The first coffee maker - a primitive jug with a lid - appeared in France back in the 18th century, and later in 1884, Italian-born inventor Angelo Moriondo filed a patent for the world's first coffee machine. Now anyone can prepare a coffee drink to suit every taste, using the knowledge accumulated over centuries and embodied in the most modern and varied techniques for brewing coffee. There are so many options that without additional information it can be difficult for the average person to understand the question of how a coffee maker differs from a coffee machine and which model of device is better to choose.
The main differences between coffee machines and coffee makers
The most obvious difference between coffee makers and coffee machines is the automation of the process. The coffee machine performs the entire chain of actions, from grinding the beans on its own to pouring the finished coffee into cups and flushing the systems.
Speaking about coffee makers, they have one thing in common - preparing a coffee drink with their help is impossible without human intervention. You need to do it yourself:
- measure out the portion
- grind the grains separately,
- pour water,
- control the volume of the drink being prepared,
- remove coffee grounds
- wash machine parts by hand.
If you wish, you can add milk or cream to the finished coffee yourself.
Another difference between a coffee machine and a coffee maker lies in the variety of recipes included in them: if a simplified coffee brewing mechanism allows you to prepare on average 1-2 varieties of drink, then a coffee machine has a wider range - up to 5 or more. In addition, the coffee machine can brew 2 servings at a time.
Types of coffee machines and coffee makers
| Carob coffee machines (manual) | Automatic coffee machines | Capsule coffee machines | Geyser-type coffee makers |
Let's take a closer look at the different types of coffee machines and how a coffee maker differs from a coffee machine, what a geyser coffee maker is and why pressure is so important when preparing tasty and aromatic coffee.
Carob coffee machines
To make coffee in a coffee maker, otherwise known as a manual or mechanical coffee machine, you pour the ground coffee into a strainer (the coffee horn) and then attach it to the machine.
The drink is prepared under pressure. Depending on the depth of the filter, you can prepare one or two cups at a time. To prepare the next portion, you need to empty the cone and pour in the next portion of ground coffee. If you want your coffee with milk, you can also use the milk frother. Carob coffee makers differ in that, unlike automatic ones, they do not have a mill for grinding beans. So if you want to enjoy freshly ground coffee every day, you will have to purchase a separate grinder. For this type of coffee machine, it is better to use finely ground coffee.
Some models also allow you to use espresso bags.
It is better to choose a carob coffee maker if you:
- love the ritual of preparing this aromatic drink;
- Looking for an easy-to-use espresso device;
- I don’t mind cleaning the horn after each preparation.
Automatic coffee machines
The automatic model has an advantage over the carob model in that it includes a steel or ceramic mill in its design, thanks to which it can prepare a drink from grains or, depending on the model, also from ground grains in automatic mode.
This device has high pressure - at least 15 bar. If you like coffee with milk in addition to traditional black coffee, a coffee machine will be the best solution. These models allow you to prepare fluffy cappuccinos or lattes using the milk frothing attachment. Vending machines with advanced technological solutions independently select the appropriate parameters for preparing the drink: grain grinding thickness, amount of water and temperature for preparing the drink. This type of equipment uses finely ground coffee.
It is better to choose an automatic coffee machine if you:
- want to get a professional device that will prepare different types of coffee - espresso, cappuccino or latte;
- want to prepare a high-quality drink in a fully automated process;
- A lot of coffee is drunk in your home, and it is often prepared for the whole family and guests;
- quality is the most important and price is secondary.
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Capsule type coffee machine
A capsule coffee machine does not take up much space on the kitchen counter, and its colorful appearance and the variety of coffees it can brew make it more and more popular among other models.
To prepare a tasty and aromatic drink, just insert the capsule and press the “Start” button, and after a while you can get a ready-to-drink drink prepared under pressure. This model means, first of all, convenience, since the used capsules go into a special container that is easy to clean. Some manufacturers offer collection of used capsules and their disposal.
It is better to choose a capsule coffee machine if you:
- Are you looking for a device that is easy to use;
- love aromatic coffee;
- prefer a minimum of work on cleaning the device;
- love quickly prepared coffee, chocolate or cocoa.
Geyser coffee makers
A geyser coffee maker is the simplest device that prepares coffee under pressure, although compared to the above options, it is relatively small.
But thanks to its small size, it can be used both at home and while traveling. To prepare the drink, you will need medium grind grains. The disadvantages of this coffee maker are:
- relatively long preparation time for the drink - about 8 minutes;
- every time you need to clean the sieve after preparing the drink;
- The drink will have no creamy foam.
Typically, geyser coffee makers can prepare a portion of a drink for 1-2 people, as they have a limited capacity, however, there are larger models. If you like coffee with milk, you need to froth the milk in a separate device designed for this.
A geyser coffee maker is for you if you:
- Are you looking for a device that is compact and easy to use;
- love aromatic coffee without grounds;
- want to save money.
Types of coffee makers
Coffee makers are divided into several types, although all prepare a coffee drink of approximately the same quality.
