Drip or geyser coffee maker – which one to choose?

We have prepared important criteria for choosing the best carob coffee maker according to experts and customer reviews. We have compiled a rating of the 2021 and 2021 models. Horn coffee makers or espresso machines prepare espresso by passing water under pressure through finely ground beans placed in the so-called “horn”. This is a large class of devices that has many subtypes. You can use them to make any espresso-based drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos or macchiatos, which is the reason why they are so popular. Carob coffee makers for ground coffee for home come in different prices, above 100,000 rubles, for example Lelit PL62, or De'Longhi ECP 33.21 for 10,000 rubles.

The nuances of brewing coffee in an espresso coffee maker, how to prepare it

A carob coffee maker is different from a coffee machine. An espresso coffee maker involves, as it were, manual preparation: you must grind the coffee beans, pour them into a horn and turn on the hot water supply. In the case of a regular coffee machine, you just need to pour in the beans, the machine itself will grind them and pour the required amount of drink.

Need to know! To get the best result, before preparing the drink, you need to warm up the coffee maker and prepare “idle” coffee, that is, simply run hot water through the horn. After this, you can start preparing the drink.

Who are carob coffee makers suitable for?

Carob coffee makers are suitable for people who prefer espresso and drinks based on it. If you are a Turkish coffee lover, then a carob coffee maker will not meet your expectations. You are unlikely to be able to get out of it anything close to what you love.

However, if you are a fan of drinks like cappuccino or latte, then an espresso machine is undoubtedly the best choice for you. With its help, you can prepare all these drinks, since that is exactly what it is intended for.

Which coffee maker is better, carob or drip?

A carob coffee maker is the optimal solution for making delicious coffee at home. Compared to drip analogues, it provides processing of ground grains with greater pressure, which allows you to “extract” the maximum taste and aroma. The result is a rich, strong, tart drink. As mentioned above, you can prepare cappuccino, macchiato, latte, and Americano in a carob maker.

A drip coffee maker (also called a lazy coffee maker) prepares only one type of coffee – Americano. This is such a highly diluted espresso. This type of coffee is drunk in large mugs at lunch. A bit like instant coffee. The strength is low. There is no bitterness. The taste of the grains is revealed by 50-65%.

Drip ones are half the price of carob ones.

The disadvantage of carob is the smaller volume of the drink at the exit. In a drip tank, this could be a one-liter jug.

Drip coffee maker

Drip coffee makers are widespread both in Russia and around the world. These devices are easy to use, have many additional functions and at the same time low price. True, drip coffee makers only come in one version – electric.

The operating principle of the device is quite simple. It consists of two compartments. Water is poured into the first, a filter is placed in the second, into which coffee is poured. Then, when turned on, water begins to flow into the electric heater, from where it literally drops drop by drop into the filter. Boiling water passes through a layer of ground coffee, becoming saturated with taste and aroma. And as a result, it ends up in a cup or teapot, depending on the model.

Thanks to this technology, the coffee is very aromatic, but not too strong. That is, this is not classic espresso.

However, this cooking technology allows you to equip the device with many additional functions:

1. Automatic heating mode. Under the coffee pot with the finished drink there is a thermocouple that prevents it from cooling down. Therefore, it always remains hot - no matter how long ago it was checked;
2. Overfill protection system. As soon as the coffee pot is full, the heating turns off. Thanks to this, you can pour a lot of water into the appropriate container and not worry that you will need to “refuel” the device during the day;
3. Setting up the fortress. A very important feature for home or office use. Thanks to it, lovers of strong and soft coffee will not have to buy two coffee makers.

It is worth noting that coffee in drip coffee makers is poured into special filters. In any case, they are consumables, but can be disposable or reusable.

Paper filters are disposable. They get wet after the first use. Synthetic (nylon) – reusable. On average they are designed for 60 uses. And “gold” ones - synthetic with metal reinforcement - will “survive” up to 250 brewings.

The cheapest in terms of “price of use” are paper ones. For a package of 100 filters you will have to pay about 250 rubles. The synthetic one costs the same, but is designed for fewer brews. And finally, the “gold” one will cost 500-700 rubles.

On the other hand, paper filters may have a slight effect on the taste of the coffee. Along with the finished drink, cellulose fibers enter the coffee pot. In addition, when wet, the paper acquires a rather unpleasant aftertaste, which can get into the coffee.

