layer of coffee beans.
The liquid, saturated with flavor and aromatic components, goes higher, pouring into the upper container.
All microparticles are retained by the filter.
As a result, you will get a strong drink with a rich taste.

You can confidently open the lid and watch how the geyser coffee maker works. The first few times it’s better not to leave it alone, watch how the preparation progresses and the sound of the espresso starting to pour out. When the sound becomes very hissing, it means that the water has run out and now only steam is coming out. This should not be allowed. You can put the geyser aside earlier; the pressure will be enough to pour out all the coffee.

How a geyser coffee maker works on video

The easiest way to understand the structure of such a coffee machine is to visually see how it is assembled and works, and how the finished coffee is poured into a container, as if from a volcano:

How to properly brew coffee in a geyser coffee maker

Before using the coffee maker for the first time, carefully read the instructions. Then unscrew the top of the device and remove the strainer-shaped filter. Purified water is poured into the lower reservoir, from which the drink will be prepared. Its quantity should not exceed the mark placed inside the container.

The upper and lower tanks are screwed to each other. A filter is installed between them, into which ground coffee is poured to the top. Its quantity should not be reduced if you are going to prepare less drink. The coffee is not compacted, only pressed lightly so that the surface is loose. This is necessary to make it easier for hot water to pass through the layer of powder. The edges of the filter are cleaned of powder.

Disadvantages of geyser coffee makers

Design disadvantages:

Regardless of the desired number of servings, you will have to fill the entire volume of the flasks, otherwise the device will not start working.
Whole grains cannot be used.
Do not touch the body due to high temperature.
The coffee doesn't have a nice crema.
To clean the device, you need to disassemble all parts.
It is allowed to use only medium or coarse grains, because... Fine powder clogs the filter.
The insulating gasket should be checked regularly because When it wears out, the quality of the drink decreases, but replacing the part is problematic.

Additional functions

At the bottom of the geyser-type coffee maker there is a valve that is activated in an emergency. Sometimes water is not able to pass through the powder layer. This can happen if very finely ground coffee is used. In this case, high steam pressure is created in the lower part, which can lead to undesirable consequences and cause burns to the owner. To prevent this from happening, steam is released through an emergency valve.

A geyser coffee maker can be used not only for making coffee. You can brew tea or medicinal herbs in it. They are placed in a strainer instead of coffee powder. The further process is similar to making coffee.

Modern geyser-type coffee makers are equipped with additional functions that make working with the device more comfortable:

Timer
Display
Sound indicator
The indicator light shows whether the device is connected to the network
Automatic shutdown
Protection against voltage surges will extend the life of the device
The digital timer allows you to set the coffee preparation time. After the process is completed, the device will turn off itself.
Reheating previously prepared coffee after unplugging
A strength regulator is rare. It allows you to independently regulate the amount of ground coffee used
Cappuccino maker for making foam.

Operating principle of a geyser coffee maker

How a geyser coffee maker works is described in detail in the instructions for use. The cooking process resembles the eruption of a hot spring: fountains of boiling drink suddenly appear above the metal surface of the upper tank. The action is accompanied by loud sounds and the release of steam. The name of the device is explained by its similarity with a natural phenomenon.

The operating principle of the unit is based on the use of steam under pressure. The water in the lower container heats up and turns into steam under the influence of high temperature. The pressure in the device increases. Once in the filter, hot steam passes through the ground grains, becoming saturated with aroma and saturated with taste. Then, in liquid form, it enters the upper reservoir.

Care

In order for your coffee maker to work as long as possible, you need to properly care for it:

Before turning on the electrical appliance, check the tightness and correct assembly
After cooking, the portions are allowed to cool, then unrolled, the used powder is removed, and the containers are washed with warm water.
Clean the safety valve regularly to prevent the device from exploding if the pressure increases.
After each preparation, check the condition of the filter and gasket.
The filter is cleaned with dishwashing detergent or baking soda.
The device must be cleaned manually only. It cannot be placed in the dishwasher
After washing, wipe all parts with a clean soft cloth.
When using a coffee maker on a gas stove, do not turn on the gas at full power.

Caring for a geyser coffee maker does not involve removing oily deposits from the walls of the container; it prevents the formation of an unpleasant aftertaste.

How to use

To learn how to properly brew coffee in a geyser coffee maker on a gas or electric stove, you must first read the instructions. It takes no more than five minutes to prepare. The following actions are performed:

Separate the main parts of the unit from each other.
Pour water into the lower swelling. Make sure that the volume of liquid does not exceed the specified mark.
Pour ground coffee into the filter and smooth it out with a spoon. If desired, add more spices.
Clean the edges of the filter from powder.
Screw the upper part of the structure to the lower one.
Place the coffee pot on the stove. The fire should be minimal.
When water stops flowing into the upper compartment, remove the unit from the stove.
Wait about another minute and pour the drink into cups.
If you plan to prepare several more shots of espresso, you need to wait until the coffee pot cools down.

You can prepare cappuccino only when using the Bialetti Mukka Express model.

In all other types of geyser coffee pots, this drink can only be obtained by whipping milk in a separate container using an electric whisk or frother.

How to make coffee in a geyser?

All parts must be washed before first use. Regular detergent and a sponge are sufficient; no abrasive powders or steel wool are required. If the device has not been used for a long time, you can see a coffee residue on the walls - it is not necessary to clean it off until white; many gourmets believe that it creates a special film on the walls, which makes the drink taste better. If there is a strong musty smell, you can rinse the containers with water and vinegar.

Do not put the geyser in the dishwasher. Hand wash only.

Procedure:

Unwind the geyser and take out the filter.
Pour water into the bottom container so that it does not reach the safety valve. It is best to choose a coffee maker of the size you need daily, rather than boiling a large container with a minimum of water in it.
Insert the filter funnel and pour in medium or coarse coffee. If you like a weak drink, you can pour less; for a strong drink, experiment with the beans and degree of roasting, and not with the amount of powder. If something gets on the connecting silicone gasket, carefully remove it, so the coffee maker will last longer.
Screw the top part, but not too tight, do not tighten it as hard as you can. Closed tightly - and that's enough.
Place the geyser on the fire or on a heating surface. If you have a gas stove, make sure that the fire only touches the bottom and does not heat the walls around the edges, as this will cause the coffee to burn and the taste may be too bitter and burnt.
To begin with, medium heat is enough, but as soon as the finished drink begins to come out into the upper container with a characteristic hiss, either reduce the heat to a minimum, or completely remove the geyser from the heating surface (alternatively, move it to the side).
Wait a few seconds while the coffee continues to come out and remove the device from heating altogether, do not wait for steam to start coming out. Open the lid, make sure the drink is no longer spilling, and pour into cups.

If you are preparing a second portion right away, be careful: the elements are very hot and there is a risk of getting burned.

An important nuance: a geyser cooks completely differently than a Turk. With the same ratio of ground beans and water, the drink turns out to be stronger and very invigorating. The preparation time is longer, the conditions are different, so more caffeine passes into the water. People who are sensitive to caffeine or have diseases of the cardiovascular or nervous system should be careful with geyser-type coffee makers.

You can add spices when cooking by pouring a small amount directly into the ground grains. But sugar is added directly to the cup.