Making coffee today is hard to imagine without the use of special appliances. They have different designs both functionally and structurally. But the main differences are how different types of coffee makers work. Mostly these are electrical devices that provide heating operations, powered by a 220 V network. But this is where the common unifying features of the work process end.
The main types of coffee makers
To understand the depth of differences between different types of coffee machines, it should be noted that the price range in the segment of these devices varies on average from 500-700 rubles. up to 20-30 thousand rubles. At the same time, commercial equipment of built-in type is available for 80-100 thousand rubles. Of course, design features, performance and a set of functions can affect the cost, but the way the coffee machine works ultimately determines the quality of the drink and some of the nuances of its preparation. The most common types of coffee machines include the following:
- Drip. We can say a budget option that does not indulge in high performance and wide functionality.
- Geyser. Also an inexpensive option for domestic use, but the properties of the finished drink are more attractive than drip devices.
- Carob. A feature of this model is the possibility of pressing coffee under pressure, which expands the possibilities of preparing a drink.
- Capsule. The apparatus closest to professional coffee makers, although it also has household modifications.
Also, coffee makers are semi-automatic and automatic. The second option, of course, looks more attractive, but experts do not recommend in a hurry to abandon traditional management schemes. Now you can learn more about the different types of coffee machines individually.
Drip coffee makers
Also, this type of coffee machine is called filtration, because the filter is the basis of the working structure. How does a drip coffee maker work? The principle of operation is based on the following process: the water is heated, after which it passes through coffee and is sent to a special coffee pot with a prepared drink. It is important to emphasize that such coffee makers only work with ground coffee, and experts advise using coarse grinding. As for other features, high power is destructive for drop models. The lower this figure, the tastier, richer and stronger the drink. In expensive devices, functions are provided to maintain a certain temperature regime of the prepared coffee, an anti-drop system and special indicators of operating conditions.
Geyser coffee makers
These models are also called steam, which already hints at the principle of operation of such devices. The design consists of two parts - the lower flask with water, and the upper - with ground coffee. Levels are also separated by a filter grid. During operation, boiling water will begin to pass through a special tube through the filter to the coffee pot. Actually, opening the lid at this moment, you can visually observe how a geyser coffee machine works, simulating the behavior of a natural hot spring with steam emissions. By the way, a characteristic hissing sound will testify to the readiness of the drink. To obtain a delicious and rich coffee, it is recommended to use medium grinding, and after loading the mass into the upper compartment, do not compact it, but loosen it. This will provide a more efficient interaction of steam with particles of coffee beans.
Carob Coffee Makers
To load coffee, a special horn is provided in the design, from which the name of the device originates. It must immediately be emphasized that the ground mass, in contrast to the principle of operation of the mechanism of steam engines, is rammed. Although such models allow you to prepare drinks in a wide range of types, espresso is considered the target. How does a carob coffee maker work? It has already been noted that the hallmark of the carob is the pressure build-up in the cooking process. The effect of pressure at 10-15 bar is combined with water heating, which allows you to make delicious coffee in less than a minute. Moreover, carob models are of different types. For example, pump-action just work under high pressure, reducing the consumption of ground coffee while maintaining the high quality of the drink. But steam horn modifications are also in demand. In such devices, the calculation is made not so much on speed and overall optimization of the cooking process as on productivity. On average, models of this type can make 3-4 servings of coffee at a time.
Capsule Coffee Makers
The main feature of such coffee machines is that they prepare a drink in capsules. That is, you should initially focus on the purchase of special coffee cups - they will provide a convenient portioned load of the machine. How does a capsule coffee machine work? In the process of preparation, the capsule is pierced from different sides, and the contents of the grinding are mixed with hot water. Streams of boiling water under air pressure dilute the coffee mass, providing a very aromatic drink at the outlet. After cooking, the used capsule is discarded.
Combined Models
From the name we can conclude that such coffee makers have the advantages of several of the above structures. This is partly true, since the combined apparatus allows you to prepare different types of drink, while maintaining high functionality and performance. To understand the features of the device of such devices, one should recall how a drip-type coffee maker works with heating water. The system involves the gradual dilution of ground grains with hot water - this is the principle of operation that forms the basis of combined coffee makers. But as an addition, the horn method of cooking is also being implemented, which makes it possible to prepare Americano and espresso with the same quality. However, there is no question of complete universality, since the loading compartments require the use of different grinding.
How does a coffee maker with automation work?
The now popular concept of automated household appliances has not bypassed the segment of coffee machines. Using several buttons on the control panel, you can make the coffee preparation process automatic. Then, by pressing a single button, the user gives a command to prepare a drink in accordance with previously set parameters. As a result, time is saved and the accuracy of coffee brewing parameters increases. In some models, individual elements of structural mechanization are also implemented. How do coffee makers of this type work? In the simplest versions, due to telescopic guides, the system independently extends the platform with the cup, performs cleaning and pouring with water. However, such devices are several times more expensive than ordinary semi-automatic models, which form the basis of the domestic segment.
Coffee Maker Maintenance Tips
Sophisticated coffee machine designs require special maintenance. At the household level, these measures are reduced to standard cleaning of the internal and external surfaces of the device, changing consumables and revising the electrical unit. But there may also be a need for easy repairs. For example, if the cappuccino machine does not work, then you can try to identify the causes of the malfunction. As a rule, violations of this function are associated with breakdown of the steam block or incorrect operation of the temperature sensor. In both cases, you can replace the structural elements with your own hands - the main thing is to find suitable parts. The decalcification of the coffee machine is also carried out on a regular basis . This operation is carried out in order to completely remove scale from work surfaces on professional equipment.
Conclusion
In choosing a coffee maker, it is important to consider not only the principle of action, but also the main technical and operational characteristics. The basic ones include power, load volume and pressure level. The durability of the apparatus will also be affected by the materials of the manufacture of the structure, which are subjected to strong thermal stress. For example, how does a geyser coffee machine work? During cooking, a powerful steam effect on the lining and filter membrane occurs. This is a critical element, the material of which will determine the reliability of adjacent structural elements. Experts advise both in geyser and other types of coffee makers to use reusable nylon filters that can withstand several dozen brewing.