Advantages

• Extremely easy to use. It is enough to pour water into the special compartment of the device, pour the powder into the filter and press the button. The equipment will do the rest itself;
• Can be equipped with additional functions;
• Capable of preparing a lot of coffee - for the whole family or the whole office - at one time.

Flaws

• The coffee they prepare is not a classic espresso, but a very ordinary drink;
• They need consumables - filters.

When choosing a drip coffee maker, it is important to pay attention to the power, since the strength of the drink depends on it. So, devices up to 600 W cook strong, but slowly. But kilowatt models cook quickly, but it turns out quite soft.

Which coffee maker is better: carob or geyser?

First, let's look at the resulting drinks. We already know about carob - classic espresso, latte, cappuccino. The taste of the grains is revealed 100%. Espresso turns out tart if the beans are robusta, and slightly sour if it is arabica. Cooking time 1.5 – 2 minutes. It's fast.

In a geyser coffee maker there is not so much pressure, and the taste of the beans is revealed by 80 percent. The drink obtained is very close to espresso from a carob coffee maker. Cooking time 5 – 8 minutes. You need to monitor the cooking process. Coffee may splash onto the stove.

We previously wrote about the 12 Best geyser coffee makers

Geyser ones are three times cheaper than carob ones.

Types of coffee makers

Conventionally, coffee makers can be divided into six types:

1. Geysernaya.
2. Drip.
3. Carob (espresso).
4. Capsule.
5. Electric Turk.
6. Coffee machine.

Each coffee maker has its own pros and cons. The preparation method, the volume of one serving and the type of coffee depend on your choice.

Geyser coffee maker

Geyser coffee maker
Whatever geyser coffee maker you choose, it will have two containers. One is used for water and the other for ready-made coffee. The containers are separated by a filter into which you need to add ground coffee, and connected by a tube. The principle of operation of a geyser coffee maker is that the coffee pot heats up, hot steam displaces water through the tube, and it passes through the filter with coffee. It is important to note that it is water that rises through the tube, not steam, which spoils the taste of the coffee.

The main advantages of a geyser coffee maker:

• The result is strong, rich in flavor and aromas of coffee.
• Easy to use.
• Doesn't take up much space.
• You can prepare not only coffee, but also tea.
• It's inexpensive.

Disadvantages of geyser coffee makers:

• You must always be nearby and monitor the preparation.
• The rubber gaskets will have to be changed.

For a geyser coffee maker, it is better to use freshly ground coarse coffee. If you want to buy ground coffee - espresso or for a filter.

And if you choose a geyser coffee maker, you will use it like this:

• First you need to unwind the container.
• Pour water into the lower part.
• Fill the filter with coffee. If you want a richer taste, press it with a spoon.
• Place the filter in the lower container, then screw on the upper one.
• And put the coffee maker on the stove.

It is easy to care for the device. It can be washed under water, but cannot be used with dishwashing liquid. Some models can be placed in the dishwasher, but before washing it is better to make sure of this by reading the user instructions.

How to choose a carob coffee maker?

Choosing a carob coffee maker is a responsible process; it is necessary to take into account a lot of technical nuances and subtleties.
In order not to buy a bad model, you should be guided by reviews from marketplaces, reviews, and expert opinions. We also included OEM models, many of which are produced under domestic brands, in the TOP. Of course, professionals and experts do not recommend buying them, but due to the increased prices, it is advisable to consider the best of these. Of course, it’s better to add a few thousand rubles (often 1-3 thousand) and get a device from a reputable company that cares about its reputation for producing quality products. Secondary factors when selecting a coffee maker are design, body materials, control principles, and the volume of the water tank. These are subjective points that do not affect the performance and quality of the drink. Often, inexpensive coffee makers are made of plastic, expensive ones are made of metal, but inside there are similar pumps, heating and operating elements.

On average, an entry-level model that allows you to brew delicious coffee will cost about 10 thousand rubles. The downside of such a purchase is the impossibility of “professional growth”; it will not allow you to experiment with the astringency and strength of the drink; preparation is carried out according to a standard algorithm. Further development is only possible with the help of an advanced device, costing about 25-30 thousand. The presence of a modified brewing group increases the indicated amount by about another 15 thousand rubles, and a coffee grinder – by another 10.

