Waking up in the morning becomes a real challenge for many people. And if a person does not get enough sleep, he will feel tired all day, and there can be no talk of any performance 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 boost 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 such a 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 History
The beneficial 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 different from those household appliances thateveryone is used to seeing in their kitchen. It was something very large, like a boiler furnace. The machine was driven by 2 people - a stoker who threw coal into it, and an operator who poured ground grains and monitored the pressure. The work of the second was more responsible. After all, if he left the pressure gauge unattended, the car could simply explode. At the same time, the unit was able to produce up to 1000 cups of an invigorating drink per hour.
Much later, in 1974, having gone through many upgrades, units of a more familiar form began to appear in houses. And, despite the assertion of conservatives that coffee should be prepared in a cezve, experts have proven that some types of coffee machines brew this wonderful drink just as well. In addition, the process is almost completely automated.
What is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine
For most people these are synonyms, but they are not. The coffee maker requires more human intervention. It is necessary to grind the grains, pour a certain amount into the machine, pour water. The coffee machine frees the owner from many actions. The grinding here is automated, many units are even able to remove the used powder in a separate container, which saves the owner from the daily cleaning of the machine.
Let's consider what types of coffee makers exist and what are their features.
What types of such 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 troubles. Today manufactureroffers the consumer the following types:
- Drip - water with the help of a special heater turns into steam, which, cooling a little, passes through the poured ground coffee from top to bottom. After that, the finished drink enters the cup at the exit. Horn brewers are similar, but they compress the powder into a tablet and pressurize steam through the tablet to brew a richer, more flavorful coffee.
- Geyser - steam comes from below, unlike the previous version, and, passing through the grinding, enters a separate tank. These are usually placed on the hob.
There are still disputes 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 given her place.
Types of such assistants, their modifications and principle of operation
Despite the fact that carob machines are classified as coffee makers, some of their varieties with additional functions can also be attributed to the class of machines. We are talking about devices with a cappuccinatore (manual or automatic), as well as a pod adapter that 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 combine;
- automatic;
- filled coffee machine.
It makes sense to consider the advantages and disadvantagesof each type to understand what is best to purchase for a home or office space.
Cappuccinatore coffee machine
There are a lot of varieties of such units. They may differ both in appearance and functionality, on which the cost will depend. In addition to the steam under pressure passing through the compressed tablet of coffee powder, there may be a cappuccino machine, heating cups with a ready 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 low (as for such functionality) - about 7500 rubles. The machine is equipped with an automatic cappuccinatore, the possibility of preparing coffee in semi-automatic mode. The only drawback, as with other carob units, is the need to clean the household appliance after each preparation of a drink.
Pod devices their advantages and disadvantages
Preparing coffee here in portions, from special bags. The undoubted advantage of such machines is the impossibility of spoiling the final product - the drink always turns out to be equally tasty and aromatic. But it wasn't without drawbacks either. This unit does not allow you to increase the strength of coffee. Also disappointing is not too large a range of flavors and the rather high cost of sachets. According to the 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 similaraggregates is similar to the previous type, with the only difference that the raw material is not a dry powder from bags, but a more liquid substance packed in plastic or aluminum containers. The range of flavors is more diverse, but the downside is that the capsules of one manufacturer are only suitable for certain brands of coffee machines. You have to choose according to size and shape. As for the ratings, one of the leaders in this category is the Krups coffee machine.
Household espresso combine units: what they are
These are already more professional devices. By type, they can be attributed to carob, but there is already a built-in coffee grinder, which eliminates the need to fall asleep in portions of the powder before each brew. Consider the functions that such a machine can be equipped with, using the Krups EA82F810 coffee machine as an example.
This unit can brew espresso automatically. 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, the portion of hot steam, the pressure of which is 15 bar. Also, the device is equipped with an automatic cappuccinatore and a waste container, which frees the owner from washing the coffee machine after each preparation. The presence of a timer is also convenient - 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 a unit (35-40 thousand rubles) is quite high, you should pay attention to models, the cost of which can generally be called exorbitant. We are talking 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 of 30,000 rubles. already beginning to seem insignificant.
Comparison of types and manufacturers of coffee machines presented on Russian shelves
With such a huge range of similar products on the shelves, it is difficult for a simple layman to decide which device to purchase, which means it is worth figuring it out. Everything here will depend on how often the use of the household appliance is planned, the number of servings cooked at the same time and the degree of workload of the owner. Based on this information, a conclusion is made about the required type of coffee machine.
Drip and simple carob units are suitable for those who do not need to brew 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 with less time. There is no need to grind coffee, and after use, just throw the bag or container in the trash. If you ask the question: "Whatis a capsule coffee machine better?", then the answer will be different for everyone. After all, different manufacturers make containers with drink concentrate with dissimilar flavors for their machines. Therefore, it's a matter of taste. The cost of such machines, although higher than drip ones, is still acceptable.
Speaking of more expensive coffee machines, it can be noted that they are suitable for true gourmets. It offers various cooking options, and the process itself comes down to occasionally pouring grains, adding water and throwing waste out of the container. If we talk about which automatic coffee machines are better for home, then there can be no two opinions here - those whose functionality is convenient for the user.
As for manufacturers, in addition to the well-known brands Bosh and Philips, there is a huge concern that is gradually absorbing firms - both large and smaller: Group SEB. Tefal, Mulineks, Roventa, and now Krups are already under his command.
Some tips for choosing such a device
When buying a coffee machine, you should not grab the first one you like from the counter. Experts advise to spend at least 2-3 days on the 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 needed and which can be discarded so that the cost is lower. When these issues are resolved, you need to look at the appropriatemodels on the Internet, compare prices, read reviews. Getting acquainted with the overview of coffee machine models 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. You can spend more than one day doing this activity, because the range of such equipment is really huge.
As a result, the buyer should have more than just a clear understanding of what the unit should be like. You should go to the store, keeping in mind 3-4 models that were chosen at home. One of them should be purchased. The main thing here is not to listen too closely to the words of the sales assistant. Often these people themselves do not understand everything in technology. Their task is to sell a certain model, which will be described to the buyer as ideal. Unfortunately, most often they manage to confuse the consumer and “sell” 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 the device has a certificate of conformity, and be sure to familiarize yourself with it. The absence of such a document should be the reason for the refusal of the purchase. The certificate, by law, is provided to the buyer upon request. The warranty period is also of great importance. There is an interesting point here. Some stores deliberately do not put down the date of sale on the coupon. This leads to the calculation of the warranty period from the date of manufacture, not purchase.
Does the house need a similar device
This is a question many people ask themselves. The answer to it depends on how comparable the desire to increase comfort with financial opportunities. 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 cappuccinatore will cost at least 11,000 rubles, and a machine that uses ground coffee to make ground coffee will cost 3,000-4,000 rubles. The upper price thresholds can be unlimited.
Summing up
The coffee machine in the apartment is a really convenient household appliance that saves time and pleases the owner with a freshly brewed tonic drink that helps wake up in the morning. However, it should be understood that if the drink is brewed once a week, there is no point in purchasing expensive equipment, it is easier to do everything manually. After all, any purchase must be rational and justified. So, before you think about acquiring this kind of equipment, you should decide whether there is a need for it.
