The morning awakening for many people becomes a real challenge. And if a person doesn’t get enough sleep, he will feel tired all day, and there’s no question of any capacity for work here. It is at such moments that a cup of strong tonic aromatic coffee comes to the rescue, helping to wake up and giving a charge of vivacity. The only problem is that in the morning there is no time to cook it. It is for this that special devices have been created to help in this matter. In today's article we will talk about what types of coffee machines exist and which ones are more convenient for home use.
A brief excursion into history
Useful and tonic properties of coffee have been known for a very long time. But the first coffee maker was presented at an exhibition in Paris only in 1855. And of course, it was completely unlike those household appliances that everyone was used to seeing in their kitchen. It was something very large, similar to a boiler furnace. The machine was controlled by 2 people - a fireman who threw coal into it, and an operator pouring ground grains and monitoring the pressure. The work of the second was more responsible. After all, he ignored the pressure gauge, the car could simply explode. At the same time, the unit was able to produce up to 1000 cups of invigorating drink per hour.
Already much later, in 1974, having gone through many modernizations, units of a more familiar form began to appear in the houses. And, despite the assertion of conservatives that coffee should be prepared in cezve, experts have proved that some types of coffee machines brew this wonderful drink no worse. In addition, the process is almost completely automated.
What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine
For the majority of people, these are synonyms, but this is not so. A coffee maker requires more human involvement. It is necessary to grind the grains, pour a certain amount into the apparatus, pour water. The coffee machine frees the owner from many actions. The grinding here is automated, many units are even able to remove the spent powder in a separate container, which saves the owner from daily cleaning of the apparatus.
Let's consider what types of coffee makers exist and what are their features.
What types of similar units can be found on the shelves
Coffee makers help a person in the process of preparing a drink, but do not relieve him of some trouble. Today, the manufacturer offers the consumer the following types of them:
- Drip - with the help of a special heater, water turns into steam, which, having cooled slightly, passes through the ground coffee poured from top to bottom. After that, the finished drink enters the cup at the exit. The horn devices are similar, but in them the powder is pressed into a tablet, and steam passes through it under pressure, which allows you to brew a more saturated and aromatic coffee.
- Geyser - steam comes from below, unlike the previous version, and, passing through the grinding, it enters a separate tank. These are usually placed on the hob.
There is still debate about which class the capsule unit belongs to. On the one hand, this is a coffee maker, on the other - a machine. In today's article, she will also be assigned her place.
Types of such assistants, their modifications and principle of operation
Despite the fact that the carob devices are classified as coffee makers, some of their varieties with additional functions can be attributed to the class of machines. We are talking about devices with a cappuccino machine (manual or automatic), as well as a pod adapter, which allows you to brew a drink from bags. A similar process resembles the operation of a capsule unit.
But already devices with built-in millstones can be called coffee machines with full confidence. These include:
- espresso machine;
- machine;
- jellied coffee machine.
It makes sense to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type in order to understand what is best to purchase for a home or office space.
Cappuccino Horn Machine
There are a lot of varieties of such units. They can differ both in appearance and functionality, on which the cost will depend. In addition to steam passing through the compressed tablet of coffee powder powder under pressure, there may be a cappuccino machine, heating cups with the finished drink.
In the ratings of carob coffee machines, one of the leading places today is occupied by the REDMOND RCM-1512 model. The cost of the unit is small (as for similar functionality) - about 7500 rubles. The machine is equipped with an automatic cappuccino machine, the ability to prepare coffee in a semi-automatic mode. The only drawback, as with other carob units, is the need to clean the household appliance after each preparation of the drink.
Pod devices their advantages and disadvantages
Making coffee here in batches, from special bags. The undoubted advantage of such machines is the impossibility of spoiling the final product - the drink always turns out equally tasty and aromatic. But it was not without drawbacks either. Such an aggregate does not allow to increase the strength of coffee. Also upsets is not too large assortment of tastes and the rather high cost of bags. According to ratings, one of the leading positions here is occupied by the Grimac pod coffee machine.
Capsule devices and their features
The principle of operation of such units is similar to the previous type, with the only difference being that the raw material is not dry powder from bags, but a more liquid substance, packed in plastic or aluminum containers. The assortment of tastes is more diverse, but it is worth noting that the capsules of one manufacturer are suitable only for certain brands of coffee machines. It is necessary to select the size and shape. As for ratings, one of the leaders in this category is the Krups coffee machine.
Espresso combine units: what they are
These are already more professional devices. By type, they can be attributed to carob, however, there is already a built-in coffee grinder, which eliminates the need for powder to fall asleep in portions before each brewing. Let's consider the functions that a similar device can be equipped with, for example, the Krups EA82F810 coffee machine.