Pump and pressure

It is the pressure generated by the pump that allows you to obtain tart and rich espresso. The classic cooking recipe assumes a pressure of 8-9 bar. Many coffee makers, even in the budget segment, indicate a limit of 15 bar, but you should not believe in these numbers. This is the peak pressure directly at the outlet of the pump; in the horn it is already lower, about 8. Carob coffee makers without a boiler and pump cannot be recommended for purchase; their pressure is only about three bar, which is not at all enough for a good drink.

The pumps themselves come in several types:

• Vibrating . Installed in devices of the junior group. A small minus is the instability of pressure, which, however, has little effect on the taste of the drink;
• Rotary . Pumps for professional coffee makers. The pressure is stable, but the mechanism is more expensive, structurally more complex, more massive;
• Levered . Manual pumps where the pressure is 100% controlled by the barista. Found only in serious coffee shops.

How is water heated?

The boiler is as important a component of the coffee maker as the pump. The quality of espresso is determined not only by pressure, but also by temperature; the more accurately it matches the recipe, the tastier the drink. Heating is provided by a flow-type temperature block or a storage tank with a heating element.

The advantages and disadvantages of the options are as follows:

• Thermoblock . There is no need to preheat the water, it is immediately supplied in the required quantities, but the temperature is unstable;
• Small boiler . A compact device that supplies small volumes of “ideally” heated water. The downside is the volume, after each mug you will have to wait for it to warm up again. Small boilers are most often found in models aimed at home use;
• Large boiler . A large volume of water at the optimal temperature is immediately available, so you can prepare several cups of the drink at a time. The disadvantage is the considerable time required (20-30 minutes) required for heating, for example, after a long period of non-use;
• Heat exchanger . A network of pipes with circulating water located inside the boiler chamber. The liquid is heated as it passes through this network. The temperature is stable, but it takes time to heat up.

Some devices are equipped with a pair of heaters at once, the first is used to generate steam, the second – for coffee.

Brew group and horn

Contact of ground grains with water supplied under pressure, squeezing out aromatic substances occurs in the brewing group. It is formed by a horn, a filter and additional components. Inexpensive horns are made of polymers, advanced models are made of metal. It is better to choose a metal horn.

The quality of the finished drink is largely determined by the filter. The simplest option is a mesh with small cells. To get a decent result, you need to correctly select the degree of grinding and form a coffee “tablet” of suitable density. This requires experience and qualifications, so many manufacturers equip brewing groups with “improvers” that allow even a beginner to brew good espresso without extra effort and hassle. There are many options here - filters with different meshes, spring mechanisms that open the supply of the drink only after the pressure in the cone has reached the desired level. “Improvers” really help a beginner and eliminate the possibility of mistakes, but for an experienced coffee drinker they are excesses that do not allow them to fully realize their skills.

When choosing a filter, you need to focus on models made without polymer, elastic components; they wear out quickly due to constant temperature fluctuations. Double-bottom filters are quite difficult to clean; finely ground coffee gets stuck in the gap. However, all filters, including single ones, need cleaning, so this is more of a drawback.

The rule for selecting the diameter of the horn is as simple as possible: the larger the better. Professionals use horns with a diameter of 5.8 centimeters; it is easy to select additional accessories and filters for it. Home devices often have 5 and 5.4 centimeter horns installed; finding auxiliary accessories for them is quite difficult.

Coffee grinder: is it necessary?

The better the coffee maker, the more “picky” it is about quality and degree of grinding. Even middle-class devices simply will not be able to unlock the potential of the grains if they are ground incorrectly, too coarsely or too finely. Simply put, those who own a good coffee maker definitely need an appropriate coffee grinder.

Precise grinding control is possible with millstone-type devices. Rotary analogues, with a rotating knife, are not suitable for coffee, as are pseudo-millstone devices, which differ in working elements with recognizable teeth. They do not grind the grains; processing is based more on crushing and breaking. Budget burr coffee grinders are suitable for simple tasks, but are not capable of grinding beans into a fine powder. If your budget is limited, purchasing them is a rational decision.

The best option for precise control of the degree of grinding and realizing the potential of the coffee maker is to buy an expensive burr coffee grinder. Their price is about 16 thousand rubles. It would seem like a large amount, but if you pay attention to professional models, they are characterized by much higher values.