Geysernaya
This variety is the simplest in principle of operation, and accordingly, one of the most affordable. Compact in size, looks like a teapot, narrowed in the middle. The lower part of the device is designed to heat water, which boils and rises, creating a kind of geyser, passes through a sieve with coffee to the top, where the finished drink accumulates. The coffee turns out without foam and is not very rich, since the water passes through the ground beans once and does not have time to pick up all the aroma and oils contained in the coffee powder.
Drip
It is very popular due to its relatively inexpensive price, ease of operation and the ability to brew coffee in large quantities. Americano is brewed in it using medium and finely ground grains. Water is poured into the upper part of the device, and a sieve with ground coffee is placed in the middle. Hot water turns into steam, which condenses, goes down into the filter with coffee powder and drips into the lower bowl with a handle (coffee pot). When purchasing a drip-type device, several features are taken into account:
- type of filters used in the device: paper (disposable), nylon (designed for 40-60 brews) or “gold” (with a relatively long service life);
- device power. Lovers of strong coffee should choose models with a power of no more than 700-800 W, in which the coffee takes longer to prepare, making it richer;
- the presence of an anti-drip system that allows you to pour a drink into a cup without waiting for the coffee pot to be completely filled.
Capsule
It will be inexpensive, will eliminate the need to measure out a portion of beans, grind them yourself, and will not make you wait long for the drink to be prepared. All that is needed is simply to place a special capsule made of aluminum or plastic or brewing pods with coffee powder into the machine and press the start button. The difference between a capsule coffee maker and a coffee machine of the same type is that in the first case the capsule is manually inserted for each serving, whereas in a coffee machine this process starts automatically.
Espresso or carob coffee maker
Coffee is prepared using steam supplied by a high-pressure device. Formed by heating the water, it enters the cone (a sieve with a metal or plastic handle) with crushed grains, and the condensate flows into the cup as it cools. The capacity of the cone allows you to prepare 1-2 cups of drink, after which it is cleaned and filled with a new portion of compacted coffee. Carob coffee makers are divided into steam (or boiler) and pump.
- Boilers, under a pressure of 3-5 bar, pass water through a filter, heating it to 100 ⁰C. High temperature worsens the taste of coffee, and relatively low pressure does not allow all the aroma and richness to be extracted from the beans.
- Pump pumps heat water to a temperature of 85-95 ⁰C and provide a steam pressure of 15 bar. The preparation of the drink is faster, and the taste is deeper.
Electric cezve
A cezve or Turkish coffee maker is an improved Turk with a built-in electric heater. Some models have an auto-off feature. Coffee is brewed this way in no more than 10 minutes.
Kinds
When choosing a unit for making coffee, you should keep in mind that there are several types of coffee makers and coffee machines. Having learned the features of each of these devices, you will be able to decide which would be better to purchase.
Different types of coffee makers
There are several types of devices:
- geyser;
- drip;
- capsule;
- carob.
Drip
Drip devices are easy to use and have a simple design. They are suitable for making Americano. The device operates according to the following principle:
- water is poured into a special compartment;
- crushed grains are placed in the filter;
- after turning on the device, the liquid heats up;
- steam is formed, which soon condenses;
- The water passes through the filter drop by drop and flows into the cup.
Carob
The carob coffee maker is equipped with a holder. Ground coffee is placed in it. The liquid under high pressure moves through the holder into a preheated container.
Geyser
Geyser devices at the bottom of the structure heat the water. Steam rises through the filter with crushed grains into the upper compartment. The finished drink accumulates in it.
Capsule
Capsule-type devices are especially popular. Their peculiarity lies in the use of capsules containing crushed grains. Their main advantage is the ability to accurately calculate the raw materials for preparing a serving of espresso.
Modern coffee machines
Modern home appliances are semi-automatic and automatic. In addition, they are divided into the following varieties:
- Espresso combines . The units are equipped with a coffee grinder. Therefore, it is possible to use whole grains.
- Carobaceae. Considered the easiest to use. Espresso is prepared by placing crushed beans or pods into a cone. Steam under pressure moves through the raw material and enters the filter.
- Capsule. The drink is prepared by using special capsules, which are sealed with foil and opened immediately before brewing.
- Portioned. Espresso is brewed according to a principle similar to carob devices. They contain a tablet designed to produce a certain volume of coffee.
Pros and cons of coffee makers
The obvious advantages of coffee makers include:
- compactness and lightness of the device;
- ease of operation and repair;
- minimal noise level (except for types of coffee makers where a coffee grinder is required to prepare coffee);
- affordable price.
The disadvantages include:
- the need for separate grinding of beans, but the use of coffee powder negatively affects the taste of the drink;
- low speed;
- lack of temperature control function;
- inability to whip up foam.
Types of coffee machines
Coffee machines come in semi-automatic and automatic types, and only then are divided into different types.
Semi-automatic coffee machines include a carob machine, which operates in the same way as an espresso coffee maker, and a capsule machine, which is similar to a similar mechanical model. Carob coffee machines, unlike coffee makers, are equipped with heated cups, as well as the brewing group, which results in a hotter, more delicious drink. The difference between capsule coffee machines and their simplified analogues is that the former have a built-in cappuccino maker and a shutdown timer.