This unit can brew espresso automatically. It is equipped with a 1.75 liter water tank and a coffee bean container that holds 275 g. It is possible to adjust the degree of grinding, the strength of the drink, and a portion of hot steam, the pressure of which is 15 bar. The device is also equipped with an automatic cappuccino machine and a waste container, which frees the owner from washing the coffee machine after each preparation. Convenient is the presence of a timer - the device can prepare a fresh aromatic drink just in time for waking up.
More expensive automatic coffee machines
If it seems to someone that the price of such an aggregate (35-40 thousand rubles) is quite high, you should pay attention to the models, the cost of which can generally be called sky-high. It's about professional coffee machines like La Cimbali S54 Dolcevita MilkPS. Such devices are called jellied. Its functionality differs only in a larger water tank and a counter of cooked portions. But you can buy it for 1,200,000 rubles. When looking at this figure, the cost is 30,000 rubles. already starting to seem insignificant.
Comparison of types and manufacturers of coffee machines presented on Russian shelves
With such a huge assortment of such products on the shelves, it is difficult for a simple layman to decide which device to purchase, which means that it’s worthwhile to figure this out. Here, everything will depend on how often it is planned to use a household appliance, the number of servings prepared at the same time and the degree of workload of the owner. It is on the basis of this information that a conclusion is drawn about the necessary type of coffee machine.
Drip and simple horn aggregates are suitable for those who do not need to cook more than two cups at the same time and at the same time have enough free time to wash the reusable filter at the end of the process. This is the most budget option.
Capsule and pod devices are convenient for those who have less time. There is no need to grind coffee, and after use it is enough to simply throw a bag or container into the bin. If you ask the question: "Which capsule coffee machine is better?", Then everyone will have their own answer. After all, different manufacturers make containers with drink concentrates with different aromas for their devices. Therefore, it is a matter of taste. The cost of such devices, although higher than drip, is still acceptable.
Speaking of more expensive coffee machines, it can be noted that they will suit true gourmets. Various cooking options are offered here, and the process itself boils down to occasionally pouring grains, adding water and throwing waste out of the container. If we talk about which automatic coffee machines for the home are better, then there can be no two opinions - those whose functionality is convenient for the user.
As for the manufacturers, in addition to the well-known brands Bosh and Philips, there is a huge concern that gradually absorbs companies - both large and smaller: Group SEB. Under his leadership, there are already Tefal, Mulineks, Roventa, and now Krups.
Some tips for choosing a similar device
When purchasing a coffee machine, do not grab the first one you like from the counter. Experts advise spending at least 2-3 days on your choice. And you need to start it not in the store, but at home, with your family. First you need to clarify the preferences of everyone who will use the unit, then decide which functions are necessary and which ones you can refuse, so that the cost is lower. When these issues are resolved, you need to look at suitable models on the Internet, compare prices, read reviews. Acquaintance with the review of models of coffee machines is a very important process. Only in this way it becomes clear which design of the device will fit better into the interior of the kitchen. This lesson can be spent more than one day, because the range of such equipment is really huge.
As a result, the buyer should not only have a clear understanding of what the unit should be. You should go to the store with 3-4 models in your head that were chosen at home. One of them should be purchased. The main thing here is not to listen too much to the words of the sales consultant. Often these people themselves do not understand everything in technology. Their task is to sell a certain model, which will be painted by the buyer as ideal. Unfortunately, more often than not, they manage to confuse the consumer and “steam” him something that does not at all correspond to the chosen functionality and even the type of coffee machine.
After the previously selected model is found on the counter, it is necessary to check with the sales assistant whether there is a certificate of conformity on the device and it is necessary to familiarize yourself with it. The absence of such a document should lead to a rejection of the purchase. The certificate, by law, is provided to the buyer upon request. Of great importance is the warranty period. There is an interesting point here. Some stores intentionally do not put a sale date on the coupon. This leads to the calculation of the warranty period from the date of manufacture, not purchase.
Do I need a similar device in the house
Many people ask such a question. The answer to it depends on how comparable the desire to increase comfort with financial capabilities. However, in fairness, it is worth noting that a drip coffee maker for one cup can be purchased for only 400-500 rubles.
A full-fledged machine with millstones and a cappuccino machine will cost at least 11,000 rubles, and a machine that uses ground coffee for preparation will cost 3,000-4,000 rubles. The upper price thresholds can not be limited.
To summarize
The coffee machine in the apartment is a really convenient household appliance that saves time and delights the owner with a freshly brewed tonic drink that helps to wake up in the morning. However, it is worthwhile to understand that if a drink is brewed once a week, there is no point in purchasing expensive equipment, it’s easier to do everything manually. After all, any purchase should be rational and justified. So, before you think about acquiring this kind of technology, you should decide if there is a need for it.