We previously wrote about

• 11 Best Electric Coffee Grinders
• 11 Best coffee machines with cappuccino maker for home

How to choose a coffee maker or coffee machine for your home

When choosing a device for brewing your favorite invigorating drink at home, it is important to consider several points:

• Pressure. In order for the drink to be of high quality, it should not be less than 8 - 10 bar, otherwise the output you will get is only coffee water;
• Power. It affects the cooking speed: the higher the power, the faster the cooking will be. The optimal power is “plus or minus” 1000 bar;
• Tank volume. If the family is small, then you should not choose a huge tank: water is not stored for long due to constant heating. A volume of approximately 1 liter will be sufficient;
• "Buns." The more options and programs a coffee machine has, the less human intervention is required and the richer the variations of the drink will be. However, sophisticated options are never small, so it’s worth considering the amount of free space in the room;
• Easy to care for. The more difficult a coffee machine is to maintain, the less you will want to use it;
• Emergency modes. A very important and useful feature, but one that significantly affects the price. However, you will no longer be ready to worry about the topic - “did I turn it off” and “was there water there.”

Thus, you can see that a suitable coffee maker for ground coffee for home is a small pump model, with a water tank of about a liter and a power of about 10 bar.

Rating of carob coffee makers without pump

These coffee makers do not have a device that increases water pressure. Pressure is created by steam, which appears during the boiling process of water in the boiler. The maximum pressure in such devices is 2-4 bar, because of this the coffee turns out less rich and becomes similar to a strong Americano, but there are specimens with a pressure of 15 bar, for example Delonghi ECO 31.

1

Polaris PCM 4008AL

Rating:5.0

• for ground coffee
• pressure 4 bar
• making cappuccino
• metal case

Average price: RUB 4,775

Compact espresso machine from Polaris. The design is slightly different, since the Thermoblock system is replaced with a boiler, so the characteristics are worse than those of previously reviewed models - power 800 W and pressure 4 bar. It can only make ground coffee, it doesn't brew two cups at once, and it doesn't have many other features, but in its price range, this coffee maker is the best.

Peculiarities:

• boiler room;
• power 800 W;
• pressure 4 bar.

Top 10 best carob coffee makers for home

When buying, you need to look at more than just the price. Consider the material, packaging and built-in functions. We have compiled a rating of the best carob coffee makers for home according to consumer opinions. The review will help you choose a model.

Smeg ECF01

Price – 38,790 rub.

Dimensions:

Compact carob machine with steam function. The body consists of painted metal and colored plastic. The base is made of chrome-plated plastic. Stainless steel was used for the frame, cappuccino maker, and cup tray. Includes measuring spoon, latte tray, removable water tank and filters: double, single and paper pods.

The quantity and temperature of coffee can be adjusted. The water hardness can also be adjusted (hard, medium and soft). For cappuccino lovers, steam adjustment is provided.

Advantages

• good quality;
• drop protection;
• simple control panel;
• presence of a cappuccino maker;
• The device beeps when cleaning is required.

Flaws

• high price;
• You need to whip up the foam yourself.

De'Longhi ECI 341 Distinta

Price – 10,740 rubles.

Dimensions:

This product is the best value for money. The coffee maker has a metal finish and chrome parts. The body is matte and has vintage-style patterns on the surface.

Control type – mechanics. You can prepare several servings at the same time. Either ground coffee or filter bags are used.

You will have to monitor the preparation of the drink; there is no automatic shutdown. There is also no hot water supply or cup warming.

Advantages

• low price;
• water level indicator;
• removable tray for collecting drips.

Flaws

• lack of control panel;
• There is no switch-on lock if water is not poured.

De'Longhi EC.680.M

Price – 15,000 rubles.

Dimensions:

Horn device with adjustable cappuccino system. You can adjust the milk frother, whisk and heat the liquid. Heated by a thermoblock. It maintains pressure up to 15 bar, which is enough for foam and rich aroma.

Pods are used for preparation. You can brew several servings at the same time - the coffee maker has a double tray.

Advantages

• removable tray (you can use glasses of different heights);
• heating after shutdown;
• high pressure.