Coffee connoisseurs claim that when brewed in a coffee machine, the drink turns out richer, stronger and more aromatic. But as you know, you have to pay for pleasure; any automatic coffee machine is more expensive than semi-automatic machines and coffee makers, however, it can do much more. In addition, it has increased power - a pressure of at least 15 bar.
Coffee machine and coffee maker - what is what
A coffee machine is usually called a device that performs all operations independently - at the press of one button. This device has the appropriate settings, the barista only takes orders and presses buttons for a specific drink. His job is also to fill the grain compartment at the beginning of the shift so that the machine does not stop and pour water into the tank, which is usually very large in coffee machines.
The settings are made by the operator who installs the unit in the cafe. If you need to change them or add something, the management calls a technician and he makes all the settings again.
The carob coffee maker operates in semi-manual mode. It has been noticed that professional baristas prefer this type of machine in their work, since they can change the amount of beans on the go or perform other unplanned operations. This number will not work with an automatic machine.
In the carob unit, you can program the amount of water per serving of espresso or Americano. There are also coffee makers that have their own settings for each drink, but a barista must take part in the process.
Pros and cons of coffee machines
The advantages of coffee machines include:
- automatic grinding of beans required for one serving immediately before preparing coffee, which allows you to get a deeper taste of the drink;
- ability to choose the degree of grinding;
- function of setting the desired temperature and volume of the drink for one serving;
- built-in cappuccino maker;
- the ability of the device to prepare different coffee drinks;
- cooking speed;
- the ability to cook several portions at once;
- heating coffee cups;
- automatic flushing of the system.
Disadvantages of coffee machines:
- high price;
- relatively large dimensions of the device;
- loud noise from a running machine.
Choosing a device for home and office
To decide which coffee machine or coffee maker is better for your home or office, you need to take into account some nuances.
Volume of coffee consumed
When purchasing a device for a large office, it is advisable to buy an automatic coffee machine. It would also be appropriate in the house if coffee is drunk a lot and often. If you need to brew 1-2 cups of drink per day, then drip or capsule types of devices will be the best choice.
Cooking time
The difference in preparation time is determined by the power of the device: the higher it is, the faster the drink is prepared. The fastest ones will be an automatic coffee brewer or a capsule type coffee machine - the preparation process will take only 30 seconds. The duration of brewing the drink in a geyser coffee maker reaches 10 minutes.
Cleaning frequency
It is easier to care for capsule and drip coffee machines, provided that you use disposable paper bags for the latter. An automatic coffee machine needs to be cleaned quite rarely, since the spacious container for collecting used coffee allows you to brew a large number of servings before it is filled to a critical level. Unlike the above machines, cezves and geyser-type devices must be completely cleaned after each use.
Price per serving
The price includes the equipment necessary for brewing, as well as the consumption of coffee beans. Added to this are the costs of purchasing a coffee grinder for the following devices:
- geyser type,
- drip type,
- french press,
- electric cezve.
Variety of recipes
For those who like to drink coffee with frothed milk, an espresso coffee maker or an automatic coffee machine for home is ideal. The latter is also relevant for people who want to be able to enjoy several coffee drinks at once: espresso, latte macchiato, cappuccino, Americano, etc. Gourmets who love experiments, enjoy the process of brewing coffee, brew it according to their own recipes, on the contrary, manual coffee is suitable or a semi-automatic method of brewing coffee beans.
Espresso coffee maker or machine
Consumers often have a choice between a carob coffee maker and an automatic coffee machine. Both devices prepare excellent quality coffee in a short period of time. An automatic machine would be appropriate in a cafe or office, as well as in a home where people who do not want to spend time preparing a drink, love exquisite varieties of coffee, for which it is important not to lose the bouquet and uniqueness of the taste.
A carob coffee maker is inferior in price to an automatic one, although advanced models are practically no different from automatic coffee machines. They are equipped with a mill for grinding grains, a cappuccino maker, a cup heating function, and an automatic shut-off and liquid supply mechanism.
Taste and range of drinks
In terms of the range and taste of coffee, automatic machines are significantly superior to carob coffee makers, intended mainly for espresso. If you have a cappuccino maker, the range will expand to cappuccino and latte, but in most cases the foam will have to be made “by hand”.
Despite the fact that the principle of interaction between water and ground beans in carob coffee machines is no different from automatic ones, the taste of coffee prepared in automatic machines is noticeably higher. This difference is achieved due to a number of advantages:
- Water hardness control and advanced filtration system.
- Choice of bean grinding.
- Water temperature regulation.
- Ability to independently configure modes.
In a bean coffee machine, you can adjust everything from the strength of the coffee to the thickness of the foam, something that even the most expensive carob coffee makers cannot offer.
The range of drinks in the coffee machine is also incomparably higher. They are capable of preparing all types of coffee, from espresso to ristretto, as well as any drinks containing milk. Most devices prepare from 7 to 15 types of coffee drinks, and with manual programming, the range expands to several dozen.
