Carob coffee maker is used to prepare espresso, which can be complemented by dense milk foam. This type of devices for brewing coffee is used by a wide range of people, from those who prepare a drink for the needs of the family and ending with professional baristas, working on a commercial basis. In the current article, we will highlight the two main types of carob coffee makers and name their differences, designate the selection criteria when buying, as well as provide a selection of the best models.
Contents
What is a coffee carob - principle of operation
Such a name arose from the presence of a small container for pouring ground coffee or inserting a pressed tablet, which is called a horn. Another name used in foreign countries is Holder.
Reference. Some models have two horns at once, which allows you to simultaneously fill several cups of drink. Such variants have a semi-automatic or automatic coffee preparation system and are designed for large volumes.
The general method of operation of horn coffee makers is based on the process of heating water, which under pressure passes through the coffee and is poured into the cup. The design of the machine may also include an additional steam outlet, which is necessary for the preparation of milk foam.
Types of Carob Coffee Makers
Having in its basis a common principle of operation, carob coffee makers are divided into two main varieties - steam and pump. Their difference lies in the strength of pressure with which the water is delivered, which affects the taste of the drink. Let's consider these types in more detail, highlighting their features, positive and negative sides.
Steam
This type of coffee carob has a simple design and the following principle of operation:
- Water drawn into a special tank, is heated to a temperature of 98-100 degrees.
- From the heating, steam is formed, its pressure does not exceed 4 atmospheres - this is the maximum value that can be achieved without additional design elements.
- The pressure acts on the water, which starts to flow out of the reservoir, passing through the coffee in the horn.
The main features of steam coffee makers include:
- The water tank is small because it requires even and strong heating to work;
- there is no thermostat - water is brought practically to the boil;
- low pressure;
- rougher coffee taste at the output, due to brewing conditions - the brewing is carried out with very hot water;
- there is a manual cappuccinator.
Taking into account the marked features of this type of machines, let us highlight the advantages of their use:
- affordable cost - from 3 thousand rubles;
- small size, perfect for compact kitchens;
- Preparation takes 2-4 minutes, which is an average indicator: in a pump coffee maker takes less time, while in a drip coffee maker it takes more time;
- Due to the high brewing temperature in the beverage gets more caffeine - it becomes stronger.
It is also not without disadvantages:
- low pressure;
- there is no way to adjust the temperature - the coffee is brewed almost boiling, which reduces its aroma;
- built-in water tank is enough for 2-4 cups of espresso;
- limited number of recipes that can be applied during preparation - it is a basic espresso and cappuccino;
- Some users find it difficult to learn how to use the cappuccinator.
A steam-type coffee roaster would be a great purchase for a small family or someone who lives alone. Also the purchase should be recommended to those who are just taking their first steps in making natural coffee and do not want to overpay.
Pompom
The pump coffee maker works on a similar principle, but has two significant differences:
- The water is heated to a temperature of 92-95 degrees.
- Water is pressurized under high pressure (15 bar on average) due to the use of a pump in the design.
Such changes allow to achieve the preservation of the full range of aromatic components of grains.
Reference. Pumps, which are necessary to increase the pressure, are of two kinds: vibrating and rotary. The first are used in household appliances and satisfy the needs of most users. The latter are installed in professional equipment and are distinguished by the stability of the supplied pressure.
Distinctive features of pump coffee machines:
- high pressure;
- Different volume of built-in water tank;
- The presence of a thermostat that allows you to set the temperature of water heating;
- The possibility of using a greater number of recipes;
- coffee has a richer taste;
- the price is higher than in steam coffee machines;
- There are models with additional functions: quick steam, multiple filter sizes, cup heating, etc.
Advantages:
- the speed of preparation varies in the range of 30-60 seconds;
- optimum temperature of the inflow water;
- Availability of additional functions: automatic shutdown, thermostat, etc.
Among the disadvantages are only a fairly high cost and size of the device, which depend on the volume of the reservoir. This type of coffee machines is suitable for connoisseurs of coffee, making more than two cups of drink a day.
What kinds of drinks can be prepared?
There are not many options for making coffee. The steam varieties are espresso and cappuccino. Pumped varieties add lungo, americano and latte to the list.
Important. Coffee makers use not only ground coffee, but also special compressed tablets, called pills. They simplify the brewing process and allow you to slightly diversify the taste.