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Disadvantages

• lack of a coffee grinder;
• you need to prepare cappuccino manually;
• no control over coffee strength.

Gaggia Carezza DeLuxe

Price – 21,900 rub.

Dimensions:

Metal product with a boiler. Reaches pressure up to 15 bar. Allows you to prepare several servings. You can make cappuccino, but you will have to monitor the process from start to finish. The device will not turn off after preparing a drink.

There is a water level indicator and a tray for collecting drips. Heating is also provided. Another useful feature is hot water supply. This way you can adjust the strength and temperature of the coffee.

Advantages

• compactness;
• automatic washing;
• pressure gauge;
• power-on indication.

Flaws

• no anti-drip system;
• There is no auto-dosing of espresso.

Ascaso Dream Ground

Price – 42,990 rub.

Dimensions:

The device is made of different types of steel. The horn is made of metal and the body is made of polished aluminum. There is a special grid on the surface for easy cleaning. It can be removed and the device can be completely cleaned.

You can easily track the temperature and water level. A sensor was placed on the front wall of the carob coffee maker. It shows the degree of liquid from the thermoblock. To estimate the volume, just look at the transparent tank.

Advantages

• hot water supply and protector;
• preparing two cups at a time;
• measuring spoon and tamper included.

Flaws

• heavy weight (7 kg);
• no display.

Polaris PCM 1523E

Price – 11,485 rub.

Dimensions:

Small-sized coffee machine made of metal. Easy to use. You just need to place the cups and select settings. You can adjust the temperature, milk foam density and strength. There is no need to monitor the process; the device will make a characteristic click and turn off itself.

For convenience, the kit includes a measuring spoon and a seal. There is also an adjustable tray for different types of glasses and a removable drip tray.

Advantages

• power sensor;
• speed (the drink is ready in 30 seconds);
• metal horn.

Flaws

• you cannot prepare several servings;
• no display.

De'Longhi ECP 33.21

Price – 12,000 rubles.

Dimensions:

Mechanical high pressure coffee maker. Heats liquid quickly. It only takes half a minute for the coffee to brew completely. After cooking it turns off automatically. You can prepare several servings at once. But the cups are limited in height; the glass should not exceed 13 cm.

The device will take up little space in the kitchen. It is easy to carry because the weight is small (4 kg). The body is lightweight and made of plastic.

Advantages

• economical consumption;
• you can choose the amount of water;
• accessory storage system.

Flaws

• vibration and noise during cooking;
• cup height limitation;
• small volume (liter).

Vitek VT-1516 SR

Price – 7,990 rub.

Dimensions:

Inexpensive device made of stainless steel and plastic. Three types of coffee are prepared: espresso, latte and cappuccino. Milk is also boiled separately. For preparation you need ground coffee. You can adjust the volume of liquids, make foam and adjust the temperature.

Reviews say that the device is easy to clean. In front there is a grill to collect drips. Additionally, there is a removable tank.

Advantages

• automatic cappuccino maker;
• overheat protection;
• control panel backlight;
• seal and sulfur spoon included.

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Disadvantages

• noise during operation;
• leaks are possible.

Kitfort KT-703

Price – 9,640 rubles.

Dimensions:

The top budget coffee machines include Kitfort KT-703. The device with a pump will prepare cappuccino, latte and espresso. The quantity is adjusted by pressing a button. You can add milk foam, which is whipped in a cappuccino maker. If you need to adjust the temperature, use the thermostat.

The body material and horn are made of metal. The set includes a spoon, milk container and removable trays. The device does not need to be washed manually - the manufacturers have thought of self-cleaning.

Advantages

• no plastic smell;
• stand for small glasses;
• auto shutdown

Flaws

• heavy construction;
• there is no fastening on the tank lids.

KRUPS Calvi XP 3440

Price – 18,990 rub.

Dimensions:

Compact device made of plastic. Heated by a thermoblock. Minimum functions: no hot water supply, display or pressure gauge. But there is a power indicator and a removable tray for collecting drops.

You can prepare two cups at the same time. Moreover, glasses can be of different sizes: there is an additional tray for short mugs. After cooking, the device will turn off automatically.

Advantages

• silent operation;
• small size;
• loads quickly.

Flaws

• the drink turns out cold due to low pressure;
• The filters are difficult to attach to the horn.