The coffee machine is an excellent unit, which was appreciated by connoisseurs of an invigorating drink. That's just the price of such devices has recently been striving higher and higher.
A geyser coffee maker is the only budget device that will provide the real taste of freshly brewed coffee, but without the side effects in the form of coffee grounds (as when cooking in a cezve or cezve).
Content
The first geyser type coffee makers appeared in 1933 in Italy. The classic octagonal shape and laconic design of the container were invented by Alfonso Bialetti, who launched the first production of geyser coffee makers. The new coffee maker has gained wild popularity in Europe - it has become much easier to prepare a drink, and the method of preparation did not affect the taste of espresso.
By the way, there were such coffee makers in the USSR. They were made of aluminum, so they often resembled beaten kitchen front fighters, with crumpled sides and dents on the body.
Now to the principle of operation - everything is simple here. The body consists of two tightly twisted parts. The lower part is filled with water (the amount depends on the capacity). You can also navigate by the risk along the edge of the tank - it is needed in order to eliminate the risk of water overflow through the emergency steam outlet valve.
It is worth observing the proportions of coffee and water recommended by the manufacturer, and not preparing one cup of the drink - the taste can be unpleasantly surprising.
The steam “squeezes out” the water, which passes through the coffee placed in a special filter and rises through the tube to the top of the coffee pot, absorbing the taste and aroma. And as for the protective valve, it is needed in order to "bleed" the steam pressure if the water for some reason cannot pass through the filter. This usually happens if you use too finely ground coffee.
When choosing, you should consider several nuances
The first thing you should pay attention to is volume. For a family, a coffee pot for 4-6 cups is suitable. For the office or frequent friendly gatherings with friends - from 12 to 18 cups. Well, if you take a coffee maker only for yourself, then it is better to buy a model with a capacity of a couple of cups.
The main thing - do not forget that the volume is indicated based on a standard cup of espresso in 60 ml, in fact it will turn out even less, only 40-50 ml. So, if we take 200 ml as a standard serving, then the minimum volume of the container must be at least 450 ml (based on two people).
Electric or regular. The first one works from the network and is considered universal. The second is usually produced for either gas or electric hobs.
If you have an induction cooker at home, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations or take the electric option. For induction hobs, devices made of steel or combined are suitable - the lower container is steel, the upper one is aluminum.
The most popular metal for the production of geysers is stainless steel and aluminum. By and large, there is no difference between them (except for a slight one, in price). Otherwise, both types of metal have excellent thermal conductivity and do not require any special care.
Steel ones are more expensive, suitable for any type of stove, but the coffee in them turns out to be cooler, simply because the metal takes away some of the heat.
Aluminum geysers are cheaper, they cannot be washed in a dishwasher (in general, all models) and used on induction hobs.
Pay attention to the quality of the casting. Chinese models, for example, can be distinguished by the seams on the sides of the product. Small stripes of obviously factory origin on the inner surface of the container are the norm. Functionality and service life are not affected in any way.
But on the fastening of the handles, the presence of a protective heat-insulating coating should be paid special attention.
Geysers of well-known brands should be taken only if you order goods online - after all, there are much less risks of getting a disposable thing with a loose fastening of the upper and lower parts, with parts made of the cheapest "odorous" plastic.
If you take a coffee pot in a regular store, you should also take a closer look at the nonames. In terms of price, they are usually cheaper, and in terms of quality they are almost in no way inferior to eminent brands.
Geyser coffee makers, in principle, have few of them. There are models with a transparent upper part - this design does not affect the functionality of the device itself, the taste of the drink, and such models are more expensive. A glass flask is easier to wash, there is no dark coating left on it, and watching how coffee gradually fills the container is a kind of meditation.
If you sometimes like to drink coffee with milk, then you should pay attention to the geyser with an additional foaming valve. The Bialetti Mukka Express model, for example. The device is unique in its kind, with an unusual design (the pattern on the body imitates the black and white color of a cow's skin), designed to prepare 2 cups of cappuccino at a time.