How to choose a coffee maker of carob type
The choice of a carob coffee maker is based on certain criteria, such as pressure, the volume of the built-in tank, the power of the heating element, the materials used in the construction, etc. Let's consider each of them in more detail to get an accurate idea of the characteristics of the apparatus suitable for specific needs.
Pressure
The main purpose of the carob coffee maker is to prepare espresso. This drink requires a pressure of 8-9 bars. Consequently, steam coffee machines are in principle not able to give the user a "proper" espresso - you will get a drink that is something between a strong Americano and the product of a geyser coffee maker.
The pump variety is fully compliant in this regard, but you should not be fooled by too high pressure, which is offered by manufacturers paired with an increase in the cost of the equipment. It may only be required when using a cappuccinator.
Volume
For domestic use, a tank of 0.5-0.6 liters will be enough. If the equipment is purchased for the office, the volume should be increased to 1.5 liters or higher.
Power
On the power of the device depends on how quickly the water in the tank will be heated. Therefore, it is logical for large reservoirs to take a coffee maker for 1100-1700 watts, for medium - 800-1000 watts.
Materials
The material used in the manufacture of the body does not play a big role in the preparation of coffee. It depends only on the longevity of the equipment and resistance to possible mechanical damage.
Much more attention should be paid to the container for water - if it is made of cheap plastic, then there will be an unpleasant smell. In addition, over time, the plastic can begin to flake, crack, spoil the taste of the drink. Ideally, the tank should be metal with a proper coating, made of quality plastic, fiberglass or borosilicate glass.
The base of the cone (where the coffee is placed) should be metal, preferably made of stainless steel. This prevents quick breakage due to high temperature or mechanical pressure.
Number of beakers
One cone is enough for home use. Two horns are necessary for a large family or when using the coffee maker in the office.
Ergonomics
To begin with the choice according to this criterion, it is necessary to start with the size of the machine. For your own kitchen, it is better to give preference to compact coffee makers, which will have the required power reserve.
It is important to pay attention to the location of the controls, as well as the ease of using them. There is an additional division in terms of human involvement in the cooking process. There are those that have a programmed dosage and prepare the drink on their own, and those that require direct control and timely turning off the water supply.
Since the device needs to be cleaned regularly, it should be easy to disassemble and assemble.
Additional features
Additional features include:
- The presence of a cappuccinator, which allows you to froth milk;
- Emergency stop button to stop the process;
- automatic descaling;
- leakage protection;
- automatic shutdown - protects the motor from overheating in case of prolonged idle time.
Price
The starting price for coffee makers of the carob type is 3-3.5 thousand rubles. If you find a cheaper machine, it should at least arouse suspicion. The golden mean is in the range of 9-10 thousand rubles - these are reliable and quality models from well-known manufacturers with a pump pressure blower, which will please their owners for many years.
The best horn coffee makers for the home
In conclusion, we present a list of the most popular and well-established coffee carob coffee makers:
- De'Longhi EC 685 - the brand is recognized for the long life of the equipment. This is the newest model in the line, which features high speed coffee making for two cups, the ability to make tea, the convenience of controls and ease of cleaning. Power 1,3 kW, pressure 15 bar, tank volume - 1,1 liter.
- Kitfort KT-718 is an inexpensive model from the brand that has managed to earn the trust of users. The cone is suitable for ground coffee, there is a possibility to make cappuccino and tea with the pouring for two cups. The power is 0.85 kW, the pressure is 15 bar, the tank volume is 1.5 liters.
- Gaggia Viva Style is the novelty of 2019, which is characterized by a pleasant cost. The machine works with two types of coffee: ground and in cups. There is cup heating and all the necessary emergency options. Power 1.025 kW, pressure 15 bar, the volume of the tank 1.25 liters.
- Polaris PCM 4007A is an affordable model from the popular brand, it has received high ratings from users on Yandex.Market. Considering the modest cost, there are only standard functions and overheat protection. Power 0.8 kW, pressure 4 bar (steam type), tank volume - 0.2 liter.
- VITEK VT-1522 BK - a reliable model in a classic design. The distinctive feature is the built in tank for milk (0.4 liters). Given the characteristics, we can say that it will be enough for a large family or even a small cafe. Power 1.4 kW, pressure 15 bar, the volume of water tank 1.4 liters.
The recommendations presented in the article will help with the choice of a coffee carob machine, which will exactly meet the needs of the buyer. It is important to pay attention to the type of machine, its power, the volume of the built-in tank and other additional criteria. For a small family the specifications can be very modest, but they will be quite enough, while for the needs of the office you will need to buy more powerful equipment.
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