It is worth considering that geyser coffee makers are still designed to make black coffee. It is unlikely that you will be able to make exactly the same cappuccino at home as in a coffee shop.
The standard gas stove geyser is a classic. You just have to adapt and experimentally determine the optimal heating temperature. With electric ones, it’s easier in this regard - the device will choose the temperature itself and keep the brewed drink hot for at least half an hour. There are no difficulties with management either - such coffee makers are usually equipped with just one button.
Electric models are also equipped with timers. According to the advertising slogan, the smell of brewed coffee in the morning will wake you up better than any alarm clock. The statement is doubtful, but one thing is for sure - such models are much more expensive.
If we consider a simple electric geyser, then this is a great option at an affordable price - I loaded coffee, waited a couple of minutes, removed the top cover and poured the finished drink into cups
Of course, freshly ground, not purchased packaging. If you still take coffee in the store, then pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations - the packaging should indicate that the drink is suitable for Turks, "filter". Some manufacturers label packs with the direct indication "moka pot", which means that coffee is suitable for geyser-type coffee makers.
By the way, in the case of a geyser coffee pot, the strength of the drink will depend on the grinding. And, yes, it is better to tamp the coffee in the filter lightly (without too much zeal).
All of them relate to the preparation of coffee on an electric stove. Since it is more difficult to regulate the temperature of the burner than on a gas hob, it is worth:
If a little water remains in the lower part, this is the norm, and not a sign of a malfunction. And if you want to save precious minutes in the morning, then you should fill the coffee maker in the evening - just measure the coffee and pour water.
There is nothing complicated in caring for geyser coffee makers. Simply rinse both containers with water after each use. It is not necessary to scrub plaque from the walls with abrasives - firstly, it protects the metal from damage, and secondly, it does not affect the taste of the drink in any way. But if you tear off this very protective layer (especially for models made of aluminum), you can get espresso with a specific metallic flavor that hardly anyone will like.
If you don't want to mess around with washing by hand, look for models that can be loaded into the dishwasher. But it is worth considering that after such processing, the case usually loses its original luster and becomes matte.
If you notice that the geyser has begun to let steam through, it's time to replace the sealing gum. A repair kit made of rubber and a new filter is inexpensive and installs in a couple of seconds.
Is it true that if the safety valve fails, the coffee maker can explode
Yes, and this is probably the only drawback of geysers. The problem is that it is impossible to check the serviceability of the valve - it remains only to take the word of the manufacturer. But if you do not want to watch the launch of a small-caliber rocket from the burner of your stove, you should not take too cheap models of unknown Chinese brands.
There are countless manufacturers of geysers - from European brands with a long history to Chinese nonames. But the most popular are:
The same company founded by the Italian Alfonso Bialetti in 1919. Initially, it was just a workshop and produced aluminum products. Since 1933, she began to manufacture coffee makers. Now the brand specializes in metal utensils, kitchen accessories. And geyser coffee makers are classics recognized all over the world.
You can recognize the company's products by the company logo - a little man with a big lush mustache. According to legend, the little man is something like a friendly caricature of the founding father of the brand, once drawn by a famous cartoonist.
This was the name given to daggers produced by gunsmiths in Lower Saxony in the Middle Ages. Quite a peaceful production for the manufacture of dishes and kitchen accessories began its work in 1988, when the famous German restaurateur Gustav Schmidt buys and modernizes a factory in West German Salzgitter.
Now the brand develops and manufactures professional utensils made of steel, aluminum and cast iron, and is a benchmark for quality and design.
The history of the brand began in 1902 with a small workshop that produced components for wood stoves and gas stoves. In 1974, the brand began to create the first oil cooler, on the body of which the De'Longhi logo flaunted. Later, irons appeared, climate equipment like air conditioners and split systems. The first coffee machine began to be sold in 1990 and immediately received well-deserved recognition from coffee lovers around the world.
An Italian brand with an impressive history and production in China. Geysers are distinguished by a budget price and good workmanship. The plastic will be a little flimsy, so handle with care. In the rest - for a summer residence or just to buy in order to assess how far the geyser will go (judging by the reviews, some users still return to the good old Turk without appreciating the benefits of a coffee pot), it is quite suitable. Plus, it is sold in any major home appliance store and almost all models from the line are always discounted.
With a steel body and a minimalistic design, it is suitable for all types of hobs. Designed for 300 ml of drink (the output is less), easy to clean and does not require special care.
To protect metal parts from rusting, it is worth wiping the washed containers dry. Otherwise, it's a great solution for relatively little money.
Price - 1300 rubles.
Compact, stylish, roomy, in a polished steel case, with a capacity of 0.45 l (9 cups of espresso in standard 50 ml or 2 standard mugs) will decorate any kitchen. Heats up quickly and keeps drinks warm for a long time.
It is easy to clean, though over time, the same dark coating forms on the walls. And, yes, you can adjust the strength only by varying the degree of coffee grinding.
Price - 2000 rubles.
Miniature, with a company logo, with a capacity of only 0.17 liters - this is one incomplete standard mug. Heats up quickly, easy to clean. Of the minuses - the small diameter of the base (you can solve it with the help of a special lining on the burner, if you decide to use it on a gas or electric stove), the case cools down for a long time. Well, here either a silicone tack will help to unscrew the upper container, or cooling under a stream of cold water.
Price - 2700 rubles.
An eternal classic is one of the recognized symbols of Italy and a model listed in the Guinness Book of Records. This baby with a capacity of only 0.05 liters is designed to prepare one cup of an invigorating drink.
Aluminum body, nylon buttons, heat shielded handle and removable and flushable pressure valve design. Different types of coffee can be mixed directly in the filter.
Price - 2000 rubles.
Capacious, with a thickened bottom of the lower container. The top flask opens with one touch of the handle located on the lid. It boils quickly and gives an honest 400 ml of a piping tasty and strong drink.
This model has problems with the spout - with a sharp inclination, there is a chance that part of the espresso will end up on the kitchen table. Other than that, it's a great model for the money.
Price - 2000 rubles.
It boils quickly, prepares a good, strong drink - it performs all functions properly. Small flaws, such as sagging on the outer surface of the case and rough (cheap) plastic for such a price, can be forgiven.
The silicone seal is unified in diameter for standard Bialetti models, so there should be no problems with replacement. The valve is reliable, non-removable.When buying online, check the characteristics of the model with the operator (on large marketplaces, the description in the product card, including in terms of volume, often does not match the factory parameters).
Price - from 1000 rubles (with discounts you can find cheaper).
With a transparent bowl, in a black case with an auto-off function that protects against overflow and the option of maintaining the optimally hot temperature of the drink for 30 minutes.
The flask is metal, on a rotating stand. Management - using buttons. The taste of the drink, according to user reviews, is very similar to coffee brewed in the traditional way, in a Turk.
Price - 6490 rubles.
With built-in stand display, backlight, timer and auto-off function. The capacity is designed for 3 standard espressos of 50 ml. The coffee maker will turn itself off and announce the readiness of the drink with a loud signal.
Of the minuses - just a sky-high price for such a volume and mediocre build quality.
Price - 9800 rubles.
With the same functions and design as the previous model, but with a larger capacity, blocking the inclusion in the absence of water. Of the benefits - fast heating and the option of maintaining the temperature of the finished drink for half an hour. Plus compactness and ease in leaving.
Of the minuses - all the same build quality. Some of the users even noted that the metal itself and the backlashes at all connections are more typical for Chinese teapots in the price range up to 500 rubles than for an elite brand. In fairness, it should be noted that the electrogeyser performs its main functions perfectly - the coffee really turns out delicious.
The price is about 10,000 rubles.
So, a geyser coffee maker is an excellent replacement for a Turk or an expensive coffee machine. The taste of the drink turns out to be saturated, and it takes an order of magnitude less time to prepare a morning cup of an invigorating